Resident Spotlight - Terry Deglau

Terry Deglau, a current resident at Redstone Highlands Communities in Greensburg, PA, has been a notable photographer for many years. Terry had a long career with his father’s company, Kodak, and then he began his own business. Terry’s father and grandfather taught him photography at a very young age and he sold his first photograph when he was only 8 years old in Latrobe, PA. He worked at his father’s photography business for 20 years before he was hired by Eastman Kodak in 1985. During this time, Terry photographed over 1400 weddings and he would take 3000 senior photos annually.

Terry would go on to take many famous photos throughout his career like the photograph of the United Nations in 2000. The photograph was featured in the encyclopedia, which Terry said “Was a great accomplishment for him and his career.” It took him 6 months to prep for the photograph and he said “It was one of the best experiences of his life.” He had many other photographs that became fampous like one of Arnold Palmer, Mr. Rodgers, Yellowstone, and he took an amazing photo titled “Photo of the Century” in 2000 for then Governor Rendell. 

Even though Terry’s work was gaining popularity, he was a very humble person. He volunteered as often as he could and traveled around the world lecturing about photography to help others succeed. He would take photos at many organizations that could not pay him for his work, but he would do it out of the good of his heart. One particular project that he volunteered to do was at Gettysburg. He photographed the battlefield from morning to night obtaining many amazing photographs. Terry had lectured in over 45 different countries throughout his career. Helping others to learn about photography and being able to display his amazing work. 

Today, Terry Deglau can be found still lecturing at Redstone Highlands and blogging every Sunday. His blog is called A Creative Mind is a Moving Target. This blog is an outlet for Terry to show beautiful photographs and provide commentary for them.

Exercise is Medicine

The residents at Redstone Highlands are proof that EXERCISE IS MEDICINE! Over 250 residents participate in SeniorFITness, a comprehensive wellness program with a focus on fall prevention, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall wellness. The residents go through a series of assessments throughout their participation to monitor progress and for goal setting purposes. Recently, our Exercise Physiologist randomly selected 80 residents for data collection purposes to document the changes in the aforementioned areas from the start of the program to 3-6 months of active participation. The findings are incredible! In 3 to 6 months of active participation in SeniorFITness the statistics show:

•       19% improvement in Balance
•       20% improvement in Gait
•       45% improvement in Upper Body Strength
•       38% improvement in Lower Body Strength
•       36% improvement in Cardiovascular Endurance  

In as little as 3 to 6 months, these residents have greatly improved their physical health. We've also noted that SeniorFITness participants are 7 times less likely to experience a fall than those who do not exercise. With falls being the number one cause of injury and death in the aging population, these improvements speak for themselves. The bottom line is that exercise is medicine and it is never too late to start! 

What Seniors Should Consider at Tax Time

As the tax filing deadline approaches there are several items that seniors should consider as they prepare their federal tax return. Here are some tax tips for seniors provided by our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mark Celigoi:

Are your Social Security benefits taxable?

Social Security benefits could be taxable, along with any extra income you receive from other sources if your “provisional income” exceeds a specific amount. Typically your total provisional income is one-half of your Social Security benefits plus any other sources of income.   Generally, some Social Security benefits are taxable for singles if your total provisional income exceeds $25,000 or if you are a married couple filing jointly and your total provisional income exceeds $32,000.

Are medical expenses deductible?

If you are 65 or older you can deduct qualified medical expenses that are greater than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. In 2017 this threshold increases to 10%.

Should I itemize my deductions?

If you are single and 65 or older your standard deduction is $7,600 or $1,500 higher than younger singles. If you are married couple filing jointly this standard deduction is $14,600 or an extra $2,400 for the standard couple deduction. If you have high medical expenses, large charitable deductions or other deductions you should consider itemizing your deductions.

When should I start withdrawing funds form my retirement savings?

Once you hit 59 ½, you are able to take out money from your IRA or 401(k) without a penalty. But those distributions are usually taxable.

When do I need to withdraw money from my retirement savings?

When you hit 70 ½, you need to withdraw a minimum distribution each year to avoid a penalty.

These questions are items that should be considered when you file your 2013 federal tax return and are only provided as a guideline. Any specific question should be directed to your tax professional and/or you can consult the IRS web site at IRS.gov.

Volunteer Spotlight - Rev. Chuck MacPherson

On January 28, 1987, I drove one of my grandmother's best friends to her new home, a nearby retirement home. She didn't have any extended family, and it was a major choice for a very determined and independent woman. She was moving from her home to a one room apartment, and it was a real change. While she faced major challenges in the move, she determined that this would work, and I determined that I needed to be an advocate.

