2018 Senior Solutions by Colorado Community Media

A special supplement of

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time recreate

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your sleep number

Senior sports programs continue to grow. Page 4

Do your finanical risks have you losing sleep? Page 6

Ingredients matter

Get healthier through all-natural choices. Page 8

Senior Solutions 2018

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JERRY HEALEY GARY GARVEY THELMA GRIMES ERIN FRANKS KAYLA CORNETT LISA ALLISON TINA MELTZER ERIN ADDENBROOKE STEVEN GREGG MINDY NELON BARB STOLTE MEREDITH THOMPSON

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The 2018 Senior Solutions Section is a special supplement of Colorado Community Media, publisher of 20 community papers and websites reaching over 300,000 readers.

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GET OUT AND RECREATE - 4 SENIOR SPORTS PROGRAMS GAIN TRACTION DIABETICS: GET ACTIVE THIS FALL, BUT CHECK YOUR FEET FIRST 5 WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR SLEEP NUMBER? 6 STAYING HEALTH IN RETIREMENT` 7 GET HEALTHIER THROUGH NATURAL CHOICES 8 JEFFERSON COUNTY PROGRAMS HELP SENIORS 9 TIPS TO REDUCE EYE ISSUES WITH AGING 11 RESOURCES FOR THE AGING ADULT 13 ARE REVERSE MORTGAGES WORTH IT ? 15

Senior Solutions 2018

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Senior Solutions 2018

Get out and recreate Senior sports and activities continue to gain traction

TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e’ve all heard the old saying ”use it or lose it.” While most of us associate the valuable advice with keeping our minds sharp, many may not realize that the same is true for keeping our bodies in top shape, as well as emotional well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, staying active as you age can help lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, as well as improve your mood and ability to think, learn and make decisions.

Senior Centers have become a great resource for active seniors looking for a variety of activites from swimming, to exercise classes, group activites as well as the one-on-one activities. To join a local senior center, visit the website at www. seniorcenterdirectory.com/colorado. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

PICKLEBALL Becky Lenhart, president of the Denver Metro Pickleball Association, was a life-long tennis player. As she ground. Seniors also appreciate that grew older, the sport began causing it’s a pretty low-cost sport.” problems for her knees and shoulTo find a pickleball team or event der. She took up golf, but found she near you, visit denvermetropicklemissed the one-on-one competition ball.co. that tennis offered. Then, she discovered Pickleball, which has become TAI CHI becoming increasingly popular with According to the Colorado Departthe senior ment of Public population. Health and ”Of course Environment, we all know practicing movement is the Chinese what keeps martial art of us active,” Tai Chi can said Lenhart. help seniors ”And Pickleimprove ball’s a wontheir balance, derful way to strength and be active. It’s help ease the movement pain of arthrienough that tis. Tai Chi if you’re out is often done on the court, outdoors in it’s something parks or public that’s got spaces during to help you good weather, physically.” and most Pickleball senior center courts have or local recrebeen popping Besides being an outdoor sport, pickleball has ation centers up across the become popular among active seniors because offer classes Denver metro it’s easy on the shoulders, keeps you moving and year round. The area over the can be played in singles or doubles. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE Taoist Tai Chi past few years, Society of Coloboth indoor and outdoor, many of rado also offers beginner classes, and which are managed by local parks meetup groups organize local gatherand recreation departments. ings. Many facilities, including the ”Pickleball has advantages for Mind Body Program through the city seniors,” said Lenhart. ”The serve of Lakewood, offer a discount for is underhanded, which is easier on seniors. To find a Tai Chi program in your shoulder, and you cover less your area visit americantaichi.net.

