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Empowering Senior citizens through Connection, Care, and Purpose

Category: Shoreline

  • New Ways of Thinking About Aging

    New Ways of Thinking About Aging

    I listened to an old R&B hit by Sunny and the Sunliners in 1958 which inspired this title and these thoughts.

    As the chair of the Pine Knoll Shores Council on Successful Aging, I’m always looking for the next item to share with you that may leave a positive or thoughtful impression. The impact may be small or grand, ephemeral or long lasting.

    The Council strives to shed light on new ways of thinking about aging, contributing to the community, or remodeling your environment to enhance your lifestyle. Your responses to the single question survey asked in 2022 have guided our efforts.

    Our website, pkscouncilonsuccessfulaging.com/, is our library; the website holds all the documents and descriptions of the activities we have highlighted in the past year and a half.

    • Descriptions and activities related to our community partners—e.g., the Town of Pine Knoll Shores and Spoondrift Market, where community gatherings and local events bring us together with our neighbors.
    • Transportation options for getting prescriptions, going to doctor’s appointments, etc.—fee based and free; evacuation guidelines during emergencies for those with specific health-related needs.
    • Design elements to make your home safer and better accommodate your needs, if your goals are to age in place. Design suggestions are specific to new construction as well as remodeling your current home. Read through these considerations before you finalize your plans.
    • Educational seminars on how to avoid being scammed and what to do about it if you are, as well as updated information on our hospice house and the Leon Mann Center to keep you in the know.
    • Lists of service professionals to help maintain your home, based on high standards and personal experiences, as well as medical professionals that have proven themselves to your neighbors.

    Recommitment to neighbor approach

    As we begin a new year, we are recommitting to our neighbor-to-neighbor approach. Additionally, we are asking you to tell us what you would like to know more—or less—about. What would make a difference to you? What more can we do to deliver on our commitment to you as stated in our vision statement?

    Share your thoughts

    We want this council to reflect your needs and interests. We are a community, and we have chosen to be here. Let’s make these our best days, and remember: it does take a village to make it so.

    Talk to me… Thank you.

  • Aging in Place: Broadening Our Perspective

    Aging in Place: Broadening Our Perspective

    The Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging is always evolving.

    Our vision has guided our development: To expand the discussion of ways we can positively impact Pine Knoll Shores’ quality of life for our senior citizens and help each cope with issues that pose barriers of living comfortably in Pine Knoll Shores and aging in place.

    We continuously present new information to the community through our forums, Shoreline articles, the support of our community partners, our Facebook page and our Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging website. This article is no exception.

    First, I wish to highlight our minor—but important—name revision: The Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging will emphasize our re-vision by being known as the Pine Knoll Shores Council on Successful Aging.

    Access to our website and Facebook page will not change so as to not confuse folks trying to find us.

    To further emphasize successful aging, I wish to share a book with you. Much Abides: A Survival Guide for Aging Lives by Dr. Charles H. Edwards II is, in my opinion, very good reading, and his writing style makes the book an easy read.

    Everyone is at a different stage of aging and defines aging differently. Dr. Edwards’ focus is on the “last stage—post-career, from retirement to death.”

    His interest is in helping others to make these years the best years of their lives. As a medical doctor, he has the training and experiences to suggest a path that each of us can adapt to our lives to find answers for ourselves and gain an understanding of how our bodies shape our thinking.

    He shares what he has learned from the challenges he faced. Examples include:

    • When he lost control of his hands, he had to reconcile himself to giving up his surgical practice. He learned that navigating the later stages of life with grace and resilience requires a conscious effort to cultivate a positive mindset and a proactive approach toward one’s own well-being.
    • Accepting change as inevitable: as physical abilities decline, experience, wisdom and emotional depth can grow. That means finding new activities, interests and connections that fit one’s current abilities and desires.
    • Successful aging lies in cherishing each day and valuing the quality of moments over quantity—finding joy in the small things and practicing gratitude.
    • Maintaining social connections is crucial. A support network provides emotional support, companionship and a sense of belonging, and helps meet challenges with balance and insight.
    • Keep a sense of purpose through creative pursuits, community involvement or mentoring to bring meaning and counter despair.

