There’s No Place Like Home

Some of the most common concerns as we age include: “The stairs are more strenuous”, “Since my wife passed away, it is just easier to open a can of soup for dinner”, or “I’ve been in the same house 40 years, and no other place will seem like home”. The most common comment- “I want to stay in my own home!” On the bright side: with the right help you might be able to remain safely in your own home.

What do I do first?

Planning ahead is difficult, as your needs will change. Maybe you live alone, but could benefit from some occasional assistance. Maybe you don’t need help right now, but your spouse needs a bit more than you can comfortably accommodate. Whatever your personal situation, start by talking to your physician about any health problems or chronic conditions, and if any of these may make it difficult for you to care for yourself in the future. You may find that proper planning may keep you more in control of your care, and some assistance with dressing, meal preparation, or medication reminders may be all you need in order to stay safely in your home.

Types of service… You can get almost any type of help you want-usually for a fee. The following list includes the most common services requested: Companionship, Housekeeping, Meal Preparation, Transportation, Errands/Shopping, Transfer Assistance, Medication Reminders, Medication Administration, and Personal Care Assistance (such as: Bathing, Dressing, Incontinence Care, Hygiene),

Getting started… Learn about the types of services and care found in your community. Your physician, health care providers, social workers, and the local Area Agency on Aging may have suggestions. Your friends and family are always a great resource, as well.

Costs of services… Financial planning is an important component of planning your care. Some services may be covered by Medicaid, long-term care insurance, Veteran benefits and employee assistance programs. Much of the cost for personal care will be out of pocket, with private funds. In the long run, the cost may still be less than moving into an independent living, assisted living, or long-term care community, and you will be able to remain safely in your own home. At some point, support from family, friends, or local programs may not be enough. If you need help on a full-time basis, and your funds allow it, you can hire care providers to assist you for as many hours or days as needed.

Article Provided by:
Synergy HomeCare
(360) 891-1506 or (503) 235-3040
www.synergyhomecare.com

Source: Excerpt taken from the National Institute on Aging by Synergy HomeCare,www.synergyhomecare.com

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Telephone Assistance Programs

In 1987, Oregon Legislature passed a law to assure that adequate and affordable residential telephone service is available to all qualifying Oregonians. Based on that legislation, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon implemented three programs which are supported by a surcharge applied to the monthly bill of each retail subscriber who has telephone or cellular service with access to the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service:

Telecommunication Devices Access Program (TDAP) – Loans adaptive telephone equipment at no cost and with no income restrictions to eligible Oregonians who have a severe hearing, severe speech, vision, cognitive or mobility impairment and cannot benefit from the use of a standard telephone.

In order to receive the equipment, a simple application must be completed and submitted for approval. Qualifying customers are required to complete and sign Section A of the application available in English and Spanish. Depending on the nature of the individual’s disability, a licensed physician, hearing aid specialist, audiologist, speech-language pathologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor must complete Section B certifying that the person requires adaptive equipment in order to communicate on the telephone.

E-mail: puc.tdap@state.or.us

Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP)/ Link-Up America Program – Oregonians who receive one of the following qualifying benefits may receive up to a $13.50 reduction in their monthly bill for local residential telephone service.

• Food Stamps
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income
• Certain State Medical Programs or Medicaid

The Link-Up America Program helps qualified individuals by paying for one-half (up to $30) of the line connection charges for new residential telephone service.

There are approximately 33 residential telephone companies and 4 cellular companies that participate in OTAP. Customers can complete or download applications online available in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.

E-mail: puc.odap@state.or.us

Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service (OTRS) – As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a telephone service that is available for all Oregonians and provides telecommunications access that is functionally equivalent for persons with and without hearing or speech disabilities to communicate via the telephone. It operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

There are several forms of the OTRS available depending on the needs of the user including Captioned Telephone Service, Voice Carry Over, Hearing Carry Over, Speech to Speech Relay Service, Shared Non-English Language Relay Services and Text-to-Voice TTY-based Relay Service.

