How To Choose...Assisted Living Facility. How To Choose... Individual and family concerns. About the organization. Quality

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2 Page 2 How To Choose august 30, 2018 How To Choose... Choosing the right assisted living community is a challenging task. Whether you are searching for yourself, a family member or a friend, make sure that the assisted living community is able to meet the physical and safety needs of the prospective resident. Assisted living communities offer personal services, 24-hour supervision and assistance, along with diverse and engaging activities and health-related services. Assisted living is designed to minimize the need to move; accommodate an individual's needs and preferences; maximize an individual's dignity, privacy, independence, choice and safety; and encourage family and community involvement. The first step in identifying a compatible assisted living community is to identify several assisted living communities that are conveniently located in the area of your choice. Visit each facility and talk with the manager and staff about the services, policies, history, and amenities. Use the following questions as a guide. About the organization * Does the assisted living community have a written description of its services and fees? Will an admission contract be used? If so, does the admission agreement describe the service package (room, board, supervision, personal care, etc.) and prices? Does the community strive to maintain resident autonomy and independence? * Does the assisted living community conduct a preliminary evaluation of the types of services the resident needs? Are family members or appropriate health care professionals involved in this evaluation? * Does the organization coordinate all health care services for its residents? Individual and family concerns * Is the environment comforting? Are there activity programs? Are there opportunities to attend religious services? * Is there sufficient variety in the menu to address individual food preferences and needs? Can food be brought in from outside? * Is 24-hour supervision or assistance available if needed? Are health-related services and trained staff available should the resident need them? What happens if the resident needs nursing care? What are the costs? * As the resident's needs change, how is the decision made whether he or she will be able to continue living in the community? * Is there a newsletter, website or other regular communication that is available to residents and their families? Ask to see a sample. Quality * Does the assisted living community ensure that its health care professionals are qualified to offer the services the resident needs? * What is the procedure for receiving and resolving resident complaints? * Does the community have an emergency plan in case of a power failure or a natural disaster? Ask to see a copy of the plan. In case of an emergency, you need to know that the community can deliver services to the residents. How To Choose...Assisted Living Facility