    Remember, repurposing yourself post-retirement is a process that takes time and patience.

    Be open to exploring new opportunities and be kind to yourself along the way.

    Embrace this phase as a chance for personal growth and the discovery of new sources of fulfillment and purpose.

    Dr. Edwards wrote this book to fill a gap in our understanding of the aging process. Much of the literature focuses on brain pathology without linking these developments with behavior.

    Dr. Edwards explains the science in easy-to-understand terms, informing strategies to compensate for the effects of aging.

    He shares his personal journey to help make ours a bit easier. A copy of Much Abides: A Survival Guide for Aging Lives by Dr. Charles H. Edwards II can be obtained through the Bogue Banks Library and on Amazon.

  • Caring for the Caregivers of Carteret County

    Caring for the Caregivers of Carteret County

    We owe much to caregivers.

    Caregiving is a cornerstone of compassionate healthcare, and caregivers constitute an essential force, often operating behind the scenes, often unorganized as a group, but significantly impacting the well-being of those they look after.

    As our society grows older, the numbers of (and demands on) caregivers will grow. It is happening now.

    There are many facets to caregiving.

    I hope to raise awareness of two resources and some of the challenges they face today amid the many that operate in this space.

    Personally, I think these two are particularly important to our Pine Knoll Shores community and Carteret County (in no particular order).

    With this recognition, however, I do not diminish the role others play.

    Crystal Coast Hospice House, operated by 3HC

    Carteret County is home to the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House; 3HC is the operating partner for all inpatient care and daily operations of the house and in-home patient health care. Most patients are senior citizens with Medicare, but care extends to children, veterans and others with documented need.

    In September, the Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging invited Hospice House Director Kay Coole to speak about their services. This is part of our ongoing forum series designed to update our residents about key issues related to aging in place. As most citizens continue to believe the hospice house serves terminally ill individuals only, our goal was to broaden awareness that hospice is much more.

    The hospice house is a non-profit agency serving a five-county region: Carteret, Craven, Onslow, Pamlico and Jones. The house has served over 2,100 families (mainly from Carteret County) in the 10 years it has been operating.

    The hospice house maintains 10 beds:

    • Six beds are dedicated to inpatient terminally ill individuals with space to accommodate their loved ones who wish to be by their side.
    • Four beds are dedicated to residential respite stays on a limited basis for family caregivers. Unfortunately, there is a long waiting list for these four beds.

    Admission to any aspect of hospice care begins with your doctor. It is the doctor’s diagnosis of an individual’s condition that determines which, if any, of the hospice resources fit their needs.

    In addition to acute care, hospice personnel play a key role in in-home residential care, interacting with both the patient and their home caregivers.

    To be eligible for hospice home care, the patient must have Medicare. Supplemental insurance policy benefits vary and often determine what, if any, equipment, medicine costs, therapies, and frequency of caregiver visits can be extended to the patient.

    Benefits for veterans and children may be different from aging individuals. If the patient doesn’t have insurance, 3HC works with the family to secure funds through other sources. The amount and extent of coverage varies by case.

    When a patient is approved for in-home hospice care, a team of specialists is assigned to that individual. This team may include a lead nurse, nurse assistant, chaplain and social worker.

    Hospice caregivers assist and educate home care workers in pain management, wound care and diabetes treatments. Ultimately, the home caregiver is responsible for the patient’s care.

    Hospice care is valuable and unique to the individual. I strongly encourage each of you to learn more about this resource. Call the corporate office of 3HC in Goldsboro at 800-260-4442 or 919-735-1387 to speak to an intake officer.

    Caregiver support groups

    A caregiver support group is a positive outlet providing caregivers a regular time for social interaction outside of the home.

    The groups offer a safe place where any negative emotions about caregiving can be expressed and validated. Support groups also help caregivers maintain balance by doing something for themselves instead of always caring for their loved one.

    Groups communicate to participants that they are not alone. Caregivers can gather ideas on how others deal with challenges and help newcomers with tips and advice.

