209 Senior Living #17

ISSUE #17

Starting a business Health Care Insurance How much will it cost for Medicare

Caring Support when it matters most

ISSUE #17 PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen GENERAL MANAGER Drew Savage ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George DESIGNER Sharon R. Hoffman ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Chuck Higgs SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Corey Rogers Beth Flanagan

Melody Wann

Dawn Hamilton

Charles Webber

Michelle Kendig

Jennifer Webber

Hospice Team Members & Services Our team of healthcare professionals include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical social workers, counselors, therapists, aides and specially trained volunteers, all working together to provide:

Rich Matheson

Nursing Care • Patient Family Education Pain & Symptom Relief • Family Support Spiritual Support • Respite Care Volunteer Services • Bereavement Programs Home Medical Equipment & Supplies All Medications Related to the Hospice Diagnosis

To advertise in the next Senior Living, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 138 S. Center St. • Turlock, CA 95380

©Copyright 2016. Senior Living All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Senior Living is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Senior Living are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Senior Living management or owner.

Senior Living assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

Optimal Hospice is available 24/7 to provide support for patients and families.

Call us today for more information

209-338-3000

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C O N T E N T S HEALTH INSURANCE.......................................... 5 RECREATION..................................................... 6 STAY ACTIVE..................................................... 7 MAKING CHANGES.......................................... 8 SAVINGS........................................................ 13 HEART HEALTH................................................ 14 FINANCES....................................................... 17 PLANNING AHEAD.......................................... 18 LIVING ARRANGEMENTS................................. 19 WORK LIFE...................................................... 20

Serving the community since 1979 General Dentistry Dr. Bonnie Morehead Dr. Ron Joseph Dr. Rudy Ciccareli

Dr. Daman Saini Dr. Harneet (Neeti) Saini Dr. Elizabeth Grecco

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Mark Grecco

Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Mohammad El Farra

Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence. Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children. We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite. Our Oral Surgery Department provides general anethesia and I.V. sedation in a safe, professional environment.

Members of • California Dental Association • American Dental Association • San Joaquin P.P.A.

1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca • Between Airport and Union

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LIVING

PRESTIGE ASSISTED LIVING AT MANTECA Tuesday, May 7 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

in Dementia Care

Join us for a FREE presentation by noted author

David Troxel, MPH. Presented by David Troxel, MPH

Are you living with dementia or do you know someone that has been affected by this disease?

Join David Troxel, MPH, a nationally recognized dementia expert in a discussion about the latest research and treatments that are helping people with dementia live fuller, richer lives.

For more information and to reserve your seat, please call (209) 297-2831 today.

Prestige Assisted Living at Manteca 1130 Empire Ave. • Manteca, CA 95336 License #: 397004125

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209 SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH INSURANCE

What will health insurance cost me when I am eligible for Medicare?

This is one of the most important issues for retirees as health care may be one of the biggest expenses in your so-called golden years. Being a complex issue lets break this down into a few segments. First, we will look at Medicare which is the government portion of senior health care. Next, we will look at two different routes that an individual may take to mitigate the high cost of health care.

Medicare is regulated and administered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare is divided into Part A (hospitalization, blood, and hospice coverage) and Part B (outpatient services). You become eligible for this coverage once you have worked and paid into the social security system for forty quarters (ten years) and have reached aged sixty-five or have been on social security disability for 24 months. This coverage is only for Medicare approved services. Most prescription drugs are not covered by Medicare, so you will need to obtain credible coverage through a Part D Drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan which may include prescription drug coverage. If you do not have credible drug coverage once you are eligible for Medicare, CMS could impose a penalty later.

Part A hospitalization coverage normally has no premium. If you have not worked and paid into the system for the forty quarters requirement you may be able to obtain Part A by paying a premium. There is a resetting deductible of $1,364 if you are admitted to a hospital. This deductible resets 60 days after being discharged.