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6 Page 6 How To Choose august 30, 2018 HOW WOULD A DESIGNER DESIGN MY SPACE? If a designer were to help you design your home, they d begin with you. So you begin with you! Put yourself through an initial interview - ask what a designer would ask. THE INTERVIEW Start with the size of your family and the age of your children (if any). Are there pets? Is there the possibility for grandchildren or elderly parents moving in? Are there family members living outside your home who should be consulted? Are you doing one room, several rooms, or an entire apartment or house? Now take a hard look at how your family lives. In which rooms do you spend most of your time? Is you living style relaxed or formal? Do you like everything in its place, or do you consider a casual room more comfortable? Do you entertain? Are the groups small or large? How often do the children bring friends home? These are practical matters you must consider. THE MAGIC OF COLOR You may have heard that dark colors make a room look smaller. It s true. So you should stay away from dark colors, right? Wrong! If your objective is to create a warm, cozy and sheltered look, a smaller feel is exactly what you want and dark, rich colors, like hunter green or burgundy, can work great. If a dark color is what you love, and it helps you capture the mood you want, go for it! Pastels and color tints tend to enlarge a space. These colors create a restful and soothing mood. They re ideal when you want a formal, orderly and romantic tone. Strong contrasts of color are lively, exciting and energetic and can be a bold statement for your family s style of living. Color can also change the feel of a room. In rooms facing north and in cool climates, you can warm up the room with a warm color scheme featuring reds, yellows, oranges, peaches and apricots. In south-facing rooms and in warm climates, a room can be made to feel more comfortable by using colors such as blues, purples, greens and teals. CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARPET TYPE FOR YOU To shop with confidence, you need to know what kinds of carpet are available and what each is designed to do. All carpets begin with a loop pile. To make a cut pile the tips of the loops are sheared off, which produces the smooth finish of velvets and other styles. Cut pile carpets are by far the most common type bought by consumers because they have the most luxurious look and feel. Here are some specifics of different carpet styles: Multilevel Loops - Consists of loops of varying heights creating a wide range of styles. Some look like carved patterns while others offer a more random effect. Level Loop - The visibility of each loop and the way light reflects from the surface gives this carpet a charming appeal that blends well with any decor. Cut and Loop or Traceries - Combines cut and loop piles to offer an infinite variety of effects. In solid colors, their subtle shading creates a unique style of multi-toned beauty. Velvets - Are the ultimate in elegance. All the pile fibers blend together in these extra-dense, cut pile carpets to give you an ultrasmooth sweep of rich, luxurious color. Saxonies or Plushes - A cut pile, versatile beauty. Not as formal as velvets, but easier to live with. Also called Saxony Plush. Textured Saxonies - The most casual and rugged of cut pile carpets. Tightly twisted yarns curl back on themselves, creating a distinctive nubby look or pebbled texture. Friezes - Classified as a cut pile Berber, probably the most durable carpet made. Soft, luxurious feel, seams together excellently, developed to replace wool. The Top Five Things You Should Know Determine whether you are doing one room or several. 2. Know which colors are right for you. 3. Decide whether you want casual or formal carpeting and which type of carpet you prefer. 4. Avoid cheap carpet. It s easy to spot. 5. Buy high-quality padding. It will extend the life of your carpet. WHICH COLOR IS FOR YOU? If you re redecorating, often an existing fabric or a cherished piece of furniture can be a starting point and can stimulate your creativity. Working around an existing piece is an excellent way to start when making your color choice. Important: It is rarely desirable to match a color exactly. More visual interest is created by blending colors. Carpet color is an emotional issue. But, with these color selection tips, you can enter a carpet retailer with more confidence!

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8 Page 8 How To Choose august 30, 2018 When you shop for a manufactured or modular home, take its features, floor plan, and cost into consideration. Today s manufactured homes come with sophisticated floor plans to suit the tastes and lifestyles of most anyone. They usually range in size form 900 square feet to 2,500 square feet, and typically have three to five bedrooms. Factory built homes may be single-wide, double-wide, or modular. Make sure the manufacturer is established and reputable before you buy. Ask about the factory built home s structural components so that you feel comfortable with every aspect of your purchase. Be sure to visit other homes produced by the manufacturer. Consider the factory built home s indoor and outdoor features Many factory built homes rival traditional or site-built home with features such as recessed or whirlpool tubs, custom cabinets, walk-in closets, gas and wood burning fireplaces, attached carports, and garages. Choose an exterior for you factory built home that matches your personal style. Options include wood, hardboard, and vinyl in a wide spectrum of colors. Personalize your space further with a deck, window awnings, or patio covers. Set your priorities and look for the features that matter most to you when you shop. Get a manufactured home warranty in writing Always check warranty coverage before you buy. Reputable manufacturers should be willing to offer a written warranty that covers the building structure, including factory-installed plumbing, heating and electrical systems, and factory installed appliances. Manufacturer warranties do not typically cover damage that occurs during transportation or installation. However, most retailers will warranty any damage occurred transportation or installation. Know how much to pay for a manufactured home Factory built home prices vary widely, depending on size, floor plans, and features. remember to consider additional costs such as insurance, utilities, property taxes, land costs, and routine maintenance fees. Also find out what type of foundation is required and how much it will cost. Finance your factory built home Lenders offer a wide range of financing options for factory built homes, with most offering fixed rate loans. Down payments are typically 3.5% to 10% of the home s purchase price and loan terms range from twelve to thirty years. If you own or plan to purchase the land and where you will place your home, you should be able to arrange traditional mortgage financing. Insure your factory built home Look into home insurance before you buy. Some insurance companies will not insure factory built homes, while others offer special or limited policies. Find out more about factory built home by reviewing the materials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). How To Choose...A Manufactured Home