    In addition, many groups offer expert advice on a variety of caregiving topics.

    That said, I found few groups within Carteret County at the time of writing. Some online listings were outdated or inactive. Always confirm before attending.

    Questions to ask include:

    • Do the meetings still take place?
    • What type of group is it—condition-specific, bereavement, general caregiving?
    • Is it in-person or virtual?
    • What experience does the moderator have?
    • Is there a fee?

    Resources include:

    1. The Leon Mann Center lists a virtual group run from New Bern on Thursdays at 1 p.m. Contact January Brown at 252-638-3185 x3011 or [email protected].
    2. Hospice House offers bereavement groups at Carteret Healthcare. Call 252-808-6000 for details.
    3. Carteret Healthcare may have other groups. Contact Ms. C. Bishop at 252-499-8570.
    4. First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City runs a group on the fourth Thursday of the month. Contact Linda Langheld at 908-804-0915 or [email protected].

    One of the most vital strategies for caregivers is to set realistic expectations for themselves. Recognizing personal limits is not weakness but self-awareness.

    Each of us owes it to ourselves and our families to begin asking: Is this a challenge we can handle on our own, or is it something that we as a society should approach together?

    Sources include: The New York Times (September 10, 2023), NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services, and the NC Lifespan Respite Program.

  • Tips for Avoiding Frauds and Scams

    By Janie Price, Guest Columnist

    In its ongoing effort to improve the lives of seniors living in Pine Knoll Shores, the town’s Council on Aging hosted a forum on frauds and scams in January.

    Pine Knoll Shores Police Chief Ryan Thompson and Financial Advisor Cheryl Mansfield from Edward Jones shared examples of scams and offered tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

    Over the years, scammers have become more sophisticated in their efforts—and very often their intended victims are older people who may be more trusting or less familiar with technology.

    Scammers may contact you via email, text, phone (landlines and cell phones), U.S. mail and can even show up at your door. It’s best to take the time to be sure an offer doesn’t sound too good to be true.

    Chief Thompson said that the police department regularly receives calls from citizens who need help in determining if they are in danger of being scammed (or in the worst cases, if they have already been scammed).

    Common Scams

    Grandparent scam

    A call comes in, and the person on the line says, “It’s me, Grandma” or some such familiar greeting. The grandparent will often respond, “Is that you, Tommy?”—and the hook is set.

    The person on the line will tell the grandparent that he has been arrested or injured and needs help and will pass the phone to a phony medical person or attorney to arrange for payment of fees, usually by prepaid cash or gift cards.

    Best action: Hang up on the call and immediately reach out to the family member to check that there is no emergency.

    Collections fraud

    This one can come in different versions. It may be someone on the phone claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service or a local utility company demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest or having the utility cut off. Again, they will want you to pay with prepaid cash or gift cards.

    Best action: Do not fall for scare tactics. Hang up and look up the number for the utility to call to be sure your account is in order, and keep in mind that no reputable company or government agency will ask for payment by prepaid cash or gift cards.

    Amazon scam

    You may receive an email that appears to be from Amazon saying that a large purchase has been made on your account, with a link to click to check on the status of your account. If you click on the link in that email, you may give someone access to your computer.

    Best action: Do not click on the link. Take a look at the email address, and in all likelihood it will not be from Amazon. Mark the email as spam and open a new window to check on your Amazon account.

    Romance scam

    This one may involve somebody who has friended you on Facebook or a game site such as Words With Friends. As your conversations become more frequent and “friendly,” the person may express a desire to visit but will mention a need for funds to make the trip or to clear some barrier to making the trip.

    They may ask for wired funds with a promise to repay you, but if you fall for this scam and you send the first wire, more may be requested. The bottom line: you will not be able to recover your funds.

    Sweepstakes scam

    You may receive a call from Publishers Clearing House or a similar company that you have won an expensive item and all you need to do is pay the taxes on that item to collect it—again asking for payment with gift cards.