I was blessed to be called to a position as pastor of the two Sewickley Presbyterian Churches outside West Newton in 1990. In arriving at Redstone Presbytery, I was invited to come visit the Greensburg Presbyterian Home by the then chaplain, the Rev. Sylvia Carlson. Soon, I was involved in board activities, then there was an opening the board, and there I was.

I'm still wondering at the honor I have had to be associated with some extremely talented and gifted community leaders. Our administrators and board members have largely been people who have had wonderful vision for providing a safe, secure, and dignified life for those facing their future. In everything, there has been a personal touch.  When I first connected with GPH, the typical resident was a bit younger and likely more mobile. A number of those folks were close friends of my Mother-in-law, Mary Lou Gettemy. Chapel services every month allowed me to meet and know some of the best folks in the world. Through the years I have been blessed by close friendships that will last forever.

It wasn't long before the 90's that our roots were in an aging building in downtown Greensburg. The first version of what we have become was a "T" of single room apartments. In the first days, a resident needed to be able to walk in. Our staffers developed ways of allowing people in our "family" to remain in place. Over the years we have become more and more sophisticated in offering care. We added apartments and enhanced care in order to increase our ability to serve. As we added structure, we were still in business for the residents. Our folks redefined skill and dedication, and I gained a new respect for their willingness to serve. I was around when we added the two new campuses. There was a lot of stress as we scrambled to complete on time and as we wrestled with finances and census. All I can say is that in light of the end results, we have been blessed. Thanks to the faithfulness and creativity of board and administration, we have become the standard for Westmoreland County against which everyone else is measured.

My family has been part of the Redstone family in a very personal way. Melinda's Aunt Stellamae Cramer was able to come to what is now the Personal Care wing, where she was able to finish her days with dignity. She was one of the early recipients of the Benevolent Care Fund, a commitment of the board that has been in effect as long as I can remember. Our Aunt Hope is presently at the Greensburg campus along with several of my church members and some dear friends. I have friends and church members at the Murrysville Campus, and in addition, my mom is at North Huntingdon along with even more friends. Looking ahead, I have made the request of my friends that they should take care of the place: Someday, Melinda and I will be up the hall.  

Misconceptions of Supportive Care (Personal Care) at Redstone Highlands

Supportive Care is like an institution.

Reality: Supportive Care provides a home atmosphere that offers assistance with daily activities/needs of the resident.

Once you move into Supportive Care, you are not allowed to leave.

Reality: Residents that live in Supportive Care have the right to leave and return to the home freely.

All residents in Supportive Care are confused.

Reality: There are a wide range of mental abilities among Supportive Care residents however, it is important to understand that residents can thrive with the proper support and environment that Supportive Care can provide.

Residents in Supportive Care have no privacy.

Reality: Residents that live in Supportive Care have the right to privacy of self and possessions, privacy of incoming and outgoing mail, the right to have privacy of healthcare information and the right to freely associate, organize and communicate with others privately.

Supportive Care costs will cause bankruptcy.

Reality: Supportive Care is a cost effective option for individuals who require assistance with cognitive and/or physical impairments. 

Residents in Supportive Care are sedated to control “behaviors.”

Reality: Supportive Care residents have the right to be free of chemical restraints. Medications are used to manage physical symptoms to ensure resident safety. 

Family and friends are not allowed to visit residents who live in Supportive Care.

Reality: Supportive Care residents have the right to receive visitors for a minimum of 12 hours daily, seven days per week.

The food quality is low in Supportive Care.

Reality: Redstone Highlands’ Supportive Care provides a variety of meals for residents to choose from in a restaurant style atmosphere.

There are no activities provided in Supportive Care.

Reality: Redstone Highlands has an activities department which offers multiple activities on a daily basis promoting physical, sensory, spiritual, social and intellectual programs. Residents receive a monthly calendar outlining the activities.

 If I am not Presbyterian, I cannot live in Supportive Care at Redstone Highlands.

Reality: Redstone Highlands does not discriminate based on religious beliefs and welcomes residents of many denominations.

Winter Weather Safety Tips

The temperatures in our region are continuing to dip below freezing (below 32 degrees). To keep yourself, your house, and your vehicle safe during these times here are some helpful tips.

