Category Archives: Senior Living

The ins and outs of a living trust

3-bottom, Finances, Senior Living

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

Pxhere.com

“A living trust…is more flexible and more private than a will. It affords you, your assets, and your heirs greater protections should you become incapacitated.”- Consumer Reports

Most people understand that a will is an estate management document that takes effect after a person dies.

However, there is also a way to administer your estate and ensure your wishes are followed. A living trust is a fund set up while you are alive to help you plan your estate more efficiently and privately.

A living trust is a legal vehicle used to pass on the assets of an estate, such as property, investments, collectibles, and other assets. It is sometimes chosen by people who want to help their heirs avoid a lengthy and expensive probate process or fear they may become incapacitated later in life.

A living trust provides clear instructions about dividing assets once the original owner passes away.

You can fund a trust using several sources, including:

· Cash and bank accounts

· Real estate

· Insurance

· Intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks

Formation of a living trust involves the owner of the assets, called the “grantor,” removing his or her name from ownership. Then, the assets are placed into the trust’s name. This process is known as funding the trust.

Once funding occurs, the grantor designates a “trustee,” charged with ensuring that all the trust provisions execute correctly. A trustee must be carefully selected and could be a relative or close associate of the grantor, or even a reputable third party such as a lawyer, banker, or accountant.

Establishing a trust fund enables the grantor to leave an inheritance to their heirs, also called “beneficiaries.” The grantor can even place specific conditions on receiving trust items.

Living trusts come in two different versions: revocable and irrevocable. Revocable trusts tend to be the least complex and most common type. Revocable trusts offer flexibility in that they can be changed or canceled by a grantor.

Advantages of a Living Trust

  • All living trusts offer some unique estate management advantages.
  • These include:
  • Increased privacy. 
  • Unlike wills, living trusts are not public documents. The public cannot get copies of a living trust without permission from the trustee. 
  • Shorter, less expensive probate. With a trust, the trustee can take care of end-of-life issues, like dealing with creditors, more efficiently. The trustee can act immediately, without the need to wait for a probate judge to decide.

The Downsides of a Living Trust

Before deciding to set up a trust, you should recognize that there are potential downsides.

Trusts can be costly: Depending on your circumstances and your goals for a trust, it can be expensive to set up. Some people attempt to set up trusts themselves, using forms or an online platform to avoid this.

You must participate in the process: When a grantor establishes a trust, he or she has the sometimes tedious job of retitling assets. Failing to retitle assets means the trust will not perform to expectations.

 Whatever you decide, always use an authorized attorney to prepare your trust.  Never use an insurance agent who claims to be working with an attorney; these can be more costly and are frowned upon by the legal community.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Where can you find the money to build a safe, predictable retirement?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Senior Living

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

Pxhere.com

You are likely to be retired much longer than you think.

For how long do you think you will live? Do you believe you’ll live into your late 70s? Are you confident you’ll follow in the path of your parents, who were alive and well into their mid to late 80s?

The average joint life expectancy (men and women together) is approximately 90 years for over 49% of the population. A full 20% of Americans live to age 95!

Depending on your unique perspective, that’s either good or bad. It’s good because many people want to live for as long as possible, provided they are in decent physical and mental health. However, a long life can be bad news when it puts you at risk of outliving your money in retirement.

Something else to consider is that these numbers are AVERAGES. More people are hitting triple digits, and you could very well be one of them. There are tons of exceptions to the rule, especially if you are the beneficiary of excellent genes, have made an effort to stay fit and healthy, and have managed stress properly.

Longevity is a possibility. This is why creating a portfolio to help you maintain your current standard of living in 30-plus years of retirement is challenging. Having less money in retirement is a concern for retirees and pre-retirees. Nearly all seniors know someone who has beaten the odds and lived longer than they planned.

Many retirees and pre-retirees had had someone in their own families who went through hardship and deprivation because they ran out of many at a time when they needed it the most.

The logical solution to not having enough money for retirement is to start earlier and save more. That’s not always easy to do, however. Many people are barely making ends meet and don’t have much discretionary money to create retirement income. You may fall into that category and worry that you don’t have any money to build a retirement account.

How do you find money to finance a retirement plan?

Developing a saving and income-planning mindset is valuable at any age.

Understandably, you might have a tight budget due to where you are in your career track. Or, you might have family, medical, or debt issues that make saving a tough proposition.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can free up cash or find the money you never knew you had to fund a retirement plan. Here are three things you can do right now to free up money for retirement.

1. Debt restructuring. Look at all your debt, including student loans and consumer debt. Perhaps you can negotiate lower rates or pay the debt off more slowly.

2. IRA or 401(k) Ask your financial expert and tax advisor to see if you might qualify to pull money out of your qualified plan without a penalty. If you qualify, you can use that cash to purchase investments that give you higher interest rates. This option is available under rule 72(t) for certain individuals who are younger than 59½.

3. Live a simpler lifestyle. Making your car, major appliances, and other big-ticket items last longer can add up to thousands of dollars you can use to fund your post-career life.

 

No matter your current financial situation, you can and should set aside money for a time when you will no longer get a paycheck. Starting early and being consistent, along with small lifestyle changes, will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a better retirement lifestyle.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Community Transition Services help seniors

3-bottom, Senior Living, West Michigan,

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

the Community Transition Services help seniors return to their community and home. (Pxhere.com)

Many of us take the time spent with family during the holiday season as a given. Houses full of laughter, home-cooked meals, family games, stories, and general merriment. The traditions we have may change over the years, but the setting is often the same…home.

However, as we get older, it could become harder to stay living at home. The independence we once had may wane, and, in some cases, older adults could find themselves in a long-term facility setting. For four years, Darlene, 61, was in a facility due to a cancer diagnosis and ongoing health-related issues. For some, a facility is a great fit for their care needs, but Darlene dreamed of returning home, though she never thought it would happen. After small improvements in her health, she stated, “I put my heart and soul into getting well!”

Once she built up her strength, Darlene faced an overwhelming task, how to return to the community while still meeting her care needs. This is where the Community Transition Services (CTS) program through the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan came in. Melissa, the social worker at Darlene’s facility, connected her to the program, which assists those wanting to return to the community by securing housing, setting up groceries and other household goods, and coordinating referrals for in-home services such as MI Choice Waiver, Care Management, and others.

 

With the help of the CTS program, Darlene is now home for the holidays in HER new apartment near her son and his family! She summed up her experience with the CTS team by saying, “It was a seamless transition! I felt comfortable putting all the loose ends in their hands!” Darlene is now enjoying her first holiday season at home with her family in five years.

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) serves a nine-county region that includes Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties. In addition to the nine counties above, the Community Transitions Services program is also newly available in Oceana, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. (Please note this is specific to the CTS program only and does not include other AAAWM programs). For someone to qualify for the CTS program, they must:

  • Reside in a facility
  • Currently on, or eligible for, Medicaid
  • Desire to return home or secure other housing (i.e., apartment or assisted living)
  • Has a barrier to discharging safely from a facility in one of the twelve CTS counties

To learn more and request an assessment, you can call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888-456-5664. As a local contact agency, AAAWM can also meet with those residing in a facility who indicate an interest in learning about community resources. Darlene practices staying in a state of gratitude in her new home near her son and grandchildren, “I’m so thankful for everyone who participated in helping me find a home near family. I remember the day my son came and got me…I cried the whole way! Thank you, everyone!” We are so thrilled that the Community Transition Services program was able to assist Darlene in her transition and that she is home for the holidays!

Acknowledging a complex mind is integral to caring for the whole person

3-bottom, Senior Living,

By Emmanuel Hospice

The human body’s most complex organ?