For additional information about the telephone assistance programs, contact the Public Utility Commission of Oregon Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by one of the following methods:

Article Provided by:
Public Utility Commission of Oregon
550 Capitol Street NE, Suite 215, P.O. Box 2148, Salem, OR 97308-2148
(800) 848-4442, (800) 648-3458 (TTY), (503) 378-6211 (Videophone)
www.rspf.org

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Power of Attorney -Life-Saver or Life-Wrecker?

One of the first questions I ask elder clients facing financial crisis is “Do you have a power of attorney?” And when I meet with a family to plan ahead for possible disability, one important question I ask is “Who can we trust with your power of attorney?”

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is used to delegate legal authority to another person. The principal (the person granting the power of attorney) gives the agent the authority to make legal decisions on his/her behalf, including handling bank accounts, selling real estate, and managing other assets. It is an essential and powerful legal tool to manage and protect assets. It can be used when the person granting the authority is incapacitated or just traveling away from home.

Are There Different Types of Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney can be short and simple or very extensive and run on for many pages. Some are limited to simple banking transactions and real estate transactions. Others include general powers to transact all kinds of business. A careful lawyer drafts a power of attorney to fit the client’s needs. Powers of attorney needed for Medicaid related transactions, for example, must contain express authority for those transactions to be effective.

When Does a Power of Attorney Expire?

In Oregon all powers of attorney are “durable,” meaning that, unless the document says otherwise, the authority granted continues in effect after the person granting the authority becomes incapacitated. When the person granting the authority dies, the power of attorney expires.

How Can A Power Of Attorney Be Abused?

The potential for fraud exists in every power of attorney arrangement, through self dealing, embezzlement, theft and unlawful gifting. In some situations, a power of attorney holder will significantly deplete an estate, leaving the heirs of the principal with little or no inheritance. Other ways of financial exploitation include changing beneficiary designations on life insurance or annuities, and opening bank accounts with joint title or pay on death provisions in favor of the agent. The potential for power of attorney disputes is large and can lead to lawsuits.

Can a Power of Attorney Be Challenged?

If a person doesn’t really understand what he is signing, the creation of a power of attorney can be challenged. If a validly granted power of attorney has been abused by the agent, grounds may exist to sue the agent for the return of embezzled property or for monetary damages. The guilty agent may also charged with a crime. The person granting the authority may sue or, if he/she is deceased, the intended beneficiaries may be able to sue the agent for breach of fiduciary duty, tortuous interference with estate planning, or a number of other causes of action.

I tell my clients that a power of attorney is like a sharp scalpel – one of the most important tools in our legal “black bag.” It can preserve and protect from harm, but in the wrong hands it can make a big mess. It is wise to have an experienced Elder Law Attorney help you create your power of attorney and advise you how to safely use it.

Article Provided by:
Tom Pixton, The Pixton Law Firm
(503) 968-2020
www.PixtonLaw.com

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Is a Fitness Center Right for You?

Looking for the fountain of youth? It may be as close as your nearest swimming pool. Exercise can boost your energy, build your endurance and give you strength for daily tasks. In addition, regular physical activity can:

• Help you stay independent or help you do more things without assistance
• Ward off or delay some diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease
• Help prevent you from falling
• Keep your weight and blood pressure in check

You don’t need to use expensive equipment or go to a public place to get in shape. But joining a fitness facility can help you meet new people and motivate you to stick with your plan. “The best fitness center for you is the one that you like and will continue to visit,” said Mick McLaughlin, national programs manager at Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program.

Keep the following tips in mind when selecting a gym:

• Is the location convenient for you?
• Is the staff qualified?
• Take a tour or do a trial workout. Do you feel comfortable there?
• If you enjoy group exercise, are there programs for older adults? Can fitness classes be modified to meet your needs? Are the instructors trained and certified by a nationally recognized organization?

