Senior Life 6/29/22 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

SENIOR LIFE

SENIOR LIFE • JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2022

AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2022

Life Insurance Dementia Care Medicare Options EVERYBODY NEEDS A LITTLE

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Living At Home With Dementia

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he Alzheimer’s Association’s “2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures” report reveals that 6.5 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

More than 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, including frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and combinations of dementia types.

“As their care needs increase, people with dementia may choose to live in a memory care facility,” Gregg Balbera, president of Right at Home Nassau Suffolk said. “Most prefer to remain in their own homes as long as possible, among familiar surroundings and their established support system.”

But, said Balbera, this requires care support, which often is provided by spouses, adult children or other family and friends.

Today, 11 million people are providing this care. They help loved ones with self-care, such as bathing, dressing and using the toilet. They pay bills and handle other paperwork. They coordinate their loved one’s medical care. They provide “emotional labor,” keeping their loved one’s spirits up and depression at bay while coping with personality and behavior changes caused by the disease.

While many caregivers say caring for their loved one is rewarding, dementia caregiving is hard work, both physically and emotionally. “It often affects the caregiver’s career, other family relationships, and their physical and cognitive health,” said Balbera. “And many family caregivers are at an age when they need care themselves.”

MEMORY CARE AT HOME

relationships, trained professional caregivers can assist with toileting and Professional in-home caregivers incontinence care, bathing, dressing provide companionship, supervision, and and grooming. an array of supports to create an environ- • Meal planning and preparation. ment that meets the needs of client and Dementia doesn’t change a senior’s family. dietary needs, but it does pose chal“Choose a caregiver who is trained in lenges to consuming those nutrients. memory care,” advised Balbera. “This Professional in-home caregivers can creates the understanding that a client’s HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR shop for groceries and prepare meals personality and behavior changes are the and snacks as recommended by the CAREGIVERS result of brain changes, which enables the client’s health care provider. They can As their loved one’s condition progress- caregiver to effectively respond to sympprovide supervision, assistance and es, it’s important for family caregivers toms such as hallucinations, sleep probcompany at mealtime. to access support services, which might lems, wandering, aggression and anxiety.”

• A day filled with meaningful activities. include: “Exercise, mental stimulation and • Public senior-support services spending time with other people all CAREGIVERS HELP IN • Home safety modifications provide a sense of well-being for people MANY WAYS: • Support groups and counseling with dementia, and can help lessen • Education and advocacy • Keeping the home safe and suitable troublesome symptoms,” said Balbera.

• Aging life care professionals (geriatric care for the client’s needs. Caregivers can “The caregiver and client might do managers) provide housekeeping and laundry. household chores together, listen to • Respite care They can remove fall hazards, and music, play games, work in the garden Family and friends also can help. And provide a watchful presence while or go for walks.” according to the Alzheimer’s Association still maintaining the client’s sense of • Health care reminders and transporreport, professional in-home caregivers independence. tation. Many people who are living “play important roles in delaying nursing • Hygiene support and personal care. with dementia have additional chronic home placement and reducing repeat Sensitive to preserving the client’s health conditions, such as heart disease, hospitalizations.” dignity and to normalizing family diabetes, arthritis or osteoporosis.

In-home caregivers can provide health and medication reminders, pick up prescriptions, and transport clients to the doctor’s office and other health care appointments.

•R espite for family caregivers.

Professional in-home care allows family to take time off for their own needs, confident that their loved one is well cared for. “With the professional caregiver providing basic day-to-day care, the person with dementia and family are freed to spend their time together doing things they enjoy,” he said.

The Nassau Suffolk office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities Centerport, Cold Spring Hills, Commack, Dix Hills, East Northport, East Setauket, Greenlawn, Halesite, Hauppauge, Huntington, Kings Park, Lake Grove, Lloyd Harbor, Melville, Nesconset, Old Bethpage, Plainview, St. James, Smithtown, Stony Brook, West Hills and Woodbury. Visit www.rightathomeli.com or call 516-719-5999 for more information.

