This section is
dedicated to providing seniors, family members, and
caregivers with news, tips, articles, and information
pertaining to everyday living, housing, and other
relevant issues that affect today's Seniors.
With all the options currently out there and the
changing markets, choosing the best option can be
difficult. With valuable information provided
here, we can help take the confusion out of the
housing equation!
"Where did you get all
this stuff, Grandma?" asked Hazel, 3 years old.
Have you ever stopped
to think seriously about the story you want to leave
behind, or rather how you want to be remembered?
Your space and stuff at home or work can help you
leave the legacy you want, and with the right
resources, it’s a doable task that you can easily
begin today.
One
helpful tool I recently came across is a small
paperback book titled, "The Stories We Leave
Behind: A Legacy-Based Approach to Dealing with
Stuff," by Laura Gilbert. I spotted someone in a
local historical society reading and marking up pages
while sitting behind the front desk. Intrigued by the
title, I asked her about it. She went on to tell me
the fascinating concepts the author outlines to help
the reader reorganize and pair down their "stuff."
Things they bought, pieces they inherited, gifts they
received, odds and ends in the attic, and so on.
As I paged through the
book, immediately I loved the simplicity of each
chapter: 1) Lost Stories; 2) The Story
of Stuff; 3) Choosing and Telling Legacy
Stories; 4) Putting it All Together; and
finally, 5) Living Among Your Best Stories.
One of my favorite parts
is the activities section at the back of the book. A
page titled, "Standand Consider" asks
the reader thoughtful questions to help them
specifically survey their space. #1. What
themes, personal values or characteristics are
reflected in your stuff (e.g., family, adventure, art,
entertaining)? #2. Which themes do you consider
important to pass on; to be part of your legacy?
#3. Which items tell those stories efficiently and
meaningfully?
So,
how do you want to be remembered, and what story tells
that legacy? Does your home and the belongings in
it shine in the spotlight they deserve, or is it
clouded with clutter and excess? If these are
questions you want help in answering, Smart
Organizing Solutions can step in today and assist.
We provide basic transition services for people all
over central Minnesota who are looking to downsize
their property, and right size their space, for
whatever reason.
Call Kelly at
320.333.7733 or Julie at 320.248.6694 for a free
consultation. Mention this ad when you become our
next client and receive a $25 in-store credit at our
thrift store / consignment shop, The SOS
Treasure Chest, located at 24 7th St. N. in Sauk
Rapids, MN.
Determining what you want
in retirement living takes serious thought. So what’s
important to you? What do you value most about where
you live? And what kind of things do you like to do
with your time, energy and talents? What makes life
fun and truly fulfilling for you? Before you begin to
compare your different options for the future, it’s
important to have a clear picture of the way you want
to live in your retirement years.
If
you're like the average person, clutter and
disorganization stress you out. But, like most people,
the idea of tackling the clutter overwhelms you
because you don’t know where to start.
I get it! I’ve been
there. It is overwhelming, especially when you’re
looking at decades of treasured possessions.
Let's face it. Clutter
has a sneaky way of creeping in. It may start with
yesterday’s mail on the kitchen table, a plate in the
sink, a box of memories, or a closet with clothing you
no longer wear.
You may not even
initially notice the clutter. But then all of a
sudden, one day, when you're thinking about a move or
visiting your parents, you realize just how much
"stuff" has accumulated.
Just a year ago, our
family decided to declutter my parent’s house while
they were still around to have a say in where their
belongings went. My parents grew up during the
Depression and saved every box, plastic container, or
bag, which is pretty typical of this era. It was a
process to go through everything they owned to help
them downsize someday.
It was a good thing we
were proactive. Due to health and safety reasons, they
are now moving to a patio home. And while there is
still much to gift, donate, or sell, it will be a much
easier process because we have no clutter or garbage
to toss during the move.
While organizing my parent’s
paperwork, I realized some critical items were
missing. They didn’t have a healthcare directive or
estate plan. Organizing their paperwork and the items
in their home has
alleviated the stress of their future move and helped
our family get those items taken care of.
I couldn’t imagine trying
to tackle this while also dealing with a sick parent.
Once you get to that point, you really want to spend
your time creating memories with your loved one.
That’s why it’s so
important to get organized now – BEFORE you are faced
with moving.
For many people,
especially seniors, the hardest part of the organizing
process is letting go. Everything in your home has
meaning. Working with a professional organizer can
help take the pressure and emotion out of what to
keep, sell, or donate.
Organizing
doesn’t have to be stressful.
At Smart Organizing
Solutions (SOS), we take a compassionate and caring
approach to help your family sort and organize.
Whether you're looking at downsizing, moving, or just
want to live a less cluttered life, we can help – and
we love to hear all the fantastic memories in the
process.
We will work together to
develop a plan on how to organize your surroundings to
create a more inviting atmosphere that you will enjoy
living in.
Working with a
professional organizer takes away the stress of doing
it on your own. We’ll be here with you throughout the
whole process. At SOS, we also help you sell your
items to ease the process of letting go.
Still not sure if a
professional organizer is for you? Schedule a free
consultation and ask me all the questions you have.
I’d love to visit with you! Call today at
320-248-6694, or visit
www.sosmn.net.
Chronic pain is a major health
issue affecting millions of people globally. It can
have a debilitating impact on lives, preventing people
from enjoying activities they love and limiting the
quality of their day-to-day life. Recent surveys
indicate that approximately 50 million adults in the
U.S.—more than one in five—report experiencing pain
every day or most days, most commonly in their back,
hips, knees, or feet. People with chronic pain say it
limits their functioning, including social activities
and activities of daily living.
Chronic pain is generally defined
as pain persisting for longer than 12 weeks despite
medication or treatment. Clinicians may use various
determinations, but a general rule of thumb is that
the pain has lasted beyond the expected duration after
an acute injury or illness or is present without any
history of an injury or insult.
Taking a Multimodal Approach to
Treatment
Treating chronic pain is not a
one-size-fits-all endeavor. To optimize outcomes, it
is critical to form a multimodal treatment strategy. A
multidisciplinary approach has been shown to be one of
the most effective ways to manage chronic pain. A
combination of medications, physical and behavioral
therapies, injections, neuromodulation and in rare
cases, implantable pain pumps should be considered in
order to provide patients with the best possible
results. Physicians who specialize in interventional
pain management typically offer a full range of such
options and work with their patients to develop a
course of treatment aimed at helping them manage their
chronic pain to the best extent possible.
Classifying Pain
For all physicians considering the
challenge of chronic pain management, it may be
helpful to review the different types of pain
classification:
Somatic pain is felt in the
muscles, bones or soft tissues. It is typically
localized and can be intermittent or constant. It is
often described as an aching, gnawing, throbbing, or
cramping type of pain.
Visceral pain comes from the
internal organs and blood vessels and is typically
more diffuse than localized. Visceral pain tends to
be referred to other locations, and can be
accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or
tension in lower back muscles. It can be
intermittent or constant, and is typically described
as being dull, squeezing, or aching.
Neuropathic pain occurs when the
nervous system is damaged or not working properly.
It can be experienced at the various levels of the
nervous system, from peripheral nerves to the spinal
cord and the brain Nerve pain can be described
as shooting, sharp, stabbing, lancinating, or
burning.
Dementia is a brain and memory
disorder that seriously affects a person’s lifestyle
and behavior, including difficulty doing familiar
tasks such as cooking, driving and paying bills on
time. There may be a change in personality, problems
with language, forgetting common words, or
disorientation and frequently getting lost. While
memory is often impaired, memory loss doesn’t always
mean dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the
most common form of dementia among older people; it
involves the part of the brain that controls thought,
memory and language. It’s progressive and
degenerative. This disease usually begins after
age 60, risk goes up with age, and nearly half of
those over 85 have symptoms. However, researchers
remind us AD isn’t a normal part of aging. Scientists
have discovered that in people with AD, nerve cells
die in the areas of the brain relating to memory,
which affects cognitive functioning and lowers levels
of the chemicals that carry messages back and forth
between nerve cells. Research hasn’t fully disclosed
the causes of AD.
Knowing what to look for
When you see a loved one only on
holidays and special occasions, it may be harder to
detect problems. Couples often cover for one another,
and when the family visits irregularly, it’s easy to
miss the changes. Mental deterioration has “patterns
of consistent neglect,” according to The Complete
Eldercare Planner.
Things to watch for in your
loved one include:
Unkempt appearance
Decline in bathing and
personal grooming
Accumulating stacks of
mail
Unpaid bills
Appetite changes
Curtains drawn all the
time
Lack of interest in
friends or activities
Depression
Abuse of alcohol
Loss of reasoning skills
Loss of short-term memory
Forgetting how to do
simple things
Wandering
Incontinence
Sleeplessness
Experts suggest you seek help, but not
jump to conclusions. If several of these things are
going on with your loved one, you might make an
appointment and talk to their doctor to see if
medications or a medical condition could be causing
the unusual behavior. Dementia may be caused by
stress, depression, nutritional deficiencies,
Parkinson’s Disease or other illnesses. When help is
clearly needed, go with your loved one to seek a
professional evaluation.
Chronic pain is the
single most common major medical complication among
adults. In the U.S. alone, chronic pain is estimated
to affect over 50 million people and cost $635 billion
annually, more than the annual costs of heart disease,
cancer, and diabetes combined.
Chronic pain comes in all
shapes and sizes. However, the most prevalent place
where chronic pain in experienced is in the back. Over
16 million people in the US have chronic back pain. If
you are among those 16 million, we understand what you
are going through. Luckily, there is a revolutionary,
minimally invasive treatment option for most kinds of
chronic back pain that does not require pain
medication.
Spinal Cord
Stimulation
This
amazing wonder treatment is known as spinal cord
stimulation (SCS). SCS is an FDA-approved, opioid-free,
outpatient therapy that treats chronic pain by using
electricity to block pain signals. Spinal cord
stimulation can provide significant, long-term relief
from back pain conditions such as:
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Herniated discs
Degenerative disc disease
Facet joint syndrome
Cervical radiculopathy
Failed back surgery syndrome
The SCS System
The device that performs
SCS therapy is called a spinal cord stimulator. A
stimulator consists of two parts, a small battery and
a pair of thin leads with electrodes on the tips. The
leads are placed along the spine, next to the nerves
causing pain. The leads are then connected to the
battery, which is implanted into a small pocket in the
lower abdomen.
The battery emits mild
electric pulses which are carried to the nerves by the
leads. The leads apply the electricity to the nerves,
"stimulating" them. Pain is reduced because the
electrical pulses modify and mask pain signals before
they reach the brain.
This innovative
technique, which is covered by insurance, can provide
at least as much pain relief as opioid medications,
without the negative side-effects. The most current
stimulator models are MRI-compatible, barely larger
than a silver dollar, and can last ten years or more.
Additionally,
patients seeking SCS therapy undergo a brief trial
period, during which the battery is worn outside of
the body. If the trial determines that SCS therapy is
effective at relieving the patient’s pain, they may
proceed with the implant.
Spinal Cord
Stimulation at Twin Cities Pain Clinic
Twin Cities Pain Clinic
is one of the foremost spinal cord stimulation
authorities in the Midwest, performing hundreds of
implant procedures each year. If you are interested in
scheduling a consultation to learn if SCS could help
relive your chronic back pain, contact us today!
Give us a call at 952-841-2345 or visit us
online at
By Deb
Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at Senior Community
Services
Post-COVID, most
Americans would say technology is essential, yet
more
than half
of Minnesotans aged 65 and older still do not have
broadband internet. Technology is built into nearly
everything we use on a daily basis, yet many older
adults are unable to take advantage of its benefits.
This isn’t for lack of awareness or interest. They’re
willing to learn, but ageism
has created barriers to equitable technology resources
and education for older adults.
Technological
Barriers in an Age-Denying World
Connecting with family
and friends, virtual doctor’s visits, online shopping
and navigating social services all come with digital
literacy expectations. For many aging adults, a
"mouse" is a furry little critter, "click" is the
sound a camera makes and "scroll" is an ancient
document. Training courses for the masses, or lessons
from well-meaning millennials and Gen Zers, often
neglect the first critical step: teaching digital
vocabulary. As with any new language, it takes time to
become fluent.
An estimated
63%
of U.S. adults 50 and older will be defrauded,
harassed, threatened or intimidated online. New
technology users haven’t yet learned the most common
ways scammers will engage with them to get personal
information. Different devices and apps each have
their own security options and settings. With every
system update, a folder or function may change, or a
once familiar app might look different. Providing tips
to help identify potential cyber threats and
explaining how to adjust security settings for devices
and online profiles is critical.
Affordability and
accessibility are also barriers for many aging adults.
Technology training courses need to be low or no cost
for those on a fixed income. Programs must be designed
to accommodate hearing, visual and mobility
impairments and offer both in-home and community-based
options.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Together
The greatest digital
divide is not based on income, race or level of
education; it’s age. Older adults are often
underrepresented and undervalued by our society, but
we can fight ageism by admitting our biases and
getting involved.
Senior Community
Services'
Technology Partners Program
assists older adults with signing up for affordable
internet service. Participants with limited income may
also be eligible to receive a donated digital device.
Once they have access to technology, ongoing support
and coaching helps them become familiar with and learn
how to use these tools effectively. Our digital
handypersons’ unhurried approach builds relationships
with program participants, allowing them to ask as
many questions as they need to whenever they arise.
Participants are learning to text and email loved
ones, set up grocery and prescription deliveries and
stream Netflix shows they can talk to their
grandchildren about.
Mary, age 82, was
referred to Senior Community Services a few years ago
by a neighbor after returning home from a hospital
stay. She knew she’d need extra help managing a
chronic medical condition and applied for the
Mary facilitates a
suicide loss support group and wanted to create a
Facebook page so members could interact with one
another virtually. She learned about Senior Community
Services’ Technology Partners Program and began
attending sessions at her local senior center. While
she admits she doesn’t feel very adventurous when it
comes to using new technology, Mary now uses her iPad
to navigate Facebook and manage the group page.
Aging
is Our Only Common Experience
Technology resources and
education for aging adults is something we all need to
get involved with and passionately advocate for so we
can bridge the digital divide together.
Volunteer
to provide one-on-one support and coaching at a senior
center. Donate
to help fund the purchase of devices for low-income
participants. Share this article and, if you’re a
professional working with older adults, connect them
with these services. Together, we can create
technological equality for all.
About the Author:
Deb Taylor is the CEO of
Senior
Community Services,
a local nonprofit with a mission to innovate and
deliver services that meet the changing needs of older
adults and their caregivers in our community, keeping
them healthy, connected and thriving.
Typically,
a person’s home is the most valuable single asset – or
at least the most valuable real property – that they
leave behind when they die. Often, people designate in
their estate plan that their home is to be sold and
the proceeds returned to their estate to be included
in the assets distributed to heirs and beneficiaries.
They may designate that the home goes to a specific
beneficiary.
Whatever the case, if
you’re the one responsible for selling the home,
you’re likely anxious to get moving on it. When can
you do that?
If the home has to go
through probate
So how soon can you
start that process? It depends. If the home needs to
go through probate, that can easily take months or
longer.
That doesn’t mean you
have to wait until the probate process is complete to
move forward with selling it. However, you will need
to have probate oversight of the process.
When can a home avoid
probate?
There are a couple of
ways a home (and other assets) can avoid probate. If
the home was included in a living trust, it and other
assets in the trust can bypass probate. It can go to
the beneficiary to handle as they choose or be sold
and the assets returned to the estate almost
immediately.
Another way one’s home
can go directly to a beneficiary and bypass probate is
if there is a “transfer on death” deed naming
the designated beneficiary. Then the home transfers
directly to them.
Just remember that
there may be some items in the home that are
designated to go to other beneficiaries. Therefore, if
you’re in charge of administering the estate, you’ll
need to secure the home until that is done.
Caring for the home
until it’s sold
Regardless of how long
you have to wait to place the home on the market,
remember that if you’re administering the estate, it’s
your responsibility to secure the home and continue
covering mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes
and other expenses.
Every situation is
different. It’s smart to bring in a
real estate agent with experience in selling
homes after the owner has died – particularly if it’s
in probate. If your loved one didn’t have an estate
planning professional, it may be wise to retain your
own to advise you on this and other matters.
rb
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Listen First. Solve Second. Care Always. As a
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One of the main factors
in managing chronic pain is making smart lifestyle
choices. Along with getting regular exercise and
maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, eating a
nutritious diet has a big impact on the severity of
chronic pain, which in turn affects overall quality of
life. The types of food you consume can help or hinder
your journey to pain relief in a variety of ways.
Inflammation
One of
the most significant issues has to do with
inflammation and how certain foods contribute to it.
Inflammation is the body’s response to an injury or an
infection. You may experience symptoms like pain,
heat, redness, and swelling, otherwise known as acute
inflammation.
Other
times, inflammation becomes chronic (think of it as
happening over and over again), at which point it can
really start to wreak havoc on the body. Over time,
chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells and
organs and cause consistent pain in muscles, tissues,
and joints.
Many
foods are known to cause and/or increase inflammation
in the body, including sugar, dairy, gluten, trans
fat, and refined grains. Reducing intake of these
foods is an important first step to reducing
pain-causing inflammation. Follow that up by eating
more foods that have been shown to reduce
inflammation, which include:
Omega 3 fatty
acids, including fish (ideally salmon, tuna,
sardines, anchovies, and other cold-water fish),
nuts (pistachios, walnuts, pine nuts, and almonds),
olives or olive oil, flax seed/oil, eggs, and
enriched dairy foods
High-fiber
foods, including lentils, beans, chickpeas, 2-3
different colors of vegetables (like bell peppers,
hot peppers, carrots, onions, and broccoli), brown
rice, and quinoa
Fruits,
including cherries, blueberries, and raspberries
Spices and
herbs, such as garlic, turmeric, rosemary, cinnamon,
sage, thyme, and mint
Sweets, such
as honey (a good substitute for sugar), and dark
chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
Beverages,
such as tea (white, green, or oolong), and moderate
amounts of coffee
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight also goes a long way in
managing chronic pain. When you gain weight, your
joints are put under more stress and your muscles have
to work harder to perform regular functions. The
heavier you get, the greater the impact on your body.
Over time this can result in significant pain.
Many
of the same foods that lead to inflammation are also
the main culprits in weight gain, particularly simple
carbohydrates like sugar, and the saturated fats found
in foods like butter, fatty meats, and most baked
treats.
However, most of the foods that reduce inflammation
are also the best foods for controlling weight gain,
particularly fruits, vegetables, and
legumes like beans, peas, and nuts. That means
you can tackle inflammation and weight management by
making the same dietary choices!
The Chemical Effect
Pretty
much all of the foods we eat are loaded with
chemicals. Some of them are good and allow our bodies
to carry out most of their daily functions. Others are
not so good and can negatively impact our bodies.
Heavily refined, sugary, and chemically processed
foods are known to irritate muscles, disrupt sleep,
and interfere with immune function – three things that
can enhance chronic pain. Aspartame, a chemical
sweetener used in diet soft drinks, has also been
found to heighten pain sensitivity in some
fibromyalgia patients.
There
is a small subset of vegetables known as "nightshade
vegetables," which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and
eggplants. While these veggies still have a number of
healthy properties, they contain mild neurotoxins that
can increase joint pain and arthritis symptoms in some
individuals. Most will experience little to no
difference, but some sensitive patients may improve
remarkably by reducing nightshade vegetable intake.
Healthy Food for a Healthy
Life
It is
a fact that we heal quicker when we are well
nourished. We can maintain a healthy weight and keep
our bodies functioning at their best when we choose to
eat a diet rich in fresh, nutritious foods. Try eating
a wide variety of foods by eating colors of the
rainbow to make your plates bright and nutritious.
When choosing food items aim for quality. Ideally that
would be grass-fed and pasture raised meats, as they
support the highest nutrient levels. Aim for organic
and non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) foods
when possible. Consume dairy products and red meat in
limited quantities.
Eating
a nutritious diet may not completely eliminate your
chronic pain, but it is a step in the right direction
that you can control. Switching to an
anti-inflammatory diet can help reverse the
development of conditions such as heart disease,
diabetes, and pain syndromes. There is no magical food
that can make everything better, but eating the right
foods can help produce remarkable results.
Pain Management with Twin
Cities Pain Clinic
Incorporating a healthy diet is an excellent way to
help keep your chronic pain at a manageable level. But
if you want to explore options for additional pain
relief, contact Twin Cities Pain Clinic. Our team of
highly trained experts specialize in the treatment of
pain and can prescribe a care plan that will help you
get back to living your best life.
Moving is time-consuming and
overwhelming. No one likes doing it. Now, add in a
pandemic and your moving process just became that much
more stressful.
Here’s how to make your move a little more manageable
from your friends at Junk360!
Safely Moving During Coronavirus
The
key to moving safely during coronavirus is to plan
ahead. Make sure you have access to the critical
moving services you need to relocate. Here are some
steps to take before your moving day:
Book Your
Movers: Make an appointment and ensure you understand
the company's policies regarding loading up boxes,
entering your house, and payment.
Buy Supplies:
To the best of your ability, buy all your moving
supplies in one trip. This includes boxes, tape,
gloves, bubble wrap, and sanitizing wipes.
Clean: Use this
opportunity to wipe down and sanitize your belongings.
Pack In
Advance: If you’re able, finish packing at least 24
hours before your movers arrive. This allows your
boxes to sit untouched for at least a day.
Before you
start cleaning and packing things away, this is the
perfect opportunity to make a list! Save yourself some
time, energy, and supplies by knowing what you want to
take with you in advance versus deciding as you go.
Declutter Your
Home Before Moving in a Pandemic
With the right
mindset and strategies in place, decluttering your
home before a move is easy (even in a pandemic)! Here
are some tips:
Use the
12-month method: Conflicted on whether to pack or
donate an item? Ask yourself if you’ve used it in the
past 12 months. No? Don’t take it with you to sit
unused in your new home.
Start early:
You’ve spent years accumulating this clutter. Don’t
wait until the last minute to go through it! Start
your decluttering as soon as you possibly can before a
move.
Stay
focused: When decluttering, it’s easy to get
bogged down by all your stuff. Go one room at a time,
and stay consistent with your decluttering method. One
way to motivate yourself is to set mini-goals and
reward yourself when you reach them.
Items that are
worn down, broken, or just gross have no business
being packed away with your other belongings.
Additionally, you might find items with no resale
value that are still usable. Do the right thing and
give them to someone in need.
Kickstart Your
Move With Junk360’s Contactless Pickup!
Junk360
is here to help make your pandemic moving experience
easy, stress-free, and efficient. Just point us to
what you want gone and we’ll make it happen in one
simple step. Plus you can leave your donations
and junk in the same box. Junk360 will do the sorting
and delivering, and even take items that can’t be
donated to the recycling center. Additionally, Junk360
offers a contact-free junk removal service.
Let’s get you
moving successfully! For a free estimate call Junk360
today at 651-395-8659 or
request a free quote online!
One of the Most Storied and
Extraordinary Urban Cemeteries in America Looks Back –
and Ahead – As It Celebrates a Major Milestone in 2021
Lakewood
Cemetery, located in Uptown Minneapolis, is
celebrating 150 years this year as a local treasure,
industry pioneer and resting place for thousands of
remarkable individuals and families. From its founding
by a few visionary leaders in 1871 to its expansive
public programming today, Lakewood has always been a
place where people come together to celebrate, honor,
mourn, reflect and remember what’s sacred in life.
Throughout 2021, the
nonprofit cemetery will be celebrating its 150th year
by encouraging people from all walks of life to take
part in a full calendar of experiences and activities
that showcase Lakewood’s proud history and bold vision
to reimagine the role of a cemetery in modern life.
There will be opportunities to explore Lakewood’s 250
acres of urban memorial parkland, to share stories and
memories of Lakewood, to learn more about Lakewood’s
history, art and gardens, and to discover ways to
bring more creativity and meaning to memorialization.
Lakewood’s story began with several New England-born leaders who came to
Minnesota in the late 1800s and helped build the city
of Minneapolis. Progressive and enlightened, they
envisioned Lakewood as a place for all individuals and
families to be memorialized in a peaceful and
beautiful setting. Over time, Lakewood has become a
keeper of some of this city’s treasures — its
historical figures and events, art and architecture,
park-like landscape, and people from many cultures and
walks of life.
“Lakewood is a haven
in the heart of Minneapolis and an integral part of
the Twin Cities community,” says Lakewood’s president,
Chris Makowske. “For our 150th anniversary, we’re
opening our doors and inviting the entire community to
get to know us better. If you haven’t seen our
historic mosaic Chapel, participated in one of our
seasonal celebrations, or taken a walking tour of
Lakewood, this is the year to do it,” Makowske adds.
“We’re offering our most robust year of community
programming ever to encourage people to connect or
re-connect with this very special place.”
“Not only are we
celebrating the past, but we are also looking ahead to
the next 150 years,” Makowske continues. “The world of
death, dying and remembrance is changing. People today
are looking for more personal and meaningful ways to
honor and remember, both at the time of death and in
the years that follow. Because as many of us know, we
never forget those we’ve lost.”
“As we move forward,
Lakewood intends to continue to inspire individuals
and families to discover what’s meaningful for them
when it comes to memorialization, whether it’s
planting a tree in memory of a loved one, inscribing a
name in stone, joining others in a grief meditation or
tying a ribbon to our Living Memory Tree, we intend to
bring more offerings forward that encourage personal
and collective remembrance so that memorialization
becomes more inviting, accessible and relevant for
people’s lives today,” says Makowske.
Events and Activities
this Year
Visitors can learn
about the virtual and seasonal activities taking place
this year at
lakewoodcemetery.org/150.
All activities
are open to the public and will follow the latest
Covid-19 mandates and guidelines. More experiences and
events will be added as the year goes on.
STORY COLLECTING
Lakewood is collecting
memories from everyone who has a personal connection
to this storied place. This includes stories from
people who have loved ones memorialized at Lakewood,
people who grew up or have lived nearby, and people
who have a love of a history, gardens, art or
cemeteries. Whatever your interest or connection,
Lakewood would love to hear about it. Visit
lakewoodcemetery.org/150 or follow us on Facebook and
Instagram. #lakewood150 #mylakewoodstory
SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS
Lakewood offers a
series of memorable outdoor events tied to each season
that have become an annual tradition for many families
and the community. Seasonal events are open to the
public and include celebrations of Earth Day, Mother’s
Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Midsummer Memory
Mandalas, Lantern Lighting and Fall Colors.
EXPLORE LAKEWOOD
SERIES
Visitors can discover
the natural and historic treasures of this unique
urban sanctuary through a wide array of tours, walks
and activities focused on interests such as art &
architecture, bird watching, photography, sketching
and more. These events and experiences are carefully
curated to allow guests to view Lakewood through a new
lens.
THE LAKEWOOD
EXPERIENCE SERIES
The Lakewood
Experience Series offers immersive experiences created
to expand understanding and bring new depth and
meaning to subjects like grief, healing and
remembrance through personal reflection and creative
expression. Some of the experiences in this series
include grief meditations, legacy writing workshops,
journaling, mandala-making, art therapy, and
Lakewood’s Living Memory Tree, a tree of colorful
ribbons dedicated by community members to those they
love and have lost.
LEARN @ LAKEWOOD
SERIES
Sparking conversations
on topics related to death, dying and memorialization,
Learn @ Lakewood workshops and seminars explore
diverse perspectives from experts and professionals in
their field. Topics range from Death Café discussions
to end-of-life planning and diverse memorialization
traditions and practices.
Visit
lakewoodcemetery.org/150 to learn more or follow us on
Facebook and Instagram to swap stories, see upcoming
events, learn about Lakewood’s history, and join in
the celebration. #lakewood150 #mylakewoodstory
About Lakewood — A Place to Remember
-
Lakewood is a serene haven in the heart of Minneapolis’s renowned Chain of
Lakes—a place to come together to honor, remember and
reflect. Since 1871, Lakewood’s 250 acres of urban
memorial parkland have served as a community gathering
place and a chronicle of our region’s traditions,
cultures and people. A history keeper and a thought
leader, Lakewood honors its roots as a landmark
cemetery while reimaging its role in modern life,
through thoughtfully designed events, experiences and
spaces.
Today, Lakewood is
making memorialization more relevant, accessible and
inviting for new audiences and generations—with more
creativity and choices. As a nonprofit organization
governed by a board of trustees, Lakewood is committed
to preserving and enhancing our grounds and
architectural treasures, and we use proceeds generated
from activities and events for that purpose.
Visitors can learn
about the virtual and seasonal activities taking place
this year at
lakewoodcemetery.org/150.
All activities
are open to the public and will follow the latest
Covid-19 mandates and guidelines. More experiences and
events will be added as the year goes on.
A veteran-founded and
family-owned business, Junk 360 is a reputable and
reliable junk removal organization. From construction
debris to home clutter to real estate cleanout,
Junk360 is your source for clearing away unwanted
waste.
Here are four reasons
to choose Junk360 for your junk removal needs.
1.
Our Customers Come First
At Junk360, we
specialize in:
Commercial Cleanups
Real Estate
Cleanouts
Home Junk Removal
Construction Waste
Disposal
However, no matter who
are clients are, our customers always come first.
Junk360 provides five-star customer service 100% of
the time. Need a night removal? Junk360 is there!
Multi-day project? Junk360 is there! Helping your
elderly relatives downsize? Junk360 is there!
From the moment our
clients contact us, they, their belongings, and their
property are treated as our number one priority.
But don’t take our
word for it! Check out the five-star reviews Junk360
consistently earns.
2.
Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose
At Junk360, we don’t
just bring items to the dump. First we:
Sort items to see
what can be donated or recycled
Bring donations to
the proper facilities
Recycle all
materials that qualify
We’ll sort through all
your items to make sure they end up in the right place
- whether that be a local charity or an e-waste
recycling center. So, when you use Junk360, you are
doing your part to create a more sustainable
community!
All of this is done
with every truck load, at no extra cost to the
customer.
3.
Upfront Pricing
Our pricing is simple
and easy for the customer to understand. Unlike other
junk removal companies that set their prices based on
weight or by the hour, we charge by the amount of
truck spaced used. For example:
A load of ⅛ of truck
space, equal to about 1 couch and a small cabinet,
runs $134.
Hauling away junk
that takes up ½ of truck space, about 9 cubic yards
and the equivalent of 4 couches and a stove, costs
$399.
A full load, which
is the entire 18 cubic yards of our truck, is $579.
This space can hold about 9 couches and 1 stove.
At Junk360, we believe
in fair and transparent pricing. Before you contract
our services, we always provide a free
estimate with no obligations attached.
Our estimates include
the cost of the sorting process, loading, all fees
(recycling, dumping, ect), and clean up. To see our
complete pricing breakdown, view
our pricing chart.
4.
Support a Local Business
Junk360 is a locally
owned, operated, and staffed business! We care about
and are invested in the well-being of our community
and its future.
While it isn’t always
easy to or most convenient option to support an
independent business rather than a large national
chain, there are also notable benefits that come from
supporting businesses in your local community. For
example:
We utilize other
local businesses such as banks, charities,
mechanics, and waste disposal facilities.
We are accountable
to our community!
As an eco-friendly
business, we have a smaller carbon footprint than
larger companies.
So the next time you
have some junk you need hauled away, think local!
Experience the great service Junk360 offers while
helping to build a strong and successful community
around you.
Contact Junk360 Today
Want a junk removal
service that stands above the rest? Contact Junk360
today! We’ll provide you with a
free estimate using our transparent pricing
chart, and schedule a time to provide our services
that fits with your schedule.
Call us today at (651) 395-8659. We’re ready to make
you our next five-star review!
It is especially important for people at increased
risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those who
live with them, to protect themselves from getting
COVID-19.
The
best way to protect yourself and to help reduce the
spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 is to:
Limit your interactions with other people as much as
possible.
If you
start feeling sick and think you may have COVID-19,
get in touch with your healthcare provider within 24
hours
Venturing out into a public setting?
What to consider before you go.
As
communities and businesses across the United States
are opening, you may be thinking aboutresuming
some activities,running
errands,and
attendingevents
and gatherings.There
is no way to ensure you have zero risk of infection,so
it is important to understand the risks and know how
to be as safe as possible.
People
at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and
those who live with them, should consider their level
of risk beforedeciding
to go outand
ensure they are taking steps toprotect
themselves. Consider avoiding activities
where taking protective measures may be difficult,
such as activities where social distancing can’t be
maintained.Everyone
should take steps to prevent getting and spreading
COVID-19to
protect themselves, their communities, and people who
are at increased risk of severe illness.
In
general,the
more people you interact with, the more closely you
interact with them, and the longer that interaction,
the higher your risk of getting and spreading
COVID-19.
In
general,the
more people you interact with, the more closely you
interact with them, and the longer that interaction,
the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.
So,think
about:
How many people will you interact
with?
Can you keep 6 feet of space between
you and others?
Will you be outdoors or indoors?
What’s the length of time that you
will be interacting with people?
Encourage social distancing during your visit
Visit with your friends and familyoutdoors,
when possible. If this is not feasible, make sure
the room or space is well-ventilated (for example,
open windows or doors) and large enough to
accommodatesocial
distancing.
Arrange tables and chairs to allow for social
distancing. People from the same household can be in
groups together and don’t need to be 6 feet apart
from each other.
Consider activities where social distancing can be
maintained, like sidewalk chalk art or yard games.
Try
to avoid close contact with your visitors. For
example, don’t shake hands, elbow bump, or hug.
Instead wave and verbally greet them.
If
possible, avoid others who are not wearing masks or
ask others around you to wear masks.
Consider keeping a list of people you visited or who
visited you and when the visit occurred. This will
help with contact
tracing if someone becomes sick.
Wear masks
Masks should be worn over the nose and mouth. Masks
are especially important when it is difficult to
stay at least 6 feet apart from others or when
people are indoors to help protect each other.
Masks may slow the spread of the virus and help
people who may have the virus and do not know it
from transmitting it to others
Wearing a mask helps protects others in case
you’re infected, while others wear one to protect
you should they be infected.
Who
should NOT use masks:
Children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble
breathing, is unconscious, or is incapacitated or
otherwise unable to remove the mask without
assistance.
Wash
hands often
Everyone shouldwash
their hands for at least 20 seconds at
the beginning and end of the visit and whenever you
think your hands may have become contaminated.
If soap and water are not readily
available, such as with outdoor visits or
activities, use a hand sanitizer that contains at
least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands
and rub them together until they feel dry.
Remind guests to wash or sanitize
their hands before serving or eating food.
Use single-use hand towels or paper
towels for drying hands so visitors do not share
towels. Have a no-touch trash can available for
guests to use.
Limit
contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items
Encourage your visitors to bring
their own food and drinks.
Clean and
disinfectcommonly
touched surfaces and any shared items between use.
If you choose to use any shared items
that are reusable (e.g., seating covers,
tablecloths, linen napkins), wash, clean, and
sanitize them after the event.
If you are thinking about participating
in an event or gathering:
If
you are at increased risk for severe illness, consider
avoiding high-risk gatherings. The risk of COVID-19
spreading at events and gatherings increases as
follows:
Lowest
risk:
Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings.
More
risk:
Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which
individuals from different households remain spaced at
least 6 feet apart, wear masks, do not share objects,
and come from the same local area (e.g., community,
town, city, or county).
Higher
risk:Medium-sized
in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow
individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and
with attendees coming from outside the local area.
Highest
risk:
Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for
individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and
attendees travel from outside the local area.
Stay healthy during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Staying
healthy during the pandemic is important. Talk to your
healthcare provider about whether your vaccinations
and other preventive services are up to date to help
prevent you from becoming ill with other diseases.
It is particularly important for
those at increased risk of severe illness, including
older adults, to receive recommended vaccinations
against influenza and pneumococcal disease.
If you
have an underlying medical condition, you should
continue to follow your treatment plan:
Continue your medicinesand
do not change your treatment plan without talking to
your healthcare provider.
Have
at least a 30-day supplyof
prescription and non-prescription medicines.Talk
to a healthcare provider, insurer, and
pharmacist about getting an extra supply (i.e., more
than 30 days) of prescription medicines, if
possible, to reduce your trips to the pharmacy.
Do
not delay getting emergency care for your underlying
medical conditionbecause
of COVID-19. Emergency departments have contingency
infection prevention plans to protect you from
getting COVID-19 if you need care.
Call
your healthcare provider if you have any concernsabout
your underlying medical conditions or if you get
sick and think that you may have COVID-19. If you
need emergency help, call 911 right away.
Brain Health... What Are You Doing For It?
Article submitted by Angela Bohnsack
Neora Brand Partner
A healthy lifestyle is
an important part of the aging process. Eating
well and staying active is vital. So is
taking care of the ONE organ that controls EVERYTHING!