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10 Page 10 How To Choose august 30, 2018 HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK WHEN SELECTING A FUNERAL HOME Are you a locally owned funeral home? Life insurance and pre-paid services cover the cost of many funeral services. What types of services could I receive here if I have these options (Note: Ask only if a loved one made such previous arrangements)? What are the necessary steps, materials and/or government regulations to consider when pre-arranging a funeral (Note: Ask only if pre-arranging a funeral)? Am I able to customize the funeral service I want for the deceased? What kinds of funeral packages (if any) do you offer? MATERIALS TO PICK UP WHILE AT THE FUNERAL HOME A general price list and list of services A copy of specific prices if the general list does not include prices for such things as caskets, urns, etc. A written memorandum of charges (if funeral goods and services are agreed upon/purchased) WHAT IS A FUNERAL AND WHY HAVE ONE? A memorial service or funeral is a gathering of family and friends who come together to honor the memory of someone who has died. It is important to most of us to commemorate the significant events that happen throughout our lives. Baptisms, graduations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and memorial services or funerals are all examples of important life events that we recognize through some form of ritual or ceremony. Memorial services and funerals provide an important rite of passage. Similar to rituals which mark other transitions in life, memorial services and funerals provide a time for family and friends to acknowledge the life of the loved one, and share their feelings concerning the loss of this person in their lives. Coming together like this helps people accept the death, which is a critical part of adjusting to the loss and like other life events, they allow us to come together and help each other. Memorial services and funerals can be as unique as the people planning them. While they are often held at churches, synagogues, or funeral homes, they may be held in any location requested by the family. Memorial services and funerals that remember the individual in personal ways can be very healing. We all carry memories, and it is helpful to share these memories through readings or music, or other kinds of participation. Memorial services and funerals are an important ritual in our lives. They affirm our basic beliefs about life and death, and help us through our loss. WHAT DO FUNERAL DIRECTORS DO? The primary role of a funeral director is to help, and to serve people after they have experienced a death. Funeral directors help the family plan the memorial service or funeral, and then take responsibility for coordinating those decisions. This includes matters such as: securing the location for the service; arranging for someone to officiate; ordering the flowers and memorial folders; providing the obituary and other information to newspapers; filing legal documents with governmental agencies; and, directing various aspects of the service itself. The funeral director is also responsible for preparing the deceased for the services and making sure the presentation fulfills the wishes of the family. In all these activities, it is the concerned, caring service to families that is the hallmark of the funeral director. Advisor, counselor, organizer, and caregiver are just some of the roles which funeral directors play in helping you through your loss. POINTS TO REMEMBER Visit several funeral homes before deciding on one. Check the funeral home's reputation by talking with friends or clergy first. Make sure the person handling your funeral arrangements is licensed. Plan ahead if possible, but that doesn't necessarily mean pay ahead. CHOOSING A CEMETERY Make sure the cemetery is licensed. Check the cemetery's reputation by talking to friends, local clergy and the Better Business Bureau. Inspect the cemetery yourself. Ask questions. How do they handle complaints? If buying a plot in advance, make sure the cemetery has a certificate of authority to sell preneed.

11 august 30, 2018 How To Choose Page 11 Thank You For Making Us The #1 Funeral Home In Catawba County Again! 1st Place Conover s Only Family & Locally Owned Funeral Home 502 1st Ave. South Conover,NC Owned and operated by Robbie & Rhonda Bennett