    Social Security scam

    A call comes in from a person claiming to be with the Social Security Administration with a tale about a problem with your social security number that may affect your benefits. The problem can be solved by sending a fee by gift cards, a money order or cash.

    Medicare scam

    A call comes in from a “representative” who wants to be sure you have signed up for all the benefits you should be receiving, and they may even offer an 800 number for you to call. Once you get to the “right” person, you will be asked for personal information that will make it easy for your identity to be stolen.

    Home theft

    Also called deed fraud, this scam is one in which a person can register a fraudulent deed for your property. You would think that a title search would prevent this, but it is possible to register a deed without a title search.

    Construction scams

    Unscrupulous contractors may knock on your door offering to make repairs and ask for upfront funds to purchase supplies. Similarly, following a hurricane, a contractor may stop by offering to put a tarp on your home (for a large fee) with a promise to come back later to fix the roof. In all likelihood, you will never see either of these contractors or your money again.

    Pine straw scam

    This one wasn’t covered in the forum, but has come up since then. Somebody may come by your house with a load of pine straw and ask if you are interested in having your flower beds refreshed. They will quote you a reasonable price, but once the work is done will present you with a bill for multiples of the quote—and then resort to threats and intimidation to collect the new fee.

    This is not an exhaustive list of scam and fraud attempts, but it does give an idea of the variety of ways somebody will try to get access to your private information or steal your money.

    If you are in doubt at all as to the legitimacy of an offer, call the police department during business hours at 252-247-2474. After business hours, call the Communications Center at 252-726-1911 and ask to have a Pine Knoll Shores police officer call you.

    Avoid Becoming a Victim

    A few more guidelines to help you avoid becoming a victim:

    • Report attempted scams to the police department. Officers are ready to help you avoid becoming a victim. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
    • Use caller ID to screen calls. If you don’t recognize a number, let it go to voicemail. Don’t call the number they provide; look it up yourself if needed.
    • Realize that email is not secure. Never pass private information via email. Share sensitive information only by phone or in person.
    • Education is your best protection. Be informed about scams and be ready with a quick response to shut scammers down.
    • Trust your instincts. Walk away when your inner voice tells you to do so.

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than nine million Americans fall prey to identity theft every year, resulting in a loss of $36.5 billion annually. Much of that money is never recovered. Be an informed consumer, and keep your guard up for people who want to take advantage of you.

    The Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging is interested in hearing from you on topics you would like for them to present in future forums. Contact Council Chair Cindy Schersching at [email protected] with suggestions, and visit the council’s Facebook page to learn more about upcoming events.

    A Final Word from Police Chief Thompson

    Lock your vehicle doors at all times, and don’t leave valuables or firearms in your vehicle. A surprising number of thefts occur because owners fail to lock their cars.

    In addition, lock your home doors, even during the day.

    Don’t make it easy for criminals to take advantage of you.

  • Checking In to the Hotel Alice

    Checking In to the Hotel Alice

    Our last meeting of the year wasn’t really a Christmas party, but we did enjoy the holiday spirit and décor of the ‘new’ Hotel Alice.

    Many of our followers know that a priority for our group was to find and support an easily accessible gathering place for our community.

    While the idea has been discussed and a variety of venues considered, no dedicated ‘community center’ has ever been established. That said, interest in the concept never died.

    Many residents have continued to express a desire for a choice of local opportunities to meet and interact with neighbors over a cup of coffee, to play cards, discuss the latest book, etc.

    We know that staying connected with friends and family positively contributes to a quality of life and can extend our life spans.

    This is true for all of us and critically important in an aging market. Interaction with others in an easy to access, safe and comfortable environment is key.

    Since we do not have the means to build a ‘community center,’ we needed to find a place within Pine Knoll Shores that met our needs and people willing to partner with us to develop the idea.

    Within our group, John Macheca rose to the challenge of finding and establishing a gathering place. We found an opportunity with Hotel Alice.

    History of Alice Green Hoffman

    What’s in a name?

    As many already know, the story of today’s Pine Knoll Shores begins with Alice Green Hoffman who in 1917 bought 2,000 acres of island land, the area we know today as Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, and Indian Beach, from John A. Royall.