When your brain is unhealthy—for whatever reason— you
are more likely to be sadder, sicker, poorer, and less
successful. There are many causes and behaviors that
can lead to an unhealthy brain. These include, but are
not limited to:
Brain injuries such
as concussion
Excessive alcohol
use
Illicit drug use –
including marijuana even if it is legal in some
places!
Obesity
Medical problems
like diabetes, high blood pressure and untreated
sleep apnea
Mold toxicity
Infections such as
Lyme disease
Carbon monoxide
poisoning
A chronically poor
diet filled with processed foods, sugar and
unhealthy fats.
If
your brain is troubled, don’t despair! EHT®
Mind Enhancement Supplement can help! It is never
too late to have a better brain. EHT® comes after 20
years research from
Dr. Jeffry Stock's labs at Princeton University
and
Signam Biosciences. EHT® protects &
stabilizes
tau protein & PP2A ensuring the PP2A is in a
balanced state providing neuroprotection. EHT® works
by helping neurons, the "wiring" of our brain,
maintain an optimal, functional state.
EHT® Age-Defying
Supplement helps protect against mental decline with a
groundbreaking formula that includes our exclusive,
patented EHT® extract, a natural mixture of bioactive
molecules isolated from coffee. Fortified with other
rejuvenating ingredients, including vitamins B6, B12,
D3, folic acid, magnesium citrate, selenium, Huperzine
A (which increases focus) and the antioxidant lipoic
acid.
This supplement:
Promotes
better cognitive function and overall brain health
Combats oxidative
stress and chronic inflammation
Fortifies and
strengthens natural brain functions
Protects and
supports neuronal networking
Enhances the body’s
natural energy stores
Boosts the body’s
immune system
Increases focus
Click Here for more information on EHT® and how to
order.
As temperatures drop,
CenterPoint Energy
offers tips to save energy and stay safe
Article by CenterPoint Energy
As temperatures drop
to deep-freeze levels, CenterPoint Energy reminds its
Minnesota natural gas customers of some important
energy efficiency and safety tips to stay safe and
warm at home in the cold weather.
Energy-Saving Tips
Make sure your heating
system is operating safely and efficiently with an
annual tune-up by a qualified technician. Check your
furnace filter monthly and clean or change it as
needed.
Set
your thermostat setting to 68 degrees when you’re at
home and awake. Lower it at night or when you’re away.
Every one degree reduction in the setting can save 3-5
percent on your heating bills.
Use a smart
programmable thermostat to match your household’s
schedule by automatically lowering the heating
temperature at night or while you’re away from home.
Close
fireplace dampers when not in use so you don’t lose
heat.
Keep curtains and
blinds open during the day to allow the sun's heat to
warm your house. Close curtains and blinds at night so
you don’t lose heat when the sun goes down.
Get more information
about energy-saving tips and energy efficiency
incentives and programs by visiting
CenterPointEnergy.com/SaveEnergy.
Safety Tips
Fuel-burning
appliances in the home have the potential to produce
carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas that is
colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating. CO
can build up to life-threatening concentrations
indoors if fuel-burning devices are not properly
vented, operated or maintained. CenterPoint Energy
offers these safety tips to prevent CO buildup:
Properly vent and
maintain fuel-burning appliances. They should be
checked by a qualified technician every year to detect
potential problems.
Clear obstructions
such as snow and ice from vents, fresh-air intakes and
chimneys.
Never use an appliance
inside that is intended only for outdoor use, such as
barbecue grills, camp stoves or portable generators.
Install CO alarms. Minnesota law requires that
every home have at least one operational CO alarm
within 10 feet of every room used for sleeping. Follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for placement of your
alarms, and keep track of the suggested replacement
date.
Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms
such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu,
but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to
more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty
thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a
household is experiencing symptoms, it may be CO
poisoning. Get fresh air immediately and call 911.
Who wants to slow
down as they get older? “Not me!” you might be saying
to yourself.
As you grow older,
your body starts to change. You’re likely to notice a
few more grey hairs or wrinkles. If you’re fortunate,
you will live a long healthy life. Even better, you
will remain healthy and active. But aging affects your
cardiovascular system, digestive system, joints and
muscles, and even your cognitive skills, amongst
others.
So what can you do to
take better care of yourself or someone you love? A
lot, and CBD might be part of the answer!
The
Aches And Pains Of Growing Old
CANVIVA
co-founder, Dave Rye, was a skeptic before being
convinced that CBD products could improve the quality
of his life. “Since taking CANVIVA products, I have
stopped taking ibuprofen before and after golfing.”
Like Dave, many other individuals are turning to CBD (cannabidiol).
Did you know that
there are over 46 million people 65 years or older.
And, according to the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC),
49.6% suffer from arthritis. In addition, Mental
Health America reports that 27% of seniors suffer
from severe anxiety, which impacts their ability to
function. It’s no wonder CBD (cannabid oil) use is on
the rise, especially with Boomers (those born between
1946 and 1964).
According to a survey
by Consumer Reports (CR), more than a quarter of
people in the U.S. say they’ve tried CBD. One out of
seven (7) of those people said they use it every day.
And, 15% of people 60 and older have tried CBD.
You can learn more
about your endocannabinoid system and how CBD may help
keep your body in balance here.
What
Can You Do To Stay Healthy?
Here are 10 tips for seniors!
Stay
active.
Walk, bike, do something you like—just make sure to
get regular exercise!
Eat
healthy.
Eat nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables,
and whole-grain foods. Avoid overly sweet, salty,
and processed foods. And don’t forget to follow your
doctor’s advice regarding any dietary restrictions.
Sustain your brain.
Take a class, learn a new skill. Never stop
learning! Studies suggest that stimulating your
brain slows cognitive decline.
Stay connected.
Call or visit someone you love. Get together with a
friend. Even better, go for a walk with them.
Get
a good night’s sleep.
Older adults need 7-10 hours of sleep per night.
Make sure you turn off the TV and your phone. Stay
away from alcohol and caffeine late in the day. And,
keep your bedroom cool, dark, and noise-free. (Psst,
we also recommend CANVIVA
REST CBD Oil.)
Reduce stress.
(Read our blog to
learn more about how stress effects your body and
what you can do to help manage it.
Practice prevention.
Stop smoking. Lose weight. Make sure your
vaccinations are up to date—this includes a yearly
flu shot. Get your vision and hearing checked in
addition to regular wellness check-ups.
Be
your own health advocate.
When you do see your doctor, bring a list of your
current prescription and non-prescription
medications, including herbal supplements, bring a
list of your health concerns; and, ask questions if
you have them.
Look on the bright side.
Staying positive is good for your health.
Try
a CBD product like CANVIVA.
Many older adults start with topicals,
like roll-ons or balms. Another popular form of CBD
is tinctures.
Both methods are easy
to use and easy to incorporate into your
wellness regimen.
Hoarding is a
psychological disorder. Up to five percent of
Americans are classified as hoarders. Hoarders suffer
from a compulsion. Rather than being “messy”, they
simply cannot bring themselves to get rid of the
possessions consuming their homes.
So how do you
recognize the signs of hoarding? And what can you do
to find help?
Hoarding Warning Signs
Some people’s homes
become so cluttered to the point where they are
overwhelming to themselves or others. This can affect
their family relationships, friendships, and daily
stress levels.
Hoarding
typically has three components:
Acquiring
possessions compulsively
Constantly buying or
collecting free things
Saving all these
possessions and never discarding anything
Struggling to
organize and maintain all the saved possessions
People who hoard keep
things for the same reason as anyone else:
Sentimental: The
hoarder has an emotional attachment to the items or
saves them to remember an important life event.
Utility: The item
is, or could be, useful.
Aesthetic: The item
is considered to be attractive or beautiful.
However, hoarders also
struggling with additional issues such as:
Compulsion: They
often feel as though they need to accumulate these
objects.
Anxiety: The thought
of recycling or getting rid of these items brings
about feelings of dread.
Disorganization:
Even to a hoarder, the sheer number of belongings
can be overwhelming. This often results in clutter
and eventually causes stress and isolation.
Finding
Help for Hoarders
Hoarding tendencies
can vary in severity, but if you recognize more than
one of the above symptoms in your loved one, seeking
professional assistance is vital to moving forward.
Here are a few tips
for helping someone who hoards:
Be there: People with hoarding disorder are often socially isolated and have
minimal support in their lives. Let your loved one
know that you are thinking about them, and remind
them often what you love about them.
Encourage
Therapy:
Encouraging someone to reach out is not always easy,
especially if they’re not ready. There are several
foundations that can help you find a local therapist
who specializes in hoarding disorder.
Set Goals: Once your loved one is ready to start decluttering, make sure to
set achievable goals. For example, identify just one
small area in the home to clear. This could be a
box, a drawer, or just one particular room.
Give Them
Control:
Avoid the temptation to take over the decluttering
process. Ask your loved one how you can be most
helpful, and set some guidelines together about
boundaries
Once
you’ve brought in professional help and addressed the
underlying issues of their hoarding tendencies, you
can start helping your loved one clean their home.
Junk360’s
Compassionate and Professional Junk Removal Service
Hoarding is complex
and with it comes challenges. When it comes to removal
services, Junk360 provides professional junk removal
that is sensitive to this type of disorder. With our
reputable, dependable and knowledgeable services, you
can ensure that not only will the job get done, but
the customer feels comfortable throughout the process.
Contact our team
today at (651) 395-8659 or
request your estimate online. We’ll help your
loved one make the transition to a clutter-free,
healthy lifestyle!
If
you are like most people, you feel cold every now and
then during the winter. What you may not know is that
just being really cold can make you very sick.
Older adults can lose
body heat fast—faster than when they were young.
Changes in your body
that come with aging can make it harder for you to be
aware of getting cold. A big chill can turn into a
dangerous problem before an older person even knows
what's happening.Doctors call this
serious problem hypothermia.
What Is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is what
happens when your body temperature gets very low. For
an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower
can cause many health problems, such as a heart
attack, kidney
problems, liver
damage, or worse.
Being outside in the
cold, or even being in a very cold house, can lead to
hypothermia. Try to stay away from cold places, and
pay attention to how cold it is where you are. You can
take steps to lower your chance of getting
hypothermia.
Bob's Story
Vermont winters can be very cold. Last December, I
wanted to save some money so I turned my heat down
to 62°F. I didn't know that would put my health in
danger.
Luckily, my son Tyler came by to check on me. He
saw that I was only wearing a light shirt and that
my house was cold. Ty said I was speaking slowly,
shivering, and having trouble walking. He wrapped
me in a blanket and called 9-1-1.
Turns
out I had hypothermia. My son's quick thinking
saved my life. Now on cold days, I keep my heat at
least at 68°F and wear a sweater in the house.
Keep Warm Inside
Living
in a cold house, apartment, or other building can
cause hypothermia. In fact, hypothermia can happen to
someone in a nursing
home or group facility if the rooms are not kept
warm enough. If someone you know is in a group
facility, pay attention to the inside temperature and
to whether that person is dressed warmly enough.
People who are sick
may have special problems keeping warm. Do not let it
get too cold inside and dress warmly. Even if you keep
your temperature between 60°F and 65°F, your home or
apartment may not be warm enough to keep you safe.
This is a special problem if you live alone because
there is no one else to feel the chilliness of the
house or notice if you are having symptoms of
hypothermia.
Here are some tips for
keeping warm while you're inside:
Set your heat to at
least 68–70°F. To save on heating bills, close off
rooms you are not using. Close the vents and shut
the doors in these rooms, and keep the basement door
closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors
to keep out drafts.
Make sure your house
isn't losing heat through windows. Keep your blinds
and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the
windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to
keep the cold air out.
Dress warmly on cold
days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a
blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.
When you go to
sleep, wear long underwear under your pajamas, and
use extra covers. Wear a cap or hat.
Make sure you eat
enough food to keep up your weight. If you don't eat
well, you might have less fat under your skin. Body
fat helps you to stay warm.
Drink alcohol moderately,
if at all. Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body
heat.
Ask family or
friends to check on you during cold weather. If a
power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay
with a relative or friend.
A
heavy wind can quickly lower your body temperature.
Check the weather forecast for windy and cold days. On
those days, try to stay inside or in a warm place. If
you have to go out, wear warm clothes, and don't stay
out in the cold and wind for a long time.
Here are some other tips:
Dress for the
weather if you have to go out on chilly, cold, or
damp days.
Wear loose layers of
clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep
you warm.
Put on a hat and
scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head
and neck are uncovered.
Wear a waterproof
coat or jacket if it's snowy.
Change your clothes
right away if they get damp or wet.
Illness, Medicines,
and Cold Weather
Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to
stay warm.
Thyroid problems can make it hard to maintain a
normal body temperature.
Diabetes can keep blood from flowing normally to
provide warmth.
Taking some medicines and not being active also
can affect body heat. These include medicines you get
from your doctor and those you buy over-the-counter,
such as some cold medicines. Ask your doctor if the
medicines you take may affect body heat. Always talk
with your doctor before you stop taking any
medication.
Here are some topics to talk about with your doctor to
stay safe in cold weather:
Ask your doctor
about signs of hypothermia.
Talk to your doctor
about any health problems and medicines that can
make hypothermia a special problem for you. Your
doctor can help you find ways to prevent
hypothermia.
Sometimes it is hard
to tell if a person has hypothermia. Look for clues.
Is the house very cold? Is the person not dressed for
cold weather? Is the person speaking slower than
normal and having trouble keeping his or her balance?
Watch for the signs of
hypothermia in yourself, too. You might become
confused if your body temperature gets very low. Talk
to your family and friends about the warning signs so
they can look out for you.
Early signs of
hypothermia:
Cold feet and hands
Puffy or swollen
face
Pale skin
Shivering (in some
cases the person with hypothermia does not shiver)
Slower than normal
speech or slurring words
Acting sleepy
Being angry or
confused
Later signs of
hypothermia:
Moving slowly,
trouble walking, or being clumsy
Stiff and jerky arm
or leg movements
Slow heartbeat
Slow, shallow
breathing
Blacking out or
losing consciousness
Call 9-1-1 right away
if you think someone has warning signs of hypothermia.
What to do after you call 9-1-1:
Try to move the
person to a warmer place.
Wrap the person in a
warm blanket, towels, or coats—whatever is handy.
Even your own body warmth will help. Lie close, but
be gentle.
Give the person
something warm to drink, but avoid drinks with
alcohol or caffeine, such as regular coffee.
Do not rub the
person's legs or arms.
Do not try to warm
the person in a bath.
Do not use a heating
pad.
Hypothermia and the Emergency Room
The only way to tell for sure that someone has
hypothermia is to use a special thermometer that can
read very low body temperatures. Most hospitals have
these thermometers. In the emergency room, doctors
will warm the person's body from inside out. For
example, they may give the person warm fluids directly
by using an IV. Recovery depends on how long the
person was exposed to the cold and his or her general
health.
If your home doesn't
have enough insulation, contact your state or local
energy agency or the local power or gas company. They
may be able to give you information about weatherizing
your home. This can help keep heating bills down.
These agencies and companies may also have special
programs for people who have a limited income and
qualify for help paying the heating bill. Your local Area
Agency on Aging, senior center, or social service
agency may have information on these programs.
Emotional Care
The underserved dimension of assisted living
Article by Scott Hemenway CEO, The Geneva
Suites
10/17/18
As
a society we’ve become accustomed to warehousing our
seniors. The economics of typical assisted living
facilities work out well when there are more seniors
in one place. This model may work for seniors who are
relatively independent, enjoy large social circles and
don’t require too much care. But it’s a disaster for
seniors with higher physical and emotional care needs.
If you’ve been into an
assisted living facility lately chances are you saw
someone sitting by themselves for a very long time.
They may be sad, soiled, in need of a hug or just need
someone to talk to. The sad news is the system isn’t
designed for that. When one caregiver has 12 or more
seniors to get up, dressed, bathed and off to
breakfast there just isn’t time to sit with a resident
to talk. It’s not that caregivers don’t want to spend
emotional time with seniors. It’s that they often
can’t. They’re just too busy. As a result, emotional
care gets left out. Depression, anxiety and loneliness
are as rampant in America’s assisted living facilities
as any other disease. Yet the bulk of resources are
spent caring for the body.
Fortunately,
the tide is turning. “Small care” is a growing
thing. With small care, we are able to attend to the
high physical and emotional needs of residents. The
Geneva Suites (My company) and others like it are
popping up around the United States. Why? Not because
it makes the most economic sense for shareholders.
We’re not the most efficient or profitable business
model. However, we are the most caring model. When a
senior cannot return home due to health, “Small care”
is the softest landing there is. It is gut wrenching
to face the reality that mom or dad is never going
home again. Everyone cries. And we should. It’s a huge
life change that no one wanted or predicted. Yet there
it is. Dropped in everybody’s lap. Suddenly daughters
are no longer daughters. If mom or dad move in they’re
now caregivers, therapists, psychiatrists, bed
changers, personal chefs and medication administers.
(Sons too) When the decision to choose an assisted
living option comes it happens lightning fast. It’s a
confusing, scary and emotional process all at once.
And there’s no stopping it. The entire family goes
from being drivers of their own life to passengers.
Whatever the momentum of the industry is, that’s where
mom or dad go. As a result, seniors continue to be
funneled into large assisted living facilities, where
they just may not fit.
Pause for a moment and
consider the data:
Typical Small Care residence
Typical Big Box Facility
1 caregiver for every 3 resident
6 residents per home
Residential neighborhood
Heavy personal attention
Quick response time
Personal Choice Respected
1 caregiver for every 15 residents
109 residents per facility
Non-residential neighborhood
Light personal attention
Slow response time
Cookie cutter approach expected
We have much work to
do in order to perfect the dignity of care for our
seniors. It’s not an easy task. But the next time you
are discharging a patient, or considering where mom or
dad should go, ask yourself, “Will mom be happy here?”
By now you have
probably guessed that I’m driven by dignifying the
care of our seniors. I have chosen to create a company
that is dedicated to Small Care. We may not be the
most efficient or profitable, but I believe we are the
most caring kind of senior residential experience a
person can have.
Scott
Hemenway is founder of The Geneva Suites and an
advocate for seniors. Scott can be reached at
Scott@thegenevasuites.com.
At
Geneva Suites, we believe in superior care for each
resident. We have created a home experience that our
residents are proud of, where each member feels safe,
supported, and cared for. Residents benefit from
round-the-clock care supported by a staffing ratio of
1:3, 24 hours-a-day, every day, even at night. You
won’t find that level of care and attention at any
assisted living facility.
With 6 residential
locations, serving the greater Minneapolis, Minnesota
area, each senior residential home within The Geneva
Suites provides aesthetically beautiful surroundings
in which to reside. Contact us today for more
information at 612-208-8888.
Click Here to download our brochure.
Medicare
Cost plans won’t be available in most Minnesota
counties in 2019 due to a change in federal law. The
change affects more than 400,000 Minnesotans. Not
every Minnesotan will be affected by the change.
Medicare beneficiaries that have a Cost Plan are
concerned about what to do. Many Medicare
beneficiaries that do not have cost plans are
concerned about their plans too. Below is a list of
scenarios in Minnesota and whether you may need to act
to have continued coverage.
No Action required-
If you live in one of 21 Minnesota counties where Cost plans
will continue, you can keep your current Cost plan in
2019. You will receive your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) documents before
October 1. These documents will explain any changes to
your plan benefits and show your monthly premium
amount for 2019.
No Action required-
Individuals that have a Medicare Advantage or Medicare
Supplement (MediGap) plan already don’t need to do
anything.
No Action required
– Individuals with a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) with
Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement (MediGap).
No Action required but
investigation recommended –
Individuals that have a Cost Plan with an embedded
Prescription Drug Plan or with the same insurance
carrier will be automatically converted to an
Advantage Plan. Even though it is likely, please
confirm that your physician is in the new plan’s
network and that the plan is
reasonably priced and has the benefits, copays and
deductibles you are comfortable with compared to other
plans that are available. Confirm that the new
plan’s prescription drug formulary has the
prescription drugs that you are taking in the new
formulary and that they are reasonably priced compared
to other PDP Formularies. There are many new plans
available this year due to the changes in Minnesota
Action required
– Individuals that have a Cost Plan and a PDP (Part D)
with different insurance carriers must take action or
they will revert to Original Medicare only (parts A
and B) and will not have any type of Medicare
Supplement (Medigap) or Advantage Plan.
Recommended
- Even if you are converting to an Advantage
Plan or currently in an Advantage Plan, it may be in
your best interest to explore alternative Advantage
Plans. There are more major health insurance companies
entering the Minnesota market this year due to the
Cost Plan disruption. They may have Advantage Plans
and Prescription Drug Plan Formularies that are more
economical or better suited to your needs.
Remember
– If you are losing your Cost Plan this year you will
have the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare
Supplement (Medigap) policy with Guarantee Issue
Rights. That means you won’t have to medically qualify
for the supplement and they must cover all your
pre-existing conditions. If you are spending a lot of
money on hospital stays or Doctor/Clinic visits and
care, a Supplement may be your best option.
Many Minnesota seniors will likely see new
options from companies they already know. They may
also see Medicare plans from health insurance
companies that are new to the Minnesota market. It all
means you could have more Medicare plans to choose
from than ever before.
Whatever you choose to do, we can help with the
enrollment or conversion process. We can research the
plans and formularies to help you find the plan that
is best suited to you. There is never any cost for our
services. We are independent, Licensed and Certified
Medicare Agents.
Tom Prideaux Phone:
612-868-5329 TTY:711 tprideaux@prideauxgroup.com
OLDER ADULTS
BUILD MOMENTUM FOR
NATIONAL SENIOR CENTER MONTH
Article by
Deb Taylor
CEO of Senior Community Services
9/24/18
Today’s
older adults are a far cry from the era of your
great-grandparents. There is a new generation of
older adults looking to redefine retirement and
reimagine how we age. Now more than ever, older adults
are opting to “age in place”, a term used to describe
a person living in their own home independently and
safely without losing their quality of life. Senior
centers are undoubtedly an invaluable part of that
process. They serve as a community hub for older
adults, connecting them to indispensable services to
maintain and elevate wellbeing through a combination
of life engagement and both cognitive and physical
stimulation.
But it’s more than just keeping our older adults physically healthy and
independent; it’s about creating a physical space to
forge meaningful relationships within the community
that help foster purpose, prevent isolation, and
promote mental health. “Depression unfortunately is
very real for too many older adults in our community,”
says Pam Loidolt, Director of the Monticello Senior
Center, ”Being part of a senior center can help combat
depression and without a doubt improve a person’s
wellbeing.” Research shows older adults who feel
lonely and isolated are more likely to report also
having poor physical and/or mental health and is even
linked to quicker cognitive decline, high blood
pressure, and higher rates of elder abuse.
When
these centers are at their best, it’s because
intergenerational members of the community are coming
together to promote a positive image of aging as we
all grow older. So this year, take some time to
celebrate the many ways your own community’s senior
center builds momentum for the future of people’s
health, economic security, and independence. “Include
older people in all community and local decision
making,” says Steve Pieh, the Manager of Senior
Services at the Minnetonka Senior Center, “advocate
for meaningful senior programs and resources, for
older adults in their communities. Highlight active
roles and accomplishments of folks during their
retirement years. Evaluate how we use older workers,
in their various part or full time jobs.”
That’s exactly what aging in our society should look like; collaboration
between generations to create a richer and more
meaningful future for the members of our community.
It’s been 75 years since the first senior center
opened in the U.S., and with that comes 75 years of
experiences, lessons and wisdom. Looking forward,
we’re only going to continue to build on that momentum
with the help of lasting community engagement from all
ages to truly reimagine the way we age.
Deb
Taylor is the CEO of Senior Community Services and
its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that helps
older adults and caregivers navigate aging to maintain
independence and quality of life. We provide a wide
array of programs --
www.seniorcommunity.org
AAA
Movers and Rose’s Daughters Partner
to Produce the Ultimate Senior Move Experience. Packing/Unpacking, Downsizing, Organizing,
Sorting,
Clearing, Shipping, Storage, Waste Removal & Moving
9/20/18
Minneapolis,
MN: AAA
Movers, a leader in the moving industry and Rose’s
Daughters, a leader in the senior move management
industry, announce their partnership. In joining
forces, these leaders will maintain their consistency
and commitment to produce the ultimate senior move for
their customers and communities. Both companies are
members of the National Association of Senior Move
Managers (NASMM).
Click Here for Press Release.
AAA Movers
is a
full service storage and moving company in Minneapolis
that’s been delivering excellent service to
Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond for over 50 years.
They’re an award-winning leader in residential and
corporate moves, and they’re proudly committed to
ensuring your move is the best you’ll ever make. They
handle each of your possessions as if it were their
own.
Rose’s
Daughters is a senior move
management company in Minneapolis servicing the twin
cities and surrounding area with a personal touch
approach for over 16 years. They continue to help
people and seniors who are adapting to a new living
situation or just needing their services to improve
their quality of living.
Owner of AAA Movers, Joe Schwartz said, “… AAA Movers
has been providing professional moving services in the
Twin Cities since 1964, Our Team completes around
8,000 moves per year with our current demographic
between 35-50 years of age. I knew for AAA to provide
exemplary service to the Senior Community we would
need to partner with Rose’s Daughters who has been the
leading name in this industry for decades. When I
first met Eddie and Tommy I knew right then this is
who AAA would match very well with, their passion in
this industry is paramount, I also love their hands-on
approach with every move! This partnership will let
AAA focus on what we’re great at…moving!”
Owner of Rose’s Daughters, Eddie McGill said, “We have
stayed true to our core beliefs with our customers.
They appreciate our personal touch approach. I
couldn’t be happier to partner with a leader like AAA
Movers to continue servicing our communities. This
partnership will maintain our consistent, superb level
of service for our customers. This is exciting for the
communities we serve.”
As partners, AAA Movers and Rose’s Daughters will
maintain this experience:
Professional move-related
services with respect and understanding to their
customers and their families.
Handle every move as if it were
their own.
Use their superior industry
knowledge and a real understanding of the issues to
make their customers’ moves as stress free as
possible.
Offer strategic counsel, creative
solutions and timely, responsive move services.
AAA
Movers is one of the top moving companies in Minnesota
because we take care of all your moving needs from
start to finish so you can rest easy. Our highly
trained, professional movers are committed to making
sure you are 100% satisfied by showing up on time,
moving your belongings with care using the proper
equipment, and by providing top-notch customer
service. Smart moving. Safe packing. Secure storing.
Your AAA Movers team is with you every step of the
way. We promise. Contact us today for a free quote.
There are pros and
cons to every venture and when we look at them we
always need to look at them in the light of our
specific needs. My Mother always said, what is good
for the Goose is not necessarily always good for the
Gander… my Mom was not always conventional. As a
child, I would picture a Mom and Pop goose fighting
over the piece of bread at my Grandmothers farm.
Realizing that each one of us is coming at the process
with a different perspective is important. We can’t
always rely on our partner, friend, or family member
to understand our underlying challenges. My Father use
to say, “It is easy to assume but it is better to
not.” I think that was spurred by years of dealing
with my dear sweet unconventional Mother. When we
approach the idea of downsizing or estate sales, we
need to remember and consider all the voices that are
in the process. It is best, if we can sit down and
find a strategy that works with all parties. Consider
respecting the other persons feeling of loss – whether
that is your spouse, parent, sibling, friend or
another family member. If we can emotionally move on,
it will make the next phase of selling those items
less challenging.
We
are moving so I am going through and downsizing much
of my 93-year-old Mother’s items. As I packed up
things and got them ready to be sent to storage, I
notice how irritated she was getting, and I knew this
was not just her dementia. For the most part, she was
not losing her things they were just going to storage.
She went from “I don’t care about that any more” to
screaming at the top of her lungs, “get rid of it
all.” Taken back, I needed to find out what was going
on. During one of her rages, I sat with her and let
her vent and eventually the truth came out. In her
mind her treasures were no longer present, so they
were being taken away from her and therefore those
items were lost. She had already left her home and now
I was moving her to an even smaller space.
My
Mother is a depression kid and they moved a lot…her
Father moved where he could find work. He worked on
many of the New Deal projects but that would take him
and his family all over the Midwest. My mother lost a
lot during those days. She would get settled and then
she would need to move. From the time she was a baby
they were moving from one end of Minnesota to the
other side of the Dakotas. My Grandmother eventually
settled down but not until she was in her 60s and that
was after my Grandfather had passed away. So now that
you understand the back-story of my Mother - you
understand the reasoning for her irritation. She grew
up leaving things behind; she never could covet
special treasures, spend a decade in the same room, or
grow her roots anywhere. When she became an adult and
settled in her own place, she could grow those roots
that she never had as a child. When I packed up her
treasurers, I was cutting her roots. Now that I
understood, it became abundantly clear that I needed
to find different strategies for approaching this
situation. My Mother knew that things needed to go but
seeing them go in front of her eyes made it hard for
her to let them go…thus the irritation. I no longer
packed things when she was in the house. I would have
her friends take her out to dinner while my husband
and I would scramble to pack up and move the
knickknacks, dishes, curios to the garage before she
got home. She knew things were gone and she even would
ask about them. However, having this done in front of
her eyes was killing her emotionally but having it
done behind her back helped her feel less threatened.
We are down to her bed, dresser, night stand, lazy boy
chair and we have moved her upstairs with us for her
safety. She still has issues of loss, but we try to
give her positives assurance that things are going to
get better and she will be safe again…. giving lots of
hugs helps. The reality is, she will not have
everything she once had.
Some
things needed to be toss – broken knickknacks, worn
out furniture, etc. Some things needed to find a new
home – a dining room table and chair set she loved was
given to her Great Granddaughter. Together, she and I,
celebrated the passing of the torch so to speak as WE
dropped off the table. Some things have been packed
away for storage for when we arrive at our new home
and she can be surrounded by her lovely things again.
Understanding where she was coming from helped us move
forward in the process.
The
question I rose by the title of this article, “…is
that the question?” Are you ready to sell your lovely
treasures? Have you and your family identified what is
for family and what is for sale? Is that a hard line
or is that some wishy washing gray area that spans for
10 miles? Have you reconciled with the loss of these
items and you are ready to let go? Like my Mother
struggled with seeing those things being packed up -
some clients cannot handle watching even their Parents
items being sold without some emotional reaction. I
have worked with some Estate sales where the client
is, “get rid of, get rid of all of it… I don’t care
how – just get rid of it” and others where they just
can’t let go of even the little things and they
question even the way we price a pair of nail
clippers. The first step in an Estate Sale process is
letting it go. Whether you are a family member selling
your Mother and Fathers treasures; an Executor of an
Estate burdened with all the responsibilities of
wrangling the masses and distributing the proceeds; or
downsizing yourself - are you ready to let go? Even
the best Estate Sale Company in the country cannot
function properly unless you release those items to
our care and let us do our job. We need to prepare
your treasures - merchandize, advertise, market, and
sell those items. We need to have the freedom to
identify what can be sold and price them accordingly,
so they will be attractive to buyers. We need you to
allow us to function within the confines of our
contract so that we can do the best job for you. Yes,
there are shysters in the business. Yes, you should do
your homework when you choose a company – check the
BBB and other reliable sources. However, I believe I
can speak for my reputable colleges, I would say we
are there to take this burden from you, but we ask you
to be ready to let go.
With
Oldisknew.com, Estate Sales don't have to be a
burden. Let us do the work for you and we'll turn your
treasures into profits! We are Moving and Estate Sales
professionals who have 25+ years of experience. Our
associates have experience managing sales,
understanding market demand, and pricing. We provide
you with great looking setups, top advertising, and
peace of mind all sales are done with respect. Family
owned and operated business. We also offer after sale
cleanouts, professional appraisals and real estate
options. Give us a call today for more information!
Due to a change in federal law, many Minnesota seniors
with a specific type of Medicare plan, known as a
“Cost Plan”, may need to enroll in new Medicare
coverage for 2019.
Beginning January 1, 2019, Medicare Cost Plans will no longer
be available in Minnesota counties where at least two
Medicare Advantage plans are available. The passing of
the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA)
in 2015 requires insurance companies to convert Costs
Plan offerings to a Medicare Supplement or Advantage
Plan by the end of 2018.
Cost Plans, a hybrid version of Medicare Coverage provided by
private insurers, were introduced in 2009 and have
proven to be very popular in Minnesota. Over 90
percent of the nation's Cost Plan membership resides
in Minnesota. The change will impact many of the
nearly 400,000 Minnesota seniors with Cost Plans. They
may need to enroll in a Medicare Supplement or a
Medicare Advantage plan this Fall or choose to revert
to Original Medicare.
Cost Plan FAQ's
What happens if your plan is a Cost Plan?
If you have a Medicare Cost Plan, you will have coverage
through 12/31/2018 if you are in an affected area.
Your existing insurance company may have Medicare
Supplement and Medicare Advantage plan options for you
and they will contact you about your options.
What if I don't have a Cost Plan?
If you are currently enrolled in Medicare but are not on a
Cost Plan, you may be enrolled into a Medicare
Supplement (Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage plan. You
will not be affected by this change.
Will I need a medical exam or have to answer health questions
to get new coverage?
With Cost Plans going away, there will be a Guaranteed Issue
period where you may enroll in a Medicare Supplement
or Medicare Advantage plan. Guaranteed Issue means
there are no medical exams or required health
questionnaires. You will be guaranteed to receive the
Medicare plan you select (if available in your area).
Will
I lose coverage if I am currently on a Cost Plan and
don't do anything?
If you do nothing, you will still have Original Medicare.
I have more questions that are not answered here, who can
help me?
You may reach out to Tom Prideaux. He can help ensure you
understand all of the Medicare options.
Usage
of smart, internet-connected devices is becoming the
norm amongst people of all ages—even seniors.1
For the elderly, advanced technology and high-tech
devices make daily tasks easier and can enhance
quality of life. With technology, seniors have the
tools and assistance to be more independent.
When you think of a
"gamer," you probably don't think of a 65-year-old
woman spending her afternoon on the Wii. But think
again — an estimated 26% of people who play video
games are over the age of 50. What’s more, it turns
out that some of those older "gamers" are reaping some
very significant benefits as a result.
Here are some of the
social, cognitive, and physical benefits video game
technology has to offer seniors.
BETTER EMOTIONAL
WELL-BEING
Doing anything you
enjoy improves emotional health whether it be going
for a walk, meeting friends for lunch, or going to see
a movie. So, it's no surprise many seniors who enjoy
playing video games find themselves in better moods.
A recent
study of 140 seniors over 63 years old concluded
that regular — and even occasional — video gamers
reported greater well-being, social functioning, and
health than non-gamers. Not only were those indicators
positive, but the gamers showed significantly less
depression than non-gamers.
IMPROVED
BALANCE
Video games can
provide physical benefits, too. Certain games that
require physical interaction, like Wii Sports and
similar titles, can help seniors improve balance,
coordination, and reflexes due to the quick
decision-making and action required to play. Some
seniors have even reported faster walking speeds as a
result of playing video games.
Not only do video
games help emotionally and physically, but cognitively
as well. In fact, a University
of California San Francisco study showed
significant improvement in cognitive ability,
effectively reversing signs of aging, in seniors who
played 3D video games.
Playing video games
exercises a gamer’s memory, especially short-term
memory. Playing even occasionally can help seniors
remember things like names, addresses, phone numbers,
date, and times. In addition, video games force
players to switch quickly between different tasks.
That can lead to increased mental flexibility and
multi-tasking ability for seniors.
REDUCED RISK OF
ALZHEIMER'S
Amazingly, recent
research has even demonstrated a link between
playing video games and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.
With an estimated 5.5 million seniors suffering from
Alzheimer's in the U.S. alone, that's a big deal.
The study looked at
connections between 3D gaming and tissue growth in
different areas of the brain — especially the
hippocampus, an area associated with memory and
Alzheimer’s progression. The study linked gaming with
increased hippocampus gray matter in a group of 33
people between the ages of 55 and 75.
ALL THE BENEFITS —
PLUS LOTS OF FUN
"They
love it," says Katie, life enrichment director at Village
Senior Residence in Missoula, Montana, an assisted
living community that's residents play Wii bowling.
"They think it's fun." It's not competitive, just
great fun for players. "We encourage everyone to cheer
for each other. That helps everyone have even more fun
because they're cheering for everyone."
Of all the Wii Sports
games, our residents tend to prefer bowling. "It's a
fairly easy activity that many of them enjoyed before
moving to our communities," she says.
Not only are residents
at Village Senior Residence playing, but residents at Katella
Senior Living in Los Alamitos, California, and The
Inn on Westport in Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
enjoy it, too.
It's one of many
activities that residents both enjoy and benefit
from.
At The Goodman Group,
we pride ourselves in helping you make the most of
every moment.
Click Here to find out more about The Goodman
Group senior communities and experience just how rich
your life can be.
Are you planning a home renovation
project? Whether your remodeling the bathroom or the
kitchen, one of the main issues to consider is what
you’ll do with all the waste. Hauling away the debris
yourself means you have to sort, load, and properly
dispose of everything yourself.