Once you join, a fitness instructor can design a safe and effective workout just for you. The following pros may be able to help:

• Physical therapists
• Exercise physiologists with a college degree in the subject
• Trainers certified by the American College of Sports Medicine

There may be an additional cost for these services. Check with the fitness center manager for details. If you are new to exercising, consult with your physician or exercise professional about getting started safely. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a fitness benefit that includes a gym membership. Check your plan benefits for details.

Article Provided by:
SecureHorizons® by UnitedHealthcare
(800) 393-0985 local office
www.securehorizons.com

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Generics: a Great Way to Cut Health Care Costs

A great way to cut health care costs is to find a generic drug that works just as well as your expensive brand-name drug. But how can you be sure that a generic is as good as the drugs you see advertised on TV?

It may help to learn what a generic is.

Generic drugs are simply drugs whose brand-name patent has expired. They may look different because the brand-name drug is protected by trademark. They may contain different inactive ingredients (such as coloring) that have no effect on the drug’s performance. But the active ingredients that treat the medical condition are the same.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all drugs, including generics, to be safe and effective. The FDA tests drug-manufacturing facilities routinely, and tests all generic drugs rigorously to make sure they are “bioequivalent.” That means they have the same active ingredients and can be expected to work the same way in the body as the brand-name drug. They also must have the same dosage, strength and form (such as pill or liquid).

In fact, many brand-name drug manufacturers even make and sell the generic versions. According to the FDA, brand-name manufacturers are involved with about half of all generic drug production.

Then why are generics cheaper? Patents give drug manufacturers exclusive rights to sell brand-name drugs for a number of years. During that time, they charge high prices to cover the average $800 million for research, development, getting the patent, marketing and advertising to bring each new drug to market.Generic drug manufacturers don’t have these up-front costs. Plus they compete with other manufacturers. As a result, generics cost 30 to 80 percent less than brands.

Finally, many studies show that the “new” brand-name drugs may not be safer or work better than older generic drugs. The bottom line: Generic drugs have the same therapeutic benefit, quality, purity and safety as brand-name counterparts. They help reduce drug costs while maintaining care quality. Many health insurers charge copayments for generics that are substantially lower than the copayments for brand-name drugs.

To learn more, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, other health care professional or health plan representative. If you want to find out if there are generic options for your prescriptions, Consumer Reports’ Best Buy Drugs and the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research give cost-effective prescription options for common medical conditions.

Article Provided by:
Michele Koder, R.Ph., CareOregon
(800) 224-4840
www.CareOregon.org

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Cause Related Marketing, a Positive Cycle

Cause-related Marketing involves the cooperative efforts of a “for profit” business and a non-profit organization for mutual benefit. Your cause-related marketing activities should highlight your company’s reputation within your target audience. A few general reasons to incorporate fundraising into your marketing plan are:

• Better Organizational Image & Visibility
• Increase Sales
• Increase Employee Loyalty
• Improve Customer Relations
• Positive Media Coverage

Choose a cause, in which you feel deep passion. Whether it is Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s or other charity, cause-related marketing is emotionally fulfilling. Community events that include fundraising are a powerful way to increase business while supporting the community. If your passion resonates within your target audience, your efforts will generate tremendous goodwill and additional media focus. A few local examples of cause-related marketing include: Every Marriage Matters, Courtyard Carnival, Elders in Action Book Swap, and the AMR Golf Tournament.

The Every Marriage Matters event is sponsored by Miramont Pointe, AMR, Dignity Memorial, and local Clackamas County church organizations. Every year, couples that have been married 25+ years, are invited to attend the “Every Marriage Matters Celebration”. Guests are invited to share stories with one another, listen to a motivational speaker & program, enjoy chocolate and cider, and fabulous door prizes.

The Courtyard Carnival is a yearly event that encourages residents, their families, staff, professionals, and the neighborhood to gather for an old fashioned carnival experience; while increasing awareness and fund raising. The games, exhibits and Big Band Music, make the event not only a fund raiser, but also encourage folks to visit and learn more about the Courtyard Campus. The Courtyard Carnival and other campus fundraisers raised over $10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association this year.