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Welcome To Medicare Plan for your best care

BY BARRY KLITSBERG specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

I

f there is one thing people look forward to as they approach their 65th year, it’s Medicare insurance for their healthcare needs. Medicare is a federally run health insurance program for people who are 65 years of age or have collected Social Security Disability for 24 months. It is also available for individuals with permanent kidney failure or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Unless you are already collecting Social Security, you will get your Medicare card automatically in the mail. If you are not yet collecting Social Security, you have to apply for Medicare during the three month period before your 65th birthday. You may apply for Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or online at: www.ssa.gov/medicare.

Medicare coverage can be confusing for the uninitiated, as there are various options. Choosing the right plan for you requires careful consideration. If you need help understanding or choosing a plan, Family and Children’s Association (FCA) can help guide you through the process with free help available by calling the Nassau County Health Insurance

have a terminal illness. For most people Medicare Part A is premium free.

Medicare Medical Insurance (Part B) covers physician and other outpatient services. These services include doctor visits, hospital outpatient services, lab tests; physical, speech or occupational therapy; and durable medical equipment for use in the home. The standard Part B premium amount in 2022 is $170.10. Most people pay the standard Part B premium amount. If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium. Prescriptions are covered through Barry Klitsberg Medicare Part D when you elect Part B coverage.

Medicare Part C You may opt for Information Counseling and Assistance Medicare Advantage plans rather than Program (HIICAP) at 516-485-3754. using Part B. Medicare Advantage offers There are four basic parts of Medicare: a variety of managed care plans includHospital Insurance (Part A) covers you as ing Health Maintenance Organizations an inpatient in a hospital or skilled nursing (HMOs) and Preferred Provider or rehabilitation facility, or for skilled Organizations (PPOs). These plans generhome care after a hospitalization. Medicare ally have a network of providers.

Part A also can cover hospice care if you In an HMO you must use providers in

that network. If you join a PPO, you can go out of the network, but you will have a higher copayment for out-of-network services. Medicare Advantage plans generally cover prescription drugs as well, and frequently cover non-Medicare services such as vision, dental and hearing services.

Medicare Part D is prescription coverage.

There are 19 drug plans in New York State.

These plans vary in premium cost and formularies.

There are Medicare supplement plans known as Medigap. These are standardized plans that can fill most of the Medicare gaps such as deductibles and co-insurance.

In order to best determine which type of plan works best for you, it pays to make a free call to the Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program, HIICAP hotline.

HIICAP has no affiliation with insurance companies, agents or brokers. Call 516-485-3754.

Barry Klitsberg is an assistant Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) coordinator at Family and Children’s Association in Garden City and an aging services program specialist at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Life Insurance Quotes For Seniors what affects the cost of premiums and compare different plans. Here’s how life insurance works and some types of policies that may be available to seniors.

How does life insurance for seniors work?

Life insurance for seniors provides loved ones with financial security when the policyholder passes away by paying out a sum of money called a

death benefit. Some policies also come with a cash value growth component that will accumulate over time. Once the policyholder has built up enough cash value, they can withdraw from it, borrow from it, or surrender the policy to receive the full amount minus surrender charges.

With any life insurance plan, policyholders have to pay monthly premiums to maintain their coverage.

Life insurance premiums for seniors can depend on many other factors, such as: • Insurer: Each insurer will offer different premiums.

• Policy terms: A higher death benefit and adding riders can increase costs.

• G ender: Men tend to pay slightly higher premiums than women, since women often live longer.

• Age: Life insurance tends to get more expensive with age, since an older policyholder is more likely to pass away while the policy is active.

• Family health history: Insurers consider the health history of both the policyholder and their family when calculating premiums.

• Smoker vs. nonsmoker: Smokers pay

more for life insurance than nonsmokers, all else held equal.

• Hobbies and lifestyle: Hobbies like skydiving, rock-climbing, and car racing may be considered risky, leading to higher premiums.

Types of life insurance for seniors

Here are two main types of life insurance policies that are available to seniors:

Final expense insurance Final expense insurance is a small whole life insurance policy designed to help a senior’s loved ones cover end-oflife costs, such as outstanding medical bills and funeral expenses. This life insurance policy typically comes with a smaller death benefit and lower premiums than standard whole life insurance policies. Final expense insurance also provides a cash value growth component that builds with each payment and grows at a fixed rate.

