ADRC is Now Available Online

NorthWest Senior & Disability Services (NWSDS) recently held an open house celebration to demonstrate the opportunities available through a new web-based portal called the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). The concept of the ADRC is to provide a single source of access for information and assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, their family members and community partners, on issues affecting their health and well-being.

The centerpiece of the ADRC is the development of an extensive comprehensive resource database that is readily available to virtually anyone, at any time. Complementing the web-based resource connection is the availability of trained information and assistance specialists who can more fully assist individuals seeking more detailed information, or counseling to understand the variety of service options available. We can also help assess an individual’s level of need for available public services, as well as their eligibility for assistance.

Through the ADRC, anyone can get access to information and counseling to help sort through the options available for making decisions about long-term care, Medicare, Social Security and other available programs. We can provide information and resources for programs to help you stay healthy, prevent illness, enhance your social activities and educational opportunities. The resource data base will also include information on local services and products that could be useful to seniors and people with disabilities, including such things as: in-home services; family and caregiver support; peer counseling; home-delivered meals; transportation; legal assistance; programs for healthy living, and more.

The idea is to create an interactive format where individuals can find useful information on how to access services and supports for themselves or a loved one, while community providers can make that kind of information available to those in need. The information could be easily accessible through the web site, or individuals can seek additional assistance by telephone or by walking into any NWSDS office.

NWSDS is a small participant in a much larger national effort to implement a section of the federal Older Americans Act calling for the establishment of Aging and Disability Resource Centers nation-wide. Our ADRC is a collaborative effort with the State Unit on Aging, and other local Area Agencies on Aging.
Anyone can access the ADRC by logging onto the web site at www.adrcoforegon.org. Also, NWSDS Information and Assistance staff can be contacted
directly at 503-304-3420, toll free at 1-866-206-4799, or by e-mail.

Article provide by
Northwest Senior Disability Services (NWSDS)

White House Seeks $125 Billion for Veterans in 2011

To expand health care to a record-number of Veterans, reduce the number of homeless Veterans and process a dramatically increased number of new disability compensation claims, the White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our budget proposal provides the resources necessary to continue our aggressive pursuit of President Obama’s two over-arching goals for Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “First, the requested budget will help transform VA into a 21st century organization. And second, it will ensure that we approach Veterans’ care as a lifetime initiative, from the day they take their oaths until the day they are laid to rest.”

The $125 billion budget request, which has to be approved by Congress, includes $60.3 billion for discretionary spending (mostly health care) and $64.7 billion in mandatory funding (mostly for disability compensation and pensions). “VA’s 2011 budget request covers many areas but focuses on three central issues that are of critical importance to our Veterans – easier access to benefits and services, faster disability claims decisions, and ending the downward spiral that results in Veterans’ homelessness,” Shinseki said.

Reducing Claims Backlog
The president’s budget proposal includes an increase of $460 million and more than 4,000 additional claims processors for Veterans benefits. This is a 27 percent increase over the 2010 level. The 1,014,000 claims received in 2009 were a 75 percent increase over 579,000 received in 2000.

Shinseki said the Department expects a 30 percent increase in claims – to 1,319,000 – in 2011 from 2009 levels.

One reason for the increase is VA’s expansion of the number of Agent Orangerelated illnesses that automatically qualify for disability benefits. Veterans exposed to the Agent Orange herbicides during the Vietnam War are likely to file additional claims that will have a substantial impact upon the processing system for benefits, the secretary said. “We project significantly increased claims inventories in the near term while we make fundamental improvements to the way we process disability compensation claims,” Shinseki said. Long-term reduction of the inventory will come from additional manpower, improved business practices, plus an infusion of $145 million in the proposed budget for development of a paperless claims processing system, which plays a significant role in the transformation of VA.

Article provided by
COR– Care Option Resources
503-781-1695

Stop Senior Hunger

There is an epidemic facing many in our own community and across America. One sector of our community that suffers from hunger is our growing 65 and older population. Today, one in nine seniors is at risk of hunger. The Meals on Wheels Association of America projects that by 2025, an estimated 9.5 million senior Americans will experience some form of hunger or “food insecurity,” about 75 percent higher than the number in 2005.

Hunger Can Affect Seniors of Any Income

Over 50% of seniors at risk of hunger live above the poverty line. Among the reasons for hunger: changes in taste, disease or medication; lack of transportation to obtain food; inability to prepare food; limitations to chewing due to dental problems or dentures; or a general lack of interest in eating due to loneliness or depression.