Cause-related marketing is mutually beneficial to the supporting organization and the receiving cause. Are you looking for a cause, but not sure who to support? Take the first step: attend existing events and ask how you can help; volunteer with an organization- or a few; become a committee member or board member with a local non-profit. When seeking potential partners, search for other organizations that share your passion, and talk with the non-profit about existing business partners with whom they already coordinate. Building trust is crucial to becoming more involved; and eventually building awareness of your personal skills, but also the company you represent.

No matter which organization you decide to support with time or financial resources, it should be a cause you believe in, people will see that you care, and that will increase your overall success. Don’t lose the marketing focus of your community partnership efforts. Even though the work is philanthropy, your cause should generate interest and motivate others to choose your organization; and in turn- allow you to continue more support for the cause. It becomes a very positive cycle.

Article Provided by:
Krista Davis, Courtyard Plaza and Senior Living
(503) 772-9795
www.lifestylesllc.com

Sources: FundraisingIP.com, Elaine Fogel-The ABC’s of Corporate Philanthropy, and Steven Van Yoder

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Everything You Didn’t Realize You Needed

Screening your way to a healthier life

When it comes to health care, prevention is key. It’s always better to keep you from getting sick than to have you get sick and then have to treat you. That’s why things like regular health screenings are so important.

Necessary and suggested screenings vary by age, but there are several that adults should consider.

The “I Didn’t Know I Needed These” Screenings and Shots

• Bone density screenings: These are important because they help identify osteoporosis, or weak bones. It’s as simple as a quick heel scan and can help you take action before your bones become brittle.
• Glaucoma screenings: Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by extra fluid pressure in your eye. It can cause you to gradually lose sight, often without symptoms.
• Flu shots: You should get one every year. They’re free for anyone in Medicare. And no, you can’t get the flu from getting the flu shot!
• Pneumococcal vaccine: This vaccine prevents the spread of pneumococcal disease, caused by a common bacterium, and which may cause the most common form of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.

The “I Know I Need These…I Just Need to Remember to Get Them” Screenings

• Blood pressure and cholesterol: You know you need to watch these, particularly since heart attacks are the number one cause of death in older Americans. If you watch your blood pressure and cholesterol, that can help reduce your chances for a heart attack.
• Blood sugar: High blood sugar levels can lead to heart problems, kidney disease, eye damage, nerve disease and other serious problems. See your doctor for a simple blood test to check your levels.
• Mammograms: Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. In addition to monthly self-examinations, women should get annual mammograms, starting at age 40.
• Colon cancer screening: While often associated with men, colorectal cancer is actually common in both men and women, usually in those over 50, but the risk increases with age. Treatment works best when colorectal cancer is found early.
• Prostate cancer screening: Starting at age 50, men should get checked annually. There are a variety of ways your doctor can test for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is treatable when caught early.

For more information on preventive services offered through Medicare, visithttp://www.medicare.gov/Health/Overview.asp or, simply go to your doctor or local health clinic and screen your way to a healthier life!

Provided by:
Mark E. Kiffer, DO, MBA, VP/Regional Medical Officer
Humana, Inc.
http://www.medicare.gov/Health/Overview.asp

Source: Michele Koder, R.Ph., CareOregon, www.CareOregon.org, 800-224-4840

Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Reverse Mortgages – Improving the Quality of Life for Many Senior Homeowners

Say the words “reverse mortgage” a few years ago, and you got a look that said, “Oh, I’m sorry you had to take one of those.” It was the product of last resort, the product of the destitute. Today, however, when you say those same words, you will often find yourself drawn into a conversation where those around you are anxious to hear about your experience.

Yes, indeed, reverse mortgages have arrived. They are enjoying unprecedented popularity, and not only among those who “need” the money. More and more, seniors are using reverse mortgages to finance the “wants’ in their retirement years. In fiscal year 2007, there were over 108,000 reverse mortgage endorsed loans in our country. That figure represents 26.5% increase in volume over the previous year of 76,000 loans. Indeed, as education about the real benefits of the reverse mortgage has spread, the informed senior as well as their advisors, have embraced this innovative product.