Final expense insurance policies generally don’t require a medical exam, making them an excellent option for seniors who might not qualify for other types of permanent life insurance policies.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

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s people get older, they realize the importance of leaving a legacy and providing for their loved ones. Life insurance can be an excellent tool for ensuring beneficiaries are financially stable when the policyholder passes away.

To find the right life insurance quote for seniors, it’s important to understand

SENIOR LIFE • JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2022

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Term life insurance Term life insurance provides policyholders with coverage for a defined time period, usually from 10 to 30 years. Since these plans don’t offer lifelong coverage, premiums tend to be much more affordable.

Term life policies offer higher death benefits than final expense insurance, but coverage ends when the policy term ends. This means seniors may have to get a new policy to maintain coverage.

each policy, then compare different insurers to find a life insurance quote that fits their needs.

—Fidelity Life

Seniors have several options for getting life insurance at a rate they can afford. Final expense insurance offers guaranteed lifetime coverage for end-of-life costs, low premiums, and a cash value component.

And term insurance lasts a limited time but offers a higher death benefit for relatively affordable premiums. Seniors should take their time to evaluate

OVER

Social Security Announces Benefit Increase For 2022 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans have increased by 5.9 percent in 2022.

The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) began with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Increased payments to approximately eight million SSI beneficiaries have been distributed since December 2021. Some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $147,000 from $142,800.

Social Security and SSI beneficiaries

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are normally notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amount. Most people who receive Social Security payments will be able to view their COLA notice online through their personal my Social Security account. People may create or access their My Social Security account online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

Information about Medicare changes for 2022 can be found online at www.medicare. gov.

For Social Security beneficiaries receiving Medicare, Social Security will not be able to compute their new benefit amount until after the Medicare premium amounts for 2022 are announced. Final benefit amounts are communicated to beneficiaries in December through the mailed COLA notice and My Social Security’s Message Center.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola to read more.

—Social Security Administration

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Reasons People Life is a Journey Without Children Should Still Have Embrace An Estate Plan every day because every day P counts eople without children may think there’s no need to have an estate plan and/or will. This misconception can be especially true for married couples who believe the estate will easily transfer to a surviving spouse.

However, the truth is an estate plan can make life a lot simpler in the time leading up to and after someone passes away. Whether someone is married or not, here are four reasons why people without children still need an estate plan.

1

An Estate Plan Can Designate Healthcare and Legal Authority

An estate plan assigns decision-making authority for healthcare and legal decisions through critical documents like an advanced healthcare directive and power of attorney.

And those without children still need to define these decision-makers, whether it’s a spouse, friend, sibling, niece or nephew.

If someone falls ill, gets into an accident, or is otherwise incapacitated, their spouse or designated decision-maker needs the authority to make decisions on their behalf.

And failure to get the proper documents in place could mean receiving care that doesn’t align with someone’s wishes.

2

An Estate Plan Ensures Financial Accounts Will Make an Impact

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charities could benefit instead. That means assets like, taxable brokerage accounts, savings/checking accounts, CDs, etc. can directly benefit people or causes meaningful to the deceased.

Other accounts, such as retirement accounts, annuities and term life insurance policy death benefits are directed by their beneficiary designation, not a will. However, they can also be a key part of an estate plan as they avoid probate and can also avoid attorney’s fees. Updating beneficiaries should be done at the same time as keeping a will up to date.

3

An Estate Plan Outlines Who Will Care for Pets

An important consideration after someone passes away is what will happen to their furry loved ones. And for those without someone else at home to take over the responsibility, an estate plan is a perfect place to outline where pets will go and what, if any, financial support they’ll receive.

Failure to appoint where pets should go could mean they’ll be much worse off after their human is gone.