For seniors the implications are serious and could mean the potential for increased hospital stays, increased health complications, or premature death.

What You Can Do to Help

• Offer your help. By asking a senior adult if they need help something like grocery shopping, you are offering support. “Help” isn’t always monetary.

• Be an advocate. Whether you are caring for an aging parent, relative or family friend, you can be an advocate for them. Learn to detect the signs of malnutrition and hunger in your older loved ones.

• Pay attention to their eating habits, keep them company during meal time or invite them for a family meal. When you take your loved one for a doctor visit, be sure to discuss their changing nutritional needs with their doctor.

• Find out where to get assistance. Local and federal programs are available to help seniors. Check out Meals on Wheels Association of America or Feeding America® to see if there is a senior food distribution program in your neighborhood.

• Understand what good nutrition means. Seniors can improve their quality of life and preserve their independence longer by making dietary changes. About 30 million older Americans live with chronic diseases for which nutrition therapies can be effective in managing and treating, according to the American Dietetics Association.

Making improvements in nutrition can play an important role in overall health for seniors.

For more information on the STOP Senior Hunger, visit www.stopseniorhunger.com.

Article provided by
Pamela Schmidt, 
Comfort Keepers 
503-877-8926

Why Are You So Tired During The Day?

One of the biggest factors affecting your quality of life, your health and longevity is the quality of sleep you get.

This five question quiz can help you determine if you’re suffering from Sleep Apnea, a very common disorder that currently affects the lives of over 20 million Americans.

However, this quiz cannot take the place of your doctor or a formal diagnosis, so if you feel you have health problems, please seek medical attention regardless.

1. Do you snore?

2. Are you excessively tired during the day?

3. Have you been told you stop breathing at night?

4. Do you have a history of high blood pressure?

5. Is your neck size greater than 17inches (male) or 16 inches (female)?

If you answered ‘yes’ to two or more of screening questions, there is a possibility you are suffering from Sleep Apnea.

There are two basic types of Sleep Apnea: Obstructive and Central. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused by the full or partial collapse of the airway causing your breathing to stop. Your lungs try
to breathe, but no air can get through. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and is often accompanied by snoring and heavy breathing. Central Sleep Apnea occurs when your brain does not send the signal that causes your lungs to breathe. As a result, you have no airflow and no chest movements. This condition can occur as a result of heart problems, brain injury, or a history of narcotic pain medication.

Because sleep apnea prevents air from entering or exiting the lungs, the oxygen level decreases and the heart is forced to work harder. Without treatment the sleep deprivation and lack of oxygen caused by sleep apnea increases health risks such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, clinical depression, weight gain and obesity. Sleep Apnea is easily treatable and is dangerous if left unchecked. If you suspect you or someone you know could suffer from Sleep Apnea, please instruct them to contact A Turning Leaf Home Medical. One of our organization’s board certified sleep technologists will make sure to get them in touch with a facility that tests for these disabling disorders.

Article provided by
Justin Peterson, BS, RPSGT
www.atlhomemedical.com
503-689-1597, 541-570-1868

A Continuing Care Retirement Community

CCRCs provide a combination of living arrangements and services, typically all on one campus and can include: Independent living cottages or apartments; Supported
or assisted living apartments; In-home support services; Specialized dementia care; Rehabilitative and/or long-term nursing care; Hospice care.

Because CCRCs offer many services within the same campus, a resident can receive the level of support he or she needs while remaining in a familiar community and near friends and loved ones. Typically, the resident moves to the CCRC while still fairly independent, and the expectation is that he or she will transition to other levels of care when additional support services are needed.

Most CCRCs require payment of a one- time fee at the time of move-in; typically called an entrance fee. Entrance fees are often partially or fully refundable. Additionally, CCRCs may charge a monthly fee for services, such as maintenance and grounds keeping, transportation, and wellness, recreational and social activities.

Primary Contract Types: 
Type A (Extensive) Agreement: Includes housing, residential services, amenities and unlimited, specific health-related services with little or no substantial increase in monthly payments, except to cover normal operating costs and inflation adjustments.

Type B (Modified) Agreement: Includes housing, residential services,
and amenities and a specific amount of healthcare with no substantial increase in monthly payments, except to cover normal operating costs and inflation adjustments. After the specified amount of healthcare is used, persons served pay either a discounted rate or the full daily rates for required healthcare services.