The risk of damaging your car aside,
the waste created from renovation projects are often
too big and heavy to handle on your own.
Junk360
will help you haul all that renovation junk away.
Here’s what we do with it!
Donate!
Tons of materials from renovation projects are
reusable! This includes:
●Old appliances
●Construction materials
●Wood
●Tile
●Cabinets
●Doors and windows
●Lighting
●Door handles and cabinet
knobs
Junk360
will sort through all your remodeling waste and set
aside anything that can be donated. This keeps big,
bulky items out of landfills while helping others!
We’ll even take it to the donation center for you.
It’s a win-win.
Recycle!
Did you know that
Junk360
is an eco-friendly organization? We refuse to take
junk to a landfill unless it absolutely belongs there!
After setting aside every possible item for donation,
Junk360’s five-star customer service team will sort
through the remaining items for recyclables.
Here are a few of the things we’re looking for:
●Porcelain
●Masonry
●Carpet
●Concrete
●Tile
●Rock
●Lumber
●Plastic
●And more!
Don’t know what else to look for? We do! Let Junk360
help you cut down on your renovation waste! We make
taking things to the landfill a last resort.
360 That Junk!
If the remainder of your remodeling waste isn’t
salvageable or recyclable, Junk360 will load it into
our trucks and transport it to the proper facilities.
Aside from sorting through your waste for reusable and
recyclable items, here are some of the many benefits
of using Junk360 to haul away your junk.
●No
Pressure: Our estimates are
free with no obligations attached.
●Peace
of Mind: Junk360’s
renovation waste removal services are efficient,
eco-friendly, and safe.
●Community
Improvement: By using
Junk360, you’ll reduce your waste and give back to the
community.
●Five-Star
Service: Our friendly,
professional, and courteous staff are consistently
earning us five-star reviews.
A remodel or renovation is stressful enough. Why add
clean-up and waste removal to your list. With
Junk360,
you ensure that all your junk is hauled away properly
- leaving you to relax and enjoy your new space!
How Much Does Junk Removal Cost?
Junk360
offers the most transparent and competitive junk
removal prices in the Twin Cities and surrounding
areas. Since we charge by truck space, our pricing
includes sorting, loading, cleaning, and most fees.
Use our online chart to get an idea of our prices or
contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Contact us today at (651)
395-8659 or via our online
form.
Tips to Help Prevent
and Treat Hearing Loss During May’s Better Hearing &
Speech Month By
Sam Ho, M.D. chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare
Spurring
the increased risk is more frequent exposure to loud
sounds that can cause noise-induced hearing loss,
including the growing popularity of earbud headphones.
Hearing loss is especially common among older Americans,
but younger people can also be affected.
About 20 percent of people over age 12 experience
some level of hearing loss.
May is
Better Hearing & Speech Month, a reminder for people
to check their hearing health – and that of their loved
ones – to help prevent the condition or, if necessary,
obtain treatment. Research shows hearing loss is
associated with social isolation, dementia, depression
and increased risk of falls, reinforcing the fact that
hearing health is crucial to overall health.
To
help encourage better hearing health, consider these
tips:
·Limit
exposure to loud noises:
People should limit their exposure to loud sounds, such
as music, lawn mowers or motorcycles, to no more than 20
minutes at a time. Most Americans (82 percent) know that
exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss, but just
41 percent correctly recognized that both one-time
exposure to a loud sound and cumulative exposure to
moderately loud sounds can harm hearing health,
according to a recent UnitedHealthcare survey.
·Opt
for noise-cancelling headphones:
Over-the-ear headphones, especially models with
noise-cancelling properties, are generally considered a
better option than earbuds. When using earbuds, follow
the “60/60 rule,” which means listening for no more than
60 minutes at a time and at no more than 60 percent of
the player’s maximum volume. If someone else can hear
your music while you’re using earbuds, it’s an
indication of excessive volume.
·Talk
to a health professional and schedule a hearing test:
Common signs of hearing loss include turning up the
volume on the TV or radio to levels that others find too
loud, having trouble hearing people on the phone, and
difficulty following conversations in noisy
environments. Some primary care physicians are starting
to offer hearing testing, making it more convenient to
follow recommended guidelines, which includes being
screened at least every decade through age 50 and
then at three-year intervals thereafter.
Click Here for a list of Hearing Centers/Clinics
throughout Minnesota.
·Explore
ways to save on hearing aids:
Hearing aids can be expensive, but more affordable
options are available. Direct-to-consumer hearing aids
can enable people to save 60 percent or more compared to
devices sold through traditional channels. And a growing
number of health plans are offering coverage for hearing
aids, including through some
Medicare Advantage and employer-sponsored benefit
plans.
·Use
effective communication strategies
– Hearing aids are more helpful when people use
effective communication strategies, such as watching lip
movements and facial expressions, and selecting settings
that are “hearing friendly.” For example, people with
hearing loss should opt for restaurants that are
relatively quiet and go at times that are less busy.
Another strategy is to select a table along a wall or in
a corner, which will reduce background noise.
With hearing loss on the
rise, now is the time for prevention and treatment. By
following the above tips, people can help maintain their
hearing health and help those with hearing loss live
fuller, healthier lives.
Medicare’s “Extra Help”
program helps people with limited income pay for their
prescription medications
Making
ends meet should not mean going without your
medications. If you have limited income and resources,
you may qualify for Extra Help to pay for some health
care and prescription drug costs. Drug costs in 2018 for
most people who qualify for Extra Help will be no more
than $3.35 for each generic drug and $8.35 for each
other drug. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
estimates that more than 2 million people with Medicare
may be eligible for Extra Help but aren’t currently
enrolled to take advantage of this program. The law
establishes how your income and assets are counted:
• Life insurance
policies don’t count as resources.
• Any help you get from
relatives, friends, and others to pay for household
expenses—like food, mortgage, rent, heating fuel or gas,
electricity, water, and property taxes—doesn’t count as
income.
Many People Qualify and
Don’t Know It
Even
if you were previously turned down for Extra Help due to
income or resource levels, you can reapply. If you
qualify, you’ll get help paying for Medicare
prescription drug coverage premiums, copayments, and
deductibles. To qualify, you must make less than $18,090
a year (or $24,360 for married couples). Even if your
annual income is higher, you may still qualify for some
extra help. Your resources must also be limited to
$13,820 (or $27,600 for married couples). Resources
include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but not your
house or car.
Dual eligibility
Some people who are
eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual
eligibles.” If you have Medicare and full Medicaid
coverage, most of your health care costs are likely
covered.
You can get your
Medicare coverage through Original Medicare or a
Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). If you have Medicare
and full Medicaid, you'll get your Part D prescription
drugs through Medicare. And, you'll automatically
qualify for Extra Help paying for your Medicare
prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicaid may still
cover some drugs and other care that Medicare doesn’t
cover.
There’s No Cost or
Obligation to Apply
It’s easy and free to
apply for “Extra Help.” You, a family member, trusted
counselor, or caregiver can apply online at
socialsecurity.gov/i1020 or call Social Security at
1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.
(Note: this will only help you to enroll in the “Extra
Help” program, you will still need t contact your county
office for enrolling in Medicaid).
You can also get help
from the Minnesota Board on Aging and many tribal
organizations. Contact MBA at 651-431-2500, or
800-333-2433.
After a lifetime of
experiences and memories, your collections of
sentimental items will accumulate. Soon, your living
space, shelves, and boxes are stuffed with newspaper
clippings, photographs, gifts from family members, tax
returns, letters, and greeting cards. When that happens,
it’s time to declutter.
Why Should Seniors
Regularly Declutter?
While it’s always
difficult to purge, decluttering is especially important
for seniors. Some reasons for seniors to declutter
include:
Efficiency: With
time it can become more and more difficult to find
items you need. Decluttering cuts down on searching
and saves you time.
Safety: Clutter
is a tripping hazard. Decluttering enables you to move
about your home with peace of mind.
Focus: Because
messy environments affect cognitive thinking, it’s
important to have a clean space where you can process
information.
Tips for Seniors Decluttering
Go Slow: Don’t
try to tackle everything at once. After all, Rome
wasn’t built in a day. Instead, carve out two to three
hours per day. See what gets done, and then take a
break. Doing so will keep you from getting stuck, and
allow you to begin the next day with a positive
outlook.
Bring in an Objective
Party: Going
through all your old belongings is a challenge. Going
through all your old belongings objectively is
practically impossible. In that case, we recommend
bringing in an objective third party to make the
decisions easier. This could be a professional
organizer, downsizing service, or housekeeper. These
people will help you navigate the emotional terrain
effectively.
Ask Your Family to
Help: Tell
your loved ones you’re decluttering! This will give
them the opportunity to rescue items of remembrance or
personal value from your donation or junk pile. Also,
you might need help moving some of the heavier
objects…
What’s
the Next Step?
When you’re decluttering,
set up a space, bag, or box for the items you’re getting
rid of. At the end of each day, go through those items
and organize them into three sections:
Sell: If
there are items you want to sell, contact your local
consignment store. Craigslist and ebay are also great
ways to sell your stuff online.
Donate: Less
valuable objects make great donations. Call your local
charities to find out what items they need. Some of
them will even come pick those items up themselves,
saving you a trip.
Junk: At
the end of the day, throw out everything in your junk
pile. Don’t give yourself a chance to rethink it. It’s
worthwhile to hire a professional junk removal service
for larger items, such as furniture and old appliance.
Don’t add any more
options! Make sure you’re taking care of things
immediately. Otherwise they’ll continue to clutter up
your home.
Junk360
Can Help Seniors Declutter!
It’s important to for
seniors to regularly declutter their homes off all junk
and unused objects. Not only does a clutter free
environment keep you happy, it saves you (and your loved
ones) time and effort in the long run.
Junk360 is
here to help all seniors in decluttering their space!
Our professional, five-star staff can help seniors
organize their belongings and take care of all the heavy
lifting. We’ll even clean up afterwards!
Since
we charge by the truck space, our prices are guaranteed
to be the best. Call (651) 395-8659 to discuss and
schedule your junk removal or get a free
estimate online!
Don’t get bogged down in
the clutter. Leave it to us!
Isolation in Older Adults: What is it and how you
can help Article by
Deb Taylor of Reimagine Aging Institute
1/22/18
Recently,
AARP completed a report on the Framework for Isolation
in Adults Over 50. The report defines isolation as the
experience of diminished social connectedness stemming
from a process whereby the impact of risk factors
outweighs the impact of existing protective factors. A
person’s lack of social connectedness is measured by the
quality, type, frequency, and emotional satisfaction of
social ties. Social isolation can impact health and
quality of life, measured by an individual’s physical,
social, and psychological health; ability and motivation
to access adequate support for themselves; and the
quality of the environment and community in which they
live.
The report also states that isolation in
adults aged 50+ occurs due to a complex set of
circumstances and factors that exist at the individual,
social network, community and societal levels. The
primary risk factors associated with isolation include:
living alone, mobility or sensory impairment, major life
transitions, socioeconomic status (low income, limited
resources), being a caregiver for someone with severe
impairment, psychological or cognitive vulnerabilities,
location (rural, unsafe or inaccessible
neighborhood/community), small social network and/or
inadequate social support, language (non-English
speaking), and membership in a vulnerable group.
Isolation can also be triggered by the change/loss of
social network, social role, physical health, mental
health, and resources.
The
National Council on Aging estimated, in a recent study,
that 17% of all Americans over the age of 65 are
isolated because they live alone and face one or more
barriers related to geographic location, language, or
disability.
According to the findings in the report, the
most prominent individual-level risk factors for older
adults are living alone, having a physical impairment,
losing a partner and/or close friend, and losing an
important role such as employment.
This information is important to share
because, if we’re lucky, we will all one day have the
privilege of growing old. That’s why it’s crucial that
we care for those of us who are already there, right
now. But what do we do with this information? How can we
change this?
This time of year has everyone thinking
about how we can be better neighbors, friends, etc. to
those around us and ensure they have somewhere to go or
someone to be with during the holidays, but knowing how
to help prevent isolation is something we should be
concerned about all year long. Isolation is an ongoing
issue, not just a seasonal one.
Here are a few things you can do all year long to be a
friend to an isolated older adult:
Get to know your neighbors -
This is the first step. Maybe you have an
older adult living in your neighborhood that isn’t very
active in the community. Introduce yourself, invite them
to dinner, have coffee with them. The simplest acts can
make a big difference in the life of a person who’s
isolated.
Offer
to drive - Not having access to transportation can be a
big factor causing isolation for an older adult. If you
can’t personally drive them, offer to help them find an
organization that can. The holidays are just around the
corner. Maybe you want to gift an older adult a bus pass
to help them get around town.
Ask questions - As evidenced in the AARP report, there are
many reasons an older adult may be isolated and it may
have nothing to do with lack of transportation. They may
have just lost a loved one and are finding it hard to
find the motivation to leave the house or maybe they had
to move recently and don’t know anyone in town. They may
even have been feeling under the weather and haven’t
been able to talk to anyone about it. You will never
know if you don’t ask.
Encourage
social activities - Senior centers are great places for older
adults to engage with others as well as provide meaning
for them with a variety of activities offered from
woodworking to cards to yoga and more! With so many
options, you’d be hard pressed not to find an activity
you enjoy.
Offer to help - There may be a home project that is limiting
an older adult’s mobility. For example, they may have
trouble bathing themselves because they find it
difficult to stand in the shower for so long. Or, this
time of year, they may be limited by the snow on their
driveway that they’re unable to shovel on their own. Be
a neighbor and offer to shovel and salt a path for them.
Or better yet, give our HOME program a call at
952-746-4046 to set up regular snow removal or a free
in-home safety assessment to ensure the older adult is
as safe and mobile as they are able to be.
There
are numerous simple ways in which you can help prevent
isolation in older adults, many of which require only a
few minutes of your time. These are just a few
suggestions. We hope that by reading this article you
will become more aware of the older adults in your life
and community and begin to engage with them more often.
Older adults add so much value to our communities, it is
time to show them the appreciation and support they
deserve. In closing, I have just one question for you,
what will you do to help prevent isolation in the lives
of the older adults in your community today?
Deb
Taylor is the CEO of Senior Community Services and its
Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that helps older
adults and caregivers navigate aging to maintain
independence and quality of life. We provide a wide
array of programs --
www.seniorcommunity.org
Any
real estate agent worth their salt will tell you that
spring and summer are the peak home-buying season. But
don’t despair just yet! According to a study by the real
estate company Refin, December
through May is the best time to list your home.
Winter buyers tend to be the more serious shoppers,
and data shows that homes sold in winter often go for
more money that those in summer. Therefore, we at
Junk360 thought we’d provide a couple of tips for
selling your home during the winter season.
Create a
Sense of Warmth
With the sun setting
earlier every day, it’s important to keep that darkness
from creeping into your home. Potential buyers prefer
well-lit houses and a sense of welcoming warmth. While
that’s easy enough in the summer, creating that
atmosphere in the cold darkness of winter requires a
little creativity.
Junk360 suggests the
following for adding more brightness to your home:
Open your blinds. Minimal
window coverage means that the windows look bigger and
encourages whatever daylight is left to shine into
your home.
Experiment with
different light bulbs. Find
the most flattering tone for each space. Go for cozy
and bright. LEDs in general play well with interior
color palettes. However, bedrooms and living space
tend to look best with a soft white bulbs while
daylight bulbs brighten up bathrooms.
Add extra light. Any
dark “walk through” spaces are going to stand out in
the dreariness of winter. Installing recessed lighting
or even adding some lamps on a timer into these space
will go a long way during a showing.
Include some summer
photos. In
the Twin Cities, chances are the lawn’s going to be
buried under a couple inches (or a couple feet) of
snow. Buyers might hesitate to buy a house if they
can’t even see the land that it’s on. While you can’t
control the weather, a great way around this is to
include a photo album or even a slideshow of the
exterior in the fall, spring, and summer. Make sure to
highlight your lawn’s best features, such as vegetable
gardens, flower beds, and decks with all the outdoor
furniture in place. This will help the buyer envision
themselves in your home year round.
Taking these simple
steps ensures that your property sparkles against the
seasonal backdrop, especially in comparison to other
houses on the market.
Turn up
the Heat
Hey,
Minnesota! Just in case you didn’t notice, winter is
cold. And the one thing buyers in the Twin Cities
definitely aren’t looking for is a cold house. Double
check your doors and windows for drafts. If you do find
any, spend a little extra time and money to insulate and
weather seal them.
Make sure your boiler
and furnace are in top shape. If possible, get them
inspected by a maintenance team before the house goes on
the market. Ask them to leave an inspection sticker in
plain sight since buyers will want to make sure those
systems are up and running.
If you have a fireplace
or wood burning stove, now’s the time to show them off.
The smell of burning wood triggers positive sense
memories.
But, whatever you do,
don’t turn the heat off, even if you’re selling a vacant
property. If you must, put your heating system on a
timer to make sure that the house is at least 65 degrees
during the showing. Buyers don’t want to spend more than
a few minutes in a freezing property. Don’t lose an
opportunity to showcase your house’s features because of
the temperature!
De-Junk
and Deep Clean
Always
declutter and depersonalize. That’s sound advice for
selling a home year round. This is the time to get rid
of all the junk you don’t want to move with you to the
next house anyway. Give Junk360 a call at 651-395-8659,
and we’ll help you junk that stained spare mattress or
the armchair your cat’s shredded away over the past five
years.
You can also start
packing up all the seasonal items you won’t need for the
next couple months. Summer clothes, outdoor sports gear,
and patio furniture can all get boxed up or even placed
in storage. This helps declutter the house space,
allowing potential buyers to envision how their
belongings will look nestled against the walls.
Additionally, a
decluttered home is easier to clean.Try to dry mop and
remove all dust and dirt that’s settled into the cracks
and corners. Vacuum area rugs and carpets. Sweep
hardwood floors and keep toys tucked away. Decluttering
and de-junking your house will help you maintain
cleanliness between showings.
Just because it’s winter
doesn’t mean that buyers can’t appreciate what your
house has to offer. Follow these steps to prep your
house for the best offer of the season! Contact
our friendly, five-star movers at Junk360, and
breath a sigh of relief. We promise to do all the heavy
lifting!
Need a Real Estate professional to
help you sell your home?
A
stroke is a serious and sometimes life-threatening
condition. It is a leading cause of disability and the
fourth leading cause of death among Americans. Until
recently, if you were to experience a stroke, supportive
care was all that was available. But now, stroke
management has progressed to a point where a stroke can
be stopped in its path.
There are treatments
available that can prevent or limit disability caused by
a stroke as well as saving many lives. The success of
such treatments is dependent upon how much time has
passed since the stroke symptoms appeared. Therefore,
the early recognition of a stroke by the patient or
their family is of the utmost importance. This article
will attempt to give you the information you need to
recognize a stroke and respond accordingly.
Recognizing a Stroke by
Signs and Symptoms
Because the medical
management of stroke varies depending on the length of
time since symptoms first appeared, and due to the fact
that this will affect prognosis, a prompt recognition of
a stroke is extremely important.
Keep in mind that stroke
symptoms usually start quite suddenly and get worse over
time. You may be sitting at a table and suddenly be
unable to hold your coffee cup or get your words out
correctly. Signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden
onset of weakness on one side of the body and slurred
speech or dysarthria, meaning, the inability to make
your words come out right. A sudden change in the way
you walk or feeling that one leg is not “acting right”
can be a sign of stroke. Some patients also notice
changes in their ability to see. Loss of balance is
another common sign of stroke. Patients who have
bleeding around their brain may complain that “they have
the worst headache of their life”.
A useful acronym to
recognize and respond to stroke is FAST:
Face
- Drooping of one side of the face. Ask the person to
smile and note if it is uneven.
Arms
- Weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask the person to
lift both arms. Does one extremity drift downward or
is the person unable to lift it?
Speech
- Difficulty in speech, is it slurred? Ask the person
to repeat a phrase and note any changes in speech.
Time
- If any of these symptoms are present, it’s time to
call 911 immediately. Also, take note of the time
since symptoms onset, which will be required by
doctors to decide on appropriate treatment.
In the case of an
hemorrhagic stroke the symptoms appear in a more abrupt
way and varies from the ischemic one, the headache is
the first thing to appear, it consists on a very severe
pain which makes the patient feel like “his head is
gonna explode”, then the rest of the symptoms start to
appear.
Nausea and vomiting are
common along with dizziness and a very stiff neck and
are accompanied by confusion and even seizures, this set
of symptoms are called “meningeal syndrome” due to the
inflammation of the meninges (a set of membranes that
cover the brain and spinal chord), thanks to a severe
and sudden hemorrhage in the brain.
It is important to
remember though, that the only and best way to ascertain
the type of stroke along with the adequate treatment for
it, is through imaging studies, for example, a CT scan
or an MRI, this last one uses magnets and radio waves in
order to create pictures of the organs and structures of
the body. This test can detect changes or damage to the
brain tissue. All of this is done in the confines of a
medical center, so it’s important to take note that we
have to act fast in order for the adequate treatment to
happen.
For seniors transitioning to smaller homes, the
prospect of downsizing can seem overwhelming. While Junk360
is able and prepared to assist with junk removal and
hauling, there are a few actions seniors and their
families can undertake to start the process.
First, start early.
Seniors have a lifetime of things to sort through.
Planning a day or a weekend to downsize just isn’t
practical and will leave you feeling rushed and
overwhelmed. Instead, give yourself a month or two. This
will allow you to go through one room at a time, taking
breaks as needed.
Know
Your Goals.
Hopefully, you have an estimated size of your next
space. If you currently own a four bedroom three
bathroom house, and you plan on downsizing to a two
bedroom two bathroom then eliminate two bedrooms and one
bathroom worth of stuff. Does your new place have a
smaller kitchen? If so, weed through a third of your
cooking supplies. For seniors downsizing, knowing how
much space you’ll have and what you need to get rid of
helps elevate some of the doubt and anxiety of
decluttering.
Don’t start with photos.
Margareta Magnusson,
the master of senior downsizing and decluttering
herself, offers this important piece of advice. Starting
with photos risks losing yourself in memories and never
accomplishing anything. Instead, start in areas with
little emotional attachment. The laundry room or linen
closet for example. As you sort, make only ‘yes’ and
‘no’ piles – no ‘maybes’ or ‘ifs.’
Get
rid of what you can.
Especially the duplicates. Seniors downsizing to a one
bedroom apartment won’t need five sets of bed sheet. If
you’re moving to a place with no garage or office area
then everything in those rooms will need to get
eliminated. If you collect football jerseys or glass
figurines, pick the two or three that mean the most to
you and give the rest away. Yard sales are a great way
for seniors to downsizing – passing on materials to
others looking to make their own memories.
Involve the family.
Enlisting trusted loved ones to help seniors downsize
and declutter can turn a painful task into a helpful
heart-to-heart. Maybe your daughter doesn’t want that
china set; maybe she wants the rolling pin you taught
her to take pies with. You’ll remove items from your
home while being able to enjoy passing them onto the
next generation, making you happy while lightening the
load.
Finally, ask for help.
Garages, attics, and basements are the most difficult
areas to tackle. Not only are those the spaces where we
tend to shove our junk, but they’re uncomfortable spaces
that run swelteringly hot to bone chillingly cold
depending on the season. This is the point of the
process where Junk360 can help.
Junk360
is prepared to assist you organize your clutter, haul
away the leaf blower that hasn’t worked in years, clean
out the garage, and remove the junk from your basement.
With a careful eye, Junk360 can aid seniors downsizing
figure out what to donate and what to haul away. As a
community orientated, veteran-owned business, Junk360 is
ready to help you save memories and remove the clutter.
You may have heard terms
like “problem gambling” or “gambling addiction” but what
do they really mean? Are seniors more at risk for
developing these afflictions? And what can you do to
make sure you gamble safely?
Most people gamble
within their means and enjoy it as a regular form of
recreation. But unfortunately, some take it to excess
and it becomes an obsession that they can’t stop.
Problem
gambling, also known as gambling addiction or compulsive
gambling, is defined as the urge to gamble despite
harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. It’s
estimated that approximately 160,000 to 214,000
Minnesotans struggle with this addictive disorder, which
can destroy lives, threaten family relationships and
empty retirement savings.
Today’s seniors are
gambling more than any previous generation of older
adults, whether it’s spending an afternoon at the
casino, playing weekly bingo or placing wagers on
sporting events. Accompanying this increase in gambling
participation has been a rise in the number of people
developing gambling addiction.
Seniors are particularly
vulnerable to gambling addiction because they:
·are often
coping with big changes or facing life transitions and
losses, such as the death of loved ones, end of a career
or isolation from family and friends
·may not
understand addiction, making them less likely to
identify a gambling problem
·may be
less willing to seek assistance for a gambling problem
than younger adults
·may hide
their gambling because of the perceived stigma
associated with it
·are rarely
asked by health professionals about their gambling
activities
·may have
easy access to gambling and be drawn to gambling to fill
time or to be with other people
·may suffer
from a cognitive impairment that interferes with their
ability to make sound decisions
Compared
to younger generations, seniors with gambling problems
are up against the challenge of time. In the event of
financial problems caused by the addiction,
they have fewer
remaining years to earn additional wages to recoup their
losses and rebuild retirement savings.
What are the Signs of
Gambling Addiction in Seniors?
Because seniors tend to
live away from their younger family members, their
addiction can remain hidden for long stretches of time.
However, there are some detectable signs that an older
adult may have a gambling problem. Seniors may:
·appear
withdrawn or be frequently unavailable
·be vague
when describing their days and activities
·have
sold off their valuable possessions for unexplained
reasons
·talk a
lot about exciting wins, but never discuss their
losses
Safe Gambling Tips
To minimize your chances
of developing problems with your gambling, there are
things you can do. The following tips can help you stay
in control and keep it fun.
·Play for
fun, not just for money
·Bet only
what you can afford to lose
·Don’t
play to escape or cope with problems
·Never
gamble when stressed, depressed or in recovery from
other addictions
·Know
when to quit; don’t chase your losses
·
Understand that everyone loses over time
·Gamble
only with money set aside for entertainment
·Avoid
mixing gambling with alcohol or other substances
·Never
borrow money to play
·Balance
recreational gambling with other healthy activities
·Know
where to get help
Help
Is Available
If you or someone you
know needs help, call the Minnesota Problem Gambling
Helpline at 800-333-4673. The Helpline is available
24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides free,
confidential help from specially trained counselors.
Treatment is available at no cost to Minnesotans with
gambling problems. Additional resources available in
Minnesota can be found
here. More information about senior gambling can be
found
here.
Open
Enrollment will start on November 1, 2017 and go through
January 14, 2018.
Minnesota’s enrollment
period will be longer than the federal period, but the
window of opportunity is still short. Not only is the
window of opportunity changing, but many of the plans
are changing, too. There will be caps on several of the
plans again this year, so it is a good idea to prepare
for it to ensure you can get the right coverage for the
providers who are important to you.
Here’s a few tips to help you get through it:
1. If you need help
with Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care enrollments,
it’s best to contact a navigator if you have
questions. They often have access to additional
social services and community resources that brokers
typically don’t have. Brokers are great for helping with
traditional health policies both on and off the
exchange, as well as other types of insurance policies.
2. Be sure you can
use your online account. All plans and renewals must
be done online. It’s a good thing to check out your
account before open enrollment starts.
Write everything down
and keep it in a safe place
Since
this is a yearly process, it is easy to forget what you
did before, or what are the answers to your security
questions.
Confirm your username
and password
A good strategy for
avoiding a call to the MNsure Contact Center is to reset
passwords online. Forgotten user names or passwords can
be recovered with the appropriate links on the Sign In
page.
Update your account
information
It’s important for
enrollees to update their MNsure account if any of their
household information changes. This could include a new
address, changes to income or changes to family size.
Updating records will ensure that notices and forms are
mailed to the correct address, the amount of financial
help enrollees qualify for is adjusted, and accurate
information about available plans is provided.
Account updates should
be reported to the MNsure Contact Center before open
enrollment begins: 1-855-366-7873 or 651-539-2099.
3. Don’t start a
new account. It’s tempting to do this if you have
forgotten your login information from last year, or you
are having trouble logging into the system, but having
multiple accounts on the exchange can wreak havoc in a
lot of ways. Call the Contact Center for help in
accessing your current account.
4. Be aware
that many of the insurance plans will be changing
networks and providers who are in their networks for
next year. It’s a good idea to do some preliminary
“window shopping” before you enroll. It’s also a good
idea to enroll early because many of the plans will have
caps again this year, too.
5. Schedule
an appointment with a broker or an assister. Help
can happen either in person or online, but with the
shortened window this year, many calendars are already
filling up.
If
you are in the 694/35W area of the metro area (or are
willing to travel to that area) and need help with a
traditional plan, I’d be happy to help you sort things
out. In addition, I am also credentialed to help with
Medicare enrollments.
If you are anywhere in
the state and need help with Medical Assistance or
Minnesota Care plans, call the Contact Center and tell
them you need and assister to help with those programs.
MNsure Contact Center:
1-855-366-7873 or 651-539-2099
Healthcare
Directives go by various names such as advanced
directives or a living will. If you are confused about
the difference, do not worry because many are confused.
There is no difference except for what each particular
state calls these directives.
A basic healthcare directive is allowing another person,
usually a relative, to make healthcare decisions for
you. These are used when the grantor, the one who gives
the power to make the decisions, can no longer make the
decisions necessary due to incapacity. However, the
directive has to be in place prior to incapacity. A key
requirement is that the grantor have capacity to give
the power.
These
go beyond just granting the power to make decisions but
may also specify specific instructions to follow. Famous
cases involve "Permanent Vegetative States" where the
grantor is without brain function but may still have
body function. This where the Grantor may specify that
they do not want to live on machines or how long they
want to be in that state before making a decision.
A
healthcare directive can do much good for the family of
the grantor by specifying wishes or allowing one person
to make the decisions necessary. This prevents a family
from guessing and fighting about what they think that
the Grantor would want in any serious scenario. This can
also save a lot of money if the Grantor loses capacity
and needs someone to make decision. Without the document
necessary the family of the person would have to spend
quite a bit of money to get guardianship of the person.
A little planning in
advance can save time, money, and headaches in the long
run. If you have any questions please contact Ahmed at
Ahmed@BachelaniLaw.com
Final
Expenses Insurance - RJF Brokerage Services Robert
Frello
Final expense insurance is
designed to cover the bills that your loved ones will
face after you pass. Even a very basic funeral can
costs thousands of dollars. Find out today why it
makes sense to have final expense insurance to help
your loved ones avoid the burden of those costly
bills. We can help protect your assets from the
nursing home! Call Bob Frello today for complete
information on what would work best for you.
Major
upcoming
changes to the reverse mortgage program may have
dominated industry headlines over the past week, but
financial planners have continued to respond to another
Home Equity Conversion Mortgage story: a Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau
report that warns against using the products to
delay Social Security payments.
Last week, American
College of Financial Services professor Jamie Hopkins
took to two online news sources —
Forbes and
The Hill — to rebut the CFPB, which posited that the
costs associated with a reverse mortgage outweigh the
benefits of using a HECM line of credit to delay Social
Security payments.
The strategy,
popularized in recent years as a novel
financial-planning use of the HECM, remains valid,
according to Hopkins and others who have weighed in on
the issue.
“If anything, the
strategy is probably vastly underused, not over,”
Hopkins
wrote in Forbes, questioning why the CFPB would
spend a significant amount of time criticizing a
strategy that remains relatively rare in the retirement
world.
The main benefit of
putting off Social Security as long as possible, Hopkins
claims, comes from protecting against a
longer-than-expected retirement — something that the
CFPB didn’t consider by basing its analysis on the
average lifespan of American retirees. He also objected
to the way the bureau calculated the costs of a reverse
mortgage, arguing that its estimate was inflated.
Hopkins expressed
similar opinions in a piece this week from Investment
News, which also dove into the tax implications of using
a HECM to delay Social Security. Curtis Cloke, a
retirement planner in Iowa, told the publication that
the CFPB didn’t think about the tax implications of
taking or deferring Social Security benefits.
“Depending
on the total household income, the reverse mortgage
creates cash flow without tax, while the Social Security
benefit could create tax,” Cloke told Investment News.
“Taxes were completely ignored in this paper.”
Cloke emphasized that
the strategy is more complicated than simply using the
proceeds instead of Social Security payments, and
recommended that borrowers establish a line of credit as
soon as possible to cover a variety of potential
eventualities — adding that other investment products,
such as bonds or CDs, may not mature when retirees need
them most. He also advised borrowers to pay back the
reverse mortgage proceeds to take advantage of potential
tax benefits.
“The ability to have
access to a reverse mortgage line of credit while
waiting for the maturity date to pay off the loan
balance may actually enhance the total net worth, taxes,
and optimization of the use of a reverse mortgage,”
Cloke told the publication.
Earl
Rose
Vice President of Mortgage Lending Reverse Mortgage Specialist
First
licensed in Real Estate in 1979, Earl’s many, many years
of experience in both the Real Estate and mortgage
industries, affords him the ability to share with the
public and his clients, the wisdom of real life
experiences. It is that experience that drives his
passion for Reverse mortgages. Earl has been a VP of
Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate since 2009 and has
been originating Reverse mortgages since 2003 and
currently Reverse mortgages are his exclusive product
offering. Earl’s originating and education endeavors are
supported by a very experienced Reverse mortgage
processing staff and his entire group is highly regarded
in the Reverse industry as one of the best for not only
how they handle the client, but how well they assemble
and close client files. Contact Earl today. His
experience is your key to understanding what some find
at times to be a ‘different’ but very intriguing and
useful consumer product. Reverse mortgages.
By
now you have heard the news about the security breach at
Equifax. This is the fifth database from which my
information has been stolen, so I can appreciate the
headaches this type of thing can cause.
Identity theft can
happen to everyone. Not just adults, but children, too,
are at risk for having their information stolen and used
illegally. It affects us all.
Here are some quick
statistics about the impact of it:
Hundreds of Millions of
Americans’ Identities have been reported lost or stolen
since Jan 2005. –
www.privacyrights.org
Over 400,000 Dead People
opened Bank accounts last year.
The revenue from
trafficking financial data has surpassed that of drug
trafficking. – US Secret Service
As a victim of identity
theft, you are guilty until proven innocent!
There is more than one
way your information can be used:
Criminal ID Theft occurs when a bad guy uses your
ID when committing a crime.
Employment ID Theft begins when fraudster uses
your social security number and other information to
obtain employment.
Medical ID Theft happens when someone uses your
medical information.
Financial ID Theft is used to gain access to your
financial records and accounts:
Most noted and feared
Can ruin someone for years
But accounts for only 17% of overall ID Theft events
Myth 1: Given the time frame
of when the breach at Equifax happened, if they haven’t
used my information by now, thieves won’t ever use it.
Truth:
Thieves have
no particular time frame in which they work. Sometimes
they will hold onto the information to use later when
they think you are confident the threat is over and are
no longer paying attention.
Myth 2: I don’t have credit
so I don’t have anything to worry about.
Truth:
Credit is only one part, and often the smaller part.
It’s your social security number that is more useful to
them, because they can use it in multiple ways to
establish credit. In fact, those without credit or
recent credit are more likely to not monitor their
report, which gives thieves more opportunity to do some
damage to you.
Myth 3:
All of the “Identity Theft” products are the same.
Truth: Read and listen to what
they are saying before you buy anything. Those that say
they will only monitor your credit report are not worth
considering. For example, when someone uses your
information to get a driver’s license, that’s not
something that will show up on your credit report.
Besides, monitoring just your credit report is something
you can do on your own.
So, What Can You Do?
Check the Equifax site
to see if you were impacted. If you were, sign up for
the service they are offering.
Even if they say you
weren’t impacted, check your credit report and lock your
report and ask for it to be locked. Also, remember that
everything is not always reported to all three agencies,
so it is a good idea to check Transunion and Experian,
as well.
A good resource to check
out is
www.IdentityTheft.gov. It has a checklist of steps
to take if you think your information has been utilized.
They collect information
from a wide variety of public sources and will be able
to show you items such as real estate transaction and
ownership data, lien, judgment, and bankruptcy records,
professional license information, and historical
addresses.
They also can give you a
FACT report. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions
Act (FACT Act) was enacted in 2003 and amends the Fair
Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a federal law that
regulates, in part, who is permitted to access your
consumer report information and how it can be used. The
FACT Act entitles a consumer to obtain one free copy of
his/her consumer file from certain consumer reporting
agencies during each 12-month period.
LexisNexis® Risk
Solutions has a company that maintains consumer files
that are subject to the free disclosure requirement:
C.L.U.E. Inc. maintains information on insurance claims
histories. This company designed an easy process for
consumers to request their free file disclosure.
The
C.L.U.E. Personal Property report provides a seven-year
history of losses associated with an individual and
his/her personal property. The following data will be
identified for each loss: date of loss, loss type, and
amount paid along with general information such as
policy number, claim number and insurance company name.