4

An Estate Plan Can Help Smooth Business Succession

Business owners have a unique obligation to their partners and employees to Many people work their whole lives to ensure the business can continue after accumulate assets and financial accounts. they’re gone. While business owners And often, they want that money to have should already have a succession plan meaning. But assets left without explicit di- established, a well-developed estate plan rection in a will could put financial accounts can help smooth the transition. in the hands of probate court. Depending Regardless of whether or not someone on state regulations, those without a spouse has children, they’ve still accumulated a could risk money falling to extended family lifetime’s worth of assets. An estate plan can members or someone they wouldn’t want to ensure assets are distributed according to receive the benefit of a lifetime of hard work. the deceased’s wishes and that care in the By designating where financial accounts final months of life goes according to plan. should go and using a will, loved ones or —Northwestern Mutual

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Reducing Stroke Risk

1129 Northern Blvd. Ste. 400 Manhasset, NY 11030

offers free gym memberships, personalized fitness plans, workout videos, and group fitness classes.

• Maintaining a relationship with a primary care provider is an important part of managing chronic conditions like hypertension that can lead to stroke.

• Quit smoking, which increases your risk of a stroke, disease, and death. Talk to your health care provider and health plan about resources that might be available to help you quit.

• Eat healthy foods, like those low in cholesterol and saturated fat, plus lots of fruits and vegetables If you know the signs and symptoms of a stroke and act quickly, it can mean the difference between life or death, major disability or a better quality of life. If you experience the sudden onset of any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately: • Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body • Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding • Problems seeing in one eye or both eyes • Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or trouble walking • Severe headache with no known cause Every year strokes take a toll on far too many of us. Reducing the risks of this too-often devastating condition starts with educating ourselves about stroke and taking small steps to improve our overall wellbeing.

—Dr. Steven Angelo, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of New York and New Jersey Amanda Rees, CEO, Age Bold

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bout 795,000 people have a stroke every year, including thousands of people in New York, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The good news is up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable and if one occurs, it is possible to treat and recover if caught early.

Getting smarter about strokes is crucial as time is a major factor in preventing disability or death.

Understanding the symptoms of stroke and risk factors can help you get help fast and reduce your risks.

A stroke is a medical emergency caused by the interruption of the flow of blood to the brain as a result of a clot or internal bleeding. Our brains require a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients. If blood flow stops, brain cells start to die in just a few minutes.

Because of this, a stroke can have a serious impact on many functions of your body, including speech, respiration, movement, cognition, and bladder control. Strokes reduce mobility in more than half of stroke survivors 65 and over. In fact, stroke causes more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Individuals who survive strokes often need physical, speech, occupational therapy and other medical care.

Older adults are at an increased risk of having a stroke. However, there are several ways you can help reduce those risks, including: • Make exercise part of your daily routine. Many people don’t know that many Medicare Advantage health plans include fitness benefits. For example, UnitedHealthcare’s Renew Active program

10B JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2022 • SENIOR LIFE

Report Finds Challenges Understanding Alzheimer’s Development

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he Alzheimer’s Association 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report found challenges faced by both doctors and the American public in understanding and diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of people with MCI—an early stage of memory or other cognitive loss—go on to develop dementia each year.

The 2022 Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at the latest national statistics on Alzheimer’s disease prevalence, incidence, mortality, costs of care and impact on caregivers along with a new section on the dementia care workforce.

An accompanying special report, “More than Normal Aging: Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI),” for the first time examined both public and primary care physicians’ understanding of real-world awareness, diagnosis and treatment of MCI and MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease in the United States.

“Mild cognitive impairment is often confused with ‘normal aging,’ but is not part of the typical aging process,” said Maria Carrillo, Ph.D., chief science officer, Alzheimer’s Association.

“Distinguishing between cognitive issues resulting from normal aging, those associated with MCI and those related to MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease is critical in helping individuals, their families and physicians prepare for future treatment and care.”

New disease-related statistics for New York revealed the following: • Number of New York residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s: 410,000 • Estimated number of New York residents living with Alzheimer’s in 2025: 460,000 • Percentage change: 12.2 percent • Number of New York residents serving as unpaid family caregivers: 563,000 • Total hours of unpaid care provided: 835,000,000 “The new Facts and Figures report shows the impact of Alzheimer’s on families here in Long Island and across the entire nation,” Douglas E. Davidson, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Long Island Chapter, said. “In Nassau and Suffolk counties, the Alzheimer’s Association is supporting the community with education to help people understand and recognize early signs and symptoms and with programs to help caregivers and people living with the disease.”

