Chai Times | July-August

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The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County JULY/AUG 2019 | TAMUZ / AV 5779

VOL. 3, ISSUE 1

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CONTENTS A FUNNY MOMENT WITH ROSE

position

.............................................................. Page 2 HURRICANE SEASON

THE BENEFITS OF PERSON-CENTERED CAREGIVING FOR SENIORS WITH DEMENTIA

YourLifeTM......................................... Page 4 FED-ED

Impacting Communities....................... Page 5 MONEY MINDED

How Much Planning Are You Putting Into Your Longest Vacation? ...........................................................Page 6-7

Chai Care Chair: Carol Lasek

Chai Care’s mission is to provide comprehensive advocacy for members of our Federation family who are faced with the challenges of aging.

Chai Care offers the same level of care as I provided to my own family members. Fortunately, I had the benefit of years of nursing experience, people and resources to draw from. Despite my experience, it took an immense physical, emotional and financial toll on my family and me. With four children and a thriving financial planning practice, I had to wear a lot of hats. When I shared my stories with others, I realized they were struggling as well. I wish I had known about the Chai Care program earlier. This is one of the reasons I chose to accept the chair position of Chai Care. There are so many advantages to what we do. We hope that you will give us the opportunity to benefit from what we have to share.

OUR MISSION ESTATEMENT

with Esther

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

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Are you prepared................................... Page 3

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AGING & CAREGIVER SUPPORT If you are looking for a safe place to talk about sensitive issues related to health, aging, or caregiving, Chai Care will provide:

• Emotional support • Supportive counseling

• Information & referrals • Assistance with problem solving

Our Director of Chai Care, has more than 30 years of hospice, medical and pharmaceutical experience in South Florida's healthcare communities. Office hours are available on the third Thursday of each month to donors of any level to the Jewish Federation of Broward County.

Chai Care is an individualized care management program for individuals ages 65+.

Appointment times are limited. No drop-ins, please.

To schedule a session, call Esther Cohen at 954-252-6952.

Wishing you a fun & safe summer!

Your Foundation Leadership William J. Gross

Chair, Jewish Community Foundation

On a lighter note, a funny moment with Rose

Carol Lasek

Chair, Chai Care

Keith Goldmann

Chief Philanthropy Officer kgoldmann@jewishbroward.org

Esther Cohen

Director, Chai Care ecohen@jewishbroward.org

by Rose Boyarsky

Bernie had a fight with Rachel, his wife, and went to the movies to cool off. Later that evening he decided to phone home to see what the situation was and maybe even apologize.

"Hello, Darling," he said " What are you making for dinner?"

"What am I making for dinner? After all the horrible things you said to me earlier, you want to know what I am making for dinner? Poison, that's what I'm making, poison."

Bernie replies, "Okay then, just make one portion, I'm not coming home."

Everyone can use a helping hand now and then.

At Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC, we believe in the right team of people, a strong commitment to help others, and having a real impact. That is the mission of our practice and the “helping hand” we offer to our community.

It’s also the reason we are proud to support the Jewish Federation of Broward County.

We are honored to be involved with an organization with a strong dedication to its community and a solid commitment to supporting Jewish Life all over the world.

Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC 1000 Corporate Drive • Suite 600 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 (954) 689-9484 Fax (954) 491-1268 www.blsfinancial.com Financial Planning Life Insurance Disability Income Insurance Long Term Care Insurance Annuities Investments Wealth Management

Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services offered through registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC Member SIPC. 1000 Corporate Drive Suite 700, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334. 954-689-9484.Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC. and BLS Wealth Management, LLC are not subsidiaries or affiliates of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies.

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ARE YOU PREPARED...?

ARE YOU SURE...?

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iving in Florida comes with sunshine and beaches but it also comes with Tropical Storms and Hurricanes. The official start of Hurricane season begins June 1st and runs thru November 30th, with the peak during the August and September months. Preparing for hurricane season doesn’t need to cost a fortune and shouldn’t be done once we are under a watch or a warning.