    Over time, she built a sprawling home on Royall’s former home site, naming it “Shore House.”

    She traveled between her homes in Paris, New York, and Bogue Banks and spent her final years at “Shore House” until her death in 1953.

    As Alice had no direct heirs, she transferred her property to her niece, Eleanor (Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.), and her four children. The Roosevelt family oversaw the early development of the town.

    Today’s Hotel Alice

    The blend of today’s community and its history makes Hotel Alice a unique meeting place.

    The location is quiet, well designed, comfortable and guest-focused – and surrounded by history.

    The photos around the lobby, local history summaries and knowledgeable staff connect hotel visitors to the town’s legacy.

    Amy Novick is the Sales Director for the Hotel. Her energy and enthusiasm for our community was evident from the very beginning.

    While there is no kitchen, a variety of snack items are available at the front desk and the bar is open from 2-10 p.m. every day and on Sunday from 7-10 p.m.

    For the Council meeting, Amy and her staff made us feel very welcomed. She spoke to their interests in tailoring the hotel experience to our needs as a group.

    From our experience, it is clear that this venue can meet our business needs as well as our social needs.

    We strongly encourage you to give Hotel Alice consideration the next time you meet up with friends over a cup of coffee or glass of wine, need a venue for your book club discussions, or play cards…and bring a neighbor you’d like to get to know better.

    See you at Hotel Alice!

  • Pine Knoll Shores Takes Top Rank for Retirees in NC

    Pine Knoll Shores Takes Top Rank for Retirees in NC

    With the recognition of Pine Knoll Shores (PKS) as the top place for retirees in North Carolina by the online ranking website Niche.com, the secret is out.

    To quote Brian Kramer, PKS Town Manager, “Now everyone else knows what the people in PKS have known for decades: It’s the best place in the world to retire.”

    But Kramer said numbers and demographics “don’t speak to the greatest reason people want to retire here, and that is relationships—be it with neighbors, colleagues in volunteer organizations in the town and throughout Carteret County, church groups, golf, tennis, fishing friends, or the legions of dog walkers.”

    Kramer credits the recognition to the type of person the town attracts: “I think the town attracts people who want to live right: they want a quieter lifestyle, yet they want to be active in their community. Pine Knoll Shores is the ideal place to do this.”

    There are few better examples that embody the spirit of PKS residents than the Pine Knoll Shores Council on Aging.

    The Council taps into this strong spirit of volunteerism and a genuine interest in helping others.

    We focus on neighbor-to-neighbor relationships to reach out to those residents and their caregivers whose independence is threatened by job loss, illness, death of a spouse, or other challenges as they age.

    We have the support of the Town’s government as well as our first responders.

    PKS Resident Survey

    In May 2022, a single question survey was emailed to all residents to identify barriers to staying in PKS as we age: What challenges have you faced—or anticipate—that would interfere with your ability to age successfully in this community? Grouping like comments suggested these broad categories.

    These comments parallel the same issues identified by a variety of senior surveys. In order of the most often mentioned, the mission of the Council is to find or create solutions to address these topics specific to our residents:

    Mobility/Transportation

    Issues related to mobility and accessibility in and around town, the island, and off island. Individuals expressed a strong need for regular or scheduled public transportation to doctor appointments, pharmacy pick-ups, veterinary appointments, and grocery shopping.

    Not only was the need related to basic requirements, but to social opportunities as well.

    Access to Public Areas

    Comments related to mobility and safety in town. Responses referenced the need for sidewalks and crosswalks on Route 58. Our beach is a key feature of living here; safely going and coming to the beach is top of mind. There was also an interest in marked bike lanes and a general safety concern for children.

    Health Care

    Expanded nearby healthcare and medical options. Residents commenting on this topic wanted more specialists, more trauma care options, and more professional health care workers nearby.

    Home and Yard Maintenance

    Home maintenance, repair, and yard work. Property owners have a variety of needs related to their home, such as storm preparation and recovery, reliable and affordable indoor and outdoor maintenance, and help understanding building regulations.