12 Page 12 How To Choose august 30, 2018 How To Choose... Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Doctor f you are suffering from an allergic problem you will want to get relief fast and do the best you can to prevent allergies from interfering with your life and fun activities. There are now many over the counter drugs that are helpful if you have mild, seasonally related reactions to pollens. Many of the best medications are over the counter, but it is very confusing as to which one to choose and how to use it properly. There are good sources on the internet from reliable websites. The major allergy societies, such as the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology or the American College of Allergy and Asthma, which are organized by physicians who are board-certified in the specialty, provide trusted information. Another excellent patient and parent resource, provided by nonphysicians, is the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA). Information from these sites is reviewed by physician advisors and can answer many of the common questions about allergy and asthma. Allergies can be life-threatening and should not be taken lightly. Your first stop might be the pharmacy to try out some medications, but if you fail to improve or develop cough or congestion that just won t quit find a doctor who can help. Many family doctors, pediatricians, and internists can help you sort through the mediations that may help and get you on the right path. If you are not improving and your primary care doctor suggests allergy testing, ask for a referral to an allergy immunology specialist. Allergy testing is not routine and should be done by an experienced specialist who has expertise in obtaining the results and properly interpreting the meaning of the tests. Allergy specialists treat many of the allergic caused diseases such as asthma, hay fever or allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. They can help check your immune system by looking for defects in your ability to fight common infections like bronchitis or sinusitis. Often surgery can be avoided if allergies are the cause of repeated sinus issues with proper diagnosis. Eczema rashes, as well as hives and swelling reactions, are common problems that require evaluation to avoid multiple emergency room visits. Taking a careful history and reviewing medications and other triggers for this type of reaction takes time and experience to determine the cause and plot a course to get the itchy, disfiguring rash under control. Eczema rashes can be quite prolonged and should have testing for allergic causes. Allergy Immunology specialists are the experts and can save you time and money. Food allergies are especially complex and often result in severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Ensuring that the right testing is performed, possibly including the use of open food challenges should be performed by an allergy doctor who is prepared to deal with those more severe problems. If you react to bee and other stinging insects resulting in more than just a small, local reaction, such as hives or extensive swelling, you should see your allergy specialist for the skin testing that determines if you need to embark on a course of allergy shots to cure this potentially fatal condition. A prescription for an Epipen is not enough! Persisitent coughing, wheezing or repeaterd bouts of bronchitis, asthma, or COPD can be caused by allergic reactions. Discovering the actual allergies you have can make a significant difference in your life and lifestyle. You deserve the best of care for both yourself and your loved ones. Choosing wisely to see a boardcertified allergy immunology specialist is your fast track to a healthy solution.

13 august 30, 2018 How To Choose Page 13 Board Certified Evaluation and Testing Personalized Family Allergy & Asthma Care Pediatric & adult allergy & asthma Expert diagnosis & treatment of: Asthma & COPD Allergic Rhinitis Non-Surgical Treatment Of Sinusitis Persistent Cough Migraines Sinus Headache Persistent Otitis Media Conjunctivitis Of Eye Hives, Angioedema, Eczema, Contact Dermatitis Food Allergy Stinging Insect Allergy Specialty ServiceS Immunotherapy / Allergy Shots (Rush) Rapid Allergen Vaccination In-Office Mini CAT CT For Sinuses Unifour Medical Commons on Tate Boulevard th Street Circle SE Hickory, North Carolina hickory office Dr. InglefIelD JoSeph t. inglefield, iii, M.d. American Board of Allergy & Immunology Sonal M. lane, pa-c

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17 august 30, 2018 How To Choose Page 17 What does your jewelry mean to you? The jewelry you wear now will tell stories about your life for years to come. There is not a day that goes by that customers aren t telling us stories about piece of jewelry that was given to there grandmother from their grandfather years ago and now they are wearing it or the first ring that was given to them by their father. Jewelry is memories, A ring I received for high school graduation by my grandparents, a nugget ring with the first pair of diamond earrings my grandmother had received from my grandfather mounted inside, this ring tells a story, a memory, ever-time i look at the ring i think of my grandparents. I cherish this ring and hope one day to pass it down and someone will carry on the story. I really am passionate about jewelry, I hope one day when we re no longer here that stories will include us. Really, what else can you get or buy and have forever?