The C.L.U.E. Auto report
provides a seven-year history of automobile insurance
losses associated with an individual. The following data
will be identified for each loss: date of loss, loss
type, and amount paid along with general information
such as policy number, claim number and insurance
company name.
Remember, it’s not about
what you have or have not done with regards to your
personal information. It’s about who else is using it,
and making sure you are keeping your information safe.
If
you have any questions, or need help with finding other
resources, feel free to contact me.
As
we move through life many of us find ourselves needing
to help a family member or friend with a medical
condition. Chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's
and other dementias require longer-term, possibly
every-increasing assistance. Problems with thinking and
memory conditions lead to new, different and often
challenging behaviors. In addition, caring for
someone with Alzheimer's often means helping them deal
with other medical problems that are often difficult to
recognize.
This book is a
resource for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or
dementia who are also beginning to experience
non-memory-related medical conditions. It
addresses 54 medical conditions that caregivers often
must deal with when providing care. Each medical
condition is addressed in an easy-to-follow, two-page
guide that provides basic facts about the medical
condition, signs that indicate a possible emergency,
tips on providing relief in the home, other related
issues to watch out for, and safety tips for the
caregiver.
Written by experts at the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill and Duke University, this book is based
on the latest clinical knowledge and scientific research
on Alzheimer's and the care of Alzheimer's and dementia
patients. It includes basic facts about
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and practical
guidance when conferring with doctors and nurses, when
visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living
residences, and during the dying process. Also, an
entire chapter is devoted to what caregivers need to do
to take care of themselves while helping someone with
Alzheimer's and related dementia.
This amazing
informational book is available at all major bookstores,
Amazon and Sunrise River Press (www.sunriseriverpress.com
or 1-800-895-4585).
About
the Editor: Philip Sloan, MD, MPH, the
Elizabeth and Oscar Goodwin Distinguished Professor of
Family Medicine at the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), is a geriatrician with over 35
years of experience managing and researching issues
related to older persons, with a focus on Alzheimer's
disease and related cognitive disorders and those who
assist them with care and services. Among his many
awards are the Academic Award from the National
Institute on Aging and the Pioneer Award from the
national office of the Alzheimer's Association. He
has authored over 300 publications, including 18 books.
In
the field of Neurologic Music Therapy, exciting
new evidence is emerging as studies of music’s effects
on the brain become more credible. While music in
itself cannot cure Alzheimer’s Disease and the many
forms of Dementia, it is certain that the use of music
can greatly enhance the lives of our loved ones and
increase their quality of life for an extended period of
time. One does not have to be a Music Therapist, or
even a trained musician, in order to implement some of
the basic strategies that have been found to be
effective while caring for someone with a cognitive
impairment.
Whereas speech, physical movement, etc., utilize just
one small area of the brain, music activates all of the
neuropathways throughout both the brain’s right and left
hemispheres. Music is the only medium that provides a
direct link to all of our senses and to our executive
functions: cognition, speech and communication,
emotions, motor control, eyesight, hearing, taste,
smell, and touch. Music is “full brain,” and music is
“sensory.” These are key factors in helping our loved
ones to communicate as fully as possible for as long as
possible. The more sensory input they receive, the
greater their opportunity to respond verbally in order
to tell us what they need, thereby increasing their
quality of life.
Here are some specific ideas on how and when to utilize
music with a loved one in daily living:
·For
Speech and Communication: Singing. It is important that the songs be familiar
and of the preferred musical genre of the person with
memory loss. Whether she/he likes country music,
classical, patriotic, or hymns, etc., use songs of
his/her favorite artist. Popular music from the decade
of their twenties will most often elicit a response.
Depending on their level
of
cognition, singing a song (audioinput) while holding their hand (tactile input) and
making close eye contact (visual input) may produce a
response. (Repetition might be necessary because of
delayed cognitive processing). However, if your loved
one is able
to sing, then the perfect time to ask if anything is
needed is immediately after the song, ie: “Are you
hungry/thirsty?
Are you cold/warm? Does anything hurt?” - All helpful questions to
obtain information that if communicated, can add to
their level of comfort. You may in turn find that your
loved one’s verbal ability increases for an extended
period of time after singing.
·For
Reality Orientation: Use recordings
of their favorite music to orientate your loved one to
time of day, transporting, and activities of daily
living. Structure is very helpful as cognition
declines. Recordings of morning and breakfast
songs to start each day; songs about food when eating;
songs about water when bathing; songs about
walking/marching/dancing to exercise or to move from one
place to another; and finally, songs about evening and
bedtime for relaxation and comfort.
·For
Memory Recall: Utilize old pictures
with associated songs to begin conversations
(Visual/audio input). Reminiscence contributes to life
satisfaction and intimacy.
·For
Improved Mood / Emotional Expression:
Music can be used to redirect difficult behaviors and to
allow for feelings to be addressed.
·For
Relaxation/Pain Management: Instrumental
recordings of soft and slow, rhythmic songs to focus on
can be helpful to decrease agitation, anxiety, stress
and insomnia.
·
In addition to providing mental stimulation, all of the
above serve as a means to combat social isolation and
withdrawal as well as provide opportunities for
spiritual support, if desired.
It is our hope that the information provided here about
the use of music in memory care can be of some
assistance to those in both private and professional
caregiving roles. Please feel free to contact Karen
Blomgren, MT-BC, NMT at Mary T. Hospice for more
information, as well as for specific questions
concerning your loved one. Call Karen at 763-760-3519.
Mary T. Inc.
Karen Blombgren, MT-BC, NMT
763-760-3519
www.marytinc.com
A few months ago, I
woke up with what later turned out to be a sinus
infection. It was annoying, but I have a busy schedule
and really didn’t relish the thought of having to go sit
in a waiting room for hours, and then there were the
co-pays and deductibles to deal with, too. Besides
that, I was sure it would go away on its own, if I
ignored it long enough. Finally, I got tired of tissues
and clearing my throat every time I wanted to talk, and
decided to do something about it. Then it occurred to
me, I didn’t have to take time off from work. I have
access to telemedicine providers, and to solve the
financial side of things, if I use telemedicine, I have
no co-pays or deductibles.
What
is telemedicine?
It is the ability to use technology – either the phone
or through video – to have a live consultation with a
medical provider. All providers have to be licensed and
credentialed in order to provide the services. Some
plans use nurse practitioners, some use MD’s, others use
a combination of the two.
Its purpose is to
augment or supplement the services of your primary care
provider (if you have one), and provide an alternate
option to receiving care.
What services can be
provided by telemedicine?
Telemedicine can be
used for a wide variety of health services. Here’s a
short list of common conditions a primary care doctor
may treat via telemedicine:
Allergies
Arthritic Pain
Asthma
Bladder Infections
Bronchitis
Cellulitis
Colds and Flu
Conjunctivitis
Diarrhea
Infections
Insect Bites
Joint Aches and Pains
Pharyngitis
Rashes
Respiratory Infections
Sinusitis
Skin Inflammations
Sore Throats
Sprains and Strains
UTIs
Vomiting
Mental health and
wellness programs are also a good fit for this
modality. However, telemedicine should never be used
for things like broken bones, severe symptoms, or
medical emergencies.
When should I use this
kind of service?
·When
you’re considering the ER or urgent care for a
non-emergency medical issue.
·Your
primary care physician is not available
·At home,
travelling or at work
·24/7/365
even Holidays!
·When you
have a high deductible insurance plan and aren’t sure
whether or not your condition requires a full medical
work-up
·When you
have mobility or transportation challenges
Universal
Design is a new way to look at your space when
designing. In a remodel it may help you make your home
ready for you to age in place or more marketable as it
fits all stages of someone’s life- anyone can live there
and be comfortable.
Factor’s to think of when remodeling your bath with this
concept in mind are:
Ample clearance.For
a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn in a bathroom,
there must be at least 5 feet of open space.
Universal design Showers - critical in a bathroom
design is safety, including slip-resistant surfaces,
proper lighting and features like attractive grab bars
that can work as a hanger for towels or a support in
case you lose your balance. “The same logic with
universal design bubbles up into overall space
planning,” says Diana Schrage, senior designer at
Kohler. “We are providing more creative solutions for
the long-term that are beautiful and are not a trade-off
Curbless shower - The Roman shower without
a rim to step over is the best design for people of all
ages, and especially those who use walkers or
wheelchairs. The shower has no lip at the floor, which
slopes down toward the drain (in some designs, an
infinity drain.
Grab bars - Forget the tubular,
obvious bars that scream “senior.” Who couldn’t use the
security of a grab bar in the shower, after all? This
feature is suitable for all ages, and sleek grab bars
can double as towel holders until the homeowner needs
the extra support, Perrin says.
Slip-resistant floor - You can maintain the
cohesive look of using a single tile design in your
shower for the wall and floor while improving traction
by increasing grout lines on the floor for slip
resistance, suggests Diana Schrage, senior designer for
Kohler.
Hand-held shower
- A
hand-held shower is a necessity for those who have
physical limitations, and the fixture is convenient
because it can be used for a quick spray-off (even
replacing a bidet). But where the fixture is positioned
makes all the difference. “Most of the time, the water
supply is positioned too high,” Perrin says. “The
hand-held reaches down to your knees and that’s it. It’s
too short.” Be sure the hand-held sprayer reaches your
feet when you sit on the shower bench.
Shower seat - A bench in the shower
gives you a place to sit and bathe. You can use it for
storage or to prop your leg up while shaving if you
don’t need the seat. A triangular bench or seat that
runs along the length of a shower is an example of two
configurations.
Walk
in bathtub -
easier to get I and out of, soothing to aching joints.
New designs are more aesthetically pleasing and Kohler
now has the lowest step-in thresh hold ever.
No barriers - Rather than soap dishes
and shower shelves that protrude, Schrader designs
niches so people aren’t tempted to grab on to these
features for support if they accidentally slip. Even
consider water tile shower heads that are flat. “I try
to design as few items projecting into a showering space
as possible,” she says.
In
the rest of the bath important factors are:
Tall toilets - Opt for a commode that
is 16 to 18 inches high compared to standard 14- or
15-inch high seats. Once referred to as handicap
toilets, these “comfort height” or chair height seats,
as they’re not marketed, are ideal for most everyone in
a household.
Wall-mounted sinks - Wheelchairs and walkers
can easily slide under sinks that are mounted to the
wall. There are no cabinets or pedestal which translates
to more leg room.
These design ideas don’t
mean your bathroom has to look like a sterile hospital
room. The options out there are endless and most lend to
a “spa-like” feel that anyone of any age will enjoy!
Contact Minnesota Rusco today to learn more
about our shower and bath remodeling options, or for
more information about our other products. We have
over 60 years experience serving Minnesota. We
stand by all of our work with Lifetime Warranties.
In
addition to installing high-performance windows and
doors, the professionals at Minnesota Rusco can help you
with many other home improvement projects. We offer
customizable bathroom remodeling solutions, featuring a
wide array of shower, bathtub, flooring, lighting, and
vanity products, along with countless accessories.
Whether you want a tub to shower conversion, a walk in
tub by Kohler, or a luxurious jetted soaking tub, we can
create the calming oasis you’ve always wanted. If making
your home more spacious and bright is a priority, we can
build a sunroom that will fit perfectly with your home’s
architecture. Similarly, we can add attractive insulated
siding to your residence that will not only look great
on your home, but will also help lower your utility
bills. Contact Minnesota Rusco to learn more about our
replacement windows, exterior doors, or any of our other
products and services.
After five years of
unprecedented growth, Nerium
International is ready to broaden our horizons yet
again. This time around, we’re adding two innovative
solutions to our revolutionary line of age-defying
products: Youth Factor™ Complete Vitality
Complex tablet and Youth Factor
Superfood & Antioxidant Boost powder.
Recently, Nerium
undertook a mission to develop a comprehensive,
anti-aging wellness solution that targets universal
aging needs in a way that we have never done before.
Mission accomplished. Powered by our patent-pending
Youth Factor enzyme blend and
Complex NAA™ blend, both Youth Factor products
work together to help improve wellness inside and out.
Powerful alone, unstoppable together, Nerium’s new
innovative products are sure to keep your body healthy
and vibrant!
YOUTH FACTORTM COMPLETE
VITALITY COMPLEX
Great
news! It’s no longer necessary to scan pharmacy shelves
and grocery aisles for multiple products to address many
universal anti-aging concerns. With one little pill,
Nerium’s new daily supplement targets several issues
simultaneously and is specifically designed to support
health where it starts – the cellular level. Our Youth
Factor tablet includes a host of antioxidant and other
ingredients to help fight free radicals and support the
immune system.
The Youth Factor tablet
also includes Nerium’s exclusive, patent-pending Youth
Factor enzyme blend that enhances the optimal absorption
and bioavailability of polyphenol antioxidants Nutrients
such as PrimaVie® Shilajit, PQQ, and Coenzyme Q-10 help
mitochondrial function at their optimal level.
Nerium’s exclusive,
patent-pending Complex NAA blend, which helps brighten
the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, rounds
out this complete anti-aging product.
Ingredients in Youth
Factor Complete Vitality Complex help:
The
second product and counterpart of Nerium’s latest
dynamic duo are Nerium’s Youth Factor Superfood &
Antioxidant Boost Powder – a drink powder packed with
daily essentials, antioxidants, pH adjusters and
superfoods, as well as Nerium’s two proprietary,
patent-pending ingredients, Complex NAA and Youth Factor
enzyme blend.
In addition to providing
smooth and non-jittery energy for the body, this unique
product also supports the body’s alkaline balance. The
Youth Factor powder has a unique mix of benefits to help
fight signs of aging all around.
Ingredients
in the Youth Factor powder help:
Balance pH levels to
keep your body optimally alkalized*
Defend against free
radical damage*
Help your body absorb
beneficial nutrients*
Include up to 4
servings of fruits and vegetables*
Reduce the appearance
of wrinkles*
Reveal
brighter-looking skin*
Already a global leader
in skincare, Nerium International now raises the bar by
offering its first-of-its-kind, streamlined approach,
consisting of advanced ingredients targeting the most
common signs of aging. If life gets too busy to eat
right, having a refreshing Youth Factor drink and tablet
can provide peace of mind knowing your body is soaking
up the nourishment it needs.
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UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER!
*These statements have
not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or
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To
order these amazing products go to
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763-614-0546 or email
angbn13@gmail.com
Pain Relief Grows with
Regular Therapy and Joint Function Improves
Sam
Sport is an FDA-cleared medical device that reduces the
pain associated with tendon, ligament or muscle injuries
and also accelerates the natural healing cascade. Sam
Sport provides ultrasonic waves that penetrate 5cm into
the tissue; this increases circulation along with oxygen
and nutrient delivery.
Osteoarthritis
Ultrasound
therapy is clinically effective for Osteoarthritis pain
management. In multiple clinical trials, sam® Sport
daily wearable multi-hour ultrasound therapy has been
proven clinically effective on reducing pain and
improving function of patients suffering from moderate
to severe Osteoarthritis. When applied during normal
daily activity, patients experience 39% to 51% pain
reduction in the treated joint.
In
one randomized placebo controlled clinical trial on knee
Osteoarthritis, treatment of patients with moderate- to
severe pain with sam® Sport (four hours per day, daily
for six weeks) resulted in a 39% reduction in pain
levels, compared to only a 17% decrease in pain in the
control group (p<0.05).
Sam Sport:
reduces pain, enhances tissue recovery, increases deep
circulation, delivers mechanical compression, provides
deep heating, increases oxygen and nutrient delivery,
provides daily, multi-hour therapy and it is wearable
and portable.
Sam Sport
is available exclusively at Handi Medical Supply in the
Twin Cities, Mankato and Coon Rapids.
Currently
sam Sport is a private-pay item; or in the case of an
injury, it is covered under most workman’s comp or
personal injury plans. For more information please
contact one of our offices.
Though it’s not a topic
many of us want to think about, most people can agree
that planning for what happens after your death can
reduce the stress of grieving loved ones. It’s easy to
understand how making decisions now about your funeral
arrangements can help assure those left behind that your
wishes are being honored.
Advance Funeral Planning
Makes Financial Sense
You
may not realize, though, that preplanning your final
arrangements also makes good financial sense. There a
few key ways in which funeral preplanning can impact
your financial bottom line.
Guaranteed Price
Funeral home services
and merchandise are forever priced-guaranteed, stopping
inevitable inflation of funeral costs.
Security
Preneed funds are deposited in a federally regulated
insurance or trust vehicle.
Convenience
You can make preneed funeral arrangements at one of our
funeral homes or in the comfort and privacy of your own
home. Flexible financing is available.
No Health or Age
Restrictions
You may receive the
benefits of Prearrangement regardless of your age or
health status.
Transferability
If you move, your preneed funeral contract is
transferable to any funeral home, including anyone of
our worldwide affiliates.
Eliminate
Doubts
Spare your family the
emotional stress of making decisions during a
challenging time. A preneed funeral arrangement records
your exact wishes ~ consider it the final gift for those
you love.
Peace of Mind
Responsible estate
planning requires many considerations. In conjunction
with your life insurance and will, your prearranged
funeral contract protects your family from inflation AND
they will be secure in knowing that you have spared them
added stress, worry, and expense by thoughtfully
providing advance funding and guidance.
Call today to meet with
a Pre-Planning Advisor and receive your complimentary
Personal Planning Guide.
By now, you’ve probably heard the
statistics: 10,000 Americans are turning 65 every day,
in less than three years, by the year 2020, there will
be more people over the age of 65 than school age
children. This is the first time in Minnesota history
that seniors will outnumber children.
The senior population is increasing faster
than it ever has and seniors are living longer than
ever before. Here in Minnesota, we are the land of
10,000 lakes. Now, imagine if we added 10,000 more
lakes every single day. We’d have a big issue pretty
quickly, wouldn’t we?
The problem we’re facing with the rapidly
growing senior population is a lack of preparation.
There aren’t enough caregivers. Housing is a major
issue, as is healthcare and the importance of
supporting organizations that provide affordable
resources that support senior independence is being
overlooked.
The
solution to this issue is simple: provide more
resources for seniors to age in place. The reality is that it’s cheaper to
provide resources to seniors to help them remain
independent than it is to put them in a nursing home.
A 2012 study of 39 nursing home residents and 39
independently living seniors found that the total cost
to Medicare and Medicaid were $1,591.61 lower per
month for the independently living seniors over a
12-month period.
Part of the lack of readiness to support the
growing senior population is society’s persistent
Ageist perspective. Often time’s seniors are pushed
aside and treated as second rate citizens, having
their value to society consistently undermined simply
because of their age despite their years of experience
and knowledge. In fact, studies have proven that quite
the opposite is true. Nonprofit, Generations
United
shares that the regular presence of seniors helps
improve the reading scores of children, provide a
positive attitude toward aging, improve communication
and problem-solving skills, and more. The Ageist
perception that society holds has blinded us to the
many beneficial and productive ways seniors give back
to our communities. It has created a lack of empathy
towards the needs of seniors, which has all but
stripped away the true urgency of the matter.
Ageism is one of the largest obstacles in
creating a solution to this fast approaching issue.
Solutions cannot be created for a problem no one
believes exists. The first step we need to take as a
society is to make a shift in our thinking and how we
view those older than ourselves. We need to see the
value in our older citizens and appreciate the wisdom
they have to offer.
Changing the conversation surrounding
seniors may be the first step, but it is no doubt one
of the most difficult. While it’s easy to be
disheartened by the attitude our society holds towards
seniors, there are steps you can take right now to see
real, actionable, and immediate change.
One very actionable step you can take is to contact
your local congressman and inform them about this
important matter. Another, similar step, is to
participate in days of action. LeadingAge Minnesota
will be holding a Day at the Capital on March 30th.
This event is an opportunity for individuals to let
their voice be heard in support of Minnesota seniors
and those who care for them.
Another step, to take matters into your own
hands, is to donate to an organization that provides
these much needed resources to seniors. They say
“money talks”. By making a financial contribution to
an organization, you have the opportunity to make
yours speak for the change you want to see happen.
There are numerous worthy organizations: Senior
Community Services, Meals on Wheels, and local Senior
Centers, just to name a few. Financially supporting
these organizations will help them to grow and expand
their services, so that all Minnesota seniors can have
access to the resources they need.
It’s time we stop talking about what needs to happen
and start taking real steps to make it happen for the
sake of our seniors and our community.
Deb
Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services and its
Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that advocates
for older adults and helps seniors and caregivers
maintain their independence through free or low-cost
service. (www.seniorcommunity.org)
Throughout our lives,
we work hard to fight off the effects of aging, both
physically and mentally. But one of the most important
elements that make us who we are is one that we cannot
see: our brain.
Just as we try to
protect our bodies from the inevitable signs of aging,
our minds need just as much TLC.
EHT®
Supplement is a groundbreaking product that includes
our exclusive and patented EHT molecule. The formula
is further fortified with other key ingredients such
as vitamins B6, B12, D3, magnesium citrate, selenium,
Huperzine A and alpha lipoic acid.
This breakthrough
supplement features the patented EHT molecule, which
helps keep neuronal connections strong, resulting in
improved brain wellness, memory and a focused mind
(1). Nerium has exclusive rights to the use of the EHT
module. Source:
Signum’s R&D Experimental Biology Conference (1)
This supplement:
Promotes
better cognitive function and overall brain health
Combats oxidative
stress and chronic inflammation
Fortifies and
strengthens natural brain functions
Protects and
supports neuronal networking
Enhances the body’s
natural energy stores
Boosts the body’s
immune system
Increases focus
We recommend taking
one tablet per day with foods that contain healthy
fats such as nuts, avocados and yogurt. These foods
will aid in the absorption of the powerful vitamins
and minerals found in EHT.
With daily use of
Nerium EHT, you may begin to notice results within the
first 30 days.
For best results, be
sure EHT is part of your daily regimen for at least 90
days and beyond so that you can discover all its
amazing benefits. And remember, a healthy body
deserves a healthy mind!
Click Here for more information on EHT® and how to
order.
Nutrition
plays a major role in
keeping seniors healthy and maintaining or
improving overall well being. A healthy diet can guard
against numerous health challenges such as
osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
By following a few simple guidelines, there’s an
endless variety of easy and nutritious meals that
seniors can make on their own.
According to the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), seniors will do best
by choosing foods, which are high in nutrients (lean
protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats,
vitamins, and minerals) and low in calories.
Your options include:
What you don’t eat is
just as important as what you do. It’s a good idea to
limit or avoid foods that don’t provide much nutrition
but add a lot of calories. Often that’s snack or
dessert foods such as chips, soda, cookies, cakes, and
pies. Try to avoid saturated and trans fats, use salt
sparingly, and limit alcohol.
Here are some ideas
for putting together easy, nutritious meals. Mix and
match, and add your own twists for variety!
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs (or
egg whites if you’re watching your cholesterol) with
diced onions, mushrooms, or chives.
Fruit, such as
sliced apple or pineapple, orange or grapefruit
sections, grapes, or melon balls. A dollop of yogurt
(don't forget greek yogurt!) adds freshness and
zest.
Whole grain toast.
Try apple butter, naturally sweetened jam, or a
drizzle of honey instead of butter!
Lunch
Homemade tuna salad.
Try using canola mayo and adding pine nuts or
chopped cashews for added texture. Add curry
seasoning for extra flavor. Serve as an
open-faced sandwich or as a salad.
Green leafy salad
with your favorite vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers,
scallions, olives, and avocado.
Homemade soup. Start
with vegetarian or chicken stock, then add your
favorite vegetables and seasonings. Potatoes add a
nice thickening texture, and squash or fresh corn
add a sweetening factor. Best if made the day
before, but a large batch can be frozen into
individual portions for anytime use.
Dinner
Baked or broiled
chicken breast (skin removed) or fish fillet
(tilapia, salmon, and tuna are delicious choices).
Season with a squeeze of lemon and herbs such as
rosemary or thyme.
Potato, yam, or
squash — baked or broiled with the poultry or fish.
Baking them together in tinfoil will preserve the
flavors and speed the cooking time.
Steamed vegetables
such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus,
beets, spinach, or kale. Choose different
combinations for variety and rounded nutrition.
Helpful Resources
The
USDA recently replaced the old “food pyramid” with “MyPlate,”
which illustrates how important it is to have balanced
nutrition. The website provides excellent information
and tips on maintaining optimal nutrition for the
whole family. The government website MedlinePlus has
many resources for seniors, as well.
Developed in
partnership with a board certified exercise
physiologist, FIT Functional Fitness® is designed to
go beyond typical senior fitness programs to help
improve residents’ core strength, balance,
cardiovascular health, and promote relaxation. The
targeted exercises are created to deliver the maximum
benefit for each participant. The goal is to increase
overall health and wellbeing, reduce potential for
falls and encourage residents to remain active. Where
possible, the program can reduce the need for
assistive mobility devices.
FIT Functional
Fitness® incorporates four fitness programs, taking
current health levels into consideration and
allowing all residents to participate, no matter
their current functional fitness level. As their
strength and endurance increases, residents may
choose to progress to the other programs offered.
FIT to be
Strong® – The core of the FIT Functional
Fitness® program, FIT to be Strong® incorporates
strength building exercises both seated and lying
down, and balance exercises while standing.
FIT to Stretch®
– Stretching exercises aimed at decreasing pain and
improving range of motion, while promoting
relaxation.
FIT to Pedal® –
Endurance based exercise where participants use a
stationary pedaler.
FIT to
Balance® – A progressive program designed to enhance
the time individuals spend on their feet, improving
endurance and balance skills. Participants can work
their way up to having more balance confidence,
which equates to fewer falls and increased
independence.
Katie Westberg, National Director of Life Enrichment
for The Goodman Group, walks you through the elements
within the FIT Functional Fitness® program.
ClickHere to watch a short video.
If you’re like most of
us, the combination of overwhelming amounts of junk
and a lack of time. The
KonMari Method, made famous by
Marie Kondo, highlights the importance of
eliminating the things that don’t “spark joy” in our
lives. Inspired by this method, we created these steps
for you to regain control over your belongings and to
increase your free time:
Figure out how
you spend your day.
Take a notebook and, for 24 hours, list out what you
do. Write down the time you wake up, the time you
have breakfast, when you’re at work, etc. Then, add
up related items to determine how much time you
spend on each activity. If you really want to get a
good grasp of your time, do this twice: once on a
work day, and again on your day off.
Determine how you
use your items.
Another valuable tool is writing down a list of the
things that you use on a daily basis. This could
include your frying pan, car keys, your dog’s water
bowl, etc. The list you created from the above
bullet point will help guide you through your day
and, therefore, help you understand which of your
items are the most frequently used.
Cut out the things that don’t “spark joy”.
A problem that a lot of people have is doing things
and keeping items without good reason. Marie Kondo
is a huge advocate of taking a step back and
determining if something actually makes you happy –
or “sparks joy” – or if you ignore or use out of
habit. Life is too short for wasting your time on
things that don’t improve your mood.
Get help removing
these items from your life.
After all this talk about how time is precious,
doesn’t it make sense to hire professionals to haul
away the junk? That’s where we come in. We’re
experts at clearing out your space in a fraction of
the time and we also know how to dispose of junk in
an environmentally friendly way.
If
you’re ready to tackle your junk and make some serious
changes, give us a call! We’ve cleaned up hoarder
homes, helped people downsized, and are committed to
showing you how to reclaim your space and “spark joy”
in your life.
Article
by Deb Taylor
CEO of Senior Community Services
www.seniorcommunity.org
8/16/16
The
so-called Golden Years can be a rich time of life to
enjoy. Here's the opportunity to truly enjoy the
benefits of free time and your lifetime of accumulated
experiences and skills: to pursue a new hobby, take a
class, visit loved ones or volunteer to help others.
Studies show that
older adults are happier, more content, and more
forgiving. The later years represent a special time
that we can't afford to waste. With it, of course,
comes the inevitable aches and pains, some reduced
mobility, and other physical and mental diminutions of
body that vary widely from person to person.
But with a little
support, older adults can enjoy life more fully and
safely in ways not available to previous generations -
thanks to assistive technology.
Getting 'Smart' About Senior Care
Today, 'smart' home
sensors, necklace pendants and cameras help caregivers
and seniors better enjoy life. High-tech medication
dispensers can report to a family member if a loved
one forgets to take their medications. Shoes can be
GPS-equipped to help locate a wandering senior with
dementia. Motion sensors can detect changes in the
normal household routine that may indicate a problem.
These tools help older adults live and move about more
safely, summoning help when there's an urgent need for
support.
Senior Community
Services, which helps Minnesotans Reimagine Aging,
will hold a statewide Independent Living Technology
Conference on October 14 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at
the Minnetonka Community Center in Minnetonka.
Caregivers, seniors, city officials, health
professionals and others will gather to discover the
latest advancements in assistive technology to enhance
life for the state's growing population of older
adults.
U.S. Senator Al
Franken will welcome attendees with video comments.
The keynote address, about innovations in senior
housing, will be presented by John Louiselle, CEO of
NextDoor Housing. NextDoor has developed a new,
portable senior housing option - Drop Housing™.
The
Drop Housing™ - often called the 'Granny Pod' - is a
small, handicapped-accessible unit (30' by 8', 210-240
square feet) that may be located on a family member's
residential property. The units offer security,
convenience and enhanced well-being for both seniors
and family caregivers. A 'Granny Pod' will be
available for touring at the conference. An engaging
panel discussion and Q & A will focus on the benefit
of these units which are being carefully studied and
evaluated by communities throughout Minnesota.
Other conference events include:
The demonstration of
many innovative assistive products by representatives
of the Minnesota STAR Program, a federally-funded
initiative to support seniors and families.
The popular
CareNextion website will be explained and
demonstrated. The free, easy-to-use web tool was
developed by Senior Community Services to help
families - especially those with members widely
dispersed - better manage care and communications
about their older loved ones. A caregiving family
member will share the many benefits of using
CareNextion for managing the care of an older adult.
Information and registration for the Independent
Living Technology Conference is available at
www.seniorcommunity.org, click on Events.
Assistive technology
offers ways to help seniors age in place and delay the
need for long-term care in a more structured - and
often more costly - institutional setting.
As Minnesotans come
together to Reimagine Aging, let's ensure our goal is
to make technology fit the older adult lifestyle, and
not the other way around.
Deb
Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services
(www.seniorcommunity.org) and its Reimagine Aging
Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for older adults
and helps seniors and caregivers maintain their
independence through free or low-cost services.
A healthy lifestyle is
an important part of the aging process. Eating
well and staying active is vital. So is
taking care of the ONE organ that controls EVERYTHING!
When your brain is unhealthy—for whatever reason— you
are more likely to be sadder, sicker, poorer, and less
successful. There are many causes and behaviors that
can lead to an unhealthy brain. These include, but are
not limited to:
Brain injuries such
as concussion
Excessive alcohol
use
Illicit drug use –
including marijuana even if it is legal in some
places!
Obesity
Medical problems
like diabetes, high blood pressure and untreated
sleep apnea
Mold toxicity
Infections such as
Lyme disease
Carbon monoxide
poisoning
A chronically poor
diet filled with processed foods, sugar and
unhealthy fats.
If
your brain is troubled, don’t despair! EHT®
Mind Enhancement Supplement can help! It is never
too late to have a better brain. EHT® comes after 20
years research from
Dr. Jeffry Stock's labs at Princeton University
and
Signam Biosciences. EHT® protects &
stabilizes
tau protein & PP2A ensuring the PP2A is in a
balanced state providing neuroprotection. EHT® works
by helping neurons, the "wiring" of our brain,
maintain an optimal, functional state.
EHT® Age-Defying
Supplement helps protect against mental decline with a
groundbreaking formula that includes our exclusive,
patented EHT® extract, a natural mixture of bioactive
molecules isolated from coffee. Fortified with other
rejuvenating ingredients, including vitamins B6, B12,
D3, folic acid, magnesium citrate, selenium, Huperzine
A (which increases focus) and the antioxidant lipoic
acid.
This supplement:
Promotes
better cognitive function and overall brain health
Combats oxidative
stress and chronic inflammation
Fortifies and
strengthens natural brain functions
Protects and
supports neuronal networking
Enhances the body’s
natural energy stores
Boosts the body’s
immune system
Increases focus
Click Here for more information on EHT® and how to
order.
Summer Cleaning: 4 Areas
to Remember
Article submitted by
Shaun Riffe, Owner of
7/07/16
It’s officially summer
so, of course, we at Junk360 have summer cleaning
recommendations for you. This time, we’re tackling
outdoor household cleaning projects that you probably
can’t do during any other season. All you have to do
is focus on these 4 areas:
Trashcans.
Let’s get the hardest part out of the way first.
Trashcans quickly become dirty and can lead to flies
finding them a suitable home for their squirmy larvae.
Not only will scrubbing out your trashcan help to
prevent this, but you won’t have to hold your breath
every time that you open it. In this case, a
liquid toilet bowl cleaner and toilet bowl brush
are your best friends.
Window Exteriors.
You might clean the inside of your windows on a
regular basis, but how often do you get around to the
outside? If you have a hose connected to your house,
the process is actually quite easy. A simple mixture
of
dish detergent and white vinegar will have the
glass sparkling.
Driveway Stains.
Your driveway deals with a lot of traffic (terrible
pun intended). There are plenty of opportunities for
cars, lawnmowers, and snow blowers to leak various
fluids onto it. Oil, transmission fluid, and gasoline
all require different cleaning methods, so identifying
the stain is the first step. Once you do that, take a
look at
these recommendations.
Patio
Furniture. Maybe you forgot to cover it over the
winter. Maybe the family dog decided to claim a lawn
chair as its own. Or maybe you have no idea what
happened. Either way, it’s easier to enjoy your time
outside if you get rid of whatever mold, mildew, or
general grime is on your furniture. Bleach is your
best option, but remember to move your furniture
off of the grass before you get started.
Summer is in full
swing, so make sure you’re ready for it! Our team at
Junk360 wants you to enjoy the warm weather, so
remember to take
safety
precautions when working outside. Staying hydrated
and dressing properly are our two biggest tips (you
can tell from our stylish Junk360 hats)!
Junk360
will pick up, remove, haul away, and recycle
almost anything you can fit in our trucks. Just point
to the items you need removed and watch us carry it
out, load it in our trucks to haul away, and sweep up
for you so that everything is as fresh and clean as a
new space. We can help with just one item or an
office/home full of unwanted junk. Junk360 also
specializes in estate and home clearance. And at the
end of the day, we ensure that everything that can be
repurposed is donated, recycled or reused to ensure we
reduce our impact on local landfills. Call
651-395-8659 or visit our website for a free estimate.
From 1 – 10 How Important Is Your Independence...10?
Article submitted by Beth Woodward of
6/13/16
Augustana Regent has ongoing customer service training for our
staff, called S.H.A.R.E. Serve, Honor, Anticipate,
Relate and Empower. We’re now having our class on
HONOR. The question to our staff is, “How would you
be feeling if you were a brand new resident in this
building? What would be most important to you? The
answer I have heard the most: “Honoring and upholding
my right to stay independent.” So how is such a thing
accomplished?…by asking PERMISSION.
On
a trip home to visit my mom years ago, I saw she
needed some extra help. Of course I jumped right in.
I put a new shelf on her counter so she could reach
things better, I moved things in her living room to
make it easier for her to get around and I set up her
waste basket to have multiple bags underneath so she
didn’t have to search for a bag. What I DIDN’T do is
ask permission first. I quickly realized I stepped
over the line. I stole her independence by not giving
her the option to have a say in any changes. This was
HER home and she had already experienced losing some
independence due to her health. What gave her some
Independence was my asking, “Mom, would you like me to
put a shelf on the counter so it’s easier for you to
reach?” “Would you like me to move this table in the
living room so it’s easier to walk?” Then I waited
and listened. If she said yes, I helped and made the
changes she was OK with. If it was a no, I stopped
and honored what she wanted. By doing that one tiny
thing, asking permission, she was left feeling
that she still had choices, she was still independent
and in control of her life.
When families come to see us at the Regent, they are looking
for a safe and social
community
for themselves or their loved ones. They are in the
place of:
preparing for the distant future
preparing for the near future
a quick and dramatic life change or
in a panic not knowing where to turn
No matter where they are, there are a lot of emotions. This
past weekend I had a good cry over the loss of my
mother four years ago. We all understand and
acknowledge the emotions around losing someone, but
what about the feelings of moving from your home and
seeing your health and safety decline? There are many
losses in this part of life.
Whenever I am sitting with a family and they are telling me
why they have come to tour the Regent, I always stop
and ask, “How are you doing?” EVERYONE is affected
emotionally from a son/daughter seeing their parents
changing or a mom/dad who has lived in their home for
20 – 50 years. No matter what it is, there are always
a lot of feelings involved.