You can begin creating your Hurricane Kit now before the season begins. Every household needs to make a Hurricane Kit. The kit should include 3-days’ worth of basic supplies for each household member. It should include the following: • • • • • •

• • •

1 gallon of water per person per day 1 f lashlight and a spare set of batteries manual can opener battery-operated radio non-perishable foods. paper goods such as plates, bowls, napkins and plastic eating utensils first aid kit hand sanitizer at least $200 cash

4. Make a plan for your pets. If you plan on evacuating make sure your lodging accommodations are pet friendly. Visit h tt p s : // w w w. p e t s w e l c o m e . c o m / f o r information available for lodging and other pet related travel services. Make sure you have food and extra water for You have your kit, now what? Develop your your pets. own personal disaster plan on how you will protect your household and property. Most of 5. If your house doesn’t have these things can be done well in advance of a shutters and/or hurricane impact windows, take measurements of storm warning. the openings and buy supplies 1. Check your insurance coverage. Make sure to store in advance. It might you have hurricane protection. Does it include not be an option to cover every replacement coverage, flood and wind protection? window in your house. Ensure you have at least 1 adequately 2. Secure important papers (photo IDs, protected room and bathroom. insurance policies, stocks, bonds, birth certificates, 6. If you are taking prescription marriage license, deeds, medical records, etc.) in a drugs, make sure you have waterproof container or a zip-lock bag 3. Know your evacuation zone and the nearest shelter. The Broward County and Red Cross Evacuation centers should be a place of last resort.

Evacuation Routes and Shelter Information can be found at http://www.broward.org/Hurricane/ Pages/Default.aspx. If you have special medical needs, a medical condition or disability and you choose to stay in your home in the event of a storm you should pre-register with Broward County at http://www.broward.org/Registry. This registry is a tool municipalities use to evaluate, plan and assist residents in response to an emergency.

every household needs a hurricane kit

an extra supply on hand or have a prescription available to get refilled.

Once a hurricane warning has been issued or the Governor declares a state of emergency you can go to your pharmacy and obtain a 30-day supply without a price increase, even if you recently refilled your prescription.

7. Keep a list of important phone numbers. (e.g. family members, doctors, insurance agents, employees)

8. If a storm approaches, be sure to keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle.

Also make sure that you have sufficient gas for your generator once the storm has passed.

9. Plan your tree-trimming and bulk waste pick-up. Contact your City’s Public Waste Department to schedule or find out the next date for your pickup. Don’t wait until the last minute to trim your trees, plan now.

10. Get alerts.

You can subscribe for Public Safety and emergency alerts from Broward County via the AccessBROWARD program.

You can register at https://access.broward. org and make your selection for alerts needed.

For additional resources and information visit the Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Guide at http://www. broward.org/Hurricane/Documents/ HurricanePreparednessGuide.pdf CHAI TIMES 3

The Benefits of Person-Centered Caregiving for Seniors with Dementia Provided by: YourLifeTM of Coconut Creek

When caring for a loved one with dementia, it’s important to realize that no two people have the same likes, dislikes, preferences and needs. Knowing your loved one’s specific traits and personality can help to enhance your caregiving while allowing them a more person-centered approach to care. Person-centered care has been shown to benefit those with memory loss by: • Reducing agitation and aggression. Being in tune with your loved one’s preferences, emotions and needs, can help to make the experience more positive, reduce their behaviors and ensure your loved one feels valued.

• Allowing you to see their disease through their eyes.

Get into the mind of your loved one with memory loss.

Not only will you come to appreciate them more, but you are likely to find out a plethora of information you

can use to create activities, conversation and engaging experiences. It can also give you insight as to why your loved one may not like certain things or prefer different ways of doing things.

• Encouraging them to open up. Your loved one is likely to feel loved and special when you take the time to truly understand them, allowing them to open up and be even closer to you.

Many memory care communities, such as YourLifeTM of Coconut Creek use this approach with residents. Their lifestyle is built solely around residents, allowing a person-centered approach to care. To learn more or visit the Welcome Center, call 772-207-4191.

Exceptional Memory Care Opening August 1st in Coconut Creek!

Discover a Lifestyle Where Seniors Are Inspired • Engaged • Fulfilled

Welcome Center Now Open!