Whether in the back yard or a park, Tai Chi has become a popular, calming actitive for active seniors. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

HIKING nearby Red Rocks Trail. Colorado is home to countless hikes Waterton Canyon Hike—With the that provide breathtaking views, South Platte river flowing along the rejuvenate the mind and spirit and southern side of the trail, and wildprovide excellent physical life milling about, the trail is activity. And with an actually a dirt road that average of 300 days winds its way up to of sunshine, hikStrontia Springs ing is an activity Reservoir. The that can be done hike is mostly almost all year uphill, slightly, long. There are and gets plenty of hikes increasingly that are easy steeper the to access, and farther up you senior citizens go. The canyon receive a discount is located at 11300 to national parks. Waterton Rd. in Meadow and Forest Littleton. Loop—Located For informaiin the foothills The great part of living in the Denver Metro ton on good above Golden, Area is that the opporutnities for day hiking hiking areas the trail is rated are endless and nearby. To find a local hiking nearby, visit the as easy and trail near you, visit dayhikesneardenver.com. website - dayhiincludes loops SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE kesneardenver. from just over com. a half mile, to a combined loop of just over one mile. There’s a nature center at Lookout SENIOR CENTERS Mountain Park, and self-guided Senior centers, or Mature Adult tours of the Boettcher Mansion are a Centers as some have been regreat way to end the day. The trail is branded, offer a plethora of activilocated at 965 Lookout Mtn. Trail in ties, classes and outings for senior Golden. citizens. The MAC in Westminster Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks— includes a gym, yoga classes, billiards This is a relatively flat hike, consistand a library for it’s members. Senior ing of a 1.4 mile loop, surrounded by centers provide the opportunity for stunning red rock formations. It’s an seniors to not only stay physically easy trip for a day hike, and if you active, but also the chance to socialize are inclined to increase your heart with others their age. To find a senior rate, you can walk or run the steps center near you visit www.seniorcentof Red Rocks, or head over to the erdirectory.com/colorado.

Senior Solutions 2018

DO YOU HAVE DIABETES? IF SO, ...

Get active this fall, but check your feet first (BPT) - It’s an ideal time to get outside and be more physically active. For those with diabetes, regular exercise helps increase circulation and is a critical part of staying healthy. But, before lacing up your sneakers, here are some important steps to ensure your feet are in shape: Get the green light from your health care provider. Discuss the type of physical activity that’s best for you and ask your provider to examine your feet. In general, your feet should be examined four times each year. Everyday foot care. Sometimes, people with diabetes have serious foot problems yet feel no pain. This may be due to nerve damage, a long-term complication of diabetes. Everyday self care includes inspecting your feet for scratches, cracks, cuts or blisters, and washing and drying them carefully, especially between the toes.

Wear socks and well-fitting shoes. Because of the higher risk of foot problems among those with diabetes, avoid going barefoot, even indoors. Wear socks and shoes that fit properly. If you do notice a problem, it may be a foot ulcer. Ulcers occur most often on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe. Ulcers may also appear on the sides of the foot. Keep in mind, while some ulcers may not hurt, every ulcer should be seen by your health care provider right away. Get foot ulcers treated. If you have a foot ulcer, there are innovative treatments, such as EpiFix(R), a wound care product from MiMedx, used extensively to rapidly and effectively heal diabetic foot ulcers. EpiFix is a dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft and contains 285 different growth factors and regulatory proteins, which signal your body’s cells to go to the target site, help

the site to heal, and help your own cells restore the damaged tissue. EpiFix enhances healing, modulates inflammation and reduces scar tissue formation. EpiFix is covered by MediCare in all 50 states and by many commercial insurers. Let it heal. If you have an ulcer, help it to heal by staying off your feet. Walking on an ulcer may worsen the problem by making the wound larger or migrating it deeper into your foot.

“Foot problems, including ulcers, are common among people with diabetes, but they don’t have to hold you back if you take the proper precautions and seek early treatment,” says Dr. Matt Garoufalis, president at Physicians Surgery Care Center, Chicago, Illinois, and past president of the American Podiatric Medical Association. “Before you step out to enjoy the spring weather, have your feet checked by a healthcare provider to make sure you’re good to go.” Getting active with diabetes is a good idea. But, before getting out and going, talk to your doctor. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

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Senior Solutions 2018

What’s your sleep number? Tips to help manage your money to help you sleep easy NELISHA FIRESTONE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

o, I’m not talking about your bed. Your sleep number is the risk you’re willing to take in your investment portfolio to reach your goals and still sleep at night. Retirement marks a huge milestone in one’s life. Lots of things get easier, but managing your inNelisha vestments is not Firestone one of them. Top clients polled suggest running out of money is a top concern for retirees. The reality is few of us have company pensions, inflation doesn’t stop, Medicare costs go up every year, CD interest is at an all- time low and we’re living longer than ever before. This means more and more people need their money to grow to bridge the income gap. Assuming sticking money under the mattress is not the solution- what’s your plan to manage risk in the market effectively so you can sleep at night? Here are some tips: N