A range of activities, including counseling, journaling, massage therapy and more, can be offered to hospice patients and their loved ones to help put the mind at ease. Pictured are Joan Blessings, a licensed massage therapist and member of Emmanuel Hospice’s complementary therapy team, with patient Virginia “Ginny” Gengle. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)

The brain, teeming with some 86 billion neurons, all of which are in use and communicating with other neurons to form circuits and share information along myriad pathways.

That is exactly why healthcare providers like Emmanuel Hospice pay special attention not only to a patient’s physical needs, but to the mind – a growing trend among medical professionals in general, who are embracing this holistic approach more than ever before.

“The traditional medical mindset has been to focus in on what is going on with the body,” notes Lauren Enos, a social worker at Emmanuel Hospice who has been a healthcare worker 16 years. “What we’re learning, though, is that things occurring medically can be the result of external stressors and events. When we pay attention to that as well, we gain a more accurate picture of causes and circumstances surrounding what a patient is going through.”

Because providing comfort is a primary goal of hospice programs, it’s important to know a patient’s history so that they can receive the best care possible.

“A person’s life is steeped in history, culture and habit,” Enos says. “They’re a product of the people who came before them, and it can inform their qualities and characteristics – anything from education to spending habits to relationships.”

Learning about how a person thinks and acts – especially in a singular situation like dying – can help caregivers approach that patient and their friends and family in more sensitive ways.

“Each patient could be someone who perhaps is carrying five generations of history with any particular issue,” Enos says. “It’s important we know as much as we can.”

As a social worker, Enos says it’s especially important to be an active listener. The rewards will manifest themselves in the patient’s story, which will provide cues as to what they’re thinking and why they react the way they do. They will also serve as a springboard for developing strategies to effectively navigate end-of-life needs.

“We want to decrease the patient’s tension, and maybe that’s achievable in having someone play music for them and sing hymns,” Enos says. “Maybe it’s through massage therapy or acupuncture or just practicing deep breathing.”

At Emmanuel Hospice, a full slate of complementary therapies is available to patients and their families, including journaling, which can take multiple forms. While some patients make daily diary-like entries, others might simply write a letter or two that helps them internalize feelings that are tough to verbally express.

Another program offered is Art Legacy, which gives patients the opportunity to create and leave behind legacy artwork for their loved ones. Patients can use anything from crayon to watercolor paint, fabrics and more for self-expression.

“All of these activities allow the mind to relax and let creative energy flow,” Enos says. “It can bring emotions to the front.

“Supporting our patients’ minds culminates in some very powerful moments. It begins with having a respect for the entire person and all the systems they might be in – home environment, community, school, family origins. It’s a privilege to be part of a team which honors that process.”

How do annuities work?

3-bottom, Finances, Senior Living

By Dave Stanely
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Pxhere.com

Annuities are financial products that provide a guaranteed income stream in exchange for a lump sum payment or series of payments. There are several different types of annuities, including fixed, variable, and indexed, each with its own features and benefits.

 

Here is an overview of how annuities work:

 

  1. An individual enters into a contract with an insurance company to purchase an annuity. 
  2. The individual makes a lump sum payment or a series of payments to the insurance company. 
  3. The insurance company invests the payments and earns a return on the investment. 
  4. The individual can choose to receive the income from the annuity in a number of ways, such as: 
    1. A fixed amount each month, quarter, or year 
    1. A variable amount that depends on the performance of the underlying investments 
    1. A combination of the two 
  5. The income payments from the annuity are guaranteed for a specified period of time or for the remainder of the individual’s life.

One common type of annuity is a fixed annuity, which provides a guaranteed rate of return and a guaranteed income stream for a specified period of time. The income stream can be received all at once in a lump sum, or it can be received in installments over a period of time.

Before making a purchase, it is important to carefully review the terms of the annuity contract, including the fees, surrender charges, and any restrictions on withdrawing funds.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

County’s Swap Shop gives second life to household products

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, How-To's, Senior Living

By Adam Brown
WKTV Contributor

Items in the Swap Shop inventory constantly change. (Courtesy, Kent County)

Have you ever looked in a closet or storage area and found old household products you no longer use?

For many, that answer is likely yes. We may keep these old, unusable household products around simply because we do not know how to dispose of them. That’s where the “Swap Shop” operated by the Kent County Department of Public Works (KCDPW) comes in.

Since opening in January 2022, the Swap Shop has offered a collection of gently used household products. Residents may drop off products they no longer need at the KCDPW’s satellite sites that utilize Kent County’s SafeChem free disposal program. Resource recovery specialists inspect the items and transport them to the Swap Shop, where they are available to the public for free.

 

The Swap Shop asks residents who take products to sign a reuse waiver and return unused products to a SafeChem satellite site. This combination of easy disposal and free pickup and collection likely made the Swap Shop a hit in the local community.

What is the Swap Shop?

Located at 1045 Wealthy St. SW, the Swap Shop holds an ever-changing inventory of household cleaners, automotive supplies, and lawn products available to anyone who may need them.

 

“Instead of sending gently used products for disposal, we reclaim them and add them to our Swap Shop inventory,” said Jonathan Neracher, a resource revery specialist at the department, as he outlined the central mission of the Swap Shop. “The Swap Shop is a community resource where people who may not be able to buy these products, or are really committed to reusing them, can pick up and use them in their households. The bottom line: we’d rather see these products be used than end up anywhere else.”

Neracher added that the Kent County Department of Public Works team is aware of the cost saving opportunity that something like the SwapShop would provide as well as being huge fans of reusing items that are still in good condition.

What type of products are available at the Swap Shop?

Though the Swap Shop inventory constantly changes, the most common products include:

• Automotive supplies (brake fluid, oil, car wash supplies)

• Household items (drain cleaner, spray paint, stains, varnishes, thinners, adhesives)

• Lawn and garden care products (weed killer, pool supplies, and insect repellent)

• Personal care products (soaps, nail polish, shampoo)

Each month, the Swap Shop adds nearly 1,000 pounds of product to its inventory, recently including more than 160 full or almost full propane cylinders. 

Impact on the community

Neracher attributes the Swap Shop’s success and extensive inventory to one factor: the fact that it is free.

“I have yet to meet a resident who didn’t like the idea of free stuff,” he said. “Some of our customers are retirees looking for a productive low cost project to work on, others are new homeowners that need to put some TLC into their new home. We’ve had teachers looking for supplies for class projects and artists looking to create using waste.”

The accessibility of free household products at the Swap Shop allows residents to avoid a costly trip to the store for the same or similar items. They can also try out different products without needing to pay for them. If the consumer does not need the product they try, they can simply return it to the Swap Shop. 

Why the Swap Shop matters in today’s world

Recycling and reusing have become more critical than ever due to the rising environmental impacts of human activities.

“The SwapShop, SafeChem Program and Sustainable Business Park shows the county’s dedication to reducing waste and providing a more sustainable framework for the world we want to live in,” Neracher said. “When you Swap at the Swap Shop you [are] not only saving money for the county and yourself, but that is one less bag of fertilizer that needs to be produced, one less bottle [of] drain cleaner being taken off the shelves, one less propane tank going into circulation, one less quart of motor oil being refined.”

With global inflation rates impacting nearly all consumer goods, the Swap Shop’s model of free products makes it a rare commodity in today’s market. That model of “free” will keep the Swap Shop as an integral part of the Grand Rapids community for years to come.

In the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, there are two SafeChem satellite sites. The City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant, 2350 Ivanrest SW, Grandville, and the City of Kentwood Public Works Facility, 5068 Breton Rd. SE. For more information about the KCDPW’s SafeChem satellite sites and a list of products they accept, click here.