18 Page 18 How To Choose august 30, 2018 Choosing a Hospital How can you choose the best quality hospital for the care you need? It is important to consider quality, because research shows that some hospitals simply do a better job than others. For example, we know that hospitals that do a greater number of the same surgeries have better outcomes for their patients. Quick Check for Quality Look for a hospital that: * Is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. * Is rated highly by State or consumer or other groups. * Is one where your doctor has privileges, if that is important to you. * Is covered by your health plan. * Has experience with your condition. * Has had success with your condition. * Checks and works to improve its own quality of care. Does the hospital meet national quality standards? Hospitals can choose to be surveyed by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) to make sure they meet certain quality standards. The standards address the quality of staff and equipment, and-most recently-the hospital's success in treating and curing patients. If a hospital meets those standards, it becomes accredited (gets a "seal of approval"). Reviews are done at least every 3 years. Most hospitals participate in this program. The JCAHO prepares a performance report on each hospital that it surveys. The report lists: * Accreditation status (six levels-from the lowest, "Not Accredited," to the highest, "Accredited with Commendation"). * Date of the survey. * Evaluation of the key areas reviewed during the survey. * Results of any followup activity. * Areas needing improvement. * Comparison with national results. You can order JCAHO's performance reports free of charge by calling Or, check the JCAHO's Web site at for a hospital's performance report or for its accreditation status. One important way to learn about hospital quality is to look at hospital report cards developed by States and consumer groups. A recent study about such reports found that besides helping consumers make informed choices, they also encourage hospitals to improve their quality of care. This is a very good reason to look for and use consumer information about hospitals. Here are some ways to find such information: * Some States-for example, Pennsylvania, California, and Ohiohave laws that require hospitals to report data on the quality of their care. The information is then given to the public so consumers can compare hospitals. Visit the Indiana Hospital and Health Association at * Consumer groups publish guides to hospitals and other health care choices in various cities. Find out what kind of information is available where you live by calling your State department of health, health care council, or hospital association. Also, ask your doctor what he or she thinks about the hospital. If going to a certain hospital is important to you, keep that in mind when choosing a doctor and/or health plan. In general, you will go to the hospital where your doctor has "privileges." Experience with specific conditions For example, "general" hospitals handle a wide range of routine conditions, such as hernias and pneumonia. "Specialty" hospitals have a lot of experience with certain conditions (such as cancer) or certain groups (such as children). You may be able to choose General Hospital "X" for gallbladder surgery, Specialty Hospital "Y" if you need care for a heart condition, and Specialty Hospital "Z" for your children. In many cases, it is in your interest to choose the hospital that provides the widest range of services in the most convenient location. Research shows that hospitals that do many of the same types of procedures tend to have better success with them. In other words, "practice makes perfect." Ask your doctor or the hospital if there is information on: * How often the procedure is done there. * How often the doctor does the procedure. * The patient outcomes (how well the patients do). Also, some health departments and others publish reports on "outcomes studies" about certain procedures. These studies show, for example, how well patients do after having heart bypass surgery. Such studies can help you compare which hospitals and surgeons have had the most success with a procedure. More and more hospitals are trying to improve the quality of their care. One way is to keep track of patient outcomes for certain procedures. Another way is to keep track of patient injuries and infections that occur in the hospital. By finding out what works and what doesn't, the hospital can improve the way it treats patients. Ask the hospital quality management (or assurance) department how it monitors and improves the hospital's quality of care. Also, ask for any patient satisfaction surveys the hospital has done. These will tell you how other patients have rated the quality of their care. A Patient's Bill of Rights Available from the American Hospital Association. Free. Telephone: (312) Web site: (Click on Resource Center; go to Search at bottom of page; type in Patient's Bill of Rights.) Also available from Fax on Demand, at (312) ; document number

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