You might breath easy that you saved and made it to retirement, but can you make it through retirement with what you saved? SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES

How much risk do you need? - Your advisor should be running a cash flow analysis. This report brings together income, expenses, tax rates and assumed rates of return to illustrate how much alpha (risk) you need to add to your portfolio to meet your income needs for life. If you can accomplish your needs with an annual return of 4% why invest for 8%.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket- This sounds like common sense, but a mistake made

by many. Don’t get too tied to a single company stockpoor diversification increases risk to your portfolio.

Diversify management styles- Consider blending buy and hold with more actively managed portfolios that can be more nimble in volatile markets.

Don’t attempt to time the market- Trading in and out of the market increases your risk of not meeting your goals. A study by JP Morgan has proven if you stayed

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invested in the S&P 500 index from 1997-2017 annualized return would’ve been 7.2%. Simply by missing the best 10 trading days of the same time period cut an investor’s annual returns to 3.52%. It’s easy to get out, not so easy to get back in.

Invest for longevity - We are living longer than ever before. Studies show if you are healthy at age 65 men can expect to live until 84.3 and women 86.6 on average. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon.

Transfer the risk. If you haven’t already, hire a professional. Find an advisor who specializes in planning and investment management. They are worth the investment and it will certainly help you sleep at night knowing you’re not alone. (Editor’s Note: Nelisha Firestone is an LPL Financial Advisor at Prosperion Financial Advisors in Denver.)

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Senior Solutions 2018

Eating right and staying healthy in retirement (BPT) - Americans are now living longer than ever before. In fact, one of the fastest growing segments is people over the age of 85 who will represent 20 percent of the population by the year 2040. Because we are living longer, certain conditions specific to seniors are also on a steady rise. Dehydration, falls, fractures, cognition loss and attention deficits are now becoming more commonplace. In a recent paper titled “Salt Appetite Across Generations” presented at a medical conference in Switzerland, Israeli researchers from the University of Haifa indicated that among seniors, a reduced sense of thirst could increase the risk of serious dehydration. They also noted that the appetite for salt does not diminish with age, and suggested that this could be used to help sustain hydration and prevent the dangerous symptoms that result from dehydration. Another study published in the American Journal of Hypertension identified significant risks to cardiovascular health and longevity

A diet too low in salt may cause problems for the aging adult according to some studies. COURTESY OF BPT from consuming less than 1, or more than 3 teaspoons of salt per day. Fortunately, most Americans, including seniors, when left to their own choice, consume right in the middle of this range. Seniors in assisted living centers

can be especially susceptible to the dangers of low-salt diets. In 2013 a task force of 12 professional medical, nursing and nutritional organizations assembled by the Pioneer Network published the “New Dining Practice Standards.” Their report

concluded that low-salt diets were contributing to malnutrition and weight loss among a significant percentage of seniors in assisted living facilities. Low-salt diets can also cause seniors to suffer from mild hyponatremia, an electrolyte imbalance in the blood that may not sound bad but can lead directly to walking impairment, attention deficits and a much higher frequency of falls. Several recent medical papers found a direct relationship between hyponatremia and unsteadiness, falls, bone fractures and attention deficits. Falls are one of the most serious problems for the elderly and about a third of people over 65 fall at least once every year. Fall-related injuries in the elderly are associated with numerous psychological and physical consequences and are a leading cause of bone breakage and hip fractures, which can lead to complications and permanent disability or death. Some seniors do need a lowsalt diet but many do not, and would not benefit from such a diet.

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Senior Solutions 2018

Ingredients Matter Add nutritious, natural ingredients for a healthier you (Family Features) When it comes to making tasty meals for your family, you probably know that ingredients matter. From vitamins and nutrients to sugar and acidity, it’s important to know what you’re using in your recipes at every meal and how each ingredient can impact all parts of the body. To help understand how ingredients matter and how quality ingredients can keep your body healthy, consider these tips from registered dietitian, celebrity nutritionist and healthy cooking expert Keri Glassman, MS, RDN.