    Social Isolation

    Some residents feel socially isolated. The lack of a community center where residents can casually gather—with emphasis more on interaction with neighbors than specific activities—was the comment made most often. Some see a community center as an alternative to the more expensive local country club.

    Responding to the Survey

    Building on the survey responses and knowledge of our community, this council serves as an advisory body to expand the discussion of ways we can positively impact the quality of PKS life for our senior citizens. The council also serves to inform and guide the Town government on key issues.

    This is a work in progress. By working together—discussing each project as a group, agreeing on solutions, implementing a plan into the community, and publicizing the benefits—we are confident that we can solidify the sense of community that is a backbone of our town and positively impact lifestyles. We can make a difference!

  • Special Needs? Medically Fragile? Planning Ahead for an Emergency Evacuation

    Special Needs? Medically Fragile? Planning Ahead for an Emergency Evacuation

    Emergencies are heart pounding, often dangerous situations requiring immediate action. These unexpected, serious situations happen with some frequency.

    Living on a barrier island leaves us particularly vulnerable putting us on the edge fearing named storms, tornadoes and flooding. Considering we have only two ways of getting out of the path of these potential seasonal disasters, we have to have a plan when circumstances do not favor us. Coordinating resources to meet catastrophic situations takes a great deal of planning, thought and cooperation across many levels of skilled personnel.

    As citizens, we rely on town officials and county administrators to plan for our safety. That said, it is incumbent on each of us to know how to prepare ourselves and avoid being part of the problem.

    This is often more challenging to those with special medical needs. This article outlines steps that will help us be prepared when the mayor declares a mandatory evacuation of the island.

    Here’s What You Can Do

    1. Stay calm.
    2. Notify authorities of your special needs and if you need transportation in an evacuation. Keep a list of your special needs and share them with emergency responders or the personnel in charge of the evacuation. The Pine Knoll Shores Fire Department provides ‘File of Life’ documents that can be filled out ahead of time with contact information and medication details; it is recommended you keep this on your refrigerator for last minute needs.
    3. Prepare an emergency kit. This should be your ‘ready kit.’ At a minimum it should include essential medications, spare batteries, oxygen tanks, or mobility aids.
    4. Wear medical identification. Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card that clearly states your medical condition, allergies, and any other critical information.
    5. Communicate with caregivers. Keep family and caregivers informed about the situation and coordinate your actions.
    6. Follow instructions. Pay close attention to instructions provided by emergency personnel.
    7. Advocate for your needs. If you feel that your specific medical needs are not being adequately addressed, speak up.

    Notify County Personnel. Do Not Delay.

    The county coordinates with Pine Knoll Shores Police/Fire in the evacuation of individuals needing transportation assistance to and from a designated emergency shelter, and for those requiring health or medical considerations to the Medically Fragile Shelter.

    Health/medical considerations include assistance with mobility, oxygen, routine medication administration, routine health monitoring, etc.

    To take advantage of these services requires proper registration.

    The form is available on the Carteret County website at Medically Fragile Registration Form. This link also details how notification will be made, suggestions of what to bring with you and where to mail your application.

    NOTE: Proper registration requires that newest registration forms be filled out completely. Forms that are not filled out completely, are not current, or from other programs will be returned.

    Residents requiring greater levels of assistance than can be provided by this County service, such as a hospital bed, hemodialysis, life support equipment, IV chemotherapy, full ventilator, etc., are advised to make alternative plans with the assistance of a physician or health care professional.

    Final Thoughts

    Be aware that…

    • Individuals residing in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities are not eligible for this County program.
    • Registration must be renewed each year.
    • Only one caregiver per registrant is permitted.
    • Only service animals (e.g., Guide Dogs) are allowed at the shelter.

    If you need to reach County personnel in Emergency Services with specific questions, call 252-222-5841.

    Remember, the exact procedures and protocols for emergency evacuations can vary depending on the situation and location. It’s crucial to stay informed about emergency plans, evacuation routes, and local resources specific to your area.

    Consider discussing your emergency preparedness plans with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized evacuation strategy based on your medical needs.