Last
week a mom came in with her son. As they were leaving
I looked at the mom and acknowledged how difficult it
was to be approaching this big change and leaving her
home. There was a look of gratitude and relief on her
face that her emotions were understood.
This is a very difficult time for all sons, daughters, moms,
dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and friends.
Know that here at the Regent, we understand and know
that you’re not alone.
Eden
Prairie, MN—Jeff Flanery, a reverse mortgage
specialist with Cambria Mortgage, has joined an
elite cadre of mortgage professionals who have
achieved the status of being a Certified Reverse
Mortgage Professional (CRMP). National Reverse
Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA), headquartered in
Washington, D.C., bestowed the certification on
Flanery after he passed a rigorous exam and background
check, thereby demonstrating a competency in the area
of reverse mortgages and a dedication to uphold the
highest ethical and professional standards.
Only 119 individuals nationwide currently have the CRMP
credential, and Flanery is only the third person in
Minnesota to earn CRMP status.
“Being one of 116 people nationwide to have achieved this
milestone is a testament to my commitment to reverse
mortgages,” says Flanery. “The process involved to
receive this professional designation was long and
arduous and adds to the level of expertise maintained
by myself and the
firm.”
To qualify for the designation, applicants must
have originated reverse mortgages for a minimum of
three years or personally closed at least 50
loans; earned 12 continuing education credits;
completed NRMLA’s Ethics Course; passed a
comprehensive exam; and a background check. The
certification is valid for three years, during which
time designees must earn 8 CE credits annually to be
re-certified. Applicants who are not loan originators,
but nonetheless work in areas vital to the business,
such as training, counseling, processing, underwriting
and servicing, must have three or more years of
experience.
“Jeff is one of 116 individuals with the Certified Reverse
Mortgage Professional designation. As a CRMP, he has
demonstrated knowledge and competency in the area of
reverse mortgage lending, and is dedicated to
upholding high standards of ethical and professional
practice in the industry." said Peter Bell, President
and CEO of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders
Association.
Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 years
old and older with significant home equity. They are
designed to enable older Americans to borrow against
the equity in their homes to help fund retirement
needs, without having to make monthly payments as is
required with a traditional "forward" mortgage or home
equity loan. Under a reverse mortgage, funds are
advanced to the borrower and interest accrues, but the
outstanding balance is not due until the last borrower
leaves the home, sells, or passes away. Borrowers may
draw down funds as a lump sum at loan origination,
establish a line of credit or request fixed monthly
payments for as long as they continue to live in the
home. To date, more than 963,000 senior households
have utilized an FHA-insured reverse mortgage.
About
Jeff Flanery, CRMP #400261
I feel fortunate to have become involved in the
reverse mortgage industry. It has given me great
satisfaction to have helped educate hundreds of people
about a wonderful, safe and often misunderstood HECM
Program. I started doing reverse mortgages in 2002,
became a Reverse Mortgage Branch Manager for Wells
Fargo and now am a Reverse Sales Manager for Cambria
Mortgage. Obtaining the CRMP designation is a
treasured achievement.
To
say that ‘life has been good’ is an understatement. I
am very fortunate to have married my best friend
(going on 41 years), proud to see my two grown
children become great parents, and now enjoy being
Grandpa to Max, Tommy, Ivy and Bettejane.
This
year, I hope to squeeze in a couple of rounds of golf
and maybe make it to a few more Twins games. I think
I will be advocating reverse mortgages forever.
Jeff Flanery, Reserve Mortgage Specialist NMLS #400261
Cambria Mortgage
11000 W. 78th Street Ste 300,
Eden Prairie,
MN
55344
Toll Free: (877) 942-0110
Office: (952) 486-6114
Cell: (612) 240-9517
Fax: (952) 942-0330
Jeff.Flanery@cambriamortgage.com
About the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders
Association:
The
National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA)
is a membership organization comprised of over 300
companies and more than 2,000 people participating in
the reverse mortgage industry. NRMLA serves as an
educational resource, policy advocate and public
affairs center for lenders and related professionals.
NRMLA was established in 1997 to enhance the
professionalism of the reverse mortgage business.
NEW Report Shows Care
Contributors Sacrifice Personal Care to
Support People with Alzheimer’s Disease
Minneapolis (March 30,
2016) – The
personal financial support required by a person with
Alzheimer’s disease may ultimately deprive care
contributors of basic necessities, such as food,
transportation and medical care, according to the 2016
Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report released
today.
This annual report from the Alzheimer's
Association contains updates on prevalence, mortality,
caregiving and costs, as well as a special focus this
year on the personal family costs of Alzheimer's.
Today an estimated 5.4
million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly
16 million family members and friends are caregivers
providing financial, physical and emotional support.
Care
contributors were 28 percent more likely to eat less
or go hungry while contributing care to someone with
Alzheimer’s.
One-fifth of them
sacrificed personal medical care by cutting back on
doctor visits.
More than one-third
reported having to reduce their hours at work or
quit their job entirely while caring for someone
with Alzheimer’s, leading to an average loss of
income of around $15,000 compared to the previous
year.
On average, care
contributors, many of whom don’t live with the
person they’re caring for, spent more than $5,000 a
year of their own money to care for someone with
Alzheimer’s disease; however, amounts varied with
many spending tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Preparing for
the Financial Impact of Alzheimer’s
Unfortunately,
a significant number of care contributors don’t have a
complete understanding of the financial implications
of supporting someone with Alzheimer’s. According to
data from the Alzheimer's Association Facts and
Figures report, about two out of three people
incorrectly believe Medicare will help them cover
nursing home costs, or they’re not sure whether costs
will be covered. Currently only three percent of
adults in the U.S. carry long-term care insurance that
might help them cover costs.
To help financially
plan for the future, the Alzheimer’s Association
suggests the following:
Look at retirement
planning as a time to think about how to prepare for
the need of long-term medical care. After an
Alzheimer’s diagnosis, your options may be more
limited.
Conduct an inventory
of your financial resources (i.e. savings,
insurance, retirement benefits, government
assistance, VA benefits, etc.). A financial planner
or elder care attorney can help.
Investigate
long-term care services (home care, assisted
living residences and nursing homes) in your area.
Ask what types of insurance they accept and if they
accept Medicaid.
Once you understand
what you have for financial resources and what you
can afford, make a plan with your family or a close
friend for how to access care.
Alzheimer’s
Disease By The Numbers
Prevalence,
Incidence and Mortality
An
estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s.
This includes 5.2 million people age 65 and older,
and 200,000 under age 65 with younger-onset
Alzheimer’s. Barring the development of medical
breakthroughs, the number will rise to 13.8 million
by 2050.
91,000 people age
65 and older in Minnesota are living with
Alzheimer’s disease.
476,000 people age
65 or older will develop Alzheimer’s in the U.S. in
2016.
Two-thirds (3.3
million) of Americans over age 65 with Alzheimer’s
are women.
Alzheimer’s is the
sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. From
2000-2013, the number of Alzheimer’s deaths
increased 71 percent, while deaths from other major
diseases, such as heart disease, breast cancer and
HIV, decreased.
Cost of Paid and Unpaid Care
Alzheimer’s is the
costliest disease to society. Total national cost of
caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other
dementias is estimated at $236 billion (excludes
unpaid caregiving), of which $160 billion is the
cost to Medicare and Medicaid alone.
In 2015, nearly 16
million family/other unpaid caregivers of people
with Alzheimer’s and other dementias provided 18.1
billion hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued
at $221.3 billion.
249,000
Alzheimer’s caregivers in Minnesota provide 284
million hours of unpaid care, valued at $3.5
billion.
Total payments for
health care, long-term care and hospice for people
with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are
projected to increase to more than $1 trillion in
2050 (in current dollars) from $236 billion in 2016.
The financial toll
of Alzheimer's on individuals exceeds the toll on
Medicaid. Total Medicaid spending for people with
Alzheimer's disease is $43 billion, while
out-of-pocket spending is estimated at $46 billion,
or 19 percent, of total care payments for those with
Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Alzheimer’s
Association 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
The 2016 Alzheimer's
Disease Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive
compilation of national statistics and information on
Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The report conveys
the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families,
government and the nation’s health care system. Since
its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the
preeminent source covering the broad spectrum of
Alzheimer’s issues.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
Minnesota-Dakota Chapter
The Alzheimer’s
Association is the world’s leading voluntary health
organization in Alzheimer's care, support and
research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s
through the advancement of research; to provide and
enhance care and support for all affected; and to
reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of
brain health. Visit alz.org/mnnd
or call the 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 for support.
PDF REPORT -
Alzheimer's Statistics Minnesota Statesheet
Article by Deb Newman, CLU, ChFC, LTCP
Newman Long Term Care
In 1997, the federal government began
offering tax perks to commend people for buying
long-term care insurance, including tax-qualified
policies. Congress created these policies to encourage
both insurance companies and consumers to embrace
long-term care insurance.
Under
a tax-qualified policy, long-term care insurance
premiums may be listed as itemized deductions on
federal tax returns. Additionally, benefits from a
qualified policy are received tax-free. Many providers
exclusively offer these policies, as more than 80
percent of long-term care policies sold in the U.S.
are tax-qualified.
Those who buy long-term care insurance now
can claim it on next year’s tax returns and continue
to do so every year premiums are paid. Deductions for
the 2016 tax year range from $390 to $4,870. These
deductions typically increase each year.
Similar to premium expenses, any long-term
care costs paid out of pocket may also be tax
deductible. This means that you can claim any
professional home care, nursing home or other
long-term care bills as a medical deduction on your
income tax return. However, these expenses may not be
deducted for home care provided by a family member
unless that person is a licensed professional.
Many states also offer tax credits or
deductions for long-term care coverage. In some
states, tax breaks are applied to both tax-qualified
and non-tax-qualified policies. Some states also give
other benefits such as allowing Medicaid applicants
with exhausted benefits to keep their home as a reward
for having long-term care coverage.
Long-term care insurance offers protection
that no other insurance can provide and with the tax
incentives currently in place, it makes economic sense
as well. A new 8 page free guide is now available that
discusses the tax incentives, Health Savings Accounts,
and state Partnership Programs.
Click here to request the guide or call Newman
Long Term Care at 612-454-4400 and ask for the "Tax
Breaks & Incentives for Long Term Care Insurance"
guide.
Senior Living Transitions
& Phone Freedom
Article by Jeff Swenson
Like
so many seniors, you may have faced the challenge of
transitioning aging parents into assisted living
housing. In addition, you may be looking into the
future to determine the optimum living situation for
yourself as well.
As you know, the anxiety that comes
with moving can be very overwhelming. Leaving familiar
surroundings, downsizing possessions and moving to a
new community can be challenging. You have worked hard
to maintain those important connections with your
community and you deserve to keep valuable
relationships.
Part of that connection to your
past has included your home phone number, which may
have been with you for decades. The thought of
canceling home landline service has made people feel
like they are being cut off from your past. However,
technology has finally simplified how seniors can stay
better connected and have the freedom that they
deserve.
New Technology Available
Up until recently, canceling your
local telephone service has meant that you would be
giving up your home phone number. Fortunately, there
are now options such as forwarding your home telephone
number to another number, like a cell phone. Most
telephone service providers offer this option at an
additional cost above the usual monthly service
charge. However, a new service from OurOldNumber.com
now allows you to cancel your landline (saving money)
while keeping your personal home phone number and
having those calls forwarded to cell phones. There are
no devices required and callers to your home phone
number would hear a personalized greeting such as:
“Hi you’ve reached Mary and John”
“For Mary, press 1”
“For John, press 2”
“To leave us a message, press 0”
Never miss a home phone call from
any groups, doctors, churches, businesses, neighbors
or friends who you know have your old number. No
matter where you may be living or traveling, wanted
calls will find you. Even if you plan to stay in your
own home for some time, this plan simply makes sense.
Additional Benefits to
OurOldNumber.com
● Save Money! (cancel your landline
cost and roll calls to cell phones for as little as
$9.99/mo)
● Service can be set to forward
calls only during certain hours (i.e. you may not want
to be disturbed at night and can route calls directly
to voicemail)
● Most telemarketing calls won’t
get through since they must make a selection
Whether you are transitioning to a
new environment, looking to save money, or wanting the
flexibility of receiving home calls wherever you are,
you can learn more this unique service at
OurOldNumber.com.
Hearing
is a sense that many of us take for granted.
Throughout our lives, we subject our ears to loud
sounds–music, power tools, lawn mowers, air
travel–without using ear protection. Regrettably, this
can cause hearing loss. Also, the natural aging
process generally results in hearing loss. Even
certain illnesses and medications can adversely affect
our hearing. Unfortunately, hearing loss that occurs
from such causes is permanent.
The good news is, even if you already have a
little hearing loss, it's never too late to preserve
your hearing for the years ahead. The first thing you
can do is protect your ears in noisy environments.
Also, avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears.
And, make it a priority to get a baseline hearing
screening to see if hearing loss has already occurred.
If hearing loss is found during your hearing
evaluation, it could be due to excess ear wax or
infection. This type of hearing loss is reversible. If
hearing loss stems from chronic exposure to loud
noise, aging, or certain illnesses and medications,
hearing aids are the best way to preserve your good
hearing.
The great news about today's hearing aids is
how small and easy to wear they are. Modern digital
hearing aids use super-tiny microprocessor
technology–making them virtually invisible when worn.
Hearing aids can help almost all degrees of hearing
loss–from a little to a lot. And, by stimulating your
brain with sound that might not otherwise reach it,
hearing aids help keep your brain active, which lowers
your risk for cognitive diseases, such as dementia.
If you suspect you may have hearing loss,
don't ignore it. Neglecting a hearing loss can have a
snowball effect–making it grow bigger, faster than
necessary.
Here are 10 ways you can limit hearing damage and
preserve good hearing:
Understand the sound levels of the noises in
your environment.
Learn about proper ear protection. There are
many kinds on the market today, ranging from custom
ear molds to foam plugs and more.
Put physical distance between you and loud
noise when it is present. If possible, stand at an
angle from the noise, not directly in front of it.
Take breaks when you are exposed to noise.
When
listening to music through headphones or earbuds,
keep the volume low-to-medium.
Know the signs of hearing loss, and measure
yourself against them.
Schedule a baseline hearing evaluation.
Hearing loss is on the rise among Baby Boomers and
young people. It's never too early to get your
hearing checked, but don't wait past age 50.
Have your hearing evaluated by a
professional licensed by your state.
If you have hearing loss caused by a
reversible condition, take steps to correct it.
If any permanent hearing loss is diagnosed,
choose hearing aids to slow it down, and preserve
good hearing.
If you or someone you love would like a FREE hearing
evaluation contact Beltone Hearing Care Center at
1-844-664-3277.
Article
by Cindy Reimann
Beltone Hearing Care Center
844-664-3277
A hearing loss
doesn’t have to slow you down or keep you from
enjoying the things you like to do. Beltone’s advanced
hearing instruments have helped people just like you
get back into a healthy, active and fulfilling
lifestyle. Don’t wait, call today for a FREE hearing
test! Toll free: 1-844-664-3277. Home visits are
available upon request.
For
most of us independence and privacy is an important
condition for a comfortable life. We each have our
habits and methods of doing things, and life has a
rhythm that just “fits” our personalities. But as
people age and physical changes occur, we may find
ourselves or loved ones dealing with those changes
ineffectively. Sooner or later the question starts
ringing in our heads, “When should I look for help?”
But then we think,
“Oh, I don’t need help. I don’t want to be a burden to
anyone.” or “I can’t tell Mom what to do – she’d never
listen to me, anyway.” Or “Dad would never accept
help, he’s too proud.” or “It’s not time yet, let’s
wait”. And so we wait and do what we can ourselves,
all the while still wondering, “When should I look for
help?”
The good news is we
don’t have to guess. There are some common indicators
that help us tell when it’s time to get some help. We
don’t have to wait for a crisis situation to throw
everyone into a panic. If fact, the goal should be to
avoid the crisis, for everyone’s benefit.
Here are some indicators to consider…
Physical
Condition: Have you or your loved one been
diagnosed with a medical condition that affects
their daily living? For example, dressing,
grooming, shaving, toileting, eating.
Personal Care: Are baths/showers
being taken regularly? Is there any body odor? Are
teeth and hair brushed and washed regularly? Are
incontinence products worn if necessary and changed
regularly and correctly?
Driving: Has driving become
difficult, uncertain or scary? Have reflexes and
decision making slowed? Have new dings, dents or
scratches appeared on vehicles?
Nutrition: Is your or your loved
one’s weight stable? Are you/they eating regularly and
nutritiously? Is the refrigerator properly stocked
with a variety of foods? Does all the food have
current expiration dates? Is there spoiled food in the
refrigerator or on the counters?
Household Tasks: Are household chores
being done regularly? For example, dusting, laundry,
vacuuming. Are bed linens changed regularly? Have
household chores become frustrating, physically
demanding, or time consuming?
Socialization: Do you or your loved
one have moods of loneliness, despair, depression,
frustration, irritability, or anxiety? Is there fear
or insecurity about going out of the house?
Mental Health: Are there memory
lapses? Is there difficulty finding the right
words? Is there inconsistency between words and
action? Is anxiety or moodiness evident?
Medication: Are medications being
taken regularly and on time? Are medications being
refilled on schedule? Does the senior understand what
the medications are being taken for?
Finances, Mail,
Paperwork: Is the senior having
difficulty managing their checkbook, finances, bills
and personal affairs? Are there past due notices
arriving? Is mail piling up? Is there a reasonable
amount of cash on hand? Are important documents or
similar items like purses, wallets and keys being
misplaced frequently or for long periods of time? Are
they appearing in unusual places?
Safety, Security
and Sanitation: Are appliances being
left on such as the stove or coffee pot? Does the
senior fall asleep with cigarettes burning? Is the
house allowed to get too hot or too cold? Is the house
always unlocked? Has the senior fallen in the past 6
months? Have there been multiple falls? Is there
clutter on the floor? Is trash piling up in or around
the house? Are toilets functioning properly? Is pet
debris evident?
Family members often
see the changes in the way a senior moves, acts,
thinks, and responds to situations around them but
dismiss them until one of two things happen. Either
the family begins to spend so much time helping the
senior themselves that they have little time for their
own responsibilities or the senior experiences a
physical or medical crisis. Both of these result in
undue stress for the family and the senior. If you
have a concern with even one set of indicators, it’s
time to acknowledge it, learn more about what is
causing it and what options are available to overcome
it. Speak openly, calmly, and honestly about the issue
and the type of assistance needed to overcome it.
Frequently, simple changes can make a big improvement.
We encourage you to be proactive and avoid a crisis
situation that throws everyone into an emotional
reaction. Calm, rational transitions are easier on
everyone than stressful ones.
Finally,
keep your efforts as informal as possible. Rather than
going through the house like an inspector with a
checklist, make your observations through normal,
casual interaction. Make a mental note when you see
things that are of concern. Keep conversation
non-threatening and cooperative. Make every effort to
respect the senior’s wishes while assisting with their
needs.
Article
by Keith Dahlen of Great Oak Senior Care
651-212-4101 -
www.GreatOakSeniorCare.com Great Oak
Senior Care is the perfect solution for seniors and
others in need who aren’t ready to leave their home
for an institutional setting, but because of illness
or chronic conditions need support to remain at home.
We improve your life by providing compassionate,
one-on-one care in the comfort of your own home. Our
personalized and affordable services are available 7
days a week and can range from a few hours a day to
24/7 live-in care.
Before Sylvia had
knee replacement surgery, she selected Interlude
Restorative Suites in Fridley for transitional care.
"The whole environment felt good. The staff was
friendly and supportive, which helped me focus on my
important rehabilitation goals. It felt more home-like
rather than something institutional."
A Transitional
Care Unit is a skilled care facility where
patients come for recovery and rehabilitation after
surgery or an illness. The patient is admitted to the
TCU (stays vary from days to weeks) to recuperate,
heal, and gain strength so they're ready to resume
their normal lifestyle once home. Patients who go
directly home from the hospital may suffer a setback,
which can result in costly rehospitalization.
The state-of-the-art
rehabilitation facility helps guests enhance:
Strength and stamina
Flexibility and coordination
Balance and movement
Thinking, speaking and swallowing
Personal care and hygiene
At
Interlude Restorative Suites, the skilled staff helped
Sylvia heal and grow stronger. The focus is on
efficient, effective rehabilitation so the guest can
return home as quickly as possible. But quality food
and restorative rest aid in healing so these are
priorities as well. Interlude is a quiet place and
offers a more relaxed environment for recovery. Staff
communicate via radio and earpieces so there are no
noisy overhead pages. And there are fewer intrusions
while the guests are resting.
The TCU Evolution
Typically, transitional care
facilities are located in skilled care nursing homes.
Now, TCUs are being built adjacent to hospitals and as
free-standing facilities, with the majority of guests
able to return home.
The Therapy Gym is a featured part
of the TCU for strengthening and conditioning. Therapy
is offered seven days a week, helping to reduce the
overall length of the TCU stay. Here's a sampling of
what you'll find in the Therapy Gym:·
The
AlterG, a gravity-defying treadmill that removes up
to 80 percent of the guest's body weight burden to
ease stress on joints, enhance strengthening, and
reduce recovery time;
Game Ready. Ice is a powerful tool for managing
pain. The Game Ready system combines cold with
compression to reduce swelling, minimize pain and
speed and enhance the body’s natural healing
abilities;
92 degree Aquatic Therapy Pool includes an
underwater treadmill with a camera system for gait
analysis and training. Exercising in the water
allows movement of joints without the complications
of gravity;
NeuroCom Balance Master – assessment and retraining
of the sensory and voluntary motor control of
balance;
Bariatric Therapy equipment includes treatment
tables, NuSteps, and parallel bars, sized for guests
up to 600 pounds. A ceiling lift system helps ensure
the safe movement of patients and the protection of
staff;
TCU's address the three major goals
of national healthcare policy: to reduce costs while
enhancing medical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Significantly, the TCU helps reduce the number of
rehospitalizations, which account for one in six
Medicare hospitalization dollars spent. Healthcare
payers, including Medicare, often cover a transitional
care stay, and costs may vary significantly based upon
patient condition and the treatment needed. Check with
your insurance company about coverage for your
particular needs.
The need for
transitional care is growing. As the large baby boom
generation ages, perhaps 40 percent of these consumers
will require joint replacement surgery. Innovative,
transitional care will allow these patients to enjoy a
faster, and more certain, return to an active
lifestyle.
Sharon A. Johnson is CEO of Interlude Restorative
Suites in Fridley, Minnesota. Interlude is a bold
collaboration of Allina Health, Benedictine Health
System and Presbyterian Homes & Services.
In
about 40% of my tours I hear, I’ll move when I sell my
house” or ”I have 50 years of stuff to go through
before I can move.” For most of you, leaving
your house will never happen until something happens
to you or your loved one first.
So many times I’ve heard:
Dad had a heart attack and can no longer live by
himself; we didn’t know there were waiting lists.
Mom is getting so depressed living alone; I wish she
would go to a nice community and make some friends.
Dad said he would move to a safe place. That was 2
years ago, he lives alone and his health has really
gone down.
I
can’t take care of my wife anymore, my health has
gotten worse but she won’t move. Who will take
care of her when I’m gone?
The house becomes the excuse because it means so much
to you. It’s a big part of your life and moving
to a new place is uncomfortable and just plain scary.
I cannot take those feelings away, nor would I try,
but I can suggest things to keep in YOUR control!
Moving in a crisis situation lessens your choices
because of waiting lists.
Make the decision before an incident makes it for
you.
Moving when you feel better allows for a much easier
transition.
If
you can afford it, moving to a senior community
before you sell the house
eliminates tremendous STRESS, keeping you healthier
and stronger!
Still not sure? You are welcome to try us out.
It’s a 30-day notice with no long lease. Stay
with us for a month or for the winter and give
yourself time to see how you like it. Take the
worry away from your loved ones if only for a short
time.
Homestead Road has good news for free and clear home
owners.
You
can get a low risk/high rate of return on the value of
your home – from 5-10%. You don’t have to let your
home equity sit idle at a zero rate of return. Or if
you are planning to sell your house and invest the
proceeds, here is a way you can get a 5-10% return –
more than a savings account or CD, with less risk than
other investments.
Many people are surprised to learn that one
in three homes in the U.S. is free and clear. Such a
house offers a number of opportunities to earn a rate
of return on the proceeds from the sale. Risks and
rates of return for various investments go hand in
hand from a low risk/low return bank account to high
risk/high return speculative stocks, and everything in
between.
This article discusses the option of selling
the home on a contract for deed (CD), and thereby
creating an income stream while earning anywhere from
5% to 10% on the money. If done carefully, it can
yield higher rates of return at a lower risk than many
other investments.
How it Works
The
owner starts by engaging an attorney to draw up the
contract for deed. To the person who buys the house,
it feels like a mortgage in that there is a down
payment and regular monthly payments for a specified
period of time, usually 2-3 years. At the end there is
a balloon payment that the occupant typically covers
through more conventional financing. The 2-3 year
period allows the buyer to establish or rebuild their
credit to qualify for bank financing. The major
difference between a mortgage and a CD is that with a
CD, the owner retains the deed until the contract is
fulfilled.
Homestead Road, a leading house buying company
headquartered in Minnesota has helped hundreds of
owners sell their free and clear houses on contracts
for deed. In many cases the company will make it even
easier by actually buying the house from the Owner.
Plus Factors A big advantage is that the owner will have
no trouble finding a buyer and getting the asking
price for the property. Prospective CD buyers are
people who cannot get conventional bank financing and
are grateful for this pathway to home ownership. They
do not want to derail the deal with aggressive
negotiations, so they are more agreeable to the asking
price and the terms than conventional home buyers.
That doesn’t mean they are bad credit risks.
In fact a large percentage of them are actually good
credit risks. For example, there are 25 million
self-employed people, many of whom have more than
enough income to maintain a monthly payment schedule,
but they have a hard time proving it through the maze
of today’s banking regulations. Millions of others are
strong on their feet after a negative event, but not
long enough to satisfy the underwriters. Again, the CD
gives people time to establish or rebuild their credit
through a record of on time monthly payments. A
surplus can be built into the monthly payments that
accumulate toward the mortgage down payment.
In addition to having the pick of numerous
credit worthy prospects, the owner has the further
protection in retaining the deed. If the occupant is
unable to maintain the payments, the deed holder can
evict the occupant much easier than a landlord or
mortgage holder. The contract should be written to
specify that when the occupant is in breach of
contract, they must vacate the premises.
Another important advantage is the
occupant’s mind set. Seeing themselves on a pathway to
eventually own the home, they are more likely to take
good care of the property than, for example, renters
who often trash the premises.
Summary Selling a house that is free and clear
offers a number of opportunities to earn a higher rate
of return at lower risk than many other investment
options. A contract for deed makes it easier to get
the asking price and to structure the contract in
terms most favorable to the owner/seller. Millions of
people seeking this pathway to home ownership have the income to maintain the
monthly payments and are good credit risks. The owner
is further protected by holding onto the deed, and
having a hard asset - the property - backing the paper.
Contact us for more information and
opportunities.
Article from Deb Taylor of Senior Community
Services A public awareness
initiative of Senior Community Services
Dwight, 74, is more
cautious now after being stung by a classified
advertisement he saw in an online magazine. The ad
promised $100 in legal currency for $50. Dwight
(naively) felt it was a good deal so he dashed off a
check for $50 and mailed it to a post office box in
Colorado. Soon, an official looking envelope arrived
and Dwight tore it open to find several bills. He was
ecstatic, until he took a closer look. He'd received
Portuguese escudo notes. Unsure what to do with this
foreign currency, Dwight took the cash to the foreign
currency section at a downtown bank. A teller told
Dwight that, yes, this is $100 in legal Portuguese
currency, but based upon the exchange rate his $50 had
purchased 62 cents worth of foreign currency. Dwight's
dream deal had turned into a nightmare.
Many too-good-to-be
true schemes arrive via the internet and telephone,
and trusting seniors are often easy targets. They grew
up in an era when people were more trusting and could
take someone at their word.
But
criminals are creative and know how to manipulate
older adults. They may call pretending to be a
government representative, accusing the senior of
failing to show up for jury duty, or reporting there's
a warrant out for their arrest. Out of fear, the
senior may relinquish their social security number and
other private information. Then, the scammer has
information to create a false identity for profit.
Consumers in all
fifty states have received phone calls from criminals
purporting to be IRS agents. They charge the senior
has unpaid back taxes which, if not paid, will result
in arrest, a lawsuit, or suspension of their driver's
license.
That's why it’s
important for seniors to file a tax return annually,
even if their earnings are under the income limit for
filing. In 2013, the IRS sent out almost three million
fraudulent refunds to con artists who had filed
returns in the names of unwitting consumers. If you
file a return, it's easier for the IRS to discover
fraudulent returns filed under the same name. It's
important to protect confidential information.
Trusting
seniors may have private information readily available
and ripe for the picking by unsavory service
workers. The theft of sensitive information can be the
start of a troubling and frustrating case of identity
theft.
With so much shopping
being done online, it's vital for family and
caregivers to help track purchases and payments made
by seniors. If some credit card payments are suspect,
call the credit card company to report the fraudulent
charge and have it removed from the bill. Be sure to
ask for a replacement credit card with a new number.
The
obituary scam is especially shameful. Con
artists scour newspapers online and call family
members demanding money for a supposed debt that the
deceased left behind. Another version targets widows
who answer the doorbell to find a fake delivery person
holding a box supposedly ordered by the deceased. The
widow pays and receives the package, and upon opening
discovers a brick or equally useless old magazines and
newspapers.
Be watchful and
ready to help if seniors you know are targeted.
Talk with them about how they may become easy prey.
It's a good way to Reimagine Aging and save the
billions of dollars lost annually to fraud.
Deb
Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services
(www.seniorcommunity.org) and its Reimagine Aging
Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for older adults
and helps seniors and caregivers maintain their
independence through free or low-cost services.
Seventy-five percent of aging Americans affected by
vision problems; The Minnesota
Optometric Association offers
tips to protect eyesight throughout life
Fluctuations
in vision are often one of the first health changes
adults notice as they get older. Although these
changes can be bothersome, even more troubling
problems could be lurking beneath the surface and
cause vision loss. According to the American
Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2015 American Eye-Q®
survey, the inability to live independently would
concern older consumers the most if they developed
serious vision problems.
Here are several tips
to help older adults safeguard their vision.
Schedule a yearly eye
exam
A
comprehensive eye exams is one of the most important,
preventive ways to preserve vision, and a thorough eye
exam is only way to accurately assess eye health,
diagnose an eye disorder or disease, and determine the
need for glasses or contact lenses.
Common eye conditions in older adults that can be
detected through a comprehensive eye
examination
include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts,
diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and dry eye.
“Many eye conditions
develop without any warning signs or symptoms,
so it’s important to visit a doctor of optometry every
year to ensure your eyes are healthy,” said Dr.
Nicholas Colatrella, President of the Minnesota
Optometric Association. “Early
diagnosis and treatment of serious eye diseases and
disorders is critical and can often prevent loss of
vision.”
Focus on healthy
lifestyle choices
Following
basic healthy habits can help
ward off eye diseases and maintain existing eyesight.
One of the essential building blocks of a person’s
overall health is diet. Enjoying a diet rich in the
antioxidants
lutein and zeaxanthin
can improve eye health—these can be found in spinach
and other green, leafy vegetables, as well as eggs.
Other “power foods” for the eyes include fruits and
vegetables high in Vitamin C and fish containing
Omega 3
essential fatty acids, such as salmon. Also, your eye
doctor can discuss vitamin therapy options for
patients experiencing vision problems and for
preventive treatment.
Not smoking, monitoring blood pressure levels,
exercising regularly and wearing proper sunglasses to
protect eyes from UV rays can all play a role in
preserving eyesight and eye health.
Adapt your
surroundings and seek help from a doctor of optometry
According to the 2015
American Eye-Q® survey, 75 percent of
Americans age 55 and older have experienced vision
problems.
Older adults can ease
the stress on their eyes by making some simple
changes:
·Stay
safe while driving:
Wear quality sunglasses for daytime driving and use
anti-reflective lenses to reduce headlight glare.
Limit driving at dusk, dawn or at night if seeing
under low light is difficult. Use extra caution at
intersections and reduce speed.
·Use
contrasting colors:
Define essential objects in your home, such as light
switches and telephones, with different colors so they
can be spotted quickly and easily.
·Give
the eyes a boost:
Install clocks, thermometers and timers with large
block letters. Magnifying glasses can also be used for
reading when larger print is not available. Text size on the
screen of smartphones and tablets can also be
increased.
People
dealing with eye disease and vision loss can also seek
rehabilitative services from a doctor of optometry.
Patients are taught variety of techniques to perform
daily activities with their remaining vision and help
them regain their independence.
About eye disorders
associated with aging:
Macular
Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of
blindness in America. It results from changes in the
macula, a
portion of the retina that is responsible for clear,
sharp vision and is located at the back of the eye.
The two forms are the less common wet form, and dry
ARMD. Symptoms include a gradual loss of ability to
see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss
of color vision and a dark, empty area appearing in
the eye’s center.
Diabetic retinopathy:
The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes increases with age.
Both Type 1 and 2 Diabetes can result in vision loss
due to diabetic retinopathy, and eventually blindness,
if it is not treated.
Cataract:
A cataract is a clouding if all or part of the
normally clear lens within your eye, which results in
blurred or distorted vision. While there is no proven
prevention method, when cataracts affect daily
activities, surgery may be recommended, with follow up
care by your optometrist.
Dry Eye:
The majority of people over the age of 65
experience some symptoms of dry eyes. Dry eyes can
result from an improper balance of tear production and
drainage. Women are more likely to develop dry eyes.
Certain medical and environmental conditions and
medications can also reduce the amount of tears
produced. Symptoms may include irritated, gritty or
scratch eyes, and can advance to cause damage to the
eye’s front surface. Treatments aim to restore
or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye.
Glaucoma:
The most common form of Glaucoma has no symptoms,
develops gradually, and is more common in people over
age 40. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of
blindness in the U.S. Although glaucoma can’t be
prevented, it can be controlled if treated early, so
an annual comprehensive eye exam is essential.
Article from Deb Taylor of Senior Community
Services A public awareness
initiative of Senior Community Services
At a Labor Day
gathering, I was talking to a business professional
who related his experience in hiring older adults. He
was very direct: "They show up on time, they have a
solid work ethic, and they bring customer service
skills with them so they need minimal training."
That's a strong testimonial, and one worthy of a
generation of older adults who understand the
importance of hard work. Many seniors grew up during
the Depression or World War II and experienced
deprivation and struggle. They quickly learned that
the secret to keeping a job is showing up and giving
your best.
Seniors bring a
lifetime of skills and experience to the workplace,
and they're self-motivated with little need for
constant supervision. As our society increasingly
grows older, due to the massive baby boom generation,
organizations will increasingly see more seniors
seeking employment
As employers, we can
certainly benefit from their maturity and experience,
even if a
little accommodation is necessary. We need to be
flexible and respect their
desire to limit hours of employment. We should
accommodate their medical visits and requests for time
off to attend a grandchild's school event or recital.
Doing so can boost employee loyalty and retention
among older adults.
We recognize some seniors
may have physical limitations and less stamina, so a
reexamination of working conditions may be helpful. If
an older adult must stand for long periods of time, a
rubber floor mat or placement of a chair or stool at
their work location can help them to stay energized
for their shift. For computer staff, consider adaptive
technology if needed. Screen magnifiers or larger
mouse cursors can be very helpful for seniors with
aging eyes.
Seniors
can become great examples and mentors for younger
workers. And be
sure to include older adult workers in
employee-recognition programs; everyone loves to be
showcased and applauded for their job performance.
Sadly, many seniors
think they are unwanted by employers, and feel
marginalized by the workplace. We employers need to
include language in advertising messages indicating a
willingness and desire to hire workers of all ages.
Facilitate an atmosphere of respect by enforcing and
communicating a policy requiring all employees to
treat their fellow workers with courtesy and respect.
This can have a strong impact on increasing
productivity and job satisfaction, while reducing
turnover.
We should make work
assignments based on skills, abilities and the needs
of the organization, without regard to the age of
employees. Carefully measure job performance of
workers so you can identify areas where more training
could boost productivity.
Finally, it makes
sense to listen to older adult employees. They may
have a larger 'big picture' on life that could bring
insight and fresh ideas to your business goals. Many
studies show that creativity increases as we age.
Imagine the value of
tapping into this brain-trust of older adults to
benefit our entire community. It's a great way to
fight ageism and Reimagine Aging, so we can proudly
proclaim our organizations to be senior-friendly
workplaces.
Deb Taylor is CEO
of Senior Community Services (www.seniorcommunity.org)
and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that
advocates for older adults and helps seniors and
caregivers maintain their independence through free or
low-cost services.