Mind your veggies. Nearly everyone knows veggies are a vital part of any healthy diet. They are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and pack loads of fiber, but not everyone knows what health benefits you get from specific vegetables.

For example, Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamin C to support your immune health and dried figs are known for lowering blood pressure and optimizing digestion.

Just add lemon. Water with lemon can aid in digestion and boost your immune system due to its high vitamin C content, so adding it to water is one way to reap these benefits. While including lemons in your diet has its perks, it’s also important to know they are acidic in nature and eating highly acidic foods can impact your oral health.

Be mindful of acid attacks. Every day, everyone’s mouths go through hundreds of “acid attacks,” mainly due to eating and drinking. While a variety of foods can have positive health benefits, they also carry acids that

Brussel Sprout Salad utilizes all natural ingredients. can weaken tooth enamel. To help combat this, take advantage of the acid-neutralizing power of baking soda, an ingredient found in Arm & Hammer Toothpastes. Baking soda helps neutralize acids, while gently cleaning and removing plaque, so your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. Find more information at ArmandHammer.com.

Say hello to healthy fats. Nuts carry healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for cardiovascular health, mental health and cholesterol, so they can be a natural component for a healthy diet. Fat can be your friend, but stay mindful about not going overboard, as the calories can add up fast.

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Avoid added sugar. Sugar can cause inflammation in people’s bodies and is known to potentially impact cardiovascular health and weight, and can have a negative effect on our teeth. Sugar is often a sneaky ingredient that can be found in condiments and salad dressings. Avoid added sugar by making homemade dressings using lemon juice, oil and herbs, or checking labels to make sure you avoid added sugar whenever possible.

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Lemon Dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Salad: 1/2 cup hazelnuts, lightly crushed olive oil, to taste rosemary, to taste salt, to taste pepper, to taste 4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped 1/3 cup finely sliced red onion 4 tablespoons Lemon Dressing 1 grapefruit, segmented 1/3 cup shredded pecorino cheese Heat oven to 375 F. To make Lemon Dressing: mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. On lined baking sheet, toss hazelnuts with olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper, to taste. Roast 10-15 minutes, or until lightly brown; let cool. In large mixing bowl, toss roasted hazelnuts, Brussels sprouts, figs, red onion and dressing until combined. Plate about 1/4 of mixed salad, top with a few grapefruit segments and sprinkle with cheese.

Senior Solutions 2018

Aging Well in Jefferson County

County programs continue to protect growing senior population KARIN STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Jefferson County embarked on an Aging Well Project in the spring of 2008, with a mission to develop and implement strategies creating inclusive, livable communities through sustainable partnerships and integrated services. The Aging Well Project is a strategic planning project focusing on what Jefferson County needs to do to prepare for the increase in seniors over the next 20 years. A Leadership Committee was formed and includes interested citizens and professionals from all areas of senior issues including affordable housing, caregiving, legal issues, social and civic engagement, health and mental health, congregate meal sites and home delivery, transportation, planning and zoning, etc. Six Workgroups have been developed. The Workgroups consist of Leadership Committee members and other members of the community. The six workgroups are: • Local Coordinating Council for Human Services Transportation • Housing • Health, Mental Health, Wellness and Prevention • Social and Civic Engagement • Basic Needs • Caregiving and Supportive Services Some facts about Jefferson County: • In 2016, it was estimated that 14.6 percent of Jefferson County’s total population is 65 or older. • In 2016, it was estimated that 13.5 percent of the total population is at or below 150 percent of poverty status, according to U.S. Census. Of the total population, it is estimated that 9.7 percent have a disability. • According to 2016 U.S. Census, Population 60 years and over in the United States, American Community Survey, the total estimated population of those 60+ in Jefferson County was 127,448 people or about 22.3 percent of the total County population. For the County

FACT vs. FICTION Reverse Mortgages FICTION With a reverse mortgage, you are selling your house to the bank.

Borrowers never give up the title or ownership of their home.

Reverse mortgages are costly & have high fees.

Interest rates are comparable to conventional FHA rates, and fees vary by lender.

When the loan balance grows bigger than the home value, the borrower is on the hook for the difference.