6810 N. State Road 7 | Coconut Creek Located at Elite Office Suites

In August, YourLife ™ of Coconut Creek will provide personally inspired Memory Care, offering those with dementia an engaging lifestyle and their families with peace of mind. With YourStory programming, personcentered care and days defined by them, our residents are inspired to try new things, engaging with others and living a fulfilling lifestyle.

Schedule a personal visit at our Welcome Center and ask about our exclusive Honors Club savings!

954-228-6701 | YourLifeCoconutCreek.com

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Life Life

Your Your OF COCONUT CREEK

OF COCONUT CREEK Memory care Memory care

Inspired • Engaged • Fulfilled Inspired • Engaged • Fulfilled

5461 Johnson Road Coconut Creek, FL 33073 NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS Assisted Living Facility License Number Pending

TM TM

IMPACTING COMMUNITIES

REACHING THROUGH THE DARKNESS OF DEPRESSION AFTER WIDOWHOOD

by Barbara Levin Director of Allocations, Grants & Governance Jewish Federation of Broward County

Losing a spouse can be devastating. Widowhood not only means losing a husband or wife, but also daily routines, a partner to go places with, and a conversation partner to count on being there when you just can’t bear the thought of leaving the house. Most people eventually pull through the pain and are able to somehow resume life. But for others, intervention is needed to pull out of the dark hole that threatens to swallow them.

When Saul (name changed) lost his wife after 52 years of marriage, he slipped into a deep depression. At first, folks assumed things would get better with the passage of time… but they didn’t. The light that had once been in Saul’s eyes simply slipped away. He stopped going out. He couldn’t bare the idea of eating out alone, so he stopped going to restaurants. Ditto for visiting museums or attending the concerts he had once loved. Eventually, he reached the point that the only time he stepped out his front door was to go to a doctor’s appointment.

That’s where our Federation funded services stepped in.

The Senior Collaborative at Century Village -Pembroke Pines began sending volunteers to visit Saul at his home on

a regular basis. Eventually, he agreed to attend a Goodman Jewish Family Services support group held near his home.

From there, it was a few collaborative sponsored lunches and social events. Saul was also offered home delivered meals from our Federation funded Nourish Now program at Meals on Wheels to ensure he was eating well (cooking for one was just too depressing so he hadn’t really been eating well) and the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs at the Daniel Cantor Senior Center or the daily senior lunch program at the Posnack JCC. He was also offered individual therapy if he needed it.

Saul spent three years in the blackness of mourning his wife alone. But just four months after our agencies started reaching out, Saul began truly living again. He’s making friends. He visits a local café twice a week. He can imagine a future. One program alone might not have done it. But together, the programs the Federation funds, and the collaborations the Federation has built between our community partners, made the difference – and will continue making a difference for decades to come, in the lives of those who need us most.

Contact us today for more information about Chai Care, Esther Cohen, Chai Care Director at O: 954-252-6952 C: 954-770-9876 or ecohen@jewishbroward.org.

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MONEY MINDED

How Much Planning Are You Putting Into Your Longest Vacation? Probably Not Enough

Memorable vacations do not happen by chance. They require a certain level of effort and advance planning to ensure that you stay within your budget and maximize your actual time away for fun, sightseeing and relaxation. The more you plan, the more likely your getaway will meet your expectations. With this in mind, it is surprising that so few people take the time to plan ahead for the longest vacation of their lives: retirement.

Saving for retirement is more of a marathon than a sprint. It requires significant planning and discipline to start as early as possible in order to meet your ultimate future goals. Too often individuals wait until the last decade or two of their working lives to evaluate what they will need to afford a comfortable retirement, let alone commit to a retirement savings plan to help them pay expenses during that period. In fact, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s (EBRI) 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey, only 18 percent of workers feel very confident that they will able to afford a comfortable retirement.

The first step in planning for retirement is to consider how you would like to spend your free time for 20, 30 or even 40 years.

Do you hope to enjoy your time on the golf course, vacationing in exotic locales or traveling frequently to spend time with outof-state family and friends? Do you hope to have a second home or to purchase a boat?