The reverse mortgage, a loan product that gives homeowners age 62 and over the ability to tap a portion of the equity in their primary residence without having to sell the property or take on a new mortgage payment, is here to stay. Although the reverse mortgage has existed for many years (the first one done in America was back in the 1960’s), the structure and safeguards of the product today have made it an attractive way for many seniors to finance those golden years.

In a nutshell, the reverse mortgage can provide equity to borrowers who qualify for as long as they live in the home. The borrower controls how the funds are taken- either in a lump sum, monthly allowance, line of credit, or any combination of the three. So for example, if a senior wants to eliminate some debt, receive a monthly check, and have some funds in reserve for future needs, the reverse mortgage can satisfy all of these. If there is a mortgage or home equity loan/line on the property, it must be paid off when the reverse mortgage is taken. For many, simply having this mortgage payment “go away” is enough to make a big difference in their monthly budget. If a senior is currently making a home equity loan payment of $300.00 each month, that $300.00 can now be put toward other monthly obligations or expenses such as prescription medications.

The amount of reverse mortgage funds available to a senior homeowner is based on several factors. First, the age of the youngest applicant is used. Of course, the minimum age is 62. In addition, the home value, as determined by an appraisal is taken into account. The location of the property (FHA maximum lending limits vary by county) is another factor Lastly, the current interest rates (depending on which product is selected) is the used in the calculation. These pieces of the puzzle will determine the amount of reverse mortgage proceeds the senior homeowner can take. If there is an existing mortgage or any type of lien, it must be paid in full at the time the reverse is taken. Other than that, the use of the funds is determined by the homeowner. And the funds are tax-free (it’s just equity) which makes the reverse mortgage the best option for many of today’s informed seniors.

Just what do seniors use reverse mortgage funds for? The answer to that question is as varied as the borrowers themselves. Some common uses include medical bills, prescription medication expenses and co-pays, real estate taxes, upkeep on the property, and supplementing current monthly income. With nearly 90% of seniors in our country relying on Social Security in some part to meet monthly expenses, proceeds from a reverse mortgage can meet a real need. These uses for reverse proceeds mentioned here represent “needs” that seniors have. But there are many who are using the reverse mortgage to actually enhance their quality of life during their retirement years.

More and more seniors are taking reverse mortgage proceeds and using these funds for travel, purchasing a motor home, gifts to children, funding grandchildrens’ college education, and charitable giving. Some are even putting this equity to use in the purchase of a vacation property or second home. Home improvement or modifying the home to meet the seniors’ needs is another use for reverse mortgage funds that has increases recently. Instead of moving out of the home and taking a one level apartment for instance, one of our preferred providers can be called in and make recommendations on how the home can be modified to allow the senior to remain in the home in comfort.

Clearly the uses for reverse mortgage funds are as many and varied as the seniors themselves. As the program continues to grow in popularity, more and more ways to put that stored up equity to good use are sure to evolve. One thing is for certain, the reverse mortgage is here to stay and that is good news for both seniors and their families.

Article Provided by:
Maggie Terrell
(503) 358-7707

Posted April 2008. Markets: Oregon, Portland
Copyright © 2008 RetirementConnection.com. All rights reserved.

Mental Health and Aging

America’s population is aging at an alarming rate.  This aging of our population is increasingly adding pressure upon society.  This is due to the increasing number of adults over the age of 65; the aging of the baby-boomers which has higher incidents of mental health issues than our current group of older adults; the rapid growth of the oldest-old population; and the associated complex mental health needs related to chronic illness, dementia and life-style transitions.  Lastly, pressures on a family’s ability to care for loved ones pose unprecedented challenges.