Karin Stewart is the Program manager for Jefferson County Human Services, Aging Adult Services. COURTESY PHOTO residents 60 years and over, about 6.43 percent, or about 8,196 people, were listed as living below100 percent of the poverty level, and another 6.4 percent, or 8,056 people, were reported within the 100 to 149 percent of the poverty level range. About 87.2 percent, or 111,200 people, over 60 years in Jefferson County are above the 150% poverty range level. Of the total 65+ population is estimated that 30.5 percent have a disability. There is a significant population shift to those age 65 and over in Jefferson County, with a projected 60 percent increase just in the current decade (2010‐2020) and another 41 percent between 2020 and 2030. • People will live longer, with many living well into their 90s, with nearly 5,000 people in Jefferson County age 90+ by 2020 and more than 6,700 projected by 2030. (State Demographer) You can learn more about Aging Well in Jefferson County and find ways get more involved by visiting our website www.Jeffco.us/ AgingWell, follow us on Facebook @JeffcoAgingWell or email us at agingwell@jeffco.us.

FACT

A reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan and a borrower / estate will never owe the lender more than the current value of the home.

You must own your home free & clear to qualify for a reverse mortgage.

Most borrowers use loan proceeds to pay off an existing mortgage.

Reverse mortgages are a loan of last resort.

Many people use a reverse mortgage line of credit as a safety net to draw on in case of emergencies.

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Senior Solutions 2018

Wills and trusts Five documents every senior needs TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

A lack of legal planning can leave loved ones scrambling in case the expected or even the unexpected happens. Experts advise adults to take care of their estates with wills and propler legal planning. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

When Judith Thompson’s grandfather entered the final stages of his life in Littleton, she agreed to take responsibility for decisions regarding his end of life care. Armed with a simple will her grandfather had created years before, and based on conversations she had with him, she stayed by his side until he passed away. Satisfied that she had met her obligation, she began mourning his passing and returned to work and her daily life. Thompson then began receiving final bills from her grandfather’s caregivers, and demands for payment. ”I didn’t have access to any of his bank accounts,” said Thompson. ”I didn’t have any information about his home, his assetts, or anything else. I thought I was just supposed to

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be his liaison with his caregivers. I don’t even know where to begin taking care of everything else.” As many families in Thompson’s situation find themselves after the passing of a loved one, her grandfather’s lack of legal planning has left her family at odds. ”His son lives in his house, and I think he has access to the bank account,” said Thompson. ”None of us really know what to do next.” Sadly, Thompson’s family’s situation is not uncommon when a parent or grandparent dies. For years, a last will and testament stating who received what and the final wishes of the dying were sufficient. Today, however, there are several documents that are necessary to ease the stress on family members and insure the wishes of the deceased are met, both leading up to the death and in settling their affairs afterward. According to the popular caregiver site Care.com, there are five essential legal documents that every senior citizen should have in place.

A Medical Directive: Also known as a living will or advance health care directive, this document clearly states what kind of care a person wants as they age, and is the primary tool for protecting a person’s healthcare wishes when they can no longer speak for themselves. The medical directive covers Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, the extent of treatment the person wishes to receive, and the use of life-saving measures.

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care—This document should include a Health Insurance Portability and

Accountability Act (HIPAA) release, which allows access to a loved one’s health records and physicians. The durable power of attorney allows an appointed family member to make health care decisions, based on the senior’s wishes.

A Durable Power of Attorney for Finances—This document gives a family member, bank or financial institution the authority to handle the finances for the senior, including paying for care. A power of attorney for finances can be given authority to handle designated transactions for the senior, or have full power over finances.

A Revoca-

ble Living Trust— This allows seniors to transfer their assets, and anything they want to pass down after they pass away, into a trust, and designate what property will be received by their family members. A trust can help ease the burden of distributing property of a deceased family member, and allows the estate to avoid probate at the time of their deaths.

A Will—What was once considered the only document necessary for senior citizens, a will clearly states who will receive assets and property, discouraging disagreements among family members. A will often includes last words and thoughts of the deceased, and shortens the length of time necessary to distribute property after the death of a loved one. The Colorado Bar Association sponsors Senior Law Day each year, with workshops being held at various locations along the Front Range. For more information visit www. cobar.org/seniorlawday.