As lofty as your goals may be, you must also consider your ability to cover any related costs. Similarly, you should be prepared to meet your ongoing responsibilities to pay for everyday expenses, including taxes, insurance premiums, medical care, utilities and the general maintenance and upkeep of your home. Many of the expenses will increase as you age, and, with people living longer than ever, your reserves to cover these costs in the future will need to be larger. As a basis for planning, consider that the Social Security Administration estimates that about one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90, and one out of 10 will live past age 95.

So how much money will you need to afford the retirement of 6 CHAI TIMES

your dreams? The answer depends on your unique circumstances and goals. However, as a rule of thumb, the average person should aim to replace approximately 80 percent of their annual preretirement income. Just as a vacation budget should consider all of the out-of-pocket expenses you will incur once you arrive at your destination, your general retirement budget should reflect all of the out-of-the-ordinary extra perks you expect to enjoy during your golden years.

While soon-to-be retirees can count on Social Security to fund approximately 34 percent of their replacement income, this amount is neither sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle nor is it guaranteed to continue as a source of income for retirees in the future. As a result, it is critical that individuals of all ages estimate their future retirement expenses and develop a formal plan for saving enough to afford those costs and then some. Because one’s needs and goals change over time, this preplanning exercise will also continue to evolve over time. The sooner you start planning, the better prepared you will be.

Thankfully, a majority of businesses offer their employees access to 401(k) plans that enable workers to automatically defer a portion of their wages toward retirement savings. Those contributions lower workers’ taxable income in the year they are made and benefit from compounding interest and market gains that can increase balances significantly beyond their contribution amounts. Moreover, many employers “match” a portion of workers’ contributions. To receive this benefit, which is comparable to free money, the minimum that workers need to do is to contribute the maximum amount that will qualify them for the savings match.

Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail While you cannot plan for everything in life, you can take steps to be as prepared as you possibly can. The earlier you start, the more likely you will be able to manage through life’s uncertainties and enjoy the fruits of your labor in retirement. Make the time now to plan for what will be your longest vacation ever: retirement.

About the Author: Olga Ismail is a retirement plan consultant with Provenance Wealth Advisors (PWA), an Independent Registered Investment Advisor affiliated with Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants, and a registered representative with Raymond James Financial Services. For more information, call (954) 712-8888 or email info@provweath.com.

Provenance Wealth Advisors (PWA), 515 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 712-8888.

Olga Ismail is a registered representative of and offers securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants. PWA is not a registered broker/ dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc., and Provenance Wealth Advisors.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation.

Any opinions are those of PWA and not necessarily those of Raymond James. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. The information contained in this report has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.

401(k) plans are long-term retirement savings vehicles.

Withdrawal of pre-tax contributions and/or earnings will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Investing involves risk, investors may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy or strategies employed. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed. Matching contributions from your employer may be subject to a vesting schedule, please review your retirement plan documents or consult with a financial professional for more information.

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Pooled Special Needs Trust

Pooled Minors Trust

• Preservation of Government Benefits

• Court Appointed Professional Trustee for Minors

• Provision for Naming remainder Beneficiary

• Nonprofit Trustee Partnering with Local Charities

• Ability to Accept First Party and Third Party Funds

• Flexibility for Courts to Tailor Disbursement Guidelines and Investment Criteria

2875 NE 191st St, Ste 500, Aventura, FL 33180

267.327.4087 | DLettau@SecuredFutures.org | SecuredFutures.org Our mission is to provide customized trustee and fiduciary services for minors and persons with disabilities.

We work to ensure the continuity of long-term support and resources that improve the lives of those we serve.

WE AT CHAI CARE...

Provide a holistic, donor-centered approach to advocating for older adults who are facing the challenges of aging, disability or injury. Chai Care assures that donors receive valuable, cost-effective care and an array of services that arise from health and medical related issues through the aging process. Chai Care helps donors and their loved ones understand the options and costs relevant to managing their daily lives.

Bob Schneider | Board Chair William J. Gross | Chair, Jewish Community Foundation Carol Lasek | Chair, Chai Care Michael Balaban | President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Goldmann | Chief Philanthropy Officer Esther Cohen | Director, Chai Care

OF BROWARD COUNTY

JEWISH FEDERATION OF BROWARD COUNTY 5890 South Pine Island Road • Davie, FL 33328

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