How to stay active during the winter

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, ,

Emily Armstrong
Area Agency of Aging Western Michigan

When it comes to house repairs, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to help. (Pxhere.com)

Fall is in full swing and with that comes cooler weather. As the seasons change, you are more inclined to stay indoors and pass on events you used to enjoy in the warmer months–it happens to the best of us. Yet this lack of socialization, movement, and engagement in the winter can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. Winter can be an especially difficult season for older adults. You may not have the means to drive or keep up with home maintenance and repairs, and you could start feeling a bit defeated during this time. Trying to combat these things can be overwhelming, but just because you aren’t able to get out as much doesn’t mean there aren’t a variety of things you can do to have a winter of wellness.

Here are just a few tips:

Take advantage of open enrollment. Now is a good time to review your healthcare needs. Medicare/Medicaid Open Enrollment is underway, and you can make changes to your plan through Dec. 7. The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program can be a great support in navigating this, offering unbiased help at 1-800-803-7174.

Catch a ride. Several transportation resources are available specifically for older adults, and it is great to be able to take advantage of these in winter months when there is inclement weather. In Kent County, RideLink provides seniors 60+ with affordable rides throughout the county.

You can learn more about RideLink at https://www.aaawm.org/ridelink, or feel free to call 616-774-1288 to schedule a ride. If you are outside Kent County, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan can connect you to other transportation resources in our nine-county region.

Move your body. An important aspect of aging well is prioritizing both your physical and emotional health. Many community options are available to meet individuals where they are, including the newly renamed Engaging Wellness. All Engaging Wellness programs are designed specifically for older adults, offering evidence-based classes that are safe and effective. Community partners within the nine-county network are dedicated to helping seniors stay active and independent, bringing a holistic, full-circle approach to aging with education on nutrition, diabetes prevention, and fitness classes.

Use your resources. It can be tough to keep up with the maintenance of your home in the winter. When this happens, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A family member or friend was probably always willing but perhaps unsure of what help you need. Or if this isn’t an option, through the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, a number of home chores and repair services are available from yard cleanup, snow removal, lawn mowing, and minor home maintenance.

Connect to your community. Whether it is joining a senior center, a book club at your local library or volunteering for a cause that matters, being involved can help your mood immensely. You get a healthy dose of regular socialization with others, and when you join a group initiative, you are more likely to stick to it as other people can help keep you accountable.

So, what’s your next step? Reach out to us at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan; it is a knowledge hub for services available to seniors. Often we will offer information on local senior centers to join, available exercise programming, and home and transportation resources to help you maintain your independence over the more challenging winter months and throughout the year. Visit www.aaawm.org/services or call 616-456-5664 to get started.

Coping with grief during the holidays

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Kent County, Senior Living,

By Emmanuel Hospice

Emmanuel Hospice’s grief support services are open to anyone in the community on a grief journey regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit organization or hospice care. (Emmanuel Hospice/Adobe Stock)

It can be hard handling the holidays – especially if you’re trying to process grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one.

But there are ways to make it through this season.

That’s not to say there’s a magic wand available to make your sadness vanish. But strategies and coping mechanisms do exist that can be put into place to make the holidays a little less stressful, even though you’re recovering from a loss.

“One of the first things to realize is that grief is a continuum,” says Ashley Huisman, bereavement coordinator for Emmanuel Hospice. “So, while one person might react very stoically and without a lot of tears, another might be extremely emotional.

“The important thing is not to judge; we don’t know what anyone is dealing with internally in that moment.”

Another thing to consider, says Huisman, is that not everyone processes grief according to the so-called five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, despair and acceptance.

“Grief isn’t a standard, cookie-cutter type of thing,” she says, noting it’s just as common to bounce between these stages or even skip one as it is to follow them in a linear way.

Huisman offers the following tips on how to cope with grief at the holidays:

  • Manage expectations. Just because you’ve always been relied upon to bake that fancy dessert, the grief you’re feeling might compel you to pass this year. Even at the risk of thinking you’re letting someone down, take care of yourself first. “Pick out the tasks or customs,” says Huisman, “that have the most meaning for you.”
  • Make time for yourself. “Take a nap,” says Huisman. “Listen to music. Try to be reflective. Or even try to not remember for a while what you’re dealing with. The important thing is to check in with yourself and be sure you’re getting what you need.”
  • Give to get. When grief overwhelms, make a conscious effort to support others. It can help you create perspective and focus on another’s needs. Says Huisman, “It’s giving your heart a break.”
  • Memorialize your loss. Create a special ornament that honors the person gone. Continue to hang a stocking in their name, and slip a note inside telling them the ways they’re missed. Light a candle. Write a poem. Buy a gift they would have loved and donate it in their name to a cause. 
  • Reach out for help. Emmanuel Hospice, for example, offers workshops and support groups to help anyone in the community manage grief, regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit organization or hospice care.

The nonprofit is offering free “Handling the Holidays” grief support sessions at various locations in the greater Grand Rapids area:

  • Monday, Dec. 5 from 1-2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 2-3 p.m. 
  • Monday, Dec. 19 from 10-11 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 10-11 a.m.

     

Those interested in joining are asked to contact Emmanuel Hospice if they plan to attend and get more information at 616-719-0919 or EHBereavement@emmanuelhospice.org. RSVPs are welcome up until the day of the event.

In addition to leading support groups, Emmanuel Hospice provides support through counseling, education and referrals to community resources to help individuals cope with all stages of grief before, during and even after the holidays. More information is available at EmmanuelHospice.org/grief-support.

Though it sounds simplistic, Huisman encourages people grieving through the holidays to “take them one day at a time. Try not to be anxious.

“Most of all,” she says, “look for things that will give you comfort. And let the rest be.”

Worried about interest rate volatility? “Ladder up!”

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Image from Pxhere.com

If you are like many pre-retirees or retirees, you may be hesitant to purchase annuities because you worry you will enter the market at the wrong time and won’t maximize your returns. An increasingly popular technique known as “annuity laddering” may help guard against this situation and make the transition to annuities much easier and less stressful for you.

Building an annuity ladder means that you purchase a series of annuities over time instead of dumping a lump sum into one annuity that locks you into one rate. With a ladder, you split your premium across multiple smaller annuities. For instance, maybe you decide to buy one annuity every two years for the next ten years. Or you buy one annuity per year for the next five years.

The annuity ladder strategy has several advantages

The first advantage is that you don’t have all your eggs in one basket. By diversifying your annuities, you are less susceptible to the fluctuations of the market.

The second advantage is that you can take advantage of changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, you can purchase annuities that have not yet been affected by the market change.

The third advantage is that you can ladder annuities with different payouts. For example, you could buy an annuity with a term period of 5 years, the next year buy another 5-year term period, and up the ladder, you go. When you use the annuity as income, when one matures, simply start converting them to an income stream. Income periods can be any length you wish, even a lifetime. This way, you would have a stream of income that would last for the rest of your life.

Diversifying to reduce risk

Laddering annuities can be a great way to secure your financial future. By diversifying your annuities, you can protect yourself from market fluctuations and take advantage of changes in interest rates. By laddering annuities with different payouts, you can ensure that you have a stream of income that lasts for the rest of your life.

Annuity laddering can help you manage risk. By laddering annuities with different maturity dates, you create a “spread” that can protect you against interest rate risk.

Since predictions of whether interest rates will go up or down are, at best-educated guesses, an annuity ladder lets you bet on both scenarios. A ladder may increase your chances of earning more when rates go up or smooth out losses if rates go down.

Always review to see what’s right for you

There are many different ways to build annuity ladders for yield, including fixed-rate ladders using multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs). You can also use a “mixed-fix” approach combining MYGAs and fixed–index annuities. Deferred multi-year ladders work in a somewhat similar fashion to certificates of deposit (CDs).

Another approach is the deferred multi-year annuity ladder. You take a lump sum to purchase several small annuities in a deferred multi-year annuity ladder, each with a different maturity date. As each annuity matures, you either roll it over into a new annuity or convert it to income.