Senior Solutions 2018

Tips to help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (BPT) - Aging is a fact of life, so it’s important to understand how our health may be impacted as we get older — and our eyes are no exception. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people age 50 and older and affects 1 in 5 people over the age of 65. The condition is characterized by changes in the macula, which is the part of the eye required for central vision, allowing us to see objects straight ahead of us. While there is no cure for the condition, there are steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of progression of AMD, and prioritize your eyes as you get older: * Lead a healthy lifestyle. Luckily, some common healthy practices help support strong eye health, and help slow progression of AMD. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. Additionally, adopt a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and healthy fats. Foods containing these nutrients

include: spinach, kale, broccoli, and fatty fish, such as salmon, sea bass, herring and whitefish. Regular exercise can also help to maintain eye health. * See your eye doctor. You may not think to consult your eye doctor if you aren’t experiencing symptoms that impact your ability to see. However, by scheduling routine eye exams that include dilation, your doctor may be able to identify early symptoms of AMD and determine a clear path forward to help you reduce the risk of progression. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, you should also regularly check your eyes with an Amsler grid tool that helps track incremental vision changes. * Address symptoms immediately. Early detection is important — as AMD progresses, straight lines may appear distorted, central vision may look dark, blurry or white, or changes in color perception may become noticeable.

power

Besides eye vitamins and supplements, experts warn the aging adult to not ignore lingering eye problems. COURTESY OF BPT

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Senior Solutions 2018

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Senior Solutions 2018

Community and state resources for the aging adult About Financial Assistance Financial assistance programs are most often based on need, with income and-or age a part of the qualifying for the assistance. Financial assistance can range from emergency shelter to food to assistance with utility bills, temporary rent assistance, disaster relief, and other emergency services meant to help a person get past a temporary financial set back. Actual monetary financial assistance can depend on the grants that a non-profit has at your time of need. Sometimes financial assistance may not be available due to grant funds being exhausted. Good places to start if you are in need of financial assistance include: 2-1-1: 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service provided by United Way and funded by community foundations, Federal, state and local governments. The 2-1-1 program serves all ages across the United States. Visit the www.211.org, for more information. Your Local Area Agency on Aging: For the elder care location,

call 1-800-677-1116. For older adults, your local Area Agency on Aging can be a referral source for food resources and other services that help seniors. Call the Eldercare Locator to find your local agency. To search for a nearby location online, visit the website at www.Eldercare. gov. BenefitsCheckUp The National Council of Aging created the Benefits Checkup program to help older adults quickly identify programs that may improve the quality of their lives. It takes about 10 or 15 minutes to enter information about your financial situation into an online questionnaire to see which benefits you may qualify for. For more information, visit the website at https://www.benefitscheckup.org/ . BenefitsCheckUp. Information provided on the site is completely confidential. Colorado Legal Services - CLS With Colorado Legal Services

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(CLS), clients who are 60 and over do not have to pay for the help if they meet certain limits of income and assets. CLS also looks at the type of legal problem to determine whether or not it falls within CLS priorities and whether the organization has the resources to provide the assistance at the time needed. CLS offices are located at 1905 Sherman St., Suite 400, in Denver. For more information, call 303-8371313, or visit the website at http:// coloradolegalservices.org/. Denver Human Services - Old Age Pension & Long Term Care Denver Human Services helps and protects people of all ages. Staff is on hand to listen, advise, and help people apply for public assistance programs. For older adults, programs include old-age pension for low-income adults, which gives financial and medical assistance to low-income seniors age 60 and older. Long-term care program links low-income seniors and disabled adults to home-based, assisted living or nursing home

services. For more information, call 720-944-3666, or visit the website at http://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-humanservices.html. Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Serving Colorado’s low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities,the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing administers Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for Colorado’s low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. For more information, visit the website at https://www.colorado. gov/. HealthSET Dedicated to improving the lives of Colorado’s low-income elderly citizens, HealthSET provides free SEE RESOURCES, P14

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Senior Solutions 2018

RESOURCES FROM PAGE 13

health assessment and advocacy to low-income seniors in the Denver Area. Clinics are held monthly in 18 subsidized senior high-rise buildings in the metro area. Each month, staff and volunteer nurses and volunteer pharmacists give seniors wellness assessments, monitor health problems, provide counseling, educate residents about nutrition and provide referrals to other area health care resources. For more information, and to find a clinic near you, visit the website at https://www.centura.org/locations/ healthset. Meals on Wheels Association of America The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest organization in the United States representing those who provide meal services to people in need. For Colorado services, visit the website at http://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/about-membership. TLC Meals on Wheels serves the