Last month I had a son of a
senior mom come in for a tour. When he returned
for a 2nd tour, I told him how sorry I was
that his mom’s health had turned so quickly. He said,
“I wouldn’t have known how much help she really needed
if she hadn’t stayed with us for a week. What an
eye opener! ” This happened to me too.
I took mom on a road trip to see
family…What an eye opener! Do you know what else
happened? I had my head in the sand about mom’s age
and health. I kept her at 60 when she was actually
80. Not on purpose, it’s just something that
happens.
Fortunately
she had a friend that helped wake me up.
Some adult children of aging
parents may be very in-tune with your mom and/or dad’s
needs. You might see:
·the yard work is getting to
be too much,
· the one who is doing most
of the care giving is getting tired, (loved one)
·the mail is piling up,
·cooking, gardening or
socializing is less or
·the bills haven’t been paid
or have been double paid.
But,
for some of us, we need to be with them for a longer
period of time to really GET IT.
When I began looking for a nice
place for mom to be, a safe, welcoming place inclusive
of all levels of living, I was told that I was doing
the right thing by looking now – BEFORE something
happened. You see, when something does happen to
cause a more urgent need, your choices of a community
and/or location go down, because they may be filled
and have waiting lists.
Have mom/dad come stay with you for
a week, or you stay with them – start preparing!
Article from Deb Taylor of Senior Community
Services A public awareness
initiative of Senior Community Services
Retirement is
supposed to be a time of leisure, after decades spent
in the working world and raising children. But
millions of seniors, because of our increasingly aging
population, are finding themselves as caregivers -
pursuing a new labor of love, the care of a spouse or
another loved one.
Gail,
78, works seven days a week, mornings through
evenings, caring for her 85-year-old husband David who
suffers from dementia. Because he awakens frequently,
Gail finally had to hire an aide for overnights. "I'm
no spring chicken myself, I need my rest," she said.
As many older
caregivers struggle to keep their loved one out of a
nursing home, the constant attention and care can take
a toll on their own health. Numerous studies show that
many caregivers die before the loved one for whom they
care.
Older adults tough it
out, feeling a loving sense of obligation. Alvin, 75,
cares for his wife Ronda who's battling diabetes and
debilitating arthritis. He helps her with bathing,
dressing and moving about the house. Constant
vigilance is required because if she falls, it could
quickly become a very serious complication. "When this
started, I told her that she'd cared for me for 50
years, I guess it's my turn."
The National Alliance
for Caregiving found that caregivers older than 75
spend on average 34 hours a week on caregiving tasks.
This time together, while aging in place, doesn't have
to be a stressful season of life, especially at an age
where endurance and physical strength begin to wane.
At Senior Community
Services, we know that most Minnesota seniors prefer
to live in their own home. And, across the state,
family and friends provide more than 90 percent of
care for seniors still living at home. However, most
of these caregivers have no formal training in
geriatric care.
Our
goal is to support their independence as long as
possible with services that provide a respite and make
life more manageable. Our staff and volunteers assist
them with household duties they can no longer manage
alone. We help ease their isolation and loneliness at
our many senior centers, help them navigate the
seemingly endless depths of complex healthcare options
( and saving them money) and provide care coordination
for caregivers who dutifully and lovingly do all they
can day in and day out.
Thankfully, Senior
Community Services is able to help them Reimagine
Aging in a healthier way that better meets their
needs. And tools, like our innovative website
CareNextion.org, enable them to better manage the
care and responsibilities.
The challenges are
here to stay. The needs are growing. Soon, there will
be more seniors than school children in Minnesota.
And in the next decade, one in four Minnesotans will
be 65 or older.
Thankfully, there are
a lot of people willing to help, and that's good,
because we're all part of the solution. Help is a
phone call or mouse click away.
Deb
Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services
(www.seniorcommunity.org) and its Reimagine Aging
Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for older adults
and helps seniors and caregivers maintain their
independence through free or low-cost services.
“I’m
not used to fancy. My husband and I were used to a
very simple, good life. I’ve never felt quite
comfortable in something that is too big, too nice and
too pretty. I’m just a plain everyday person that
loves life. When it came time for me to move to a
senior living community, I found that my children
wanted more for me than what I wanted. I understood.
What child wouldn’t want their parent to have the very
best, but sometimes the very best is not comfortable
for all people. So I stood my ground and as
disappointed as my kids were that I chose a smaller
apartment, they see how happy I am and they are now
happy.
The view is the BEST, I love my view, my ducks, my sunset,
lightening strikes out the window, and the most basic
things. I feel God put me here to make people smile.
I might like to have more room but what would I do
with it? I’m at the time in my life where I want to
get rid of things. I want a simple life where having
a kitchen for my baking and bringing a smile to others
fills me up. I’ve become known as the woman with the
big red glasses. I love it here, this is my family
now.”
The above story is from our new resident Jeannine. I toured
Jeannine and her 2 daughters. THEY found the
‘perfect’ apartment. It was beautiful, facing the
lake, a large open kitchen, fireplace, side-by-side
washer/dryer and a huge bedroom with 2 closets. After
seeing several apartments, the choice was made. How
exciting it was for the daughters to have found such a
nice apartment for their mom.
The
next day there was a call, a visit and a stand was
taken. Mom and daughters looked at 2 apartments
again. Mom was not comfortable with the chosen
apartment that her daughters wanted for her. It was
too large and too nice. She wanted to live in a
simpler, smaller space that she felt she could
maintain. You see, even though housekeeping is
provided, there is a perception from a person who
doesn’t get around like they used to. The perception
is ‘it’s too much to keep up.’ This perception brings
discomfort and anxiety. The smaller space provides a
HUG and the feeling of achievement to keep up their
new living area. It also aligns with their values of
how THEY were brought up in a simpler time.
Our parents don’t always want what we, the adult children,
want for them. It comes down to one small, but not
always, simple thing – Listening! We think that mom
or dad deserves more, deserves the bigger and the best
because they’ve earned it. To all of us adult
children, I’m including myself, let’s stop thinking
and start LISTENING! Not every parent wants the
biggest and the nicest, they want what is comfortable
to them.
A comment from one of the daughters of Jeannine. "I can’t believe how happy mom is. She loves her
apartment, she loves the Regent and she loves her new
friends. That makes me happy."
Augustana
Regent at Burnsville
952-898-1910
14500 Regent Lane
Burnsville, MN
Assisted Living, Independent Living,
Memory Care
http://www.augustanaregent.com/
AlertID
Provides Tips to Protect Your Family and Pets from
Heat Exhaustion
Heat and humidity can be silent
killers for those who don’t take the necessary
precautions to protect themselves and their loved
ones. Serious health concerns caused by extreme
temperatures are heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even
death.
“Children, the elderly, and pets
are at the highest risk of overexposure to the heat,”
said AlertID Founder, Keli Wilson. “Taking steps to
prevent overheating and recognizing the symptoms of
heat exhaustion are easy steps everyone can take this
summer to beat the heat.”
As record high temperatures spread
across the country this summer, AlertID reminds us
that heat related injuries are preventable, especially
when following their “Beat the Heat Tips”.
Tips
to Beat the Heat
1.Stay
Hydrated: The rate at
which the human body can absorb fluids is less than
the rate it loses during extreme temperatures.
Drinking beverages that contain sugar, caffeine or
alcohol will only further dehydrate the human body.
Drink water regularly, even before you are thirsty, as
thirst indicates dehydration.
2.Keep
cool: If you don’t have
AC at home, keep rooms as ventilated as possible.
Consider going to a public pool, shopping mall or
other air
conditioned
building. Even a few hours in air conditioning can
help you stay cool before you go back in the heat.
Wear cool, loose, light- weight clothing to stay as
cool as possible.
3.Limit
Outdoor Activities: Try
to limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening
hours and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest
hours of the day.
4.Avoid
Harmful UV’s: If it’s
not possible to stay out of the sun, avoid harmful
rays bywearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses,
and use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
5.Never
Leave Someone or a Pet in a Closed Vehicle:
The temperature inside a closed
vehicle can exceed 140 degrees within 30 minutes.
Despite this clear and present danger, injuries and
deaths among children, seniors, and pets occur every
year.
6.Check
on elderly loved ones and those with special needs:
Extreme heat without AC can be especially dangerous
for elderly and those with health issues, who are more
affected by the heat.
7.Pets:
If pets need to stay
outside, give them plenty of shade and water. Consider
a small pool for the animal to stay cool.
About AlertID
AlertID, the neighborhood
safety network, is free to use and helps protect
families and neighborhoods. AlertID's mission is to
help people live safely by providing a secure way to
receive trusted public safety alerts and share
information with family members and neighbors. AlertID
uses technology to help citizens and federal, state
and local authorities share information about crime,
sex offenders, natural disasters, missing children and
severe weather that can threaten public safety.
AlertID is accessible to members online as well as by
email and mobile app. For more information visit
www.AlertID.com.
Article from Deb Taylor of Senior Community
Services
A public awareness
initiative of Senior Community Services
Life
brings different rhythms - different timetables - for
each of us. We lose dear loved ones, we grieve, we
face changes - diminished mobility, an end to driving
the car, maybe a different place to live after decades
in the long-time family home.
Often, stressors push
down on us as we give up the familiar, the
comfortable, the sense of control. We may start
feeling diminished and depressed. Isolation sets in
and home may suddenly feel like a prison rather than a
sanctuary. The morning glance in the mirror may reveal
new lines or drooping in places that didn't droop
before. Self-pity is a very human first reaction, but
consider turning the issue on its head instead.
Why not celebrate your
years and experience. An acquaintance once talked
about putting on her 'reverse glasses' to look at life
from a new perspective, through new lens so to speak.
Suddenly, you're running into time. Things are going
right. It's not your fault. You can't lose. You've got
plenty of energy. Everything is so easy. What new
opportunities will today bring?
In other words,
embrace aging. Learn to appreciate yourself and what
you have to offer. We can all befriend another and be
a blessing. Acknowledge your imperfections because no
one is perfect. Accept your limitations; if you can't
run the mile in under six minutes, then embrace the
beauty of a slow stroll on a beautiful morning. Enjoy
the quiet times. Celebrate impermanence; if everything
was permanent, nothing would change. It's never too
late so create a list of things you'd like to still
accomplish and set out to do them. Finally, rather
than dwelling on regret and the things you can no
longer do, focus on what you can do. Live vitally, and
be sure to laugh often and maintain a sense of humor.
It helps you maintain perspective. And soon the doom
and gloom will bloom into something healthier.
If you are a
caregiver, your selfless service to help another may
sometimes feel like a sacrifice. One caregiver said it
helps her to think of caregiving as adjusting rather
than sacrificing. Adjusting seems more like a sideways
shift rather than a loss of something, she explained.
You're Never Alone
No
matter the challenge or struggle, support is always
available. Every day, Senior Community Services helps
seniors and caregivers find the right supportive
services to improve daily living. We help them connect
with local senior centers where joy, fun, and
fellowship are everyday experiences rather than
loneliness and isolation. We help with household
chores that may be impossible for them to manage, find
affordable healthcare insurance, help them manage
care, and reduce burdensome medical debt that taxes
limited and fixed incomes.
The challenges are
here to stay awhile. Roughly 11,000 people - on
average - are expected to turn 65 every day for the
next 15 years, according to the federal government. So
needs will only grow.
A little focused
expertise - applied properly - can make a world of
difference. It's quite a prescription for living in
the later years. And when we take steps to enhance
daily living, we Reimagine Aging, not only for a
growing number of older relatives, friends, and
neighbors, but for all of us.
Deb
Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services
(www.seniorcommunity.org)
and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that
advocates for older adults and helps seniors and
caregivers maintain their independence through free or
low-cost services.
Benedictine Health System's Bold, New Partnership
Brings Innovation to Address National Healthcare Goals By Sharon
A. Johnson, MA, LNHA
Fridley, Minn. -
Three Minnesota healthcare providers have partnered
to create a bold, new transitional care medical model
that directly addresses the Triple Aim of national
healthcare policy - reduce healthcare costs, enhance
medical outcomes. and boost patient satisfaction.
Located
at 520 Osborne Road NE in Fridley, behind Unity
Hospital, Interlude Restorative Suites offers 46
private and semi-private suites with high hospitality
and comfortable, state-of-the-art amenities. The
facility, one of two in the metro area, is operated by
the Benedictine Health System partnership with Allina
and Presbyterian Homes & Services.
Challenges and
Solutions
Healthcare costs are
staggering. Nationally, Medicare pays more than $140
million (2013 figure) a year for beneficiary
hospitalizations.
But 20 percent of
hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries are
rehospitalized in the month following discharge.
Why so many rehospitalizations? Falls, medical
complications such as infections, medication errors or
patient failure to follow doctor's orders. The cost to
Medicare, according to one study, is $26 billion
annually, nearly 17 percent of total Medicare hospital
expenditures.
A transitional care
stay - an effective bridge from hospital to home after
surgery or an illness - may last as long as six weeks.
And while less costly than a hospital stay, remains a
substantial cost.
Wellness Approach
The Interlude model
is focused on highly individualized care, provided as
efficiently and as effectively as possible. A patient
(or guest) comes to Interlude sooner. And the typical
stay is no longer than 21 days. And with
seven-day-a-week physical and occupational therapy
available, some stays have been reduced to fewer than
10 days, at a tremendous cost savings
of thousands of dollars per guest.
"Under the Interlude
model, we are positioned to work with payers for
outcomes rather than the number of days spent in
the facility. It's a big win-win for payers and
patients," says Sharon Johnson, CEO of Interlude's
Fridley campus. "The guest returns home sooner, is
stronger, more confident and better able to
self-manage again. Some payers are making the
transition now; we expect outcome-based payments will
be commonplace in the future."
Built into the
Interlude model is a wellness component that pampers
the patient while they heal.
"People heal better
when they enjoy quality care, good restorative sleep,
and are well nourished," explained Director of
Hospitality and Wellness Becky Willett. "Guests are in
a sanctuary, being refreshed and renewed as they heal.
They enjoy a calming environment, a gentle touch, a
quiet room. We bring a unique level of care and
comfort so Interlude is the place for a faster
recovery."
Guests quickly discover this is a quiet place, no
beeping equipment and no overhead pages. Staff
communication is via earpieces.
Innovative design keeps guest intrusions to a
minimum to ensure quality rest; the staff restock
towels and other supplies from hidden hallways
outside the guest's room.
Guests enjoy customized, quality meals prepared by
our talented culinary chefs and served on real
china. Meals may be eaten in the guest's room or in
one of the lovely dining rooms. The guest determines
their meal times, and the chefs will accommodate
personal dietary preferences
Guests have access to rehabilitation equipment once
only found in the training rooms of professional
sports teams. The AlterG treadmill utilizes
groundbreaking NASA anti-gravity technology to
reduce recovery time after an injury or surgery.
AlterG removes up to 80 percent of the guest's
body weight burden so a 200 pound person may feel
like they weight 40 pounds during therapy.
The pampering continues with aromatherapy, massage,
heated wellness pool, fluffy robes and blanket
warmers, smart TVs, iPads and WIFI, meditation rooms
and therapy garden. The Laurel Bay Salon is
onsite for guests and the public to enjoy a salon
experience at excellent prices.
Growing TCU Demand
The demand for
transitional care is growing as the baby boom
generation ages. With life expectancy increasing, it
is estimated that four out of 10 U.S. baby boomers
will eventually require an orthopedic implant such as
a knee or hip. Transitional care is a key
component of recovery back to a satisfying lifestyle.
Interlude Restorative Suites is a bold, new idea in
transitional care, built on the foundation of three of
the most trusted healthcare organizations in the
region: Allina Health, Benedictine Health System and
Presbyterian Homes & Services.
CHASKA, Minn. (June 3, 2015) – The Goodman Group,
a national leader in developing and managing senior
living and health care communities, today announced
the appointment of Brad Marburger as National Director
for Platinum Career Solutions, a national recruitment
and placement company developed by the company,
effective immediately. The appointment announcement
was made by Craig Edinger, vice president of senior
living & health care, and Annette Rivard, director of
human resources, The Goodman Group.
Marburger is responsible to help develop, market and manage the
recruitment and placement company, and will focus on
sourcing and placing health care and hospitality
employees in the company’s managed senior living and
health care communities. He is based at the company’s
headquarters.
“Brad brings more than 17 years of experience in the recruitment and
staffing industry that includes leadership roles and
business development for healthcare related staffing
companies,” said Edinger. “He has extensive expertise
in building a staffing operation, developing strategic
relationships, recruiting and placing employees and
generating revenue.”
Most recently, Marburger was vice president of Staffing Solutions for
Interim HealthCare Staffing Solutions in Bloomington,
Minn.; the nation’s first and foremost home care and
medical staffing company. Prior to this, he was a
staffing consultant for The Hartford, one of the
oldest and largest insurance companies based in the
United States. Before that, he was a branch manager
for Medical Staffing Network in Bloomington, Minn.,
the largest per diem medical staffing brand in the
United States. Marburger transitioned his career into
recruitment in 1997 as a Recruitment Specialist for
Clinical One Healthcare in Wakefield, Mass., now
operating as a Randstad company.
He has a Bachelor of Science in English Education from
Mankato State University. For three years, he served
as a board member on the College of Allied Health and
Nursing at Minnesota State University-Mankato and was
a teacher at Mankato East High School.
About The Goodman Group: The Goodman Group is an
international company headquartered in Chaska, Minn.
and was established in 1965 with its beginnings in
residential and commercial property ownership and
management. In 1967, the company developed its first
health care center and has become a multi-state
operator recognized as a national leader in developing
and providing management support for senior living
communities, health care centers, residential
communities and commercial properties. The Goodman
Group is a privately held company with responsibility
for overseeing communities with tens of thousands of
residents and over 4,000 community employees. The
Goodman Group manages properties in ten states in the
United States – Arizona, Arkansas, California,
Florida, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, South
Dakota, Washington – and in the United Kingdom.
(30)
Interlude Restorative Suites
Better Care, Lower Costs, Happy Guests Sharon A. Johnson,
Administrator/CEO, Interlude Restorative Suites
Interlude
Restorative Suites, a new hospitality-focused
transitional care facility, opened on the Unity
Hospital campus in March 2015. Interlude, with its
high-tech, high-touch care, provides rehabilitation
and restorative nursing to guests who have recently
been discharged from the hospital or outpatient
surgery. Interlude looks more like a five-star hotel
than a traditional skilled nursing facility, but it is
how Interlude is poised to meet the goals of health
care reform that is equally cutting edge.
The 'Triple Aim' of healthcare reform is to
provide better care, at a lower cost, to more
satisfied patients. Many people understand that a
major part of health care reform is to provide
affordable medical insurance to those who need it, but
driving down healthcare costs by how we provide
healthcare is an important part of reform, too.
At Interlude Restorative Suites, guests have
chef-prepared meals to meet their nutritional needs.
Most suites are private rooms with an attached shower
and bathroom, and come with a mini-fridge, microwave
and Smart TV. While hospitals can be noisy places
with overhead paging and beeping equipment,
Interlude’s direct care staff carry walkie-talkies
with earpieces, and can respond quickly to a nurse
call button or communicate with each other privately.
The halls are quiet, so that guests can get
restorative rest.
Rehabilitation is scheduled
seven-days-a-week, unlike many skilled nursing
facilities, which helps guests recovery more quickly.
The rehabilitation department includes
state-of-the-art equipment, and a warm pool for
aquatic therapy.
Interlude
has set a high bar for performance; we expect that
guests will spend fewer days here, because we are
meeting their needs for nutrition, sleep, recovery and
restoration. The result is that the total cost of care
is less (fewer days are billed); the focus is on
clinical outcomes; and guests feel refreshed - not
depleted - by the time they are ready to go home.
We like to see our happy guests return, to
simply enjoy a meal at the Sage Bistro, which is open
to the public, to receive outpatient therapy, or to
greet their favorite staff members. Interlude is the
next generation in transitional care, available now
for metro area residents.
Minneapolis, MN
– Business leaders gathered at the Nicollet Island
Pavilion on May 13, 2015, Business Ethics Awareness
Day in Minnesota, to honor three companies with
the 16th annual Minnesota Business
Ethics Award (MBEA). Coon Rapids based Mary T.
Inc. was selected as the recipient for the large
company category (500+ employees). Other finalists in
the large company category were Health Partners and
Medtronic.
Mary T. Inc. is family
owned and founded on a tradition of care. They have
been providing service to senior communities and
persons with disabilities since 1976, and continue to
offer this personal care through Home Health & Hospice
Care, Rental and Senior Housing, Supported and
Independent Living Services, Supported Apartments and
Personal & Home Services.
Dr. Mary
Tjosvold, CEO and Founder of Mary T. Inc., accepted
the award on behalf of Mary T. Inc., “Ethics is really
about how you treat people. When you look at the Mary
T. Inc. organization, it is how we treat people every
single day. It’s about the values, about the mission,
about the culture that we have. I believe it is
important that all of us set a culture of
collaboration and cooperation enabling our employees
to act in an ethical way. For me personally, it’s what
my 96 year old mother might say about it.”
MBEA winners in the small and mid-size categories were
Victory Auto Service & Glass and North Star Resources
group. Each MBEA recipient received a crystal award
along with a congratulatory letter from Gov. Mark
Dayton. Dayton declared Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Business Ethics Awareness Day in the state of
Minnesota.
“Earning the Minnesota Business Ethics Award can be
aspirational for many organizations, but those who
receive the award find it an affirmation of their true
business culture,” said David Rodbourne, MBEA
co-chair. “Ethics is an obligation of business that
begins with the true structure of the organization.”
The
award luncheon keynote was America’s Crisis Guru®
James (Jim) Lukaszewski, president, The Lukaszewski
Group Division of Risdall Marketing, New Brighton, MN.
The MBEA was founded by the Society of Financial
Service Professionals – Twin Cities Chapter and the
Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC) at the
University of St. Thomas, Opus College of Business.
Joining these two organizations as a sponsor is the
National Association of Insurance and Financial
Advisors (NAIFA) – Minnesota. The MBEA recognizes
Minnesota businesses that exemplify and promote
ethical conduct in the workplace, the marketplace and
the community. More information about the MBEA can be
found at
www.mnethicsaward.org.
A public awareness
initiative of Senior Community Services
May is Older Americans
Month, Reimagine Aging
In the closing months
of his Presidency, John F. Kennedy designated May as
Senior Citizens Month, later to be renamed Older
Americans Month. In 1963, only 17 million Americans
were 65 or older.
Today, more than 45
million seniors live and work among us, and that
number will only grow as the 78-million members of the
baby boom generation continue to age. The boomers
started turning 65 in 2011 and ever since the demand
for senior services has increased.
Ahead, there are
challenges as we enable older adults and caregivers to
take charge of their lives, to take steps to ensure
independence, and to enjoy a full life of meaning for
as long as possible. It's what we all want, right?
At
Senior Community Services, we place a priority
on remaining engaged. Loneliness and isolation are
caustic to the spirit and in time can lead to
depression and physical health problems. That's why
the seniors centers we operate, thanks to the help of
many volunteers, are so important. They provide
socialization opportunities for seniors to come
together for fellowship, enjoy a meal, take in a ball
game, play cards, visit a museum or take a drive
through the countryside. As one senior told me,
"Looking back, I was so lonely and sad. Coming to my
local senior center changed my life, and extended the
quality years I still have." Comments like this
motivate us to do even more for the older adults among
us.
That's one way we help
Minnesotan's Reimagine Aging, bringing the proper mix
of resources around the senior (and their caregiver)
to help them enjoy a higher quality of life.
Our Household and
Outdoor Maintenance for Elderly (HOME)
program is another example. HOME provides low cost
services to help seniors live independently in their
own homes. The program mobilizes big-hearted people -
volunteers and trusted professionals - to provide
affordable home maintenance and chore services.
This network of
reliable workers and volunteers provide indoor and
outdoor chore services to residents ages 60 and older
in many of the suburban communities of Hennepin
County. Similar programs exist across the state.
And by visiting
www.seniorcommunity.org, you can order chore
services for a loved one. As spring unfolds, the need
for help with yard cleanup, window-washing, lawn
mowing, and painting is growing.
Eleanor, 80, loves her
cozy suburban home, but she once worried her days of
independence might be ending. Eleanor struggled to
keep up with household tasks like window-washing,
minor repairs, raking leaves and snow shoveling.
Daughter LeeAnn did some research and discovered the
HOME program.
Soon, a group of
enthusiastic young volunteers from a local church
arrived to help with spring cleaning and yard work.
And an affordable handyman fixed a loose downspout on
her roof.
Eleanor is content
again, free of worry. "Thanks to Senior Community
Services, I can continue to live in my own home. I'm
so grateful for all they do."
And daughter LeeAnn is
grateful for the respite. Working full-time, she
struggled to manage caregiving duties and household
chores at her mother's home. "After awhile, you can
run out of steam," she says. "Senior Community
Services' volunteers and staff are partners with us
and the result is so much better than what I could do
on my own."
That's what feels good
when we Reimagine Aging - life's made better.
Deb
Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services (www.seniorcommunity.org)
and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that
advocates for older adults and helps seniors and
caregivers maintain their independence through free or
low-cost services.
Too
old for social media? Don’t let anyone tell you – or
your senior loved one – that, because it’s not
possible!
More and more older
adults are proving that every day.
Survey after survey
reflects that more and more senior Americans,
including those in the most elderly groups, are
participating in social media — though their numbers
still lag behind other age groups. They are jumping
on board Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and more (can
Google+ be far behind?) as they realize it is fun and
provides real benefits.
Are your senior loved
ones participating? We can think of several reasons
for them to do so, especially for those living on
their own (or aging-in-place), but there are benefits
for those in senior care or living facilities as
well. READ
FULL ARTICLE HERE
Did you know that 5
out of 10 insurance claims are water disasters?
Billions of dollars of extensive water damage occurs
from internal flooding each year. A sump pump is your
first line of defense against water seepage. How old
is your unit? Are you willing to trust that it will
work properly when it needs to? If it fails, do you
have a battery backup system in place?
Prevent water issues, use our Spring Checklist
Check
to be sure your sump pump motor is still working. To
prevent backups, make sure any discharge lines are
clear and open.
Clear
leaves out of gutters and downspouts.
Check
around your home’s foundation for low spots that
would allow water to collect and run into your
basement. Add soil to those areas so water can slope
away.
Temporarily turn on the water to your outside
faucets and check for any leaks.
Make
sure that your basement shut off valves are not
leaking.
Check
the condition of your washing machine hoses. Flex
and bend the hose, if it feels extremely stiff or
you see any cracks then it’s time to replace them.
We recommend the more reliable stainless steel
hoses.
What
is a Sump Pump?
A
sump
pump is a pump used
to remove water that has accumulated in a water
collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement
of homes. The water may enter via the perimeter drains
of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the
basin or because of rain or natural ground water, if
the basement is below the water table level.
Commonly found in the basement of homes, a sump pump
is used to remove water that has accumulated in a
water-collecting sump basin.
Water in basements is
a common problem
5
out of 10 insurance claims are water disasters.
Billions of dollars of extensive water damage occurs
from internal flooding each year. A sump pump is your
first line of defense against water seepage so you
want to make sure to be proactive with replacing an
old one or fixing one that has failed.
Why would I need a
sump pump?
Homes
that need sump pumps have basements that flood
regularly. They are installed to correct the flooding
issue and to solve dampness where the water table is
above the foundation of a home. They are designed to
send water away from a house to an area where it is no
longer problematic such as a dry well or municipal
storm drain.
Many pumps that were installed years ago still
discharge to the sanitary sewer system (for instance
through the drain in the laundry sink). Whereas this
was once acceptable, this practice now violates
plumbing code or municipal bylaws because this
discharge can overwhelm municipal sewage treatment
systems.
Battery backup is a
good idea
Since a sump basin may overflow if not constantly
pumped, a backup system is important because during a
severe storm where flooding is an issue, many times
the home’s electrical power can be out for a prolonged
period of time.
The submersible style is mounted completely inside the
sump and is specially sealed to prevent electrical
short circuits. These pumps are generally more
expensive to purchase, have a shorter lifespan (5-15
years) and are much less visible to the homeowner.
What other variables go into the decision to purchase
the right sump pump for my home?
When it comes to sump pumps, Plumb Right wrote the
book!
Over
and above the two basic types of sump pumps, there are
many variables to consider when purchasing/having a
sump pump installed which is why you should call the
professionals at Plumb Right.
Automatic vs. manual operation
Level
of horsepower needed
Head
pressure/maximum height that the pump will move
water
Power
cord length
Water
level sensing switch type
Backup system and alarm
Don’t
wait until your current system fails or the spring
rains flood your basement. Call Plumb Right for the
best advice, installation and service of new or
existing sump pumps.
Plumb Right provides dependable,
hardworking sump pumps and battery backup systems that
you can count on. Call us today at 763-561-3306 or
952-474-0302 for a consultation.
And if you ever get to the point
where your system has failed, call our emergency sump
pump line at 763-561-3306 for immediate help.
Downsizing can be a tough process for anyone, but
especially for seniors who find themselves with large
homes and no longer have children at home to fill up
the rooms. More and more are tackling the huge job of
downsizing their living spaces. In fact, about six
percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64
move each year, according to the Over-50 Council of
the National Association of Home Builders.
There are several reasons seniors want or need to
downsize. They could be planning a move to assisted
living, moving into a smaller, more manageable home or
living out of a motor home so they can travel more.
I
offer the following tips for seniors taking the plunge
into a more simplified lifestyle.
� Get Rid of the guilt factor---Many
feel they are the "keepers" of their family heirlooms
and have a hard time getting rid of items which they
no longer have room. This is the number one reason
seniors have a hard time downsizing. Look for other
family members who would like to have some of these
items now. Especially if they are just being stored
and not used. This way the person they really want to
have them will for sure be the one to inherit the
item. And the joy that brings to the recipient can be
enjoyed by the giver.
�
Paring down items before the move makes the
process easier at moving time. It not only saves space
but it saves time and money. If family members
do not want the items because of their own space
limitations or for other reasons consider donating the
items to a charity. Or there are consignment shops in
most large cities where items can be sold with a
percentage of the cost going to the shop. Or items can
be sold through eBay, Craig's list and other places on
the internet.
� Find movers specializing in senior needs---Moving
is stressful for everyone, but some moving companies
specialize in making the transition easier for seniors
so it is worth the time to fine a 'mover match'. There
are moving companies with senior-friendly services,
such as hanging items on the walls for clients unable
to do so themselves, handling the change of address
and utilities, setting up electronics at a new home,
and much more.
� Reassess every five to ten years---As seniors
get older, modern appliances or high shelving can
become more difficult to use or simply unnecessary
considering their lifestyle. By evaluating and
reassessing needs every five to ten years helps in two
ways. It helps to avoid collecting clutter and keeping
things no longer needed. It also assures that the home
or space is still working for their lifestyle.
� Everyday activities and household chores can be
made easier---This can be a simple process by
adjusting the setup in their homes. Keep two to three
sets of dinnerware where it is easy to reach instead
of keeping everything in out-of-reach cabinetry.
Everyday activities and household chores can be made
easier just by adjusting the setup in their homes.
There
are a number of reasons to practice good foot care –
especially for seniors. Feet are often ignored and
have taken years of abuse. They need tender loving
care! In addition to providing improved circulation
and relaxation, good foot care can provide valuable
information about your general health.
1. What are the best
reasons for good foot care?
Helps Maintain
Good Circulation:
Whether you lead a sedentary life or are on your
feet all day, a foot massage can stimulate muscles
and improve circulation to the lower extremities.
This can be especially helpful for diabetics.
Lowers Blood
Pressure:
In the highly stressful environment of today, a
relaxing foot massage can be an effective tool to
lower blood pressure, lessen muscle tension, reduce
anxiety and help improve your mood.
Provides a Visual
Checkup:
It’s an opportunity to check for injury, color,
circulation, nail bed problems or poorly fitting
shoes that may be damaging your feet. If problems
are noted, a recommendation to see your doctor might
be made.
Helps With
Balance:
By reducing pain, swelling and reducing muscle
stress, feet and ankles are better able to provide
needed balance and support of the entire body.
Helps With
Healthy Maintenance:
Regular foot care provides a time to get rid of
calluses and dead skin, trim your nails, stretch,
moisturize, cleanse, relieve pain and rejuvenate
your feet. Diabetics especially benefit from a
periodic foot massage for improved circulation and
reduced risk of neuropathy.
2.
Things you can do to maintain good foot health
Wash
your feet regularly with warm water and soap,
especially between your toes
Clean
and trim your toe nails regularly
Moisturize your feet every day
Avoid
shoes that don’t fit
Keep
your feet dry in your shoes, using foot powder if
necessary
Get
a good foot care session if you have trouble
accessing your feet
3. What a good
Healthy Feet by Mary T. foot care session includes
A 5-minute foot soak
in warm soapy water
A regular foot
check-up including examination of the shins, ankles
and feet
For
most of us, the holidays are a time to gather with
friends and family, celebrate, reflect on the past and
plan for the future. However, for some, especially
older individuals, the holidays can be a difficult
time. During the holidays, older adults may feel more
acutely the passing of time, the absence of parents,
siblings and friends who have died, and the distance
of loved ones who have moved away. Traditional
reunions and rituals that were observed in the past
may not be possible and in their absence, the holidays
may seem devoid of meaning.
Approximately6
million people over 65are
depressed. But unfortunately, few seek treatment.
Chronic health issues, feelings of loneliness, and
loss of loved ones can exacerbate feelings of
depression and make the holidays a very difficult time
for some seniors.
Look
for signs of depression.The holidays can be a difficult time for older adults
who may be dealing with the loss of loved ones and
past traditions. While
feeling blue can be normal, depression isn’t. It is important for caretakers to
be on the look out for signs of depression, such as
persistent sadness, frequent tearfulness, weight
changes, changes in sleep patterns, etc.
Click Here for a resource guide for the
elderly, their caregivers and their family members
with tips and advice on how to beat holiday
depression.
As you gather with family and
friends on Thanksgiving, take the opportunity to have
the conversation.
To help you get started, go to
www.HonoringChoices.org for
video stories by real people, documentaries and
resources. The documentary “Honoring Choices: Giving
Thanks” and six other documentaries will run
continuously on tpt MN for most of Thanksgiving
Day.
Click
here for resources for
obtaining assistance with completing your health care
directive.
Contact Honoring Choices Minnesota
at 612-623-2899 for presentations on Advance Care
Planning and health care directives at your senior
housing, congregation, club or other group.
Did you know that
"Extra Help" (Low-income subsidy) is available from
the Social Security Administration to help low-income
individuals pay for their Medicare Part D benefit?
If you qualify:
Low-Income Subsidy
includes help for Medicare Part D premiums, co-pays
and deductibles.
This "help" has more
generous guidelines than most Federal/State programs
This "help" is not
subject to lien recovery unlike most Federal/State
programs.
Forms and application
assistance is available through your local Senior
LinkAge Line® in all 87 Counties of Minnesota.
If
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
has its way, people with certain types of hearing loss
will no longer be able to benefit from proven bone
anchored hearing solutions such as the Cochlear™ Baha®
Implant System.
The problem stems from
a proposed rule being considered by CMS that would
classify bone anchored hearing solutions, otherwise
known as osseointegrated hearing implants, as hearing
aids, not prosthetics.
The
adoption of the rule could affect the quality of
hearing for thousands of people in the United States
who have found traditional hearing aids to be
ineffective in treating hearing problems, such as
microtia and atresia or other conditions.
In contrast to
traditional hearing aids, which aren’t covered under
Medicare, these systems are surgically implanted and
use bone conduction to replace the function of the
middle ear or the cochlea, whereas hearing aids
require no medical procedures and are not permanent.
“In 2006, CMS
correctly classified the Baha Implant System as a
prosthetic device that replaces the function of the
middle ear and cochlea,” said Anthony Manna,
President, Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions. “If the
new proposal is accepted, the United States would be
one of the very few industrialized nations not to
cover this life changing technology.”
To
date, the Baha Implant System has helped more than
100,000 people worldwide hear and enjoy a better
quality of life. In the United States alone, thousands
have enjoyed the profound change in hearing such
prosthetics make possible.
Even so, CMS is still
considering this change in policy, which could affect
thousands of Americans, not only those who may be good
candidates for this type of prosthetic, but current
recipients who would be unable to upgrade their
technology or even maintain their current system due
to the loss of these important benefits.
The
good news is that CMS is still considering the new
rule. The hearing community is hoping that current and
prospective users and their loved ones, in addition to
advocates of prosthetic technologies, will voice their
dissatisfaction with the proposed rule so these
life-changing technologies can continue to be covered
by Medicare.
Action Is Needed by
August 29, 2014 to Prevent Passing of Legislation.
There are a number of ways people can offer their
support and voice their concern for the rule change.
For more information, visit:
www.HelpNowHearAlways.com.
What
does it mean when a medication label says, “take on
an empty stomach” or “take with food” because I
never adhere to those warnings and I’m still alive.
Does it really matter?