Creating an annuity ladder may not work for everyone. Still, it is worth bringing up with your retirement advisor, especially if you find yourself considering adding Safe Money products to your portfolio.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Image from Pxhere.com

He won the Nobel Prize, how about quantum annuities?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Image from Pxhere.com
Image from Pxhere.com

Albert Einstein was ahead of his time. He revolutionized physics thinking, and his theory beginning with the breakout year of 1905, is still the basics of quantum physics today, more than 100 years later. When Einstein is remembered for his work, it is almost always E = mc², the theory of relativity. However, I think a more interesting part of Einstein’s life was his view on compound interest.

Albert Einstein called compound interest “the greatest mathematical discovery of all time.”

The power of tax deferral

Compound interest allows the account to grow by earning interest on the original investment and any accumulated interest. Here is a generally accepted definition of compound interest.

The interest is calculated on the initial principal and the accumulated interest of prior periods. Compound interest differs from simple interest in that simple interest is calculated solely as a percentage of the principal sum.

Compound interest is offered by banks and savings institutions and is also referred to as “double compounding.” The interest is credited, but it is taxable. The downside is when the interest is credited to your account and comes with tax liability.

Insurance companies offer products that allow for tax deferral and compounding but, under certain situations, can also defer the tax liability. These products are called annuities and life insurance. If the accumulated funds are left untouched, the tax liability is deferred.

This concept is referred to as “triple compounding.”

If some of your savings are placed in an annuity, the benefit of tax deferral provides for:

  • Interest on your principal
  • Interest on your interest and
  • Interest on your tax saving, because your interest is free from current income tax in an annuity, can all continue to compound instead of being withdrawn for tax payments.

And there is more

Is that all there is? No! There is also “quantum compounding.”

Quantum Compounding is building on Triple Compounding by adding features only found on certain insurance company annuities.

·        A bonus of 5% to 10% may be available on funds deposited immediately and guaranteed

·        Long-term care benefit riders may be available

·        Lifetime income provisions

·        Annual moveable minimum guarantees

·        Full guarantees against loss and risk based on the insurance company’s ability to pay.

·        Probate avoidance using a named beneficiary

Consider the use of quantum annuities for added benefits and added value for yourself and your heirs.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Guess what is coming to a bank near you?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , , , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Image from Pxhere.com/ Alan Levine

What appears foreign will become commonplace, and you might as well prepare for it. Cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance are all the rage right now, and you’ve probably heard of things like Bitcoin or Ethereum. However, the real story lies in the mechanism that drives these new technologies and forever changes the digital landscape. This is where blockchain enters the picture, the novel technology that enables things like cryptocurrency to exist in the way they do.

What is a blockchain, and what is with all the hype?

Blockchain is a digital database used to catalog all kinds of information (e.g., money, goods, properties, and services). The power behind these databases lies in their ability to create blocks of data which are then chained together with timestamps attached for easier tracking purposes. This makes an unbreakable audit trail documenting every action taken on the platform – from transfer payments between users to how many calories were burned during your morning run! Digital databases are powered by a computer network that is either part of a centralized or decentralized network.

Bitcoin, for example, uses blockchain to record peer-to-peer transactions through a distributed database. This distributed database exists between the computers of all users of the cryptocurrency. The idea is that having the database distributed amongst all the users allows for greater transparency and enhanced security. It enables users to access, audit, trace, and verify digital assets without working through an intermediary. By cutting down on intermediaries, blockchain cryptocurrencies put the power to control data back into consumers’ hands.

Why are cryptocurrencies more secure?

The adage “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket” sums it up. Like banks and universities, many institutions with valuable and personal consumer information operate using a central database. This information is stored within a centralized computer network housed in one location. All that data is controlled by one entity and is more vulnerable to hacks because it would require only a single point of failure to gain access. For a potential attacker to compromise a distributed database like Bitcoin, they would have to gain control of at least 50% of the computers within that network. Even then, the other 50% can fact-check and sniff out discrepancies, making it very unlikely that a hack would ever occur.

Why is this important when it comes to managing digital assets?

· No third-party involvement

· Transactions of authenticated digital assets made via blockchain are typically available in 10 minutes, versus a traditional bank transaction that may take 24 hours or more to complete, not including weekends and holidays

· Blockchain technology guarantees the data’s integrity through cryptography and a distributed database.

Why is this important to us now?

This is the evolution of our data future, and the future of all banks is being reshaped by new technology. Protecting and maintaining control of data is more critical now than ever. In the past few years, major companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Morgan Stanley have been impacted by massive data breaches affecting millions of users. Blockchain technology is making waves in the digital world by providing much-needed security measures and by giving them the power to control data back to consumers.

Digital?

Yes, your bank is now 100% digital; it is now our future. Be informed.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

How to navigate hospice services and access care

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Senior Living, ,

By Emmanuel Hospice

Many of us realize that hospices are there to serve us.

It’s never too early to inquire about hospice care. With just a click or a call, you can learn about services available, eligibility, costs and more to find a good fit. (Adobe Stock)

But sometimes, it’s difficult to break the ice. How do you reach out – with a call or a click? And how do you express the need? With whom do you ask to speak? And what exactly do you say?

In a perfect world, there are protocols in place to accommodate all the above and more. And you should be able to reach out anytime – day or night, weekday or weekends, even on a holiday.

“At Emmanuel Hospice, we understand that life doesn’t stop when you have a need for hospice,” says Elizabeth Mangiapane, a patient access specialist there. “That’s why any time you call our main line, it’s going to be answered on a 24/7 basis. Easter Sunday? Middle of the night? It doesn’t matter. You will connect with someone who can help.”

Mangiapane emphasizes that a referral to Emmanuel can originate in more than one way. Often, a physician will make the connection. But sometimes, family members serving as caregivers become involved at the outset, and naturally they have questions about eligibility, timing and more.

While a physician’s order is required to perform a formal assessment, a representative from Emmanuel will welcome the opportunity to meet with a patient and/or their loved ones if they simply have questions.

In either case, “we do all the legwork,” Mangiapane says. If it’s determined someone qualifies, the hospice care provider will integrate the patient’s physician and medical history into the equation as needed.

“We’ll set up meetings. We’ll work with the doctors. We are glad to serve in any capacity that lessens the burden on that patient, on that family.”

Mangiapane notes that there’s never a “wrong time” to inquire about hospice. Too often, people will act on the misconception that hospice is only “for the last few days a patient has.”

On the contrary, “We’re trying more than ever to educate the community on how it can be for a much longer time period, so that we might focus earlier not on the quantity of life someone has left, but the quality of life that remains.”

For someone who lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, that institution may have a working relationship with a preferred provider. But Mangiapane explains that a patient and their family have the right to choose any hospice, and shouldn’t feel pressured.

Mangiapane says it’s important you come away with a full understanding of the services a hospice provides. At Emmanuel, for example, a full slate of complementary services is available – pet visitors, massage therapy, music therapy, virtual reality and more.

Location of care is important to ask about, too. A common misconception is that hospice is a place you go to, but for most providers, hospice care can be provided anywhere. With Emmanuel, it can be in the hospital, a care facility or wherever a person calls home.

Cost is another consideration. Medicare and most commercial insurances will cover 100% of virtually everything provided by hospice – medications and visits, personal care, counseling and other services – but there are some limitations. A phone call can help you discover where you stand.

“Make your choices based on the needs of the patient and family,” says Mangiapane. “You want what’s right for you, and that can look different from person to person.”

For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616-719-0919.

Helpful tips for open enrollment

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Senior Living, , , ,

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Open enrollment for Medicare/Medicaid is through Dec. 7. (Photo from Pxhere.com)

The world of Medicare/Medicaid can be an extremely confusing one. Each year, open enrollment occurs from Oct. 15-Dec. 7. This provides the chance for individuals to review and make changes to their Medicare Part D prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Changes that are permittable include monthly premiums, yearly deductibles copays, prescription copays, prescription formulary (list of covered medications), and pharmacy network.