Denver Metro Area. Celebrating 50 years in service, the TLC program has continued to grow, serving more than 100,000 meals in 2017. Learn more about the local Meals on Wheels program by visiting the website at www.tlcmealsonwheels. org. The Senior Hub The Senior Hub, Inc. began operating as a non-profit 501(c)(3) resource center for seniors in 1986. The mission of The Senior Hub is to advance the quality of life for older adults through advocacy, community partnerships, and a variety of direct services planned to sustain an independent, healthy aging experience. For assistance, visit the Senior Hub website at www.seniorhub.org. Seniors’ Resource Center - SRC Seniors’ Resource Center is dedicated to improving the quality of senior’s lives. They offer broad based community education along with information, select senior services, legal referral, transportation, employment resources, adult day care and financial assistance resources. The center is located at 3227 Chase St. in Denver. For more information, call 303-238-8151, or visit the website http://srcaging.org/.

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Senior Solutions 2018

Reverse mortgages

Are they a help or a hindrance to senior citizens? TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Advertisements for reverse mortgages seem to be everywhere these days. Commercials run dozens of times during the morning talk shows, and advocates provide an ear full while listening to your favorite radio shows. Although reverse mortgages have been around since the 1940s, their track records as a positive investment tool for seniors was less than stellar for years. Originally reverse mortgages were conventional programs offered through banks, with little oversight or protections offered, sometimes resulting in the senior citizen losing their home. In the late 1980s, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) got involved, creating safeguards and procedures that offered protections for seniors with a reverse mortgage. One of the changes FHA made was the requirement of each senior considering a reverse mortgage to speak with an FHAapproved counselor, to insure they fully understand the loan, and they must pass rigorous guidelines before being approved for a reverse mortage. Before going out on her own as a specialist, Sandy Clements spent three years as an FHA-approved reverse mortgage specialist for the City of Aurora. Many cities employ an FHA-approved counselor, and senior citizens may speak with them free of charge. Clements said helping people stay in their homes has been a big reason she continues doing reverse mortgages. “People utilize reverse mortgages for many reasons,” said Clements. ”Some might want to stay in their homes while they age, and use the money to pay for in-home care. Others might just want to pay off some bills and have some breathing room. I did one loan that actually kept the couple from being evicted from their home over a small second mortgage amount.” A reverse mortgage uses equity acquired in a home to be lent back to the homeowner over the course of up to the 150th birthday of the

CRITERIA FOR A REVERSE MORTGAGE All borrowers in the home must be more than 62 years old You must own, or have a very small mortage left on your home The home must be your primry residence You must pss a financial assessment You must submit a credit report. For more information visit www.coloradoreversemortgageinfo.com

Reverse mortgages have benefits, but experts recommend getting advice from a qualified finanical advisor with a friend or family member present before making any decisions. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE youngest borrower on the loan. Money received from the loan is non-taxable, and can be used for any reason the borrower likes. Monies can be paid out through various methods, including an accessible line of credit at the disposal of the borrower. One of the safeguards the FHA instituted was a mandatory mortgage insurance, which applies to both borrower and lender. This means if a lender defaults, the borrower won’t lose their home. The loan comes due when the youngest original borrower leaves the home. Depending on how long a person

stays in the home before they leave, the loan amount could potentially be higher than the original loan. Borrowers must repay the money received, but accumulated interest and service fees up to the appraised market value of the home, usually within six months of when the loan matures. Clements recommends speaking with a financial advisor to discuss all of the details of a reverse mortgage, and if one is a good fit. She also recommends taking a trusted friend or family member along to meet with an advisor. “I have gotten more satisfac-

‘People utilize reverse mortgages for many reasons. Some might want to stay in their homes while they age, and use the money to pay for in-home care. Others might just want to pay off some bills and have some breathing room.’ Sandy Clements, former reverse mortgage specialist tion doing reverse mortgages and helping improve people’s quality of life for the past few years, than I ever did in 30-plus years of my government job,” said Clements. ”This program can help save seniors from foreclosure, there’s no better feeling in your heart than that.”

Senior Solutions 2018

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