Karl V. Anton, Jr., Publisher, Anton Community Newspapers, 1984-2000 Publishers of Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot Great Neck Record Manhasset Press Nassau Illustrated News Port Washington News Syosset-Jericho Tribune The Nassau Observer The Roslyn News Editor and Publisher Angela Susan Anton President Frank A. Virga Vice President of Operations Iris Picone Director of Sales Administration Shari Egnasko Editors Janet Burns, Jennifer Corr, Dave Gil de Rubio, Christy Hinko, Julie Prisco, Frank Rizzo, Joe Scotchie,

MCI common but still unknown

It is estimated 12-to18 percent of people age 60 or older have MCI. While some with MCI will remain stable or revert to normal, up to 15 percent go on to develop dementia each year. Identifying which people with MCI are more likely to develop dementia is a major goal of current research, potentially enabling earlier disease intervention and treatment.

Despite the prevalence among aging Americans, the new report found more than four out of five Americans (82 percent) know very little or are not familiar with MCI. When prompted with a description of MCI, more than half (55 percent) say MCI sounds like “normal aging.”

Importance of early intervention

Of survey respondents who wanted to learn about Alzheimer’s disease during the MCI phase, more than half (70 percent) noted the need for planning and opportunities for treatment. Early diagnosis gives families time to make legal, financial and care decisions for the future, based on a patient’s concerns and priorities, and is associated with lower overall health care costs.

The vast majority of primary care physicians (86 percent) said early intervention can slow progression of cognitive decline.

Only one out of five physicians report being familiar with clinical trials available to their

patients with MCI, and only one out of four say they are familiar with new therapies in the pipeline to address MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease. When MCI is detected, primary care physicians most often recommend lifestyle changes.

Future outlook and opportunities

The last two decades have marked an increase in the development of a new class of medicines that target the underlying biology and aim to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. As of February 2022, there are 104 disease-modifying treatments being evaluated in clinical trials or at various stages of regulatory approval. These potential therapies are aimed at slowing the progression of MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Workplace shortages

This year’s report also includes a new section on dementia care workforce. Most states will have to nearly triple the number of geriatricians who were practicing in 2021 to effectively care for the number people projected to have Alzheimer’s dementia in 2050. Most states will need to double the number of home health and personal care aides.

• In New York, there are approximately 568 geriatricians. By 2050, 44 percent more are needed to meet the needs of people projected to have Alzheimer’s.

• New York had 437,300 home health and personal care aides in 2018. That number will need to increase by 60.6 percent to meet demand by 2028.

—Alzheimer’s Association

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For circulation inquiries, email: subscribe@antonmediagroup.com Publication Office: 132 East Second St., Mineola, NY 11501 Phone: (516) 747-8282 Fax: (516) 742-5867 © 2022 Long Island Community Newspapers, Inc.

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Letters to the editor are welcomed

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We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity.

All letters must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. All material contributed to Anton Media Group in any form becomes the property of the newspapers to use, modify and distribute as the newspaper staff assigns or sees fit. Letters to the editor can be mailed to: editors@antonmediagroup.com Additional copies of this and other issues are available for purchase by calling 516-403-5120.

SENIOR LIFE • JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2022 11B

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ALL-INCLUSIVE RENTAL RATES STARTING AT $6,500

LO N G I S LAN D L I V I N G L I K E N E V E R B E FO R E LUXURY RENTALS FOR THOSE 62 AND OLDER

Elegant apartments, exquisite dining venues, exceptional amenities and impeccable service all set the new standard for senior living on Long Island. Live a life well-deserved at Encore Luxury Living.

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A VISIT 300 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho, NY 11753 516.614.6820 | encoreluxuryliving.com

AN ENGEL BURMAN COMMUNITY

Equal Housing Opportunity

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