Your Body

Frostbite can occur at temperatures below 15 degrees below zero. Outdoor temperatures are reaching these lows more often, and we need to take the proper precautions when commuting. Be sure to wear mittens, a scarf, a hat, a warm coat, boots, and even extra layers of clothes if necessary. Exposed skin can become frostbitten within minutes. Visit Frostbite Prevention Tips for more information.

Illnesses are more prevalent in the winter months than any other time of the year, and there are more cases of the flu at this time. Everyone should be very proactive and take all measures to help prevent the flu. Of course, the easiest way to prevent the flu is to constantly wash your hands. The other most common way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. Getting the vaccine will give you a 60% chance of not needing treatment for the flu by a healthcare provider. Early immunizations are recommended, but it is still not too late to get the flu shot in January or beyond. Visit the US Government's Flu Site for more information about the flu.

Your House

When the temperatures are frigid, you should turn your thermostat down to at least 68 degrees. This will help prevent power outages in your area. When your furnace is running often, you also need to be careful that carbon monoxide is not being released. To ensure that this is not happening, you can buy a carbon monoxide detector like these: Carbon Monoxide Detectors. These detectors alert you in the same way a smoke detector would. This inexpensive system will help keep you and your family safe. Although it is hard for your furnace to keep your house warm when it is extremely cold outside, using additional heating sources may help. But, you must be careful about what other heating source you use. For a detailed list of how to remain safe while using additional heating sources, visit: Inspect Heating Sources. Lastly, you must be aware that water pipes inside of your house do not freeze. Even though they are in your house, they may become frozen if air is flowing in through cracks. To learn how to properly prevent frozen pipes, visit tips from The Weather Channel.

Your Vehicle

To ensure that your vehicle does not experience difficulties in cold temperatures, there are several preventive measures that you can do to help. Never let your gas go below a half of a tank because it can freeze. This will also guarantee that you will not run out of gas during longer commutes in bad weather. Warming up your vehicle for at least 5-10 minutes before you leave in the morning will help your engine. Make sure your wiper blades are newer and use no-freeze windshield wiper fluid to help your visibility when driving. There are many other ways you can prepare your vehicle for the winter. Visit AAA's Cold Weather Car Tips to see more.

View this other helpful website on staying warm this winter: http://goo.gl/eFhjPa

The Truth About Year End Giving

December.  That wonderful time of the year when your mailbox is full of Christmas cards… and letters requesting support from many charitable organizations!  For most organizations, including Redstone, end-of-year gifts are critically important to our fundraising efforts. 

There are many reasons that this is the season of gift making.  Most people are starting to think about the taxes that will be due in the New Year and are looking for ways to reduce that tax burden through philanthropic efforts.  Gifts of cash, stocks, or personal property are tax deductible when given to an eligible non-profit like Redstone and when you will be itemizing your tax returns.  There are many ways that you might wish to consider making a gift before the end of 2013. 

Especially for our residents, the option of “rolling over” required withdrawals from an IRA is a wonderful option.  If you request that the annual check from your IRA distribution be sent directly to a charitable organization, you will most likely be able to avoid paying taxes on that distribution.  This can be a wonderful way to make a gift.

The same is true with gifts of Stocks and Securities.  Making a gift of appreciated stock directly to a charitable organization can help to relieve the tax burden usually experienced at the time of the sale of stock. 

And of course, cash gifts of any size will result in tax savings come April of next year (as long as you itemize your taxes.) 

So the experts will tell you saving on taxes is why charitable giving is so important at year’s end, and why so many charitable dollars are contributed at this time of the year.  While this may be true, personally I believe that most donors are motivated by far different values.

This is the season in which we remember life’s blessings, when we spend time with those who mean the most to us, when we think about our faith and what we value the most.  Our hearts cannot help but be opened to those who are perhaps less fortunate than we are.  For Christians, this is the season when we celebrate the greatest gift ever… the Savior who was born in Bethlehem.  And while the tax benefits may be out there, I think that love and gratefulness are the real motivators for year-end gift making. 

As you consider your year-end gifting, I hope that you are considering a gift to help support benevolent care for residents in need here at Redstone.  Gifts made in memory or in honor of someone special to you before December 25^th will receive a star on our “Trees of Giving” on our campuses.  No matter the size of your gift, please know that it will be appreciated and put to good use to carry out our mission to care for those who are so very precious to us. 

May all of the blessings of the season be with you.


Make a donation to Redstone Highlands at
http://www.redstonehighlands.org/giving.html