Type C (Fee-for-Service) Agreement: Includes housing, residential services, and amenities for the fees stated in the resident agreement. Access to healthcare services
is guaranteed, but it may be required at established fee-for-service rates.

Accreditation by the CARF-CCAC (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, Continuing Care Accreditation Commission) assures that a CCRC meets or exceeds certain standards of operational excellence. The CCAC is the only accrediting body for continuing care retirement facilities. Participation
in the accreditation process is voluntary, although facilities in 38 states are also subject to certain state and federal health care regulations.

For more information about CCRCs, please see the “Consumer Guide to Understanding Financial Performance and Reporting in Continuing Care Retirement Communities,” or the brochure, “How to Choose Services for You and Your Loved Ones.” Both are available in the Resources section of www.carf.org.

Article provided by
Whitney Olsen,
Mennonite Village
(541) 704-4247

Checklist For Selecting A Care Community

Obtain a list of facilities in your desired location; many are included in this guide. Call the facilities you are interested in first; be prepared to briefly describe the care requirements of the person in need of placement, including such challenging behaviors as wandering, aggressiveness or specific health concerns.

• Read the most recent state survey regarding the facility; this report provides results from the annual licensing inspection conducted by the state’s Department of Health.

• Make an appointment to visit the facility. If you are interested in it, make a second unannounced visit, preferably on a weekend or evening.

• During your appointment ask questions concerning services, costs and special needs you might have.

• Ask to tour the home. Is the environment homelike and pleasing to you?

• Observe the interaction between residents and staff. Does staff respond quickly to calls for assistance?

• Are staff members wearing identification badges?

• Talk with residents and visitors. Is the setting conveniently located to encourage family visits and involvement in care?

Some nursing homes offer additional services, such as outpatient rehabilitation services; temporary, short-term recovery assistance; respite care; assisted living; specialized care units; and hospice services. When considering your options, keep in mind that the most important factors in making a decision are; location, services available and quality of care.

Article provided by
The Case Management Department, Salem Hospital
www.salemhealth.org
503-561-5200

Veterans: Are You Getting What You Deserve?

Question: My dad is in a nursing home and needs help paying for care but he has too much money to get onto Medicaid. He is retired from the military, and I heard that the VA may be able to offer him some help. Is this true?

Answer: Yes. The Department of Veterans Affairs has maintained a Pension program for many years to help certain categories of veterans with special needs. Although not everyone is eligible, these Pension benefits can be of significant value and, your dad may be eligible.

One such benefit, “Aid and Attendance” is available to a veteran or widow(er) of a veteran, providing that the veteran served at least 90 days of active military service (at least one day being during wartime) and was not dishonorably discharged.

In addition to the service requirement, the person applying for benefits (“the Claimant”) must meet one of the following conditions: (1) Claimant is blind; (2) Claimant is living in a nursing home;
OR (3) Claimant is unable to: (a) dress/ undress, take care of personal hygiene, or toileting; OR (c) Claimant’s mental capacity declines to the level of endangering the Claimant if unaided.

When a Claimant fits those standards, the VA goes on to examine the Claimant’s finances. The Claimant’s countable family income, less annual medical expenses, must be below a yearly limit set by law. The Claimant’s savings and other assets are also considered. Unlike Medicaid, which sets a strict limit on “countable resources” at $2000, the Aid and Attendance benefit may be granted even if the veteran has money in the bank. A rule of thumb, the Claimant should have no more than $80,000 in savings to be accepted into the Aid & Attendance program.

Applying for VA benefits is often complicated and may take some time. Although you can apply for benefits on your own, you are better off seeking assistance from an attorney who has been accredited by the VA. An accredited VA attorney, like the attorneys at McGinty & Belcher, can evaluate your income and assets, and potential conflicts with Medicaid and provide information on the best strategies to maximize a Pension award.

Article provided by
McGinty & Belcher
503-371-9636

When news of the attack on Pearl Harbor was broadcast on radio Sunday, some of the first fears for Oregonians were for the Willamette University football team and fans in Honolulu. They had traveled to Hawaii for a series of post season games known as the Shrine Bowl against the University of Hawaii and San Jose State. The first game was played Dec. 6th before a crowd of 24,000. Although the Bearcats had suffered a 20-6 defeat, many of the Oregonians were looking forward to several days of post-game festivities.

The Willamette team and fans from Salem were waiting outside the Moana Hotel for a bus tour to take them on a sightseeing tour of the island and a picnic. They were planning to see Pearl Harbor. As black oily smoke filled the air the team and their supporters realized they were witnesses to a momentous event.