It matters in
most cases, but not all.
With
antibiotics, it may be that your medicine reaches a
higher blood level when you take it on an empty
stomach, but over the course of therapy, it doesn’t
change the outcome, meaning the pathogens are killed
regardless of when you take the medicine.
With other
medications, such as sleeping pills, a warning to
avoid alcohol is important and should be adhered to
because the combination could be fatal.
It’s the same
thing with certain antidepressants (MAO or monoamine
oxidase inhibitors inhibitors) that can’t be
combined with cheese, or death could result.
For your
safety, let me give you the proper questions to ask
your doctor and/or pharmacist:
1.
What’s the name of the condition you’re treating me
for?
2.
What’s the brand name and generic name of the
medication you’re prescribing?
3.
Is there a less expensive, generic alternative?
4.
Do I take it in the morning or at night, or divide
the dose throughout the day?
5.
It is better to take it with food or on an
empty stomach?
Suzy
Cohen has been a licensed pharmacist for almost 25
years.
Send questions to
info@pharmacist.com.
Living Independently At Home
Article by Jack Benke, MMP,
GRI, CEA
Senior Real Estate Consultant
Reverse Mortgage Specialist
In
the past, if someone had difficulty living alone, it
was a signal that now was time to move in with family
or go to a nursing home. But, for most people, that no
longer is the case. Today, you can live on your own
for many years, even as you grow older and start
needing help with everyday tasks. However, if you wish
to “age in place” it requires some careful planning on
your part.
When you develop a chronic health condition, like
diabetes, arthritis, or Alzheimer’s disease, aging in
place means more than just staying put. You need a
place to live that is safe and fits with your
abilities. As driving becomes more difficult, it is
important to access reliable and affordable
transportation. A wide range of paid services may be
available in your community. You may also want extra
funds for family caregivers or for home modifications
(such as a ramp or lift) that can extend the time you
can live at home.
Americans of all ages value their ability to live
independently. But without a plan for aging in place,
it can be hard to stay in control of your life.
Knowing your health risks and financial options can
make a big difference in your ability to stay in a
familiar place.
To
help you plan properly, I invite you to call me. You
can contact me at 651-405-9105 and we can discuss a
plan for you. I can introduce you to other NAIPC
members that can help you complete your
“aging-in-place” strategy to live safe and
independently for as long as you can.
Jack
Benke, MMP, GRI, CEA
Senior Real Estate Consultant
Reverse Mortgage Specialist
1031 Exchange Specialist
Real Estate Opportunities, Inc.
999
Marie Avenue West
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Broker/Owner
Direct: 651-405-9105
Cell: 651-398-3183
Member National Aging In Plac Council NAIPC
“A Multi-Generation Realtor for Life”
Hearing Loss
Often Overlooks, Easy To Detect Article submitted by Beltone
Hearing
1-800-485-1596
Hearing loss affects
31 million Americans. Still only 20% of those who
need a hearing aid own one. Hearing loss is a
condition that, in most cases, develops gradually –
many people do not realize they are affected.
Fortunately, modern hearing care has become more aware
of the symptoms of hearing loss. This increased
awareness has helped millions hear better and enjoy
life more.
Hearing loss itself
can be misunderstood. Wax buildup in the ear canal is
a common occurrence that adversely affects hearing.
Often people assume they have permanent loss, when in
fact, they don’t. A hearing screening and video
otoscope inspection (a simple procedure in which a
picture of a person’s ear canal is taken) provide an
accurate evaluation of what you’re hearing and what
you’re not.
If you’re
interested in a hearing screening, or if you would
like to request a free copy of The Gift of Hearing,
call Beltone toll free at 1-800-485-1596.
A note from Jack Benke: 10 paces to
your own spaces Article by Jack Benke,
Broker Owner of
Real Estate Opportunities, Inc.
These
tips come from REALTOR® experience with all manner of
home buyers: first-timers, move-ups, empty-nesters,
and so on. Keep this list in mind to help you get into
the home of your dreams with the assurance that your
feelings have been felt countless times before.
1.
There's no "right" time to buy anymore than there's a
right time to sell:
Conditions are currently stellar for the home buyer.
Affordability is up, inventory is plentiful, interest
rates are at historical lows and you have an $8,000
head start courtesy of the federal government's tax
credit for first-time home buyers. But second-guessing
where interest rates and home prices are going is a
dubious strategy. Changes don't usually occur fast
enough to make that much difference in price, and a
good home won't stay long on the market.
2.
Don't ask for too many opinions from friends,
coworkers and family:
It's natural to want reassurance for such a big
decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder
to make a decision.
3.
Accept that no house is ever perfect:
Focus in on the things that are most important to you
and let the minor ones go.
4.
Find a REALTOR® who is agreeable and likable:
Buying a home is not only a big financial commitment
but also an emotional one. It's critical that the
practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit
with your personality.
5.
Don't lose by being a killer negotiator:
Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate
process, but trying to "win" by getting an extra-low
price may lose you the home you desire.
6.
Remember that your home doesn't exist in a vacuum:
Don't get so caught up in the physical aspects of the
house itself—room size, kitchen, square footage—that
you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, and
proximity to work and school. Many factors should play
into what it will be like to live in your new home.
7.
Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your
post-purchase budget:
Even if you buy a brand new home, there will be some
costs. Don't leave yourself short and let your home
deteriorate.
8.
Accept that a little buyer's remorse is inevitable and
will probably pass quickly:
Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big
commitment, but it also yields huge long-term
benefits.
9.
Choose a home first because you love it; then think
about price appreciation.
A home's most important role is as a comfortable, safe
place to live.
10.
Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer
to get approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance
availability and consider a moving schedule:
Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved
issues will make your bid much less attractive to
sellers. With lending practices returning to standards
that existed prior to the boom years, it will
ultimately benefit you to have your financials ready
to go and your calendar open.
Jack
Benke, GRI®, CBR®, MMP®, CEA®
Broker Owner Real Estate Opportunities, Inc.
999 Marie Avenue West
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Direct: 651-405-9105
Cell: 651-398-3183
Jack is a licensed Broker in MN and FL
Visit:
www.CanIAgeInPlace.com
Buyer Representation
is rapidly changing the face of real estate.
Propelled by knowledgeable home purchasers,
legislative action, and consumer watch dog groups,
home buyer representation has gained momentum in the
residential market in recent years and is now
available nationwide. To find out even more visit
www.CBRSource.com
Buyer Representative
is a cooperating agent who legally exclusively
represents the real estate buyer. They generally do
so under an exclusive buyer representation agreement,
much like a traditional real estate broker represents
the seller under a listing agreement. The buyer
agent’s role is to be the advocate for the purchaser
in the real estate transaction. Each agent completes
three days of extensive training (22.5 class room
hours) to earn the CBR® Designation.
For Exclusive Buyer
Representation, call Jack Benke, CBR® at Real Estate
Opportunities,
Inc.
Jack
Benke, GRI®, CBR®, MMP®, CEA®
Broker Owner
Real Estate Opportunities, Inc.
999 Marie Avenue West
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Direct: 651-405-9105
Cell: 651-398-3183
Jack is a licensed Broker in MN and FL
Visit:
www.CanIAgeInPlace.com
You receive a check
and letter announcing you have won a large sum of
money, or if
you receive a call from someone claiming to be from
the Publishers Clearing House Lottery. The letter/caller
tells you to deposit the check and wire funds
in the same amount to cover fees, insurance and taxes.
Ultimately, the check is counterfeit and the money
send is lost.
Avoid
wiring money to someone who awards you with
something too good to be true, and never pay money
to accept a prize.
GRANDPARENT SCAM
Senior citizens are
being targeted by callers claiming to be their
grandchild. The caller often claims to have gotten
into a predicament in a different state, and asks you
to wire money to them to post bail or pay for
damages. The money ultimately goes to a scam artist,
and you are out possibly thousands of dollars.
Verify that you are
truly speaking with your grandchild by asking
questions only they could answer, and contact your
grandchild’s parents to find out their whereabouts
before trusting the caller.
HOME REPAIR FRAUD
A person comes to your
door and claims to be a repair expert. He tells you
that he noticed your home, usually your roof or
driveway, needs a repair and he can offer you a great
deal. In the end, you could end up a victim for a job
you didn’t need at all.
Trust your
instincts. If the “expert” uses high pressure sales
tactics or you feel intimidated, turn them away.
Never pay the cost
of a job upfront.
If you are unsure
if your home truly needs a repair, contact an
Approved Business on the
Minnesota Seniors program, or a BBB
Accredited contractor, for an estimate.
BE WISE - BE INFORMED - BE EMPOWERED Check with the BBB first.
To
request materials or to have someone from the BBB
speak to your group about marketplace issues, contact
Gary Johnson, Senior Programs Manager, at 651-695-2424
or
gjohnson@thefirstbbb.org.
Article by Jack Benke
Real Estate Opportunities, Inc.
651-405-9105
This is the question
the baby boomers (62+) are contemplating and rumor has
it there is a growing trend that we want to stay in
our homes aka “aging in place” as long as possible.
This is not to say that new homes, designed
specifically for this age group, are not in demand
also.
Whether you are
leaning towards purchasing a new home or modifying an
existing property, “universal design” is a term you
will become familiar with. This house plan
accommodates the “aging in place” senior’s needs. An
essential feature ideally includes single floor
living; one size does not fit all though, so careful
planning is needed to customize a successful plan.
The one constant in
the process is the need to access funds to finance
your decision. The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage
program is a federally insured program offering 62+
home owners the ability to access the equity in their
primary residence. Funds are accessed through
refinancing their existing mortgage to make the
proposed modifications. A HECM loan for purchase is
available for those seniors interested in selling
their existing residence and using some or all of the
proceeds to purchase a more suitable new home.
Requirements are stay current on property taxes,
hazard insurance and maintenance of the home….no
monthly mortgage payments. Upon sale of the property,
the loan is repaid. Any loan deficiency is federally
insured. Any equity is returned to the borrower’s
estate.
If you would like to
learn more contact Jack Benke of Real Estate
Opportunities at 651-405-9105.
Charities are seeking contributions more than ever now
due to ever-rising costs and demand for services.
With the majority of the money raised by charities in
this country coming from individuals, BBB offers the
following advice to help donors make wise giving
decisions:
Warning Signs
Sound-Alike Names: Don't be fooled by
names that sound impressive or that closely resemble
the name of a well-known organization.
High-Pressure Tactics: Be wary if an
on-the-spot donation is requested. A legitimate
charity will
welcome your donation as much tomorrow as they will
today.
Emotional Appeals: Be cautions of vague
appeals that offer gifts or base their appeal on a
heart-breaking story, but are short on facts describing
the charity's services.
Cash Payment Requested: Always pay by
check and never by cash, and be sure to make the check
payable to the organization and not to the individual.
Unable to Provide Information: If the
organization cannot provide you with information
regarding their services, walk away. A
legitimate organization will offer
you a brochure detailing their services, or may direct
you to their website.
Tips for Giving Wisely
Confirm that the charity is an IRS 501(c)(3) entity by
contacting the IRS.
If contacted by phone, ask for the organization's
address, phone number and a contact person so that you
know where your money is going. Before sending
any money, do your research to find out if they
organization is legitimate.
Verify that the charity asking for donations is
registered with Minnesota and North Dakota.
Organizations are required to register here before
asking for donations.
Keep records of your donations so you can document
your charitable giving at tax time.
Check out the organization with BBB's Wise Giving
Alliance at
www.bbb.org/charity.
BE WISE - BE INFORMED - BE EMPOWERED Check with the BBB first.
To
request materials or to have someone from the BBB
speak to your group about marketplace issues, contact
Gary Johnson, Senior Programs Manager, at 651-695-2424
or
gjohnson@thefirstbbb.org.
With the cost of everything going up—from living
expenses to health care to utilities—many senior
citizens find themselves financially squeezed like
never before. And with the baby boomers growing
older, there are a lot more senior citizens than ever
before.
Seeing these trends, some companies are marketing the
“reverse mortgage” as a way for seniors to convert
some of the equity in their home to cash to pay other
bills. Reverse mortgages are now a $20 billion
industry.
For some seniors, a reverse mortgage may be a suitable
loan, but for others it is not. If you are
considering a reverse mortgage, be sure to find out
the “pros” and the “cons.” Carefully evaluate whether
a reverse mortgage is suitable given your needs and
circumstances and consider whether there are other
alternatives that may be more suitable for you. Steer
clear of predatory lenders and scam artists who may
want to steer you into a high-cost loan or sell you a
reverse mortgage in order to get at your money.
Article by Jack Benke
Real Estate Opportunities, Inc.
651-405-9105
The
“Empty Nest” Not So Empty Anymore
What may have been in
the recent past a life style made primarily out of
necessity, mutigenerational living has now become
a trend partially made out of choice.
What
has remained constant, and is essential to the success
of the expanded living arrangement, is
communication. It would be great if each
generation were treated as equal partners; that is
ideal, but may not be an easy concept to grasp for the
“oldest” of the generations. Respect for an
individual’s space and time, financial contributions
to everyday living expenses and participation in daily
maintenance of the property are just a few of the many
considerations that should be made prior to the
new living arrangements. Being sensitive to each
family member’s way of life is important for success;
that is, accommodating a grandparent’s health issues,
and the “Boomerang Generation” (young adults ages
25-35 who find themselves moving back home) parenting
styles.
*A 2012 survey by a
national home builder revealed 32% of adult children
expect to eventually share their house with a parent.
The Universal Design is a home
building/remodeling concept that accommodates the
needs of aging or special needs homeowners that may
come into play when multigenerational living
arrangements are put into place. It is important to
understand the impact of these modifications before
you get started.
To the home owner
opening their home to a family member, I say “open not
just your home but also your heart”.
By
2020, one in six Americans will be aged 65 or older,
and most will still have a driver’s license. Safer
roads, safer vehicles, and a healthier, more active
older population mean that seniors are driving more
miles and later in life than was previously the case.
And, despite what we often hear in the news, AAA
Foundation
analysis
has shown that older drivers are, in general, a safe
and responsible subset of motorists.
Aging
does present its challenges, however, and among
these tends to be an increased use of various
medications. Whether over-the-counter or
prescription drugs, these medicines may have side
effects that can impact the ability to drive safely,
or they may interact in ways that cause impairment.
However, a recent AAA survey of older drivers found
that while 82 percent take regular prescription or
over-the-counter medications, only half of these
drivers have talked with their doctor about possible
safety issues related to driving.
We
are very pleased, therefore, to announce the launch
of a new product developed by the AAA Foundation.
Roadwise Rx
is a free online tool that provides information
about medication side effects and drug interactions
that may be relevant to safe vehicle operation.
Visitors to
www.roadwiserx.com
enter the names of any medications they are taking,
and instantly receive confidential, personalized
results.
Click Here to Read More
Helping Senior Drivers
It is only
natural for adult children to worry about the safety
of their aging parents who drive. Seniors face
real challenges behind the wheel, brought on by
declining vision and other effects of aging.
Know the
signs
Adult children can drive with their parents and watch
for these deteriorating skills:
* Confusing the gas and brake pedals
* Weaving or straddling lanes
* Getting lost easily, even in familiar places
* Driving too fast or slow
Families should
know their
state's licensing requirements. Some states
require seniors to renew their licenses for frequently
than younger drivers, and some require vision tests.
BURNSVILLE, Minn. (July 2013) -- Ebenezer Ridges
Campus has received a $10,000 grant from the
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council to introduce
intergenerational dance to the residents of Arbors at
Ridges, an assisted living community in Burnsville,
Minn. The grant will engage elders in creative
movement and storytelling. The dance program will be
operated by Kairos Alive (www.KairosDance.org),
the first intergenerational modern dance company in
the Twin Cities.
In May
2013, Arbors at Ridges (www.fairviewebenezer.org/Ridges/)
opened a new building on the Ebenezer Campus and
welcomed dozens of new senior residents. The assisted
living community provides a full range of services to
help seniors age in place.
Kairos
Alive’s Creating Home Program operates on the
belief that “we are lifelong learners and can continue
to grow, learn, and change as long as we are provided
with opportunities.” The dance program providesin-depth opportunities for artistic development,
creativity, higher-level physical activity, and
community connection for elders in our community.
Kairos
artists and Ebenezer staff and volunteers will teach
the weekly dance program for 16 weeks. Each 90-minute
class will have up to 20 participants. Weekly
post-session evaluation and coaching sessions will be
conducted with site staff. They will assess artistic
growth and the participants’ willingness and ability
to initiate movement or story ideas, recreate stories
and choreography, and move in new ways. The program
leads to improvement in health, cognitive, social,
emotional, and quality of life measures.
“Ebenezer
is honored to receive this grant from the Metropolitan
Regional Arts Council,” said Erin
Hilligan, campus administrator at Ebenezer Ridges.
“We are excited to work with Kairos
Alive to provide the many benefits this program with
have on our residents and the entire community.”
Each year the
President of the Minnesota Dental Association selects
a President’s Award winner- one who has served the MDA
in some outstanding capacity. This year Dr. Jack
Churchill was selected for serving for 12 years as
Chairman of the Constitution, By-Laws, and Ethics
Committee and for writing a column for the MDA’s
Northwest Dentistry magazine. The article was called
“What’s A Dentist To Do” – a regular column on
ethics in dentistry.
For his articles and more information about Dr. Jack Churchill and his
staff, Visit their website at
www.churchilldental.com or call 612-333-8988.
Respite care is giving the care giver some time off.
How much time off? That depends on the need. Respite
care can be during the day, over night or for 2 weeks.
Care givers that are providing daily care for a loved
one sometimes need time off. Maybe they need a day to
go shopping and run errands, or maybe they need to go
to work, or maybe they want a weekend at the lake. Or
maybe the caregiver has some medical issues themselves
that may require a hospitalization or some time off to
take care of themselves. Most care givers including
wives, husbands, sons and daughter’s need some time
away.
Adagio Manor Assisted Living can help by providing
the respite care. We can bill in increments as few as
12 hours or by the week. To prepare for respite care
we go through our regular admission process to ensure
that we are providing high quality respite care for
your loved one. Then, just let us know when that break
is needed and we will gladly schedule respite care for
your loved one!
Respite has been shown to help sustain family
caregiver health and wellbeing, avoid or delay
out-of-home placements, and reduce the likelihood of
abuse and neglect. An outcome based evaluation
pilot study showed that respite may also reduce the
likelihood of divorce and help sustain marriages.[2]
I enjoy Minnesota and its four seasons. I am looking
forward to the warmer temperatures of spring and its
first gentle rain.
As we know, with the change of temperature and air
movements, the rains and winds may not be so gentle.
In the insurance industry, storm damage is considered
to be an “act of God”. The property owner did not
directly cause this damage. Therefore, Insurance
companies can not single out one particular homeowner
and raise insurance rates for this insurance claim.
Prior to the storm
season you
should review your insurance policy to verify
insurance coverage.
Do you have a copy
of your full policy with all the supplements and
addendums? The full policy is not sent out each
year, upon renewal. If you do not have the full
policy, call your agent and request that it be sent
to you.
Is the correct
property owner(s) listed on the Declarations page?
This is who owns the policy and will receive any
proceeds from the policy.
Do you have
“Replacement Cost” coverage or “Actual Cash Value”
coverage? Actual Cash Value is replacement cost
minus depreciation.
Do you have enough
coverage?
An excellent
article by the Dept of Commerce on Homeowners
Insurance is at this link:
What you need to know
In the event of storm
damage,
what can you expect and what should you do if your
property is damaged?
The first thing is
the safety of you and your loved ones.
Insurance policies
require you to take reasonable steps protect your
property from further damage. Your safety comes
first.
File your claim.
Call your insurance agent. At this time you do not
need determine exact cause or calculate the cost to
repair.
Most property
owners will have difficulty with the following
critical steps in an insurance claim.
PROOF OF LOSS
Proving your loss is your responsibility.
May things are overlooked or not considered in
most insurance claims. Adjusters working for
the insurance company are busy and are not
contractually obligated to determine the full
extent of your loss. This may leave a
homeowner with not enough money to fully restore
their property.
SCOPE OF WORK AND ESTIMATES
Painting a
room is a good example of "Scope of Work".
The Actual paining is the easy part. Most of
the time is spent on preparing for painting.
Defining what
work is going to be done and getting a fixed
estimate for the work is important.
For example:
You may received a bid from a roofing contract
with a general statement like: "Removed old
shingles and install new shingles". Does
this mean he will also install the proper ice and
water membranes? Will he replace the metal
valleys?
Poorly
defined specifications or scope of work may lead
to note enough money to properly repair your home.
NEGOTIATING A SETTLEMENT WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Insurance
companies are not contractually obligated to prove
your loss or determine the correct amount of money
to restore your home.
Company
Adjusters are busy and mistakes will be make
You do not
have to accept the first offer given by the
Insurance Company.
It takes a
good understanding of construction, building
standards and codes to correctly determine the
amount of your claim.
Do not authorize
the start of construction
(except for emergency protection) until a settlement
has been reached with your insurance company.
a.Expect different contractors or salesman at
your door after a storm. Sometimes they will arrive
within 24 hours. Most Contractors are reputable and
honest but the elderly are particularly vulnerable to
Contractor scams. If at all possible, have a friend or
relative sit in on all meetings with Contractors.
b.Important: Money received for an
insurance claim is your money for your expenses to
repair, replace or restore your damaged property. Do
not sign your claim and your money over to a
Contractor.
c.Sales pressure to sign a contract. Besides
temporary protection services there is no need to rush
into signing a contractor. Take your time to get
proper estimates with firm prices. Have the contract
reviewed by a relative or trusted friend.
d.Get actual estimates with firm prices.
Contractors will try to “take over your claim” with
unspecified estimate amounts. You may see wording such
as: “The amount the insurance company will pay” or
“authorization to talk with your insurance company”.
f.Be cautious of large down payments to a
contractor. Never pay more than 20% down.
g.Use established local contractors, if possible.
h.Check to see if the Contractor is a licensed
contractor and has proper liability and workman’s
compensation insurance.
Wrapping up the
insurance claim and restoration.
Unless the claim is small, your insurance company will
not issue the final check until the restoration is
complete. Notify your insurance company that the
project is complete and request the final payment.
Collect a Lien waiver (a waiver from the Contractor
stating that they have been paid and waive their
rights to file a lien on your property) from your
contractor. You should collect a waiver for every
payment made to a Contractor.
If your project required a building permit, make sure
the building project has passed the final inspection
prior to making the final payment to the Contractor.
Senior housing cooperatives provide affordable living with a
neighborly perspective for active adults 55+.
Cooperatives are not-for-profit organizations that are
owned and controlled by the membership.
A
cooperative is an owner-operated development. Through
the purchase of a share in the cooperative, residents
have an exclusive right to occupy a particular
building unit and have equal voting status in electing
members to the Board of Directors which oversees the
operation of the cooperative. Members take pleasure
in enjoying shared spaces and amenities like
libraries, workshops, craft rooms, exercise rooms and
community gardens. No more worries about upkeep such
as mowing the grass or shoveling the driveway.
Members pay a monthly fee that includes their pro-rata share
of the operating expenses, insurance, real estate
taxes, reserves, replacement, principal, and interest
on the master mortgage.
The cooperative maintains all of the appliances, flooring,
window blinds, cabinets and fixtures in the units and
common areas.
“My father suffered
a terrible fall six months ago and has been home from
the rehabilitation center for the last few weeks. It
seems like he’s losing his will to stick with his
exercise program. What can I do?” Cheryl in Nebraska,
66
When someone has undergone a medical or physical
challenge, it can be extremely difficult for them to
continue with rehab once they return home from the
hospital or care facility. It’s an especially
difficult transition since they no longer have the
stimulation and encouragement of the nurses and
professionals around them. Your father can easily lose
his momentum, and this will stop him from reaching a
higher level of rehabilitation and functionality. You
should do all you can to keep him motivated and
improving.
But
to do that, you must get involved. You can’t just give
him the pictures or the video and the exercises he
needs to do. If at all possible, stop by and do the
activities with him. If you can’t be there, suggest
that he put on his favorite music while he’s
exercising. Time things to a favorite television show.
It can also be effective with big sports fans to have
them work out while the game is on. You might want to
set a specific time for the workout, and then call
your dad to check on him. Most people like it when
others show their interest and concern this way.
Even
the most disciplined and motivated person can get
discouraged, so don’t put a specific time frame for
complete healing. It’s important that you start this
process as soon as possible so that he doesn’t get
used to a certain level of pain or discomfort or lack
of function. As soon as that mindset starts to set in,
you’ve lost the battle. Find the fun in it and
reemphasize the image of your father as a complete,
healed, and fully functioning individual. Help him
visualize a goal. If there’s a family wedding coming
up, dancing with the grandkids should be a real target
for him. Good luck!
---
Dr. Marion (Marion Somers, PhD) is
the author of "Elder Care Made Easier" and has over 40
years of experience as a geriatric care manager,
caregiver, speaker, and expert in all things elder
care. She offers practical tools, solutions, and
advice to help caregivers everywhere through her book,
web site, iPhone apps (Elder 411/911), cross-country
speaking tours, and more. Visit
www.DrMarion.com for more information.
College is
expensive. For some fortunate students, grandparents
are stepping in to help. This trend is expected to
accelerate as baby boomer grandparents start gifting
what could be trillions of dollars over the next few
decades. Helping to finance a grandchild's college
education can bring great personal satisfaction and
can be a way for grandparents to minimize potential
gift and estate taxes. Here are some common
strategies.
Outright cash gifts
Pay tuition directly to the
college
529 college savings plan
Under federal
law, tuition payments made directly to a college
aren't considered taxable gifts, no matter how large
the payment. This rule is helpful considering that
annual tuition at some private colleges is now
surpassing the $40,000 mark.
There are three
uncomfortable conversations parents should have with
their children: the birds and the bees, avoiding
drugs, and your plans should you ever need long-term
care. It’s not as far-fetched as you might think. Once
you reach 65, you’ll have a 70 percent chance of
needing this type of assistance. Unfortunately the
high costs aren’t covered by Medicare.
“We prefer to say that
your real risk is either zero or 100 percent,” says
Deb Newman, founder of Newman Long Term Care, one of
the largest and most successful long-term care
marketing organizations in the country. The real
question — and the bigger risk — relates to the length
of time for which you may need to receive care
services. Your plan must prepare for the risk of
needing care that could last many years.”
If you’d rather be
able to relax and spend your retirement savings on fun
activities rather than worrying about the “what ifs”,
there is a solution. This fall, Governor Mark Dayton
will send a letter to one million Minnesotans between
ages 40 and 65, appealing to them to take part in the
Own Your Future campaign by developing a long-term
care plan.
Minnesota is aging.
Between 2010 and 2030, the number of people over age
65 will grow by 107 percent while the rest of the
population grows by six percent. Many boomers have not
prepared and saved enough to pay for their long-term
care. A 2005 University of Minnesota study estimated
that 30 percent of Minnesota boomers at retirement
will not have sufficient resources to pay for health
and long-term care. That number is probably higher
today. Individuals who make plans for their own
long-term care have control over their future, the
choices they want, and peace of mind.
“You need to have a
heart-to-heart discussion with your family about your
plan,” urges Newman. “If you leave that part of your
life unplanned, your family becomes the plan and the
financial, physical and emotional stress on your
family is immeasurable. It’s not fair to them.”
Dispelling the top
myths about long-term care:
What pops into your
mind when you think about long-term care? Nursing
homes? “The reality is very different,” says Newman.
“More than 85 percent of long-term care is delivered
outside of a nursing home setting today. Having a
long-term care plan in place will allow you to dictate
how you want to be cared for.” She adds that other
typical misconceptions include:
I’ve got enough in the bank to cover long-term care.
“On average, long-term care costs $7,000 a month. In
30 years, it might be four times that amount. Having
a plan could make the difference between saving or
losing a family business, or even whether your
daughter or son will be able to afford to retire
after taking time away from their careers to care
for your needs.”
Medicare must pay for my long-term care. “There is
no government plan to pay for this. Many people
mistakenly believe Medicare will pay for long-term
care costs. It does not. Medicare only pays for
long-term care under very limited circumstances. In
the old days, you used to be able to give away your
money and assets, and let the state care for you.
That doesn’t happen anymore.”
Long-term care insurance is expensive. “There are
affordable choices. You might be able to get a good
solution for under $100 a month.”
How to start your plan:
“It’s estimated that
10,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next 19
years. What will the state do if all these people need
care and don’t have a plan?” asks Newman. “We’re
hoping Minnesotans will embrace the Own Your Future
Campaign so that they have personal and financial
options to meet their future long-term care needs. The
state even offers a tax credit to people who buy
long-term care insurance.” Newman’s tips for preparing
a plan include:
Start planning at age 50. “The average age for new
individual long-term care insurance applicants is
57; an age when many are able to qualify for good
health discounts. This discount reduces costs and
remains even if your health changes. You can still
do it when you’re older, but it will cost you more.”
Make the four basic decisions. “Designing a policy
is not complicated. There are just four questions to
answer:
What monthly
benefit do you want? If care costs $7000 a month,
how much of that do you want covered by insurance?
What maximum
benefit do you want? How big is your bucket of
money going to be?
Choose an
inflation feature. There are myriad of inflation
figures. These are what drives the premiums.
What size
deductible do you want? How many days of care are
you willing to pay for before the policy kicks in?
· If you can’t
afford long-term care information, talk with your
family about a plan. Who will be your caregiver(s)?
Should you move closer to them now? How do you
want your assets used to pay for your care?
Yes, it’s an
uncomfortable conversation:
But there are great
resources out there. “Insurance doesn’t just pay for
care,” Newman explains. “It also provides resources
and support to lean on, permission to use some of what
you’ve saved up for your retirement for what you’ve
always wanted to do such as hobbies and trips. You
have the peace of mind to spend your money on things
that make you happy.”
To create a blueprint
for your long-term care plan, which you can print and
bring to your insurance agent to start the
conversation, visit
www.NewmanLongTermCare.com.
Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule
an interview with Debra Newman, contact Media
Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.
Biography:
Debra C. Newman, CLU, ChFC, LTCP, Founder
Deb Newman is a
pioneer of the long-term care insurance industry and
founder of Newman Long Term Care: One of the largest
and most successful long-term care marketing
organizations in the country. Deb's focus is on
helping people understand that planning ahead will
allow them to finish life well.
Nationally recognized on long-term care issues, Deb
frequently speaks to insurance, financial services and
government groups as well as consumers. She can be
heard regularly on Minnesota's WCCO Radio and has been
recently quoted by the Wall Street Journal, Star
Tribune and Money Magazine.
In 2009, Deb was acknowledged by the Minneapolis/St.
Paul Business Journal as one of the top 25 Women in
Business. She was also named a 2009 Five Star Wealth
Manager by Twin Cities Business and Minneapolis-St.
Paul magazines. This award reflects client
satisfaction information gathered from consumers and
financial services professionals. In 2007, Deb was
recognized nationally as one of the top ten on the
Power List of Who's Who in Long-term Care Insurance.
Deb holds leadership positions in many insurance
industry groups, including:
Chair for the Board of Directors, Life & Health
Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE)
President Minnesota Chapter of National Association
of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
Past
National President, Association of Health Insurance
Advisors (AHIA)
Coming
soon - October 15 through December 7 - seniors and
disabled persons on Medicare will have the opportunity
to decide whether or not their current Medicare plans
are meeting their needs.
If you are
currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage (also known
as Medicare Part C), or a Part D prescription drug
plan, this is your chance to look around and see if
you can do better. Take some time to reconsider
the plan you've chosen and you may be able to improve
your benefits, or lower your premiums, or both.
Or perhaps you just need to tweak your plan to suit
your current medical needs.
Also during this
period, individuals who are already Medicare eligible
but not yet enrolled in Medicare Advantage, can sign
up in a new plan. And those who are
participating in a Medicare Advantage or a Medicare
Part D plan can cancel during this period.
What if you miss
your annual window of opportunity to make changes?
You will need to wait till next year. So let
this be a strong reminder: don't miss this
opportunity. Assuming you are happy with your
current plan, why should you change or consider
changing? Because other things change, including
your health care needs, your prescriptions, the
benefit options, your geographic location, and
possibly the premiums charged by insurers. It's
natural to be leery of change, especially if you have
not been unhappy with your plan as it is. But
this is an opportunity to gain control over high
health costs, possibly improve what you are getting,
and tweak your plan to meet your personal medical
needs.
Beat
The Heat
Summer can mean high temperatures and problems for
seniors who are at higher risk for heat related
illness.
Extreme
hot and humid weather can cause a range of serious
health conditions and even death. while
everyone feels some effects of extreme heat, some
people are more vulnerable than others including
children less than 5 years of age, people paged 65
and older, those with pre-existing health
conditions, people who are obese and people who are
poor and homeless.
When
temperatures soar and humidity levels rise to
uncomfortable levels, take appropriate measures to
prevent ill effects caused by extreme heat:
Use air
conditioning, or spend time in air conditioned
locations such as movie theatres or shopping malls.
Take frequent
cool baths or showers.
Limit direct
exposure to sunlight.
Limit time
spent outdoors and take frequent breaks in the shad
and drink water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you
don't feel thirsty. If you have clear, pale urine,
you are probably drinking enough fluids
Water is the beverage of choice in the summer. Drink
water before outdoor activities an drink water at
regular intervals during the day. Avoid beverages
with caffeine or alcoholic beverages that can aid
dehydration.
Try
to schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of
the day--before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Wear loose
fitting light-colored clothing
for
air circulation.
Check on your
neighbors, family and friends, especially those who
are older, have health issues, or have a limited
support system.
Do
not leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle
even for a few minutes or with the windows rolled
down.
Wear a hat or use an umbrella when outside, even if
you are not in the direct sun. Use sunscreen with an
SPF of 15 or greater anytime you go outside.
If
you have a chronic medical problem, talk with your
doctor about additional precautions you should take
to prevent heat related illness. Some conditions and
medications may place you at higher risk.
Heat
Related Conditions
Heat
stress
occurs when a strain is placed on the body as a
result of hot weather.
Heat fatigue is a feeling of weakness brought on by
high outdoor temperature. Symptoms include cool,
moist skin and a weakened pulse. The person may feel
faint.
Heat syncope
is sudden dizziness experienced after exercising in
the heat. The skin appears pale and sweaty but is
generally moist and cool. The pulse may be weakened,
and the heart rate is usually rapid. Body
temperature is normal.
Heat cramps
are painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, or
legs following strenuous activity. The skin is
usually moist and cool and the pulse is normal or
slightly raised. Body temperature is mostly normal.
Heat cramps often are caused by a lack of salt in
the body, but salt replacement should not be
considered without advice from a physician.
Heat
exhaustion is a warning that the
body is getting too hot. The person may be thirsty,
giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, and sweating
profusely. The body temperature is usually normal
and the pulse is normal or raised. The skin is cold
and clammy. Although heat exhaustion often is caused
by the body’s loss of water and salt, salt
supplements should only be taken with advice from a
doctor.
Heat stroke
can be LIFE-THREATENING! Victims of heat stroke
almost always die so immediate medical attention is
essential when problems first begin. A person with
heat stroke has a body temperature above 104° F.
Other symptoms may include confusion, combativeness,
bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong
rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating,
possible delirium or coma.
If you show
any signs of heat related illness try to get to a
cooler place as soon as possible, sip some cool
fluids and sponge yourself off with look with
lukewarm tap water.
Half of all
Americans know (or knew) someone with Alzheimer’s,
the deadly disease that affects about five million
Americans — more women than men. Yet in a recent
Senior Helpers National Alzheimer’s Quiz taken by
more than 1,000 people over the age of 40, 67%
failed, getting fewer than 60% of the questions
correct! Take the quiz to see how you stack up.
Using
your nest to help with your nest egg is becoming a
more common way to round out a financial plan during
retirement.
Even after the bursting of the
housing bubble, the biggest financial asset many
retirees have is their home. But because that money is
tied up in the equity of the house, it’s an investment
that has been difficult to count on as a source of
income.
Reverse mortgages have long been an
option. However, until recently, they were the Wild
West of retirement planning. High upfront costs, poor
disclosure and dodgy sales pitches made them an option
that many advisers avoided.
Now, with the introduction of
reverse mortgages backed by the Federal Housing
Administration in late 2010, more financial planners
are adding them to their tool kit.
A reverse mortgage (aka HECM, Home Equity Conversion
Mortgage) is a special type of loan, insured by the
federal government, which allows homeowners, age 62
and older to borrower against the equity in your
home. Instead of making monthly payments you can
choose to receive them. Currently there is no income,
employment or credit qualifying restrictions on a
typical refinance, however, a new financial assessment
regarding a seniors’ ability to pay their taxes and
insurance could be around the corner very soon. The
borrowers continue to own the home and are required to
make the property tax and insurance payments on the
home.
All
homeowners must be age 62 or older and occupy the
property as their primary residence.