This process can be overwhelming—how do you know which option is the best fit for you? Here are a few tips for navigating the open enrollment season:

  1. Know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. “Medicare is a medical program for people over 65 and younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Medicaid is an assistance program for low-income patients’ medical expenses,” explains the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you are a senior, then you are likely navigating the world of Medicare. All changes to your plan must be made by December 7, and new coverage begins on January 1, 2023.

  2. Seek help from a trusted source. The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) provides unbiased help with Medicare and Medicaid at no charge. This state-wide program doesn’t sell Medicare plans—certified volunteer counselors are there to help you understand your options. It is designed specifically to help older adults, their families, and caregivers understand, access, and apply. As Bob Callery, MMAP Regional Director, explains, “When people contact us, they may not be sure of what types of questions they need to ask, MMAP counselors can help people navigate the complexities of Medicare. Our counselors are unbiased and want to help people find what will work best for their needs and is the most cost-effective.” You can set up an appointment with a MMAP specialist at 1-800-803-7174, through the Area Agency of Western Michigan at (616) 456-5664, or email MMAP@aaawm.org.

  3. Watch out for scams. During open enrollment especially, scammers take advantage of this time of year by posing as representatives that offer assistance in signing you up for healthcare. Some quick tips from the Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition include:
    1. Scam: An unsolicited “agent” calls and offers to help enroll you in a health plan. Legitimate agents need your permission to contact you.
    1. Scam: The scammer will ask for your personal information, such as Medicare or Social Security number. You are always able to get information about Medicare plans without providing an ID number. ID numbers are only required when actually enrolling.
    1. Scam: Scammers may offer “free gifts” in exchange for your personal information. Real agents will never withhold service in exchange for your personal information.

An important part of open enrollment is making the best choice for your healthcare needs. Being aware of scams, understanding your options, and getting support from the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program are all things that can help make your open enrollment season a smooth process!

A fresh look at whole life insurance

Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service LLC

Whole life has a simple objective, to ensure your “whole” life, in other words, it will pay the benefits anytime during your whole life, regardless of how long you live. All you need to do is pay the premium.

Image from Pxhere.com

Life insurance is a contract between an insured person (the policyholder) and the insurer. The premium pays for guaranteed benefits in case of death, but there are other features that can provide additional protection as well.

In exchange for fixed premiums, whole-life policies offer life insurance protection and tax deferral on growth by accumulating cash value with competitive interest rates.

 

In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value, effectively a cash reserve that pays a modest rate of return, and the growth is tax-deferred. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

Borrowing still option

Most whole life insurance policies allow policyholders to borrow a portion of their policy’s cash value. Access to the cash value can allow you to pay for things like college expenses, a home down payment, or any other needs you may have.

 

When the policyholder dies, his or her beneficiaries receive the benefit from the policy. Depending on how the policy is structured, benefits are usually not taxable.

Whether whole life insurance is the best choice for you may depend on a variety of factors, including your goals or circumstances.

Considering options

Whole life insurance can be an excellent investment for those who want to be protected financially after death. The policies promise a fixed benefit but also offers additional benefits such as cash value – which can build up and provide returns tax-deferred in order of security against personnel losses caused by unforeseen events like accidents or illnesses, and guarantees based on claims-paying ability from issuing companies.

The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) does not insure life insurance. It is not insured by any federal government agency, bank, or savings association. Each state’s Department of Insurance regulates life insurance.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.  

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day offers opportunities to reflect, reach out

Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, Senior Living, ,

By Emmanuel Hospice

Pictured is an Emmanuel Hospice patient receiving massage therapy, which is one of the nonprofit’s complementary therapies that can be used to reduce pain, lower stress and manage fatigue. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)

For caregivers and survivors left in the wake of some six million who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s more than grief and anxiety to consider.

That’s the message from organizers of World Hospice & Palliative Care Day, celebrated Saturday, Oct. 8, to commemorate and support hospice and palliative care around the world with one voice advocating quality of life and equitable healthcare for all.

It’s also an opportunity to help people understand the difference between hospice care and palliative care, emphasizes Michele Siegel, a social worker for Emmanuel Hospice.

“A lot of people group the two together, but there are distinct differences,” she points out. “The biggest one is that with palliative care, you typically don’t have a life expectancy of six months or less to qualify for symptom management.”

At Emmanuel and other hospices, the primary emphasis is on providing holistic care and support for someone seeking to live as pain-free and alert as possible throughout a serious illness. Medications, equipment, supplies and care relate to pain and symptom relief.

 

That contrasts markedly from palliative care, where the patient is likely still fighting their illness and continues employing strategies tied to the prospect of cures.

“Does hospice provide palliative care?” Siegel poses. “In a sense, yes. We provide palliative care in the sense that our goal is to provide comfort and care. But with hospice, you also have a terminal diagnosis, and so you’re not seeking curative treatments.”

Sometimes, people suffering from the same maladies can be receiving either hospice or palliative care. They often include those diagnosed with cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions. The care they choose to receive determines whether they’re receiving palliative or hospice care. If they’re fighting their condition with therapies or clinical trials or other options designed to sustain life, that’s palliative care. If they’re mostly managing pain and symptoms and focused on “making the best of the time you have left,” says Siegel, that’s subscribing to hospice care.

According to Siegel, it’s important to rely on healthcare workers you trust – as well as friends or family members who may be serving as caregivers – to both understand and act on options available. In either case, she says, it’s important to find someone who wants to “coach but not force” decisions affecting care.

The organization supporting World Hospice & Palliative Care Day – online at theWHPCA.org – offers a digital toolkit on its website to help inform and educate those interested in the annual observance.

Siegel applauds such measures, noting that individual hospice care providers like Emmanuel also go to great means to educate people on who they are, what they stand for and the services they provide.

“We’re always just a click or a phone call away, and eager to inform people wondering about their options,” she says. “It’s not always easy wading through all the information available. We’re here to help with that.”

For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616.719.0919.

More Michigan communities strive to become age-friendly

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
Janelle James
Capital News Service

Some Michigan communities are trying to accommodate aging residents – and it’s not just the gray-haired population that benefits, advocates say.

Age-friendly communities allow seniors to be independent and continue to do things they love such as shopping. (pxhere.com)

More than 18% of the state’s population is 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census. It ranks 14th among the states for the largest population of people over 65.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in June approved a plan to make the state age-friendly.

It focuses on communication and information, respect and social inclusion, health services and community support, social participation and transportation.

That comes after announcing an initiative in 2019 with the AARP and the World Health Organization to make Michigan an age-friendly state.

Building an age-friendly community

An age-friendly community is a place where people of all ages can live comfortably, according to AARP, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Americans who are 50 or older.

Since then, nine cities have come up with an age-friendly community plan.

Auburn Hills was the first in Michigan to join a national network of such communities in 2013. It was followed by Highland Park and Lansing in 2015; East Lansing and Southfield in 2017; Grand Rapids in 2018 and Royal Oak and Jackson in 2019. Oak Park joined just this year.

Age-friendly communities allow seniors to be independent and continue to do things that they love, like going to the grocery store and visiting their grandchildren within their community, said Paula Cunningham, the state director for AARP Michigan.

They offer benefits to others, too, Cunningham said. For instance, longer crosswalk times help seniors with walkers, but also help those using wheelchairs and parents pushing strollers, she said.

Grand Rapids focuses on making information available

The City of Grand Rapids started working on its age-friendly community plan in 2016, according to Jay Steffen, assistant planning director for the City of Grand Rapids. After meeting with more than 500 area seniors, hosting several meetings, and talking to leaders in the community, the city’s efforts culminated into The Grand Rapids Age-Friendly Action Plan that is focused on four areas: communications, housing, outdoor spaces, and transportation.