In the aftermath of the devastating attack the football team was enlisted by the Army to fend off a possible Japanese invasion by water. Their first set of orders was to string barbed wire on Waikiki beach at low tide. The players were issued bolt-action Springfield M1903 rifles from World War I and given some brief training. They were told to be prepared to defend the beach. Shortly thereafter they were assigned to Punahou High School in the hills above Honolulu. Authorities feared that water towers and storage tanks nearby might become targets of sabotage. The players moved into the dormitories and class rooms and went on sentry rotation.

Uppermost in everyone’s mind was how and when they would get home. They finally left Hawaii on December 19th aboard the SS President Coolidge. A luxury ocean liner, the Coolidge had arrived in Hawaii with evacuees from the Philippines. Now it was commandeered to transport gravely wounded servicemen. Willamette coach, Roy “Spec” Keene and Douglas McKay persuaded the captain to take the team and their followers back to the mainland in exchange for assisting with the wounded. There were approximately 1,200 people on board the ship that was designed to carry 800. The normal four day trip took seven days because of the zigzagging route required to avoid Japanese submarines. On Christmas Day the Willamette football party returned safely to San Francisco. It was the last time they would all be together.

Virtually everyone from that year’s football team enlisted in the service. All but one, Bill Reder, survived the war. They went on to careers as teachers, business people, and lawyers. One became a federal judge. The team was inducted into Willamette’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The honor acknowledges the team’s football exploits–an 8-2 record with six shutouts, the second leading scoring team in the country–and its extra service in a time of chaos and disbelief.

Article Provided by: Oregon Paralyzed Veterans

Checklist for Selecting a Care Community

Where to start: Obtain a list of facilities in your desired location; many are included in the Retirement Connection Guide. Call the facilities you are interested in first; don’t wear yourself out visiting facilities that do not have openings. Be prepared to briefly describe the care requirements of the person in need of placement, including such challenging behaviors as wandering, aggressiveness or specific health concerns.

• Make an appointment to visit the facility. If you are interested in it, make a second unannounced visit, preferably on a weekend or evening.
• Read the most recent state survey regarding the facility; this report provides results from the annual licensing inspection conducted by the state’s Department of Health.
• If the prospective resident will be paying personally, ask to see an itemized list of the daily charges and clarify the billing procedures for additional items. For example, many facilities include personal care items.
• It is important to know you have the right to purchase medications at the pharmacy of your choice, but you are then responsible for either delivering the medication yourself or ensuring that the pharmacy will deliver the medications in a timely manner.
• Ask about the facility’s billing procedures and get the name and telephone number of the staff person to speak with if you have questions.
• Ask how money for the resident’s personal needs is handled.
• Medicare will pay for a limited amount of time in a nursing home depending on the rehabilitative needs of the resident. If the resident continues to stay in a facility and requires Medicaid assistance, it is important to choose a facility that accepts both forms of payment (Medicare and Medicaid) and can ensure a Medicaid bed will be available; otherwise the resident will be required to move to another facility that accepts Medicaid.
• Find out the name of the management company that operates the facility. Ask what other facilities this company operates in the region. You may want to review the health department surveys for these facilities to see if the company consistently provides good care.
• Meet the administrator, and supporting management staff. Ask how long they have worked at the facility. Be alert to frequent administrative changes. These are the people who will ultimately be responsible for correcting any concerns or complaints that you or the resident may have.
• Ask how complaints are addressed and how problems are resolved. Find out which staff person has been designated as the person to handle grievances.
• Is the facility clean? Are odors pervasive throughout the facility or in isolated areas? Are the odors temporary?
• Look at the residents’ rooms and bathrooms (with resident permission). Are they clean, comfortable and home-like?
• Is the bathroom clean and organized? Are the toiletries and personal items stored appropriately? Are towels and washcloths available?
• Do residents have easy access to a private telephone in a quiet place? Is the telephone equipped with a hearing-enhancement device?
• Can you easily find posted instructions on how to contact the ombudsman, the county health department, the adult protection division of the county department of social services and the county Medicaid office?
• Are pleasant areas available for private dining and family visits?
• Are the residents clean, well groomed and positioned comfortably?
• Are the residents up and active during the day? Are they engaged in activities or interacting with people in common areas?
• Visit with the residents. Ask them how they like the food, if they feel well cared for and if they have enough to do. Tell them that you are thinking about bringing someone to live there. Ask them if they like living there and would they recommend it to others.
• Look in the dining area during a meal. Are residents who need help being assisted in eating? Are adaptive devices, such as special utensils and dishes, used when appropriate?
• Are people served their meals promptly?
• Do the menus posted reflect what the residents are eating?
• Observe the interaction between the residents and the staff. How do staff members address the residents? It is usually not appropriate to address adults as “honey” or “sweetie.” Some residents like to be called by their first name; others prefer the formality of Mr. or Mrs.
• Do staff members respect the resident’s privacy? Do they knock at the resident’s door and wait for a response before entering? Are privacy curtains pulled and/or doors closed when personal care is provided?
• Are call lights within residents’ reach and are they answered within a few minutes?
• Are staff members wearing identification badges?
• Ask about staff training. What training requirements does the residence have? How much training do they receive? Who does the training?
• Do staff members acknowledge your presence? If you are visiting without a tour guide, someone should tactfully inquire about your presence at the facility.
• Do staff members look calm, well organized and attentive to the residents?