The
home must be owned free and clear, or have an
existing mortgage balance that can be paid off by
the reverse mortgage.
The
property must be a single family dwelling or a one
to four unit owner occupied dwelling.
Townhomes, condominiums (HRAP/DELRAP approved),
PUD’s and new construction properties are eligible.
The
property must meet FHA minimum property standards.
Reasons for Getting a Reverse Mortgage
A
reverse mortgage can be used for many purposes, some
of which are:
Eliminating an existing mortgage or home equity
loan.
Meeting monthly expenses.
Help
with healthcare costs or in- home care.
Reduce credit card debt.
Home
repairs or remodeling that new kitchen with Cambria
Countertops.
Help
a grandchild with college or a home down payment.
How is
the loan amount determined?
The
loan amount is the lesser of the maximum lending limit
(currently $625,500 nationwide lending limit) or the
appraised value of the home. The amount borrowed by
the homeowner is determined by a HUD formula using the
following factors.
The
age of the youngest borrower.
The
lesser of the appraised value of the home or the HUD
maximum lending limit.
The
current expected interest rate
The
HUD formula is actuarial based; meaning the older a
person is the more money they may be able to borrow.
The amount of funds available is known as the
Principle Limit.
There
will be costs involved in getting a reverse mortgage;
they are usually broken down into three different
categories:
Origination Fee,
Mortgage Insurance Premium (SAVER program
drastically reduces this cost),
Other closing costs such as an appraisal, title
insurance and government recording fees.
The good
thing though about reverse mortgages is that the
closing costs (as a group) can be made part of your
loan proceeds. With a reverse mortgage the loan is not
repaid until the house is sold, refinanced or the last
remaining borrower has moved out of the house. The
only out- of- pocket expense would be paying for the
FHA appraisal which is $425 and up, depending on
location.
Payout
Options
With a
fixed- rate loan, the borrower is required to take all
of the funds up front in a lump sum. With the
variable rate loan (LIBOR), the borrower has the
flexibility of various options or a combination of
options; the following options are available:
Lump
sum – a specific amount of money taken immediately.
This is the only option available on the fixed rate
loan;
Term –
a fixed monthly amount is for a set period of time;
Tenure
– funds are paid to the borrower in equal monthly
payments as long as at least one borrower continues
to occupy the residence as their primary place of
residence, even if balance of the loan exceeds the
value of the property;
Line
of Credit – the most popular option whereby the
borrower can draw amounts as needed;
Combination – Borrower can use a combination of the
aforementioned options.
Regardless of which payment option the borrower
chooses, they can make changes in their distribution
option for a nominal fee, usually $20 per change.
Changing the payout option is not available for the
fixed rate product, as all of the funds are taken in
the initial draw.
Loan
Repayment
There is
no need to repay the reverse mortgage as long as one
or more borrowers continue to live in the home as the
primary place of residence. Just keep current on
taxes and insurance on the property and maintain the
property in accordance with FHA standards.
When it
is time to repay the reverse mortgage, the outstanding
balance can come from the proceeds of the sale of the
home, a new mortgage or any other resource to satisfy
the balance. There is no requirement that the home be
sold, only that the loan be repaid.
Process
in Getting a Reverse Mortgage
Education
– Perhaps the most important step in getting a reverse
mortgage is the process of learning how they work,
getting to know the facts to see if this is a good
type of financing for the borrower. Generally the
process of educating the client is done with a Reverse
Mortgage Consultant (RMC) coming out to the house and
finding out the needs of the client and determining
the right product for them. The RMC will present them
with a proposal based on the value of the home,
explain the benefits of the reverse mortgage as well
as the costs associated with getting the loan, and
provide them with a checklist of items they will need
to provide at the application. It is best to include
members of the family or a trusted advisor to answer
other questions that may arise.
Counseling – HUD
mandates that an applicant for a reverse mortgage must
first obtain a HECM Counseling Certificate by
participating in a reverse mortgage counseling
education session with an approved HUD counselor. In
addition, the state of MN requires that the counseling
session be completed by a HUD approved counselor
residing in MN.
Application – A RMC
will help the client understand, complete and sign the
application documents. Shortly after the application
is submitted (or at the time of the signing of the
documents), as required by the federal Truth-In
Lending Act, the borrower will receive a Good Faith
disclosure that outlines the estimated closing costs.
Processing – Once the
loan application is completed an appraisal will be
ordered from a FHA approved appraiser to determine the
HECM loan amount. Once the appraisal is completed and
reviewed to ensure the home meets FHA guidelines, the
appraisal will be approved, suspended or approved
subject to repairs. A copy of the appraisal will be
given to the borrower. A processor will assist the
loan officer in gathering information needed to submit
to the underwriting process and help resolve the
conditions the underwriter sets forth. A copy of the
home owners insurance will be requested to make sure
there is adequate insurance on the property. Title
Insurance will also be requested in the processing
area to protect the lender from claims against
ownership of the property.
Underwriting – Once the
appraisal is approved and title has been cleared, an
underwriter will review the application and make sure
the conditions have been met to close the loan. If
conditions need to be met to satisfy the underwriting
conditions, the loan will be returned to the loan
processor to gather information and satisfy the
conditions. Once the conditions are met, the
underwriter will issue a clearance and move the loan
to closing.
Closing
–
Generally there is a 4-5 week period from the
application process to when the loan is ready to
close. The closing will take place in a title office
or with a notary public at the borrower’s home. All
HECM loans are considered a refinance loan with the
exception of a HECM Reverse for Purchase and require a
3 day right of refusal for the borrower. There is no
rescission period for a HECM for Purchase.
Paying
back the loan
- Once
the home is no longer the borrowers’ primary
residence, the loan must then be repaid. If you
default on the loan by not paying your property taxes
or homeowner's insurance, or if the property
conditions deteriorate and the necessary repairs are
not made, the loan also becomes due and payable.
The
amount owed at that time will be equal to the total
amount of the cash advances you’ve received, as well
as the accrued interest on those advances. If the
borrower passes away the heirs can also choose to sell
the home and repay the loan. Any remaining equity in
the home after the sale of the home belongs to the
borrower or the heirs or the estate.
Reverse
mortgages are non-recourse loans, which means if you
or your heirs decide to sell the house, and the house
value has dropped below the loan balance, you will
never have to pay more than the home’s value.
However, if you or your heirs decide to keep the home
and eliminate the HECM loan, then the full value of
the mortgage needs to be paid off.
HECM for
Purchase -
There is a relatively new program called the HECM for
purchase. This reverse mortgage enables senior
homebuyers, age 62 and older, to buy a new primary
residence and obtain a Reverse Mortgage in a
simultaneous transaction. Generally the borrower uses
the proceeds from the sale of their current home or
they could use other assets to buy the home, thus
allowing them to have no monthly mortgage payments.
HECM
SAVER
- One of
the concerns for financial planners used to be the
upfront costs associated with the standard HECM
reverse mortgage. In October of 2010, FHA designed
another option to allow homeowners to borrow a smaller
amount of funds than was available through the
standard HECM reverse mortgage.
The
HECM SAVER
provides seniors with a reverse mortgage option that
significantly lowers costs by almost eliminating the
upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) that is
required under the standard HECM option.
The
HECM SAVER has an
upfront premium of only .01 percent of the property's
value. Under the standard HECM option, the upfront
premium remains at 2 percent.
Since
the amount of money available to a borrower under the
HECM SAVER program is reduced by approximately 10 to
18 percent, the risk to the FHA insurance fund is
substantially lowered, resulting in a significant
reduction in the cost of this reverse mortgage
option. This is why financial planning experts are
now considering the reverse mortgage a viable option
in the planning process.
About the Author - Jeff Flanery of Cambria
Mortgage: Jeff Flanery of
Cambria Mortgage is here to serve you. Jeff is a
Mortgage loan officer specializing in Reverse
Mortgages and is committed to quality customer
service. At Cambria Mortgage you will find our
experienced, professional staff to be attentive,
informative, and helpful. We will ease your concerns,
answer your questions, and make the loan process
straight-forward and easy to understand. Give us a
call today for a free, personalized consultation. Contact him at: 952-486-6114
Jeff.Flanery@CambriaMortgage.com
Or
Click Here to visit his website
Advisers Reverse Thinking on Reverse
Mortgages
BY TOM LAURICELLA
Publication: Star
Tribune; Date: Jun 17, 2012; Section: Business; Page:
D9
Using your nest to help with your
nest egg is becoming a more common way to round out a
financial plan during retirement.
Even after the bursting of the
housing bubble, the biggest financial asset many
retirees have is their home. But because that money is
tied up in the equity of the house, it’s an investment
that has been difficult to count on as a source of
income.
Reverse mortgages have long been an
option. However, until recently, they were the Wild
West of retirement planning. High upfront costs, poor
disclosure and dodgy sales pitches made them an option
that many advisers avoided.
Now, with the introduction of
reverse mortgages backed by the Federal Housing
Administration in late 2010, more financial planners
are adding them to their tool kit.
They
say men are from Mars and women are from Venus, but is
this true when it comes to estate planning?
Absolutely. And because women often find themselves in
such different circumstances than men, it is even more
crucial for them to educate themselves about estate
planning, and consult an experienced estate planning
professional.
Women tend to live longer than men
Women live an average of 4.9 years longer than men
(Source: National Vital Statistics Report, Volume 59,
Number 4, March 2011). That means women need their
assets to last longer than men do. It also means that
wives are probably going to outlive their husbands, so
they will likely inherit their husbands' estates, and
they will probably have the last word about the final
disposition of assets going to the couple's heirs.
Click below to read more!
Are you thinking
about moving to a
Registered Housing with Services setting*?
If so, the State Legislature
recently made changes that might impact you. Before
you sign a lease or housing contract, first call the
Senior LinkAge Line® for long-term care options
counseling. It can help you find services that
meet your needs.
As of Oct. 1,
2011, all people considering moving into housing with
services need to call the Senior LinkAge Line®
at 1-800-333-2433 for long-term care options
counseling. Housing with services includes independent
living, assisted living and enhanced assisted living.
At the end of the call, you will receive a
verification code that signifies the completion of the
counseling. You need to give this code to the tenant
coordinator or housing manager at the housing setting
you choose before signing the lease. You may decline
the counseling, but you still need to request a code.
Click on
Senior LinkAge Line to learn more about this new
requirement.
Click Here for a
complete guide to Home Care Services
Home Health Care/Home Care License
Information You Should Know
CLASSES OF LICENSES
Class A
,
or professional home care agency license. Provider may
provide all home care services, at least one of which
is nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy,
occupational therapy, nutritional services, medical
social services, home health aide tasks, or the
provision of medical supplies and equipment when
accompanied by the provision of a home care service.
These may be provided in a place of residence,
including a residential center, and a housing with
services establishment.
Class B. or paraprofessional
agency license. Under this license, a provider may
perform home care aide tasks and home management tasks
in a place of residence.
Class C. or individual
paraprofessional license. Under this license, a
provider may perform home health aide, home care aide,
and home management tasks in a place of residence.
Class F Home Care Provider.
Under this license, a provider may provide home care
services solely for residents of one or more
registered housing with services establishments, as
provided by Minnesota Statutes 144A.4605. For purposes
of this section, the term Class F home care provider
means a home care provider who provides nursing
services, delegated nursing services, other services
performed by unlicensed personnel, or central storage
of medications solely for residents of one or more
housing with services establishments.
Some Class F Home Care Providers
and/or the Housing with Services establishments they
serve may choose to call themselves or their
services “assisted living” and must then meet the
requirements for the use of the term assisted living
as defined in Minnesota Statute 144G.
Click Here for a
complete guide to Home Care Services
As we age, many
of us are faced with the prospect of revising our
living arrangements. While thinking about moving can
be a source of anxiety and stress, planning ahead can
give you more choices for the future, making a big
difference in your level of independence and quality
of life. If home upkeep and maintenance has become
overwhelming, if you’re starting to need help with
some services, or if you’re simply looking for a
community with more transportation access and
opportunities to socialize, an independent living
facility may be a good option. To decide if it’s right
for you, learn about your choices in independent
living, including common types, and find help in
choosing a residence.
Read full article by clicking
here
CCP Self
Directed Services is certified by the State of
Minnesota as a Fiscal Support Entity (FSE). The role
of an FSE is to assist a person in paying for their
services through payroll support, human resources
support, and expense reimbursement.
Hiring Staff
Many people choose to hire support staff to help them
live independently in their homes. These
staff may help in completing
household tasks and chores, as well as provide for
companionship. The difficulty in hiring your own staff
is managing the legal employment paperwork, filing the
proper taxes, and maintaining insurance such as
unemployment and workers compensation.
CCP Self Directed Services will work with you to hire
the staff you choose as our employee, while you manage
the day-to-day supervision of the employee. As our
employee, they will have all of the proper employment
paperwork completed, have the proper taxes withheld
and paid to the government, and be covered under our
workers compensation insurance policy.
We can also assist you with human resources support,
such as coaching and counseling staff, resolving
conflict, or providing additional training.
If there are additional employment expenses, such as
mileage reimbursement or bonuses, we can assist you
with those as well.
Why Use a Fiscal Support Entity?
Using a FSE will ensure that:
1. The proper employment
requirements are met
2. Taxes are properly withheld for the employee
3. Employment taxes are properly paid
4. There is a clear and accurate documentation of how
money was spent
Who Are We?
Cooperating Community Programs,
Inc. (CCP) has been providing services to individuals
in Minnesota and Wisconsin for over 30 years. We
provide services to over 1000 people; including
home-based support, employment support, case
management, and self directed support.
All of our services are based on a “person-centered”
approach. This means that the individual, not us,
should decide what services they receive and how they
receive them.
For more information:
CCP Self Directed Services
1885 University Avenue/Suite 398
St. Paul, MN 55104
Eric Pederson
Phone: 651-209-3350 ext. 627
Email: epederson@theccpinc.com
I recently took
my daughter to the doctor because she had an earache.
In the lobby of the clinic, there was a sign on the
wall stating that you "should keep a list of your
medications with you in the event of an emergency."
That was the inspiration for this article! Much
of the tips below can really be applied to everyone
and should serve as a friendly reminder for all of us.
The one mistake lots of people, regardless of their
age, make is complacency in familiar surroundings. To
be honest, throughout my life I've been guilty of that
from time to time.
The following is a short list of tips I've compiled
from my internet research. Obviously this list
is incomplete, but this covers some important and
basic things you can do to keep safe:
Some General Safety Tips:
1. Do not display large amounts of cash when out in
public.
2. Use direct deposit for your pension and/or social
security checks.
3. Travel in groups. If you must travel alone, do not
advertise the fact that you are by yourself.
4. Work out a "buddy system" with a friend so you can
check up on each other at least once a day.
You Can Practice Street
Smarts:
1. Avoid dark, deserted, and/or isolated routes.
2. Do not walk near walls, high bushes, or near parked
cars.
3. Project an image of self-confidence while you are
walking.
4. Cross the street to avoid people who make you feel
uncomfortable.
5. Know how to get where you are going ahead of time.
6. If someone demands your money, give it up.
7. Keep your money in several pockets instead of just
one.
8. Never accept a ride from someone
you do not know well.
While You're At Home:
1. Never let a stranger into your home. Always examine
their identification badge before you allow a service
technician into your home. If it's an
unexpected service visit, call the company they claim
to represent to verify that their reason to be there
is legitimate.
2. Lock your home when you are there and when you are
away. Keep your 1st floor windows locked.
3. Do not let people on the phone know you are alone.
4. Keep your phone by your bed at night.
5. Post all emergency numbers close to the telephone.
6. Leave a light on while you are
out. Use a different light each time you are not home.
7. Leave the porch light on.
8. Know your neighbors and make sure they know you.
If You're An Apartment
Dweller:
1. Know where you can get help in a hurry.
2. Make sure all community areas such as hallways,
entries/exits, and community rooms have good lighting.
3. Use the laundry room in the apartment building when
other tenants are present.
4. Look in the elevator before getting in to be sure
no one is hiding inside. Get off the elevator if
someone suspicious enters.
5. If you are uncomfortable with another person
waiting for the same elevator as you, do not get on
the elevator...simply pretend you forgot something in
your apartment. Then wait for the next one.
Using Public
Transportation:
1. Use well-lit bus stops.
2. Sit near the bus driver.
3. Sit in the aisle seat, so you do not get blocked in
at the window.
4. Do not get off the bus with someone that makes you
feel uncomfortable.
While Out In Your Car:
1. Never pick up hitch-hikers.
2. Keep your car doors locked at all times. Get in the
habit of locking all doors upon entering and leaving
your car.
3. Check the back seat before entering your car.
4. As you are approaching your car,
look under the car to make sure no one is hiding
underneath.
In The Event Of An
Emergency:
1. Keep a list of all your
medications including dosage information in your purse
or wallet.
2. If you use a cell phone, 911 will route you to
State Patrol in St. Paul. Program your county or
municipality's direct emergency number in your phone.
This can save critical time in a life threatening
situation.
Also, get in touch with your county or municipality's
law enforcement office for what non-emergency services
they can provide for you. For example, do
they offer checks on your home while you are away on
vacation or in the hospital? Some
counties/municipalities do.
You can also take self-defense classes through your
local Community Education, Community/Senior Center, or
through a martial arts studio. You can also
check with your local law enforcement agency and ask
about classes.
Most consumers
think haggling is only appropriate when buying
tchotkes at a street fair or facing off against a
used-car dealer. But why not negotiate the cost of
medical procedures? Or a new Sub-Zero refrigerator? If
you're not paying less than sticker price for these
and other goods and services, you're leaving money --
and often lots of it -- on the table. "Everything is
negotiable," says Stuart Diamond, adjunct professor of
law at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School
of Business and author of "Getting More: How to
Negotiate to Achieve Your Goals in the Real World."
"All you have to do is ask."
With that philosophy in mind, follow these tips to
negotiate the best possible deal on 6 common fees and
expenses:
Click Here To See Full Article
It's amazing how
often we blindly hand over our credit cards and
numbers to so many people and businesses. Why? We
trust them! The problem is, however, that sometimes
we'd be better off holding back and taking a more
discretionary approach. Certain individuals and
companies should be off limits. To keep safe, guard
your credit, avoid giving the following folks
unlimited access to your account.
Toni Riss had a
credit card with a 79.9% interest rate.
The 58-year-old woman from Texas thought she struck
gold when she found the First Premier card, which is
aimed specifically at consumers with poor credit.
"I had an accident on a motorcycle, went through
bankruptcy to pay for medical expenses and my credit
went to hell in a hand basket, so I was looking for
credit cards for people with bad credit" Riss said.
They granted her a card with a $300 limit -- typical
for new customers -- and a starting rate of 29.9%,
which Riss said she considered decent given her credit
score.
But about six months after opening the card -- at the
end of 2009 -- she received an
unwelcome surprise in the mail.
Putting three
generations under one roof--the most common
multigenerational living arrangement--has become a
growth industry of the recession and an aging society.
Even as the economy slowly recovers, experts expect
that more seniors will find themselves in such
expanded families. The mortgage crisis and collapse of
home values may retard new home formations for years.
Rising numbers of older Americans will require
caregivers, and will either be unable to afford
private care or unable to find professionals who
provide it.
Before World War II, about 25 percent of Americans
were in multigenerational households. After the war,
rising affluence and a mobile society led to a steady
decline. "In 2008, an estimated 49 million Americans,
or 16 percent of the total U.S. population, lived in a
family household that contained at least two adult
generations or a grandparent and at least one other
generation," the Pew Research Center reported in a
study last year. "In 1980, this figure was just 28
million, or 12 percent of the population." In 2008
alone, 2.6 million Americans became part of
multigenerational households.
Jo Ann Montrose-Eichelberger,
55, never thought she would meet her second husband on
an online dating site -- especially not one for
seniors.
The stewardess who lives in California said she signed
up "as a joke" in March 2009. She had been divorced
for about 18 years and was content being single, but
an ad for the site sparked her curiosity.
At first she felt uncomfortable about even putting up
her photograph.
"It felt like I was marketing myself. It was all new
to me. At the time, I hadn't even gone on Facebook,"
she said.
The number of seniors -- classified as anyone over 55
-- using the targeted dating site is growing,
according to SeniorPeopleMeet.com, which says they
attract 1,000 new members a day.
This program provides assistive telephone
equipment at NO CHARGE to individuals who
have
difficulty using a regular telephone due to a hearing
loss, speech, or physical disability.
Click Here For More Information.
Traditionally Reverse Mortgages
have given Seniors age 62 and older the ability to
convert a portion of their home's equity into
tax-free funds. The amount of funds they can
qualify for is based on their age, the property's
value, and current interest rates.
Recent changes in the FHA Reverse Mortgage Program
have enabled Senior homebuyers age 62 and older to
purchase a new primary residence and
obtain a reverse mortgage in simultaneous
transactions with no monthly mortgage payments.
It works by allowing the Senior to combine reverse
mortgages with a down payment from their current
home sale or other assets to purchase a new home.
It now gives the Senior an opportunity to purchase
a new primary residence without taking on new
mortgage payments. They may want to downsize
or "right size" for their particular needs --
single level living, move to a Senior Community,
or move closer to family and friends.
Example of how the program works:
A woman, 74 years old, wants to move closer to her
children. She sells her older home for
$200,000. With the reverse mortgage for
purchase, she was able to buy a $300,000 single
level condo by putting $123,000 down and the
reverse mortgage for purchase provided the
additional funds she needed.
She was able to move to a place more suitable for
her needs and closer to her children. She
will never make a mortgage payment and she also
has $77,000 in cash left from the sale of her
previous home to help her financially in the
future.
Contact a Reverse Mortgage Specialist or FHA for
more information regarding stipulations and
requirements for the program.
The latest tax credit that's been mentioned in the
news as of late is the Home Buyer's Tax Credit
which has now been extended into the Spring of
2010.
Below are links to the guidelines and questions
and answers to the latest tax credit extension
that Congress has enacted. It will allow not
only first time buyers, but move up buyers to get
a credit to buy homes that seniors may want to
sell.
This credit can also be available to seniors who
have lived in their home for at least 5
consecutive years of the past 8. This may make
them eligible for a new $6,500 credit for them if
they sell and buy a downsized home or townhome.
So you had
to go to the hospital for emergency surgery and
you had no health insurance.
You just got the bill and the sticker shock got
the best of you. Now you’re worried about losing
everything you’ve ever worked for, your savings,
your home, your possessions…well, in this
economy, that’s a very valid worry. Everyone is
struggling to make ends meet.
Stop! There is good news! Like everything else
in this world, medical bills are negotiable!
You can negotiate the fees that the hospital,
doctors, labs, radiology, etc. charge. They
typically charge full price but in Minnesota
there are laws in place where you can negotiate
for the same fee that the insurance companies
pay them. You have to be proactive and call the
appropriate billing departments and negotiate
the fees and work out a payment plan that works
for you.
Also, many times there are billing errors.
Review all of your bills when you receive them.
One time, my then boyfriend had an accident and
had to go to the emergency room to get his
finger stitched up. They brought out a tray with
all the necessary tools, but the doctor bumped
it, and it all dropped on the floor. They had to
bring out another one. When he got the bill,
they charged him for both trays. I saw that on
the bill and told him to call them to have one
of the charges removed since he technically did
not receive the items on that tray because it
fell on the floor. (Once the tray fell on the
floor these items were no longer sterile and
could not be used.) He called the billing
department and told them about the dropped tray
and they removed the charge for one of them. It
was a $150 savings!
Medical providers will negotiate with you. They
know that it’s in their best interest to do so.
They would rather get something, than nothing at
all.
If you find negotiating the bills yourself to be
too much for you or you don’t feel you can
negotiate a better deal, you can utilize the
services of a Medical Bill Negotiator. What they
do is they will negotiate your bills for you.
How they get paid is a percentage of the savings
they get for you.
For example, you have a $1000 hospital bill.
They negotiate it down to $700. They saved you
$300. Their percentage is 35% of $300, which
makes their fee $105. So in the grand scheme of
things, you only owe $805 on a $1000 hospital
bill. You saved $195!
WASHINGTON
(Reuters) – President Barack Obama's chief of
health programs for the elderly and poor on
Thursday said the year-old U.S. healthcare
overhaul was helping millions of Americans and
called a push by congressional Republicans to
repeal the law unfortunate.
Medicare and Medicaid services administrator
Donald Berwick, appearing before a congressional
panel, defended the embattled healthcare
overhaul, saying it was helping keep Medicare
premiums and cost-sharing lower and it was
helping shore up finances of the health program
for the elderly.
Age Is Just A Number
-
A Humorous Look At Ways To Stay Young By Brenda Darr,
Minnesota Seniors Online Staff Member
I am newly
divorced after being married for a little over
16 years. At age 44, this is a serious life
change for me. Through this loss, I’ve felt all
the emotions -- everything from grief to
happiness, guilt to sadness, helplessness to
depression.
I’ve looked in the mirror as I’ve gone through
each of these stages. I can’t believe how my
looks have changed with each stage I’ve gone
through. I’ve gotten grayer, I have dark circles
under my eyes, my eyes are darker, and I feel
more achy and "old." Usually my 15 year old
daughter is the first one to tell me about the
gray hairs (gotta love their honesty!) but not
this time. She’s been instrumental with helping
me through all of this. She’s been right there
to fill me with positive thoughts and let me
know that I have something to offer. I couldn't
ask for a better cheerleader!
I know I’m not the only one going through life
changes. They happen to everyone at different
times in their life. In my healing process, I’ve
employed some tips that I’d like to share with
you. These tips can actually help you FEEL
young!
I’ve written these in a manner that’s firm, yet
humorous. I’ve actually posted them on my wall.
With the pain and depression of my current life
changes, I’ve had to be firm with myself.
Sometimes we just need to give ourselves the
kick in the butt that we need to get on with our
life. Try any of these tips and trust me, you’ll
feel different…even younger!
1. Who cares how old you are, how much you
weigh, or how tall or short you are? Medical
professionals are the only ones who really care
about those kinds of numbers anyway…let them
deal with them.
2. Surround yourself with positive people.
Negativity breeds negativity. Who wants negative
people around anyway?
3. Try to learn something new every day. Pick a
subject and find out more about it. Take a
class, read a book, find online articles about
it, etc.
4. Take a time out to smell the roses. You
know, they smell pretty darn sweet!
5. Laugh hard and smile every chance you get.
This gives your facial muscles some really
positive exercise and you’ll have 6 pack abs
before you know it!
6. Tears are a part of life. Shed them, mourn
the loss, but don’t forget to pick yourself back
up! Life is too short to spend wallowing in
misery.
7. Surround yourself with what and who you love.
Your spouse/partner, kids, grandkids, friends,
pets, a good book, your favorite dish, plants,
your favorite hobby, etc. Your home is your
domain…enjoy it!
8. Pay attention to and maintain your health.
Take care of yourself. Eat right, see your
doctor as needed.
9. Let the guilt go. We all make mistakes in our
lives. All we can do is dust ourselves off and
move forward. Guilt trips aren’t any fun. Plan a
trip to Florida or Hawaii instead.
10. Always tell your loved ones that you love
them. Tell them every day. Cherish them. Give
thanks for being blessed to have them in your
life.
Seniors
need to make an effort to eat nutritiously every
day. Eating a healthy senior diet will help you
feel your best. What you eat controls it all!
Here are some tips for eating a healthy senior
diet:
Click Here For Full
Article
Health
Care Overhaul
Important Medicare Changes Are Here By David
A. Fahrenthold, Washington Post
January 1, 2011
New rules take effect today
on premiums, "doughnut hole."
The new year
will bring important changes to U.S.
health-insurance rules, as new provisions
related to last year's massive
health-care overhaul take effect.
The new rules
are designed to help those caught in Medicare's
"doughnut hole," offer seniors more preventative
care, and limit how much of their customers'
money health-insurance companies can keep for
overhead and profit. They all go into effect on
Saturday.
These
provisions were not affected by a Dec. 13
federal court ruling in Virginia that
declared another piece of the new health-care
law - the requirement that all Americans buy
health insurance - unconstitutional. The judge
allowed implementation of the overhaul to
continue until a higher court rules on the
issue.
Enactment of the new
health-care reform legislation contains some
provisions that directly affect our nation’s older
population. If you are a senior, you may be
concerned about how these reforms may affect your
access to health care and the benefits you are
currently receiving.
Medicare spending
cuts
Not surprisingly,
the concerns of retirees and seniors generally
center on potential cuts in Medicare benefits.
At the outset, the new legislation does not affect
Medicare's guaranteed benefits. However, a
goal of the new health-care legislation is to slow
the increasing cost of Medicare premiums paid by
beneficiaries, and to ensure that Medicare will
not run out of funds. To help achieve these goals,
cuts in Medicare spending will occur over a
ten-year period, beginning in 2011, particularly
targeting Medicare Advantage programs––Medicare
programs provided through private insurers but
subsidized by the federal government. These
cuts could reduce or eliminate some of the extra
benefits Medicare Advantage plans may offer, such
as dental or vision care, and some insurers may
choose to increase premiums. But Medicare
Advantage plans cannot reduce primary Medicare
benefits, nor can they impose deductibles and
co-payments that are greater than what is allowed
under the traditional Medicare program for
comparable benefits. And, some of the federal
funds previously earmarked for Medicare will be
reallocated to doctors and surgeons as an
incentive to treat Medicare patients.
Medicare Part D
drug program changes
Some Medicare Part D
beneficiaries are surprised to find that they have
to pay for the entire cost of prescription drugs
out-of-pocket after reaching a gap in their annual
coverage, referred to as the "donut hole."
Currently, if you're a Medicare Part D
beneficiary, you may pay up to an additional
$3,610, out-of-pocket, for medicines after
reaching an initial threshold of $2,830 in total
prescription drug costs (including Part D payments
beneficiary co-pays, and deductibles.) But,
beginning in 2010, beneficiaries who fall in the
donut hole will receive a $250 rebate, and, in
2011, they will receive a 50% discount on
brand-name drugs. By 2020, a combination of
federal subsidies and a reduction in co-payments
will completely eliminate the donut hole.
However, individuals with annual incomes greater
than $85,000, and couples with incomes exceeding
$170,000, will see their Part D premiums increase
as the federal subsidy offsetting some of the cost
of Medicare Part D premiums is reduced.
Benefits added to
Medicare
The legislation also
improves some traditional Medicare benefits. For
example, Medicare beneficiaries will receive free
wellness and preventive care beginning in 2011.
Increased access to home-based care
Often, people with
disabilities or illnesses would rather receive
care at home instead of at a hospital or nursing
home. The new health-care reform law
provides for programs and incentives for greater
access to in-home care. The Community Living
Assistance Services and Support program (CLASS)
will be established sometime after 2011 (depending
on when final regulations are published) as a
voluntary insurance program, financed through
payroll deductions and available to all working
adults who choose to participate. This
national program allows participants with
functional limitations to maintain their personal
and financial independence and live in the
community by providing a cash benefit of at least
$50 per day (after a five-year vesting period) for
nonmedical services, such as home-care services,
family caregiver support, and adult day-care or
residential-care services. In order to
qualify, a participant must need help with at
least two activities of daily living, such as
eating, toileting, transferring, bathing,
dressing, or continence.
Also in 2011, the
Community First Choice Option will be available to
states to add to their Medicaid programs.
This option will provide benefits to
Medicaid-eligible individuals for community-based
care instead of placement in a nursing home.
In addition, the State Balancing Incentive
Program, to be established in 2011, will provide
increased federal funds to qualifying states that
offer Medicaid benefits to disabled individuals
seeking long-term care services at home, or in the
community, instead of in a nursing home. The
Independence at Home demonstration program,
available in 2012, will be a test program that
provides Medicare beneficiaries with chronic
conditions the opportunity to receive primary care
services at home. That is intended to reduce
costs associated with emergency room visits and
hospital readmissions, and generally improve the
efficiency of care.
What's the best way to cut your healthcare costs
in these scary economic times? Don't Get
Sick!
If you think a trip to the grocery store takes a
big chunk out of the family budget, consider the
costs of getting sick. From co-pays that
cost more than a tank of gas to deductibles and
out-of-pocket expenses that can exceed a mortgage
payment, even getting the flu can be expensive.
Health care costs in an already troubled economy
are providing many Minnesotans with more incentive
than ever to find new ways to take better care of
themselves.
Each year, thousands of Minnesotans attend the
original Body Mind Life Expo at the Minneapolis
Convention Center for ideas about staying healthy.
This year, most will be looking for ways to do so
on a budget.
As the largest health and natural products
consumer event in the Midwest, this expo is the
ideal place to find experts who can provide
mainstream and holistic advice on nutrition,
physical fitness, disease prevention, as well as
emotional and spiritual well-being. This
year's expo, to be held February 27 & 28, 2010, is
expected to attract even more people eager to
learn tips that will help them avoid spending time
in a doctor's office.
Prevention is the modern mantra. The gloomy
economy has not dimmed nutritional supplement
sales. The changing lifestyle and growing
senior population is making space for the
nutritional supplement industry to grow.
Americans spend more money than any other country
on nutritional supplements, and are credited with
having the greatest health awareness.
According to Natural Products Insider, specific
demand for functional foods and beverages
benefitting digestive and immune health, as well
as cardiovascular health, is on an upswing.
People also are looking for new ways to cope with
the stress in their lives. Renowned
spiritual teacher and author, Leonard Jacobson
will present two free seminars at the expo to help
people learn how to live in the present and
achieve a deeper level of peace.
Over the years, the Body Mind Life Expo has become
a trusted clearinghouse for health-related
information. Those watching their pennies
appreciate the fact that admission always includes
free back-to-back seminars on everything from
proper exercise techniques, weight management,
anti-aging tips, to the latest use of therapeutic
essential oils and other fact-based ideas for
taking control of your health.
People also spend quality time exploring local
resources including holistic services,
environmentally-friendly products, stress-free
vacation ideas, workshops and classes, counseling
and motivational centers, clinics,
acupuncture/bodywork services, and more.
Benefitting underserved women and their families
touched by breast cancer. Mid-America Events
& Expos, producers of the Body Mind Life Expo, is
donating 50% of all ticket sales from its 2010
expos to Hope Chest For Breast Cancer, who will be
given a booth at each show.
Visit
www.101expos.com
for more information or call 612-798-7256.
Admission is $3 with the half price coupon on the
website and FREE to kids 17 and under when
accompanied by an adult.
The Minnesota Department of
Health passed several laws which you should be aware
of as you shop for a hearing aid:
State law requires hearing-aid sellers to offer
consumers a 45 day written money-back guarantee.
The guarantee permits the buyer to cancel the
purchase for any reason during the 45 day period.
Sellers may keep a $250.00 cancellation fee.
If the aid needs to be repaired, remade, or adjusted
during the 45 day period, the running of the
guarantee period is suspended by one day for each 24
hour period that the hearing aid is not in the
buyer's possession.
Hearing aid sellers need a state issued
certification and pass an examination in order to
conduct business in Minnesota. A seller may be
a hearing-aid dealer, a hearing instrument
dispenser, an audiologist, a medical doctor or a
person using other names or titles. Sellers
are required to place their certification number on
all contracts, bills of sale, and receipts used in
the sale of hearing aids.
State law prohibits sellers from obtaining money,
property, or services from consumers through the use
of undue influence, high pressure sales tactics,
harassment, duress, and fraud.
State law prohibits sellers from presenting false or
misleading advertising.
Federal law requires sellers to
provide prospective hearing-aid buyers with a
brochure describing the use of the aid that is being
considered for purchase. The brochure must
contain a statement advising prospective hearing aid
users to consult promptly with a licensed physician
(preferably an ear specialist) before purchasing an
aid.
Federal law requires sellers to provide a medical
waiver form to adults who decide not to have a
medical evaluation of their hearing before
purchasing a hearing-aid. Hearing-aid
dispensers are required to advise consumers that
signing such a waiver is not in the buyer's best
health interest and that its use is strongly
discouraged.
THE BBB ALSO PROVIDES A PAMPHLET ON HEARING AIDS
THAT CAN BE MAILED OUT TO YOU AT YOUR REQUEST.
If you're in the Twin Cities and would like a
pamphlet sent to you, call
651-699-1111.
If you're in outstate Minnesota, call
1-800-646-6222.
The tax credit
has been reintroduced in the House and will shortly be
reintroduced in the Senate. With healthcare reform on
the horizon, there has been no better time to make
your voice heard in support of these bills. Please
help us make the hearing aid tax credit a reality once
and for all!
The legislation would provide a tax credit up to $1000
for two hearing aids for dependents and adults 55+;
the Senate is considering a bill which would cover all
age groups. One in four households in America has at
least one person with a hearing loss and 2/3 cannot
afford hearing healthcare.
Make your voice heard again at
www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org to help make hearing
aids more affordable for you, your family, and your
friends. Communicate with your Representative and
Senators with the click of a mouse; it only takes 3-4
minutes to send your letter to Washington.