Part B outpatient services will typically have a premium which is based on your level of income. This will normally be deducted from your social security income. Services will include doctor visits, lab work, ambulance ride, etc. For 2018 there is an annual deductible of $185, then Medicare picks up 80% (of the contracted rate) and you the member will be responsible for the remaining 20% (of the contracted rate) of costs. Provider can choose to charge up to 15% above the contracted rate, this amount then becomes the members’ financial responsibility in addition to the 20%. There is no maximum out of pocket for Original Medicare Parts A and B, so if you only had Part A and Part B, the financial risk and exposure could be quite high. That

being said, let’s look at two different routes to mitigate those expenses.

First route will be adding a Medicare Supplement policy and a Part D Drug plan.

These plans are offered by numerous private insurance carriers and used in addition to your Medicare coverage. A Medicare Supplement or Gap policy will give you coverage for the deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance costs not covered by Parts A & B. How much coverage will vary depending on the plan you choose. More coverage equals higher premiums. Premiums will also vary based on your zip code and age. These Gap policies have specific benefits depending on which plan level you choose. And the policy coverage on a given plan is the same from one insurance carrier to another. Example given, if you choose a G plan, the benefits are the same no matter which insurance carrier you enroll with. Although the premium may vary from carrier to carrier. One benefit to consider with Gap plans is that you have the flexibility to go to any doctor which contracts with Medicare and will accept you as a patient. Keep in mind this may be limited to doctors who are accepting new patients.

Now you will need to add a Part D Drug plan. For the 2019 year there are 30 plans to choose from in California all offered by private insurance carriers. These plans all vary in premium, co-payments, deductibles, etc. The prescriptions you are using will help determine which plan may be the best fit for you individually. CMS requires that all plans cover medications for certain categories. These categories are designed to make sure that any necessary medications are available to Medicare members. Remember you may have a penalty imposed if you do not have prescription drug coverage which is equal to or greater than what Medicare deems necessary. This is the definition of credible coverage. That is a lifetime penalty added to your monthly premium! All the plans referred to above meet those requirements.

The other route you may take is to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans typically combine all your coverages (Part A, Part B and Part D) into one plan sometimes referred to as Part C. These plans are offered through private insurance

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carriers. Medicare Advantage plans may vary greatly in premiums with some starting at zero and going up well over $100 a month. Plans and plan designs such as deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance and maximum out of pocket costs will also vary greatly from carrier to carrier, county to county and state to state. These plans are typically network focused specifically in the form of an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and in limited areas PPO’s (Preferred Physician Options). For those of you in San Joaquin County for 2019, all the Advantage plans available have a prescription drug plan built into the plan. Confused yet?

A brief recap. The government part of your Medicare health care is Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (outpatient services). Route one is to add a Medicare Supplement (Gap) policy and a Part D Drug plan (optional). A different route you may take is to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

There is an Annual Enrollment Period which, is between October 15th and December 7th every year for Medicare eligible beneficiaries. Individuals who are aging in will have an Initial Enrollment Period which begins three months prior to their Part B effective date, the month of their effective date and ends three months later giving them a seven-month window to enroll. An individual may also be entitled to a Special Enrollment Period which, may occur when they lose current coverage, moved to a new county or state, and several other potential changes LIVING

may also apply.

When researching your health care plan options consider costs, choice and change.

Your health care needs will help determine which type of plan and which insurance carrier will be right for you in terms of overall costs. If flexibility of providers is important, you may have more providers to choose from using a Medicare Supplement plan. Consider changes that occur annually; Medicare Advantage plans send out an Annual Notice of Changes every year prior to the annual enrollment period; and know that Medicare Supplement plan benefits do not change but the premiums may.

You can talk with a licensed agent to walk you through all the details and options available to you. Here are some other resources for help: Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) 1-800-434-0222 which can help you apply for extra help on Part D plans and for low income subsidy assistance. You may also get help from: medicare.gov, 1-800-633-4227 or 711 or TTY. There are many considerations in determining which plan is the right fit and this varies from person to person. Until we talk again, be well.

Registered Representative offering securities and advisory services through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Dedicated Financial & Insurance Services and IFG are unaffiliated entities

209 SENIOR LIVING | RECREATION

T

Taking on Tennis

ennis is an affordable sport that can be shared with friends and will keep you active. It’s likely there is already a suitable court in your community.

If you have never held a racket, it’s a good idea to take lessons with an expert.

Especially for seniors who are facing mild cases of arthritis, proper training can save you from pain and irritation.

Check your local fitness facility for recommendations on a trainer who specializes in elderly tennis classes.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Playing tennis does more than provide seniors with an opportunity for aerobic fitness. Participation also boosts speed, leg strength and general body coordination.

Having good control of balance is of utmost importance as many suffer from serious injuries caused by falls every year. If you have been searching for an activity to motivate your physical fitness

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goals, tennis can be a great addition to your life.

CHOOSING A RACKET

Much like other sports, using the right gear will give your game an advantage and keep you comfortable. It can be fun to purchase clothing, shoes and accessories to make your game more fun, but don’t forget to invest in a quality racket.

Before buying a racket, ask the expert at your sporting goods store if you can try it out. If it is too heavy, you can strain your wrist and slow down your reaction time. Look for a racket with a head size of 100 square inches or more; smaller options are for more LIVING

advanced players.

Pay attention to the grip size when researching different models. It will be easy to tell which range works for you based on how comfortable it feels in your hand You will notice power ratings on different rackets. While it may seem like a good idea to jump right into a highpowered racket, medium options are easier to handle for beginners.

MAKE IT SOCIAL

Reach out to your peers about joining a local tennis community or creating your own. Set aside time in your schedules to train, hold tournaments and practice together.

209 SENIOR LIVING | STAY ACTIVE

Try New Activities

W

ithout the motivation to get up and go to work every day, it can be easy to become sedentary. For seniors, this can be especially dangers as it promotes illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and even cancers. In addition to sticking to an exercise plan, find a hobby that tests your limits and keeps adrenaline high.

It’s a good idea to have a meeting with your health care provider before taking on any strenuous activity. You want to ensure your heart and overall health is up for the strain that may be caused when exerting yourself. Once you have the green light from your doctor, here are some tips to remember.

WHAT IS ADRENALINE?

According to the Hormone Health Network, adrenaline is a hormone which triggers the body’s fight-orflight response.

During a stressful situation, it causes air passages to dilate and provide muscles with oxygen to respond.

Its presence will increase alertness and awareness while improving memory and cognitive functioning. When you choose hobbies that challenge yourself, it’s likely your body will experience a surge in adrenaline.

While the hormone rarely causes medical problems, the experts at HNN recommend addressing your doctor if you feel you’re experiencing excessive adrenaline or it’s affecting your overall health.

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FINDING AN ACTIVITY

High-adrenaline hobbies aren’t only found from experiences like skydiving or bungee jumping. Less risky options can still leave you feeling refreshed and accomplished.

Hit the trails: Go hiking for a new perspective on the outdoors. You can find some famous trails throughout the nation that provide you the ability to travel while doing something you love; Canoeing: One of the most intimate and intense ways to travel waterways is from the seat of a canoe. They LIVING

are easy to travel with and are great companions for adventures.

Scuba diving: Head to the tropical reefs to witness breathtaking nature or visit a site to examine historical sites underwater.

STAYING FIT

Make sure you stay in good physical shape when welcoming a new hobby. Staying fit will give you a boost when it comes to performing physically challenging tasks and allowing you to enjoy new ad-ventures without overexerting yourself.

209 SENIOR LIVING | MAKING CHANGES

Is it time for ‘that’ conversation?

In past articles I’ve addressed some of the challenges and steps to take for seniors to make those tough decisions regarding changes necessary to keep yourself safe and secure in your own home.

This article addresses the roll your children can take in helping to make those decisions a reality….to assist you in your transition from your long-time home to the next step in your lives. Whether that next step is a simple downsize or a more challenging decision on assisted care or memory care, your children can help you make those decisions.

To the children of senior parents needing to make these decisions, first of all understand the place your parents are coming from. You need to maintain a perspective from your parents’ point of view.

Communicating with family is essential, however depending on family dynamics this can lead to confusion and disagreement. It’s so important to have this conversation with your parents BEFORE it becomes necessary. Communication is critical when faced with such a daunting situation as finding the proper fit of housing for your parents, but the communication needs to go both ways.

Parents can be frightened of the possibility of loosing their independence, a scary thought for most of us.

You need to listen to their fears and help them identify solutions to those fears. Sometimes it’s a matter of getting both parents to agree with each other!

It’s so important to keep an open attitude when communicating with your parents.

• Don’t lecture. It puts your parents in a less respectful position.

• Ask gentle questions. “Have you ever considered…?” “What do you think…?”

• Discuss friends confronting similar situations and how they handled it.

• Tell stories in small doses. You don’t want to overload them.

Both parent and child will better understand the set of issues the other is facing throughout this process. In the end, by listening to each other, each party will be more likely to work together for a positive outcome.

Story contributed by Susan Baudler, Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist Berkshire Hathaway Home Services- Drysdales DRE# 01894922 Email: susan@susanbaudler.com • 209-985-9969

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Remember When Antiques & Collectibles Our new Tea Room is now open!

Call today for all the details to reserve your date!

Come Shop for that “Unique gift or collectible item” 1031 W. Orangeburg Ave, Modesto, CA • (209)544 - 1385

Over 60 vendors to shop from.

Vendor Space is available!

Like us on

Watch for our next Parking Lot Sale

www.modestorememberwhen.com We do Estate Sales too!

201 SERVING THE CENTRAL VALLEY SINCE 1979.

Don’t Just Live Life...

HEAR LIFE! DOUG WESSON Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

Certified Audioprosthologist California Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser

E. JULIA TYNER California Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser

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4 Locations To Serve You: • 1079 Eucalyptus St. Suite B-Manteca • 530 W. Eaton Ave. - Suite A, Tracy • 1444 W. Main St. Suite A - Ripon • 250 S. Oak Ave. Suite A-4 Oakdale

Coming to Modesto this spring!

Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

Call for a FREE Hearing Evaluation (a $125 value) using the New Oticon OPN-S Hearing Aids.

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209-923-6886

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BEAUTIFUL MODERN APARTMENTS w/ FULL-KITCHEN ALL-DAY RESTAURANT-STYLE DINING DAILY ACTIVITIES & OUTINGS INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

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With pre-planning, you will help minimize your family's financial and emotional burdens.

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Call and schedule a tour Today! 209-823-1788

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469 E. North St., Manteca, CA 95336 • stjudecarecenter.com

Joint Pain Doesn’t Need to Be Part of Your Daily Routine When it gets harder and harder to live with joint pain, let us help you live without it.

Starting with the day you decide to take action, you’ll have a designated patient coordinator to take care of scheduling, answer questions and follow up on your progress. You’ll have compassionate care with inpatient physical therapists to help you begin your recovery.

Talk with a patient coordinator (888) 901-0857.

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Did you know?

Did you know that Casa de Modesto, a multi-level retirement center, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community?

Did you know about Casa’s 2018 Additions?

Memory Care

Casa de Modesto’s newest addition to Assisted Living is a Memory Care unit which consists of 9 private rooms and 1 dual occupancy room.

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Rehabilitation Care

Accepting Medicare certified physical, occupational and speech therapy providing care and support with a focus on independence.

(209) 595-1028

Healthy Aging Association Presents the 13th Annual

Serving the Modesto area since 1965.

Age with Movement Celebration

Bring your loved one to Casa de Modesto for a reliable, safe and caring environment.

Celebrate Older Americans Month by enjoying a morning of movement and feeling Young at Heart

Friday, May 3, 2019 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

East La Loma Park | 2001 Edgebrook Drive, Modesto 45+ Community Booths | Tai Chi | Fall Prevention Exercises Opportunity Drawing | BINGO | Light Refreshments | FUN!

Fitness Fun Warm-up with Aerobics Walk the course - enjoy a 1/2 mile or 3 mile walk and join in our other fitness activities throughout the morning.

Free Event

Registration is Free Add-On Options Available $15.00 - Add on a t-shirt, event bag and entry into BINGO $10.00 - Best Dressed Dog Contest

Casa de Modesto continues to provide: Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehab Care.

A Special Thanks to Our Early Event Sponsors

209.529.4950 1745 Eldena Way, Modesto, CA 95350 www.casademodesto.org •

All proceeds will benefit Healthy Aging Association For more information, please contact us at 209.525.4670 | www.healthyagingassociation.org

RCFE# 500300107, SNF# 100000019 • Tax ID# 94-6050221

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209 SENIOR LIVING | SAVINGS

Saving as a Senior

Y

ou likely spent earlier years saving money for a bountiful retirement. Once you reach this milestone, the practice of being frugal doesn’t end. In fact, to get the most out of this exciting time of your life, savings becomes even more important.

According to a 2017 study by the Federal Reserve Board, one third of retirees eventually reverse their retirement and return to work in some capacity. It says those in the lowest income percentile usually do this because they need more income.

Don’t find yourself struggling during a time that should be about enjoying the life you built with years of hard work.

EVALUATE INSURANCE POLICIES

One way to cut costs is by assessing your insurance policies and making adjustments. Look at different coverages you have including automotive, housing and health care. You may be surprised by the savings in premium if you find a broker who offers a bundle

package to house all your insurance needs under one policy.

For some, changes to their Medicare policies can make a difference too. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the time to make an adjustment is between Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 during the annual enrollment period.

CUT OUT TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES

The American Automobile Association reports that the average cost to own and operate a new vehicle is $8,469 per year. This includes maintenance, insurance and repairs. You can save a great deal of money by consolidating to a single vehicle or taking advantage of public transportation and ride-sharing services in your

area. While it may not be feasible for all families to get eliminate their vehicles, limiting its use is an efficient way to keep dollars in your bank account.

RECONSIDER LIVING CONDITIONS

If you live in an expensive home but plan to spend part of your retirement at a vacation residence or traveling, you can benefit from placing the property on the market. If selling isn’t in your plan, consider renting it out to a trusted loved one or reputable tenant while you will be away.

Assisted Living • Fine Dining & Inroom Dining • Fitness Programs • Activity Programs • Transportation Assistance with Daily Living • Person Centered Memory Care • Customized Personal Care Plans and So much More!

Come for a visit to tour our beautiful community spaces and to learn more about senior living, including Connections for Living by MBK, our memory care program.

2241 N. Union Road, Manteca, CA • WWW.MBKseniorliving.com • 209.463.9100 RCFE#392700366

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209 SENIOR LIVING | HEART HEALTH

Heart to to Heart As the pain Teresa Hansen was feeling swelled and intensified, a myriad of questions swam through her head, but there was one thing she knew for certain. She was far too busy to be having a heart attack.

“We had a 90th birthday to attend in Fresno that day and we were going to a crab feed in Turlock that night with friends,” Hansen said. “My husband was with me at Memorial Medical Center in Modesto and I turned to him and said, ‘We don’t have time for this today. I can’t be having a heart attack.’”

But having one she was and like countless other women, the symptoms Hansen was feeling didn’t fit with the classic signs that have come to be associated with having a heart attack.

Heart disease is the number one killer of American women, more than all cancers combined, according to the American Heart Association. In all, heart disease kills about 300,000 women a year, while stroke kills 82,000.

The symptoms of heart attack can be different in women and men, and are often misunderstood, even by some physicians. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort, but women are more likely than men to experience some of the other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting and back or jaw pain.

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209-625-8755(TTY)

The jaw pain is how it began for Hansen on Feb. 24, 2018. The then 57-year-old Atwater resident was getting ready for bed when she felt an intense pain in her jaw.

“It was like a vise grip was being tightened around my jaw and the pain radiated all the way down to my chest,” Hansen said. “I knew this was not normal.”

Hansen took a baby aspirin that they kept on hand for their Labrador after the first day of hunting season. The pain subsided but would return throughout the morning. Hansen and her husband decided they had to go to the hospital.

The realization that she was having a heart attack hadn’t quite set in for Hansen. She was active, ate healthy and maintained a good weight. Her last doctor visit showed her cholesterol levels were good and she had low blood pressure. But she also had a family history of heart disease. Her father had a heart attack followed by bypass surgery at age 46. Her older brother had one at 47 and had to have a stent placed. Her mother was 69 when she had a heart attack and a stent.

“When my mom had hers, the pain was in the throat, so I knew women don’t always present with the standard symptoms,” Hansen said. “It still didn’t seem like it was really happening to me.”

A chest x-ray showed Hansen’s heart was enlarged and her chest was cloudy. A trip to the catheterization laboratory revealed five of her arteries to her heart were blocked, including one in two places. She had suffered a mild heart attack, but the doctor didn’t believe any permanent damage had been sustained.

However, they had to deal with the blockages or she risked a second more serious heart attack. She was told she would be going in for a six-way bypass the following day.

Faith in God is a major part of Hansen’s life and she spent the night before praying with her family, friends and some of the hospital staff.

“Through the whole experience it was such a comfort that God put all these people in my path,” Hansen said.

Her surgery went well, though she did have to return to the hospital shortly after

her release because one of the bypass vessels failed. The vessel was fixed and the heart team put in two stents.

Hansen has made a complete recovery

and is now sharing her story to help other women learn about heart disease and to be aware of the signs the body may be sending.

“If my experience helps someone else then it is worth what I went through,” Hansen said.

Hansen will be one of the stories shared at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event.

The event is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26, at the Modesto Centre Plaza.

Go Red for Women began 15 years ago as an awareness campaign for women about heart health and providing a platform for women and their families to lead healthier lives, and drive collective action for community transformation.

The luncheon continues to serve as the cornerstone event of the Go Red for Women movement in local communities.

It strives to promote healthy lifestyles, build awareness and raise critically-needed funds to support research and education initiatives. The Modesto luncheon will feature Sutter Health Memorial Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Gino Patrizio and a keynote presentation from Sutter Health Memorial Medical Center Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Stephen Noble.

Tickets for the luncheon are $75 and are available at modestogoredluncheon. heart.org.

Make the most of every day!

Experience Astoria.

Beyond daily care, we’re all about helping people do what really matters: shape their legacy, maintain independence, and stay engaged in the community. It’s a joyful approach to aging.

• Signature programming to maximize whole-person wellness • Outstanding services in home-like surroundings • Private, secured, dementia-care neighborhood

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Online Store

209 SENIOR LIVING | FINANCES

Financial Spring Cleaning

W

hile cleaning up financially may not have been a part of your New Year’s resolutions, take ad-vantage of the second quarter to get things in order.

Make a difference to your financial security by creating a budget, tackling high-interest debt and planning important final documents.

If you are overwhelmed or unclear how to create strategies that benefit your financial status, look for a qualified financial advisor.

Make sure you feel comfortable with them and be honest you are about spending habits and your finances..

CREATE A BUDGET

The biggest weapon to your fight for financial freedom and achieving goals is in a budget. It’s important to create one that leaves you with extra funds to set aside in a savings account. However, you should make sure to leave room for entertainment, so you don’t find yourself burning out and making impulse purchase.

Analyze your budget periodically and adjust. Keep receipts or a ledger

to track your spending habits. Using apps on a smart device can also give you an interesting view into where you can make improvements, if you keep accurate notes.

HIGH INTEREST FIRST

According to credit counselor Credit Guard of America, the average family in the U.S. is facing more than $15,000 in credit card debt.

When you create a budget, analyze credit card debt and plan to re-solve those with the highest rates first.

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CLEAN UP DOCUMENTS Don’t forget to clear clutter of expired documents that have accumulated. The Internal Revenue Service recommends keeping copies of tax returns for at least seven years. When eliminating paperwork, it’s imperative to shred it to keep your identity safe.

You can either invest in a shredder or hire an expert to dispose of documents securely.

209 SENIOR LIVING | PLANNING AHEAD

Talking to Your Family

I

t’s never easy to discuss the topic of death with loved ones, but it’s necessary to have a plan in place. This spring, commit to having a conversation with your family so that they understand your final wishes.

Here are some ways to prepare for the necessary dialogue and how to handle the situation gracefully.

TIMING COUNTS

Family tragedies or emergencies can heighten your interest in developing an estate plan and re-laying your wishes to loved ones. But it’s best to put off a discussion until everyone has had some time to process the loss.

Don’t be surprised if your family is caught off guard and has questions about your health. Especially if this will be the first time you have addressed your legacy, it’s understandable they may

get the wrong idea. You can avert suspicions by explaining you are concerned about having a plan in place to lessen their responsibilities at the time of your death.

Try to hold the conversation in a comforting place that offers privacy.

SCHEDULING

It’s imperative to coordinate a meeting that blends with your loved one’s hectic schedules. To limit the number of

times you discuss a plan, it will make sense to wait until everyone involved is available, if they are comfortable with a group conversation.

Your initial meeting should relay wishes regarding how assets should be handled and considerations for key members like power of attorney or living trusts.

If needed, hold a second discussion where your family can talk about concerns after they’ve processed the

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initial conversation.

DEFINE YOUR LEGACY

Planning your estate while you are in good physical and emotional health gives you the opportunity to determine how to honor the legacy left behind.

Take advantage of the removing the stress of difficult decisions from your family’s shoulders by instructing the exact details of how to handle your assets.

209 SENIOR LIVING | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Independent Living Facilities

M

aking the decision to sell the family home is often met with hesitation from seniors. It’s hard to leave behind the home where you created many memories with your loved ones. However, if you have accepted that the property is too much to manage, relocating to an independent living community is worth considering.

These senior-friendly neighborhoods are different from assisted living facilities as people live without any form of medical assistance. Much like a typical community, there are different styles of homes and the options to rent or own.

The main benefit to a senior moving to an independent living community is the camaraderie with others of similar ages.

AMENITIES

Depending on your location, you

may find communities that offer incredible amenities like golf courses, health care centers and an on-site fitness center. If you feel like the facilities in your area are lacking enticing features, consider packing up and relocating to a place where you can enjoy retirement.

Take the time to research different communities and document the advantages and disadvantages you notice. Once you have a list compiled of a few different neighborhoods, weigh the pros and cons before jumping into a decision.

CONTINUING CARE

Another great benefit for independent living communities is the option for continuing care. While you may be in great health now, what would happen if you require medical assistance down the road? Most neighborhoods already have on-site caregivers available. You may have to pay up front for continuing care services. Ask about the initial fee and ensure it will be used to cover special care when and if it is needed.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK

You likely have a list of inquiries to make before meeting with a representative of an independent living community. Here are a few examples: • What is the policy on children staying overnight in the community?

• Are pets allowed?

• What fees are paid monthly and annually?

• What other charges should you expect?

209 SENIOR LIVING | WORK LIFE

A

Start a Business

n enticing option for seniors who are riding the retirement wave but could benefit from extra in-come is to become their own boss. The flexibility of working for yourself allows the time to partake in the activities you enjoy while still (hopefully) growing a savings account.

Baby boomers are redefining the retirement market with their strong sense of entrepreneurship. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the number of entrepreneurs over age 50 has actually doubled since 2007.

The manufacturing industry has the highest percentage of business owners aged 50 and older.

If you have a great idea and the drive to start your own business, here are some tips to consider.

DEVELOP A BUSINESS PLAN To succeed, your business must be based on something you are passionate about. But don’t rush into a business without a solid plan in place.

Consult with experts in the field you’re interested in and also talk to an attorney about establishing a new business.

Also look for local resources like business incubators and mentors. Seek conferences and trade associations in your area.

FIGURE OUT THE FINANCES Consider the location your company will need to thrive. Is the product something you can

offer from a home office or will a brick-and-mortar location be required? The amount of financial help you need will largely depend on your vision for the business.

If you require assistance,

don’t be afraid to reach out to investors for help. But be wary of the percentage of your business they own as your opinion may not be valued as highly as someone with a larger piece of the pie.

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DON’T FEAR TECHNOLOGY Modern technology grants business owners a new way to reach the masses affordable and at the click of a button.

Embrace learning the ins and outs of advertising on social

media, using networking to your advantage, and reaching out to members in your community for a referral or recommendation of your product.

Look for classes at your local community college or library.

Your community’s nonprofit hospice, providing compassionate and quality care, education and support to patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay since 1979.

Hospice Care Palliative Care Pediatric Care Alexander Cohen Hospice House Admissions 7 Days a Week Grief Support Camp Erin® of the Central Valley Crisis Response Educational Classes and Resources Hope Chest Thrift Stores

BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF CUPCAKES This mother-daughter tea and cupcake party is just one of the many ways Bethany Home brings families together. Our activities staff know that families matter. They look for opportunities to connect the generations. A good old fashioned tea party is a great way to spend time with those you love.

4368 Spyres Way • Modesto, CA 95356 • 209.578.6300 2431 W. March Lane, Suite 100, Stockton, CA 95207 • 209.477.6300 CommunityHospiceCV

hospiceheart.org

CA100000783 | CA100000613

Request information or schedule a tour at:

209-599-4221 • bethanyripon.org

•

930 W. Main Street, Ripon

www.stopworkcompfraud.org

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD Health care scams cost Americans billions of dollars each year.

Medical Provider Fraud is anytime a medical provider is involved in fraudulent conduct for the purpose of their own enrichment.

Examples include: > Billing for services or treatment never performed; > Billing the workers’ compensation insurer and the workers’ health insurer for the same services; > Performing medically unnecessary treatment, examinations or diagnostic procedures in order to bill for them; > Miscoding or Up-coding treatment charges; > Billing for durable medical equipment that is never dispensed or selling used equipment as new.

The District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit pursues an aggressive approach to identify, investigate and prosecute workers’compensation fraud throughout Stanislaus County.

If you know of a medical provider involved in fraudulent activity, contact the Insurance Fraud Unit of the District Attorney’s Office through our website at www.stopworkcompfraud.org or call (209) 223-6444.

SENIOR 21 LIVING

ive us old snapshots and

we’ll give you a new way of remembering.

Video Tributes from Our Funeral Home

Our Video Tributess are more than a unique way to show the past–they’re a remarkable way to share memories.

You provide old photos of family and friends and we’ll develop a one-of-a-kind video montage. It’s then set to music and shown at the service.

Treasure it for the day. Keep it forever. Video Tributes…a moving experience.

“Celebrating 65 years” 247 N. Broadway • Turlock, California 95380

Phone (209) 634-5829 • Fax 209-634-0665 www.allenmortuary.com FD 432

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SENIOR 23 LIVING

See the world as it was meant to be seen.

CATARACT SURGERY • GLAUCOMA CARE • RETINAL SERVICES EYELID SURGERY • LASIK • VISION EXAMS • GLASSES • CONTACTS

Joseph Zeiter, M.D.

John Zeiter, M.D.

Richard Wong, M.D.

John Canzano, M.D.

Joseph Zeiter, Jr., M.D.

Michael Mequio, M.D.

Peter Hetzner, O.D.

Linda Hsu, O.D.

Steven Wood, O.D.

STOCKTON

Over 55 years of Vision Care

SENIOR 24 LIVING

Robert Pedersen, O.D.

LODI

Devomder Grewal, O.D.

Robert Dupree, O.D.

MANTECA TRACY

Jennifer Pham, O. D.

SONORA

209-239-3880 www.zeitereye.com

Ralph Miranda, O.D.