When you are considering a care community for yourself or a loved one, you want to find one that is a bright, comfortable, inviting place to live. You want a home that provides a variety of stimulating activities and has a history of providing good care to residents. It should be a place where family members are invited to participate in activities and meals. Some nursing homes offer additional services, such as outpatient rehabilitation services; temporary, short-term recovery assistance; respite care; assisted living; specialized care units; and hospice services.  These criteria will help you choose a nursing home that will meet your needs.

Top 10 Estate Planning Issues

As an Elder Law attorney, I am often asked “What is the biggest estate planning problem?”.  My answer, “Failing to start”.  The following is a list of issues to think about when preparing your estate plans.  Almost all issues can be taken care of with a little thoughtful consideration, but the same issue can also create major problems if not dealt with in advance.

1. Probate – Court supervised administration of your estate is never a pleasant journey. Despite the helpful court personnel, there are still filing fees, lack of privacy issues, and long waiting periods before distribution. And that’s if all goes well.

2. Asset Protection – Many people do not take advantage of the asset protection opportunities that can be achieved with relatively basic estate planning. Creating trusts for spouses and children with the right provisions means your assets can be protected from claims of creditors and predators for years to come. While we hope that our children would not fall victim to divorce, this is one asset protection conversation that must be planned for.

3. Tax Planning – This is never an easy issue as the various tax systems don’t always line up with each other. Consider the tension between gift planning, (giving away some of your assets) to shelter appreciation by moving them outside of your estate, and loss of basis for capital gains purposes. While not easy, this issue can really cost you money if not properly handled.

4. Family Disharmony – Estate planning is a way for you to say you care about your loved ones. But selection of your personal representative or trustee can also stir the pot and create issue issues for those not chosen. Sometimes it is best to name a non-family member to be in charge of your estate. Giving thought to how to help resolve these conflicts or at least, not make them worse, can help to avoid family conflicts.

5. Attorney’s Fees – The best way to control legal fees is to incur them while you are alive and able to oversee the planning process. Failure to plan is likely to increase the total amount of fees paid. Especially if family members decide that fighting is the best way to resolve disputes after you’re gone.

6. Successor Fiduciaries – Make sure that you name back up personal representatives and trustees, or provide the beneficiaries with a way to fill a vacant role, so that a court proceeding is not required.

7. Contingent Beneficiaries – Make plans for your estate in the event that your immediate family members die and are unable to inherit your estate. Pick a charity or a group of more distant relatives or close friends.

8. Updating Beneficiary Designations – Life insurance and retirement accounts are controlled by the beneficiary designations you make when you purchase the life insurance or open a retirement account. They are most notably the small boxes you checked at the end of your application. Make sure these stay updated. We have seen more than once a policy which still names a client’s first wife or husband many years after a divorce and remarriage.

9. Joint Accounts – Often used as a convenience during life and a will substitute at death. Because these accounts go to the survivor, make sure that this lines up with your overall plan of passing assets to your heirs. Leaving money in a joint account for one child with the idea that they will spread the wealth around after your death can be a recipe for disaster.

10. Failing to start – Procrastination is probably the leading cause of problems in estate planning. Once a disability or death occurs, planning becomes very difficult and lots more expensive, if possible at all.

For more information or answers to your estate planning and elder law needs, please call Kathy Belcher at 503-371-9636, or visit our website.

Article Provided by
McGinty & Belcher Attorneys
Address: 694 High St NE – Salem, OR 97309
Toll Free: (800) 542-4320