Mental health issues often hinder receiving quality healthcare.  There are a number of factors that complicate medical diagnosis and treatment in older adults.  Some include the fact that presenting symptoms of psychological distress in older adults differ from symptoms of younger adults.  Also, symptoms occur in the context of multiple medical and/or cognitive difficulties.  Additionally, clinicians, care providers and family members incorrectly believe that diminished health and/or mental status are natural by-products of aging.  This is precisely why these late-life complications need to be addressed by approaches that combine treatment that respects this complexity.

Some statistics…

• 20% of those 55+ experience a mental health disorder that is not part of normal aging
• Up to 70% of older adults living either independently or in long-term care communities suffer from clinical depression.
• Older individuals often develop depression in the face of one or more general medical condition (e.g. stroke, cancer, myocardial infarction, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes).  Those suffering a stroke are twice as likely to develop depression.
• Up to 20% of the elderly have symptoms of anxiety so severe that they seek medical attention.
• Approximately 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of dementia with 70% of those individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.  This statistic will continue to rise to astronomical levels within the near future.
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is becoming more prevalent as our awareness of the manifestation of the syndrome grows, with up to 19% of adults being afflicted.  MCI is believed to be the clinical precursor of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Blindness to psychological distress exists because people often discount mental etiology while embellishing physical complaints.  Physicians routinely attend to patients’ biomedical issues while psychological aspects go untreated.  Lastly, when psychological issues are recognized, elements of stigmatization and lack of financial reimbursement sometimes preclude treatment from occurring.  The result of this neglect leads to unnecessary pain and suffering and increased medical morbidity and mortality.

We have more choice in the outcome of our health, mental status and aging than ever before.  The  role that psychological treatment can play in alleviating suffering , promoting health, preventing disease and restoring one’s quality of life  is real and profound.  Support is here to help you and your loved one.

Article Provided By:
Geromedical Psychological Services
www.geromedical.com

What To Look For In A Retirement Community

As providers of senior housing in a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community), we are often in the position of helping people choose where they are going to live. It might be helpful for you to review some of the reasons we feel are very important in helping all seniors make this decision.

The Residents – Look for a community where the residents are interested in their lifestyle, health, learning, leisure activities and volunteerism. A community where the residents are striving to be engaged to the fullest extent possible in activities that are satisfying, challenging and fulfilling.

The Staff – Look for staff that recognizes that the community is the home of the residents. Staff should be respectful, courteous, and competent, and willing to go the extra mile to provide the quality of life you expect and deserve.

Service and Trust – Look for a marketing department that provides accurate and honest information. Review the longevity of the organization and review any financial information that is provided. Get to know the people who live there and ask questions. Look for flexibility in services, such as dining and other programs.

The Site – Look for your preferred location. Is it close to those things you enjoy doing? Activities such as shopping, cultural events, medical services, and church are all things that should be within a short distance. Think ahead to a future need to utilize public transportation and recognize its availability.

The Building – Explore spaces and uses for those spaces in the physical plant. Ask yourself if those spaces meet your needs. Are there opportunities to enjoy nature, to engage in gardening, and to enjoy walking paths, quiet spaces, and fitness opportunities? Are there spaces for group activities and social interactions?  How is the maintenance? Are the grounds well maintained? Do you like the way it looks? Remember this will be your home and a place where you will invite friends and family.

Focus – Does the community focus on meeting the challenges and expectations of the residents? Is the theme to merely survive or is it to consistently try to recognize the changing environment and how to best address those obligations. Is the community focused on providing quality services and quality health? Does it provide a continuum of health services that will provide for you throughout your remaining years? Does it promote aging in place?

Accreditation– Finally, it is very important that a CCRC be accredited. Accreditation means that the organization and community have met standards concerning governance, resident health care and services, and financial matters. Look for the seal that designates Accreditation and you can be assured the organization has addressed these areas.

Obviously, these are difficult questions, but finding the answers will help make your life enjoyable in your new home.

Article Provided by:
Marketing Department
Terwilliger Plaza
(503) 299-4242
www.terwilligerplaza.com