Commun ty Matters Manor of the Plains
June 2016
Long-term care misconceptions There are many uncertainties in retirement. For example, we don’t know how long we are going to live, what the interest rates will be or how the stock market will behave. But one thing is nearly certain: our health will decline as we age. That means at some point, most of us will face serious functional limitations and, in the event of serious health shocks, maybe even permanent disability. As a result, a large number of older Americans might require professional medical care at home or in institutions such as nursing homes. But there is a lack of awareness about the risk of long-term care because of two big misconceptions surrounding the topic. Misconception No. 1: Very few people end up using long-term care. This study by researchers from the National Bureau of Economic CARE, continued on page 3
Jane Tyler uses her iPad to connect with family in Texas and Iowa.
FaceTime Jane Jane Tyler’s grandkids live in Texas and Iowa, and she sees them a few times a week. Thanks to smartphone technology, Jane can make video calls for free whenever she wants. And she can see her grandchildren growing up, at least on her iPhone screen. “It’s amazing,” said Jane, a Manor of the Plains resident. “I don’t know how it works, but I can finally push the right buttons and get on.” Jane’s granddaughter helped her get set up with the FaceTime video calling program. It has helped fill the gap between in-person visits with her family, she said. It’s not as easy to get together since Jane can no longer make the long drive to see them, and they can’t come as often either. “When you see somebody, it just means more to you than talking on the phone,” Jane said. “I’m very fortunate. It’s more fun if you can actually see them. And they can see you too.” The iPhone isn’t Jane’s first mobile phone. She was an early FACETIME, continued on page 2