The accessible walking trails is one the amenities that makes the City of Grand Rapids’ Mackay-Jayvee Park an age-friendly park. (Courtesy, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation)

Through the communication program, the city established a webpage designed to provide information on the four main topics along with connecting residents to services such as United Way’s 211, Network 180, and Senior Neighbors.

 

“It has been an interesting and challenging process because of the pandemic,” Steffen noted. “We do feel that the more readership we have along with working with the many other agencies that we are doing a fairly good job at getting the word out.”

The city’s parks and recreation department has contributed to the site by providing a list of 28 parks that are the most age-friendly based on a number of amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, parking, accessibility to walking paths, and seating.

Steffen said the city also has reached out to Senior Perspectives magazine, which focuses on providing information for seniors, to have the publication available in Grand Rapids.

City of Wyoming discusses age-friendly in master plan

While the City of Wyoming has not formally adopted an age-friendly community plan, its new [re]imagine master plan, does recognize that the city has experienced a “significant increase in the proportion of older adults aged 65 years and up…”

Under the Traditional Residential section of the plan’s Land Use recommendations, the master plan encourages expanding housing options for older adults seeking to age-in-place.

By providing such options, it makes it easier for a family to provide daily care to aging members as the family can moved closer to that member or have the member move closer to the family, said Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of planning and economic development.

 

What they are doing on the other side of the state

East Lansing community leaders strive to make the city accessible to young and old, said Thomas Fehrenbach, the director of planning, building and development for the city.

“Throughout the plan, we are very intentional on addressing not just seniors but people of all ages and all abilities,” said Fehrenbach, a member of East Lansing’s Age-friendly Community Committee. 

The city’s plan focuses on housing, transportation, communications/information, social participation, respect and social inclusion, community support and health services, outdoor spaces and buildings, civic participation and employment. It was approved by the AARP in 2020.

The community plan for Southfield is similar.

The city has already achieved many goals, like placing more benches at bus stops and across the city, said Kendall Murphy, the immediate past chair of Southfield’s Commission on Senior Adults. 

“With the rapid aging of baby boomers, we needed to make sure that we were prepared for that population to start being retired,” Murphy said. “We wanted to make sure that people were supported as they are aging. ”

Michigan was the first state in the Midwest and fifth in the country to join the network of age-friendly communities.

Janelle James is a sophomore at Michigan State University. She is pursing a double major in journalism and political science. James aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, white house correspondent, or politician. She is the state government reporter at The State News and has an internship with HOMTV, the government access channel for meridian Township. At HOMTV, James anchors live new shows, conducts interviews and covers local government.

Michigan seniors want more in-home care, but funding is needed

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Hard News, Senior Living, Volunteers, West Michigan, , , , ,

By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service

Many seniors want to “age in place” with help from family and/or friends. (pxhere.com)

LANSING – Funding for in-home care and other state senior services is not increasing proportionally to the number of seniors in Michigan, according to Melissa Seifert, the associate state director of AARP Michigan.

“Michigan is one of the most rapidly aging states in the nation,” Seifert said. “But we’re also one of the worst states when it comes to adequately addressing the needs of our senior population.

 

“A large amount of taxpayer dollars go to nursing homes, but not enough go to at-home care,” she said.

Many seniors have a desire to stay at home

Most senior citizens want to “age in place,” staying at home and being cared for by family or friends, said Seifert, whose organization provides seniors with information and services. But that is impossible for most people with current funding.

The one-time federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act offers the opportunity to better care for the state’s elderly population, she said.

Though the money is an important step, Seifert said ongoing support is needed. The goal is to bring about structural changes in at-home care funding that will make a positive difference without creating additional financial obligations for taxpayers, she said.

A growing senior population

The two most pressing issues for seniors are unnecessary institutionalization and overcrowded senior care facilities, Seifert said.

These problems are likely to get worse as more people get older and are no longer able to care for themselves the way they used to, advocates say.

 

The proportion of Michigan seniors is expected to reach 22% by 2050, said Cathleen Simlar, the communications manager for AARP Michigan. And the proportion of people 85 and older in Michigan is expected to reach 4.8% by the same year.

“We are incredibly unprepared for the amount of people who will be needing senior services in the coming years,” said Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, who is a member of the House Committee for Families, Children and Seniors.

The need for more funding

“We’ll need more funding for them, especially for their health care. Although there are options to help people with paying for health care, it should be expanded,” Pohutsky said.

Seifert agrees. “Not only is there a lack of government funding in health care, but there’s a shortage of direct care workers to serve those who want to stay at home,” she said.

Michigan needs 34,000 more home caregivers than the 165,000 it has, Seifert said. But “noncompetitive pay, low job satisfaction, unpredictable schedules and the absence of benefits” make it difficult to attract and retain them.

That turnover costs Michigan $684 million per year, she said.

Coming up with creative solutions

Services provided by the Tri-County Office on Aging have been strained during and after the COVID-19 pandemic as more people are choosing to age at home rather than move into a senior care facility, said Casey Cooper, the community engagement and fundraising director for the agency serving Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.

 

“For example, we do a Meals on Wheels program for our seniors and community members with disabilities,” Cooper said.

“Our services were definitely strained during the pandemic, and we had to get creative in order to serve everyone. Although qualifications for who could request our services were expanded, funding was not,” Cooper said.

There was not enough funding for one hot meal a day for everyone, she said. So, instead, seven frozen meals were delivered once a week. Now, the program has gone back to one hot meal a day, but people can still request frozen meals.

More creative solutions will be needed as the population of Michigan’s seniors grows, Cooper said.

 

There is a need for volunteers as well

“Right now, we have a shortage of funding and volunteers,” she said. “If funding is not increased along with the increase of seniors, people will not be able to access all of the services we would be able to provide them.”

Seifert said the coronavirus pandemic highlighted many holes in services for seniors.

“These issues were overlooked before and, hopefully now, increased funding and resources will be allotted to us and allow us to serve our senior communities how they want to be served,” she said.

Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.

Role of hospice social worker is to listen, engage, fulfill

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, Senior Living

By Emmanuel Hospice

Emmanuel Hospice patient Ruthe with hospice aide/certified nursing assistant Quincey VanKoevering getting ready to ride home after living out her wish of taking a trip to a favorite beach spot with her family. The photo was taken by Britt Fischer – capturing the experience was one of the ways she helped make the patient wish special. (Supplied)

For any social worker involved in hospice care, it’s all about meeting the needs of patients and their families. And that means listening intently and responding to clues that are both subtle and obvious.

“Just recently, I was sharing with a patient that they could tell me anything, because I’m there to listen and to serve, no matter the physical or emotional need,” says Britt Fischer, a medical social worker for Emmanuel Hospice. “I’m there to keep my ears and eyes open for anything, and if it’s a spiritual need or something else outside my realm, I’ll find the right person to address it.”

Fischer joined Emmanuel this year and brings nearly a decade of experience to the job tied to work she performed on behalf of adults with intellectual and developmental challenges.

“In hospice especially,” says Fischer, “it’s making sure folks have as many resources as possible as they make decisions about their final months and days. They may need assistance with exploring durable power of attorney and other legal questions. Maybe they’re at odds with a family member over final arrangements or have a strained relationship with a loved one. It could be any one of a number of concerns. It’s our job to help them and their family members sift through the options.”

According to Fischer, it’s important to honor the decisions a patient makes as they embark on what can be a difficult journey: “Sometimes it’s helping them deal with caregivers and friends and family. A veteran may have other concerns. And then there are people who don’t have a lot of support or others to lean on, and we become the last line of support.”

Sometimes, says Fischer, it’s a hard line to walk when the patient insists on one thing and a family member pushes for another. “We can get into some tough conversations, but the bottom line is to listen to all sides and respect those differing opinions in making those decisions for the patient.”

Fischer emphasizes that when a team approach is utilized – which is how Emmanuel provides its hospice care – it presents opportunities to cover all the bases: physical, emotional, spiritual and more. Social workers are especially attuned to anticipating the need for grief support, facilitating life reviews and educating patients and their loved ones about hospice care in a compassionate way.

It’s also important to attend to the details. “Maybe someone wants something as simple as an electric shaver. Or one more trip to the beach. To a social worker, job satisfaction is making those kinds of things happen for our people.”

The key, she says, is to establish and maintain open lines of communication with patients:  “That’s the best way to ensure the patient is served in every way.”

By definition, says Fischer, social work “is all about constantly learning while on the job, and it’s always changing, because you’re working with people as the center of your universe. You’re never going to be 100% prepared for every question or concern, but you learn how to adapt, how to try to make wishes come true.”

Kent County campaign aims to raise immunization rates

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Senior Living,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

Kent County Health Department launches new campaign to raise awareness on immunizations. (Supplied)

Recent news of the virus that causes polio being found in New York City wastewater has many people thinking about immunizations.

The reason? Because as many national health experts have noted, the best protection against such diseases as polio is immunization.

“The importance of getting our child immunize is that we need to keep them healthy,” said Amy Shears, the immunization program supervisor for the Kent County Health Department. “Our vaccine campaign is ‘The Future is Ours.’ We want our children to stay healthy. We don’t want a resurgence of diseases that we haven’t seen in years whether that is polio, measles or mumps.

“That is where we get nervous. If these immunizations rates continue to drop, could those diseases we haven’t seen in years, rear their ugly heads? That’s were we get concerned.”

In fact, about a couple of weeks before the news of polio in New York City’s wastewater was released, the Kent County Health Department had announced it would be launching a public awareness campaign, “The Future is Ours,” to address falling vaccination rates in the county.

Immunization rates are low

“As of Aug. 1, children 24-36 vaccine coverage rate of 71 percent,” Shears said. “Granted that is not a bad number but we would really like to see that in the high 80s.”

According to many health experts, the best way to protect against a number of different diseases is too immunize. (pxhere.com)

Recently the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released information that Michigan’s numbers have gone below 70 percent for immunizations for children 19 to 36 months. The rate is currently around 68 percent.

The practice of immunizations dates back hundreds of years. For modern-day immunizations, the smallpox vaccine is considered the first successful one. It was developed in 1796. The polio vaccine came next follow by MMR which is for measles, mumps, and rubella.

There is the Tdap which protects against there diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). A more recent vaccine is the HPV vaccine. This is a sexually transmitted infection that is linked with cancer such as cervical, penile, and cancers of the back of the throat.

This is only a short list of the vaccines available. For a complete list and immunization schedules, visit accesskent.org and click on “immunizations.”

Data shows immunizations helps

To reflect how beneficial vaccines have been, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine note that since the release of the HPV vaccine in 2006, there has been a 29 percent decrease in cervical cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that immunizations have saved two to three million lives each year.

As to why there has been a decrease, Shears said numbers were dropping before the COVID pandemic, which also had an impact. With medical facilities combating COVID-19 and putting as “many boots on the ground” where needed, immunizations were not a main focus.

For 19- to 35-month-olds, Kent county is about 3.4 percentage points below its pre-pandemic levels, Shears said, adding the biggest drop has been with those who have Medicaid.

Educating on the importance

The “Future is Ours” campaign is designed to share information about all immunizations. The project included rebuilding the VaccinateWest Mi.com website, which was originally built to provide COVID-19 vaccine information. The website now features information on age-appropriate vaccine timelines, links that allow parents to make vaccine appointments for their children, and how to find a local health department clinic.

Those interested in scheduling a clinic appointment, can call 616-632-7200 or visit accesakent.org.

Knowing when to call hospice can be a game-changer

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Senior Living, ,
Knowing when to call for hospice care can be a difficult decision, but many families say they wish they would have called sooner. Hospice care is available to anyone who’s received a physician’s diagnosis of six or fewer months to live.

By Emmanuel Hospice

It’s sometimes easier to define what hospice is not rather than trying to absorb all the things it is – especially in assessing when one should reach out.

“A common misconception is that we’re available only at the eleventh hour, or just days or weeks before someone passes,” says Dana Shelton-Clark, an admissions social worker with Emmanuel Hospice. “But hospice care is really holistic support for anyone who’s been given a physician’s prognosis of six or fewer months to live. And that’s only a requirement for admission.

“There’s no ticking clock, no time limit for the amount of time the hospice benefit can be used as long as someone remains eligible.”

What Shelton-Clark and her colleagues too often hear from patients and their caregivers is this: We wish we would have called sooner.

Dealing with an approaching death can be understandably trying, to say the least. At Emmanuel Hospice, says Shelton-Clark, a team approach is instituted to rally around the loved one and care for them in mind, body and spirit. And there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, either. Instead, care and options are customized to consider each individual’s wants and needs.

“We often get comments such as ‘I didn’t know this is what hospice is’ and ‘I didn’t know hospice could provide this,’” she explains. “All it really takes is a phone call to set up a meeting that will provide a clear and accurate window into all the services hospice offers.”

Shelton-Clark notes some people put off calling hospice because they’re being counseled by medical personnel still fighting for a cure.

“We understand that,” she says, “because most doctors are trained in an approach to do all they can to ‘fix’ the problem. But cures are not always possible, and hospice is a treatment option that should be offered and considered.

“Our focus is to instead provide interventions that relieve symptoms and allow patients to focus on how they really want to live, so that they have as many good days and months as possible.”

Shelton-Clark emphasizes hospice will come to wherever it is the loved one calls home – their own house, or a relative’s, or an assisted living facility or memory care unit. During a first discussion, there’s never any obligation to sign on or take next steps. That’s up to the individual and their caregivers. But sometimes, just that initial meeting is enough to help people understand their options going forward.

Some people actually improve during hospice care, in some cases enough to no longer require services. But they’re free to return if they decline to a point where they again meet eligibility standards; there are never any deadlines imposed.

Shelton-Clark acknowledges that the role of Emmanuel Hospice is as much to provide education as it is to provide care – doing all it can to acquaint people with what hospice is and why it’s better to reach out earlier than later.

“There are so many ways for us to assist,” she says, “especially for that person who’s been in and out of the hospital and is ready for that revolving door to finally stop. That’s the time to give us a call and learn more.

“Our compassionate and experienced team is ready to answer any questions you may have.”

For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616-719-0919.

Diversify for peace of mind in retirement planning

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services LLC

“Dollars saved 20 years ago have lost nearly HALF of their purchasing power. Such inflation poses a serious threat to seniors entering retirement, as well as those already in retirement.”
 

Since 2000, the US dollar has lost an incredible 44.2% of its purchasing power. Reports from the government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the official tracker of inflation statistics, indicate inflation may be worse than we think. Even as interest rates remain at their lowest ever, Federal Reserve policies may be pushing inflation higher.

The good news is that taking advantage of viable alternatives to traditional planning and creating a safer, more robust “hybrid” portfolio can help you avoid making those mistakes. (pxhere.com)

What does this mean for retirees and pre-retirees?

If you have an advisor or team of advisors, they most likely have mentioned the idea of “diversification” at least once. Since 2020, however, the concept of diversification has morphed from a “nice idea” into an absolute necessity. Multiple asset classes, particularly cash-flowing assets, seem to be the only cure for thriving in an increasingly volatile investing landscape. Diversification or developing so-called “hybrid” retirement strategies is essential to avoid a retiree’s most dreaded scenario: outliving their savings.

Proper diversification and risk reduction are part of well-designed, customized financial plans. Contrary to what some advisors preach, there are no shortcuts, no “one size fits all” templates to shorten the process. Portfolio allocation is unique to every individual. Some financial professionals believe the only way to ensure a diversified plan is to invest in every kind of asset.

How does one achieve diversification?

Many people don’t want to spread their cash out in multiple assets because they find it too difficult to monitor and maintain. If that is the case, retirees and those nearing retirement should consider several potential sources of income streams. Each of these assets offers different benefits and risks, and growth potential.

Social Security

Although it is a dependable income source, retirees should not regard Social Security as their sole source of retirement money. In 2020, Social Security paid out an average of $1,503, an amount that is insufficient to meet most retirees’ needs.

Fixed instruments

Debt instruments that pay fixed amounts of interest, such as bonds, are commonly used to build diverse retirement blueprints. Interest from these kinds of assets is usually paid on a semi-annual basis. The principal invested goes back to the investor upon maturity.

Stock market

While the market offers high growth potential, recent volatility makes it clear that such growth often comes with higher risks.

It’s critical when considering this option that you clarify how much risk you are willing to take and whether you have time to recover from any losses you might incur. The COVID-19 pandemic has made Wall Street’s outcomes even more unpredictable, meaning it could take years for seniors who invest too heavily in the market to recover from a downturn. Retirees could find they must withdraw more significant amounts of their cash when stock prices are down, leading to faster depletion of retirement savings.

Be sure you consult with a knowledgeable financial planner to determine whether you have the right amount of money invested in stocks.

“Safe money” vehicles 

The cornerstone of a sound retirement is safe money products such as permanent life insurance and annuities. Instead of adding these proven products as afterthoughts, building your portfolio around them makes sense. Owning risk-averse, tax-advantaged products, many of which provide guaranteed income streams, will help you in several ways.

You will be able to plan better, knowing that you have a predictable source of income. Also, unlike stocks and other assets, your principal is protected. And you have the opportunity to use these products to create a legacy for your loved ones. Safe money products like annuities and life insurance also have unique tax advantages that other cash management tools lack.

Depending on your appetite for growth and risk tolerance, there are other possibilities to diversify your retirement portfolio. Before committing to any of these more “exotic” investments, you need to spend time doing your research and due diligence. Then speak to a trusted advisor who will tell you the TRUTH about money and not just try to sell you something.

Financial mistakes can be detrimental to your happiness when you no longer work. The good news is that taking advantage of viable alternatives to traditional planning and creating a safer, more robust “hybrid” portfolio can help you avoid making those mistakes.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management  

Eight important facts about retirement planning

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services LLC

Retirement can mean many different things to many people. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend to take, here are nine things about retirement that might surprise you.

1. No Age Restriction on When You Can Retire

In the past, most people retired around age 65. However, retiring later in life has become more prevalent in recent years. In fact, there’s no age restriction on when you can retire. As long as you have the financial means to do so, you can retire at any age.

Don’t roll the dice when it comes to retirement, make a plan and review it. (pxhere.com)

2. Retirement Income Can Be Taxable

Depending on your retirement account type, you might have to pay taxes on your retirement income. If you have a traditional IRA, you may owe taxes on the money you withdraw in retirement based on your overall income. If you have a Roth IRA, you won’t owe any taxes on the money you withdraw.

3. You Might Need to Adjust Your Withdrawal Rate

The 65-and-older population is the fastest-growing age group in the United States and has grown by 34.2% over the past decade. The percentage of money you can safely withdraw from your retirement account each year depends on several factors, including the size of your nest egg and how long you expect to live. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should withdraw no more than 4% of your nest egg each year.

4. Consider Delaying Your Social Security

You’ll receive a reduced benefit if you start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62. For example, suppose your full retirement age is 67, and you start collecting benefits at 62. In that case, you’ll receive only 70% of your monthly benefit. If you wait until age 70 to start collecting, you’ll receive 132% of your monthly benefit. The average Social Security retirement benefit is $1,536 per month or about $19,000 per year. The maximum possible Social Security benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age in 2020 is $3,345 per month or $39,000 annually.

5. Don’t Forget The Cost Of Nursing Homes.

Most health insurance plans don’t cover the cost of long-term care, such as the cost of a nursing home. Consider purchasing a long-term care insurance policy or set aside funds to cover any future care costs. The average cost of nursing home care in America is expected to be more than $8,000 a month by 2023. However, actual costs will vary from state to state.

6. You Might Have to Downsize Your Home

If you plan on downsizing your home in retirement, you might be surprised to learn that the cost of living in some areas is quite high. For example, the cost of living in Manhattan is more than double the national average. As a result, you might have to downsize your home to a smaller apartment or condo.

7. Consider Working in Retirement

If you don’t have enough saved for retirement, you might need to work during retirement. In fact, about one in four Americans over the age of 65 are still working. Working during retirement can help supplement your income and allow you to stay active.

8. You Might Need to Save More Than You Think

The amount of money you need to save for retirement depends on a number of factors, including your lifestyle and how long you expect to live. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to have at least 10 times your annual income saved by retirement. For example, earning $50,000 a year, you should aim to save at least $500,000 by retirement.

Bonus Fact About Retirement: Don’t Forget About Inflation

Inflation will have a significant impact on your retirement savings. For example, if inflation is 3%, the cost of living will be 33% higher after 10 years. As a result, you’ll need to save more money for retirement than you think.

The future points to one conclusion: The 65-and-older age group is expected to become larger and more influential. Have you made arrangements for health care expenses? Are you comfortable with your decisions?  Have you considered market volatility?  Inflation?

Research shows that the average American has $95,776 saved for retirement, and one in three Americans have no retirement savings. Suppose you don’t have enough saved for retirement. In that case, you should consider working during retirement, downsizing your home, or delaying your Social Security benefits. You should also be aware of the potential costs of nursing care and long-term care. Finally, remember that you might need to adjust your withdrawal rate as you get older. With careful planning, you can ensure a comfortable retirement.

A retirement strategy is not a “set it and forget it” proposition. You should review your strategy annually to ensure you are on track to reach your goals. How have you prepared for retirement? Are you on track to reach your goals? Have you even defined your goals? Take a few minutes and conduct personal evaluation.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

How to create a more Dementia friendly community

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, ,

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Dementia Friends works to help create a more friendly community for those living with Dementia. (pxhere.com)

More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s – members of our family, our friends and our neighbors.

We may not even recognize that these individuals have Dementia, as symptoms present differently from person to person. They may be experiencing challenges in problem solving, communicating, or making decisions. Some may have withdrawn from their social obligations due to embarrassment or shame.

Building a friendlier community

Educating ourselves on the disease can help us better support those living with dementia and their caregivers. Become a Dementia Friend and take a step towards making your community more Dementia Friendly.

Dementia Friends is a global social movement that focuses on five simple key messages. The goal is to change the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. By incorporating Dementia Friends into open, accessible communities, we enable those living with dementia and those who care for them to be active participants in their well-being.

“The default reaction to a diagnosis of dementia tends to be one of despair,” said Dementia Friends Michigan Program Coordinator Brandon Beck. “Dementia Friends works to change the narrative to one of hope. While it’s perfectly normal to grieve what has been lost, a focus on preserved abilities and interests will boost the self-esteem of the individual and create opportunities for meaningful engagement. This person-centered approach is essential for working with those with Dementia.”

Becoming a Dementia Friend

The best thing about Dementia Friends – anyone can become one! The content is presented as a one-hour informational session where you will learn how to recognize signs of dementia, how to effectively communicate with people living with dementia, and simple actions you can take to make our community more supportive for those with dementia. The information is meant to be helpful no matter how you interact with people with dementia – whether you are a caregiver, a professional, a business owner, or a family member simply looking for support.

COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on those living with dementia. Changes in daily routines, barriers to social engagement, and new fears associated with the pandemic have exacerbated many of the challenges already present. In addition to Dementia Friends, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) offers support groups, educational presentations presented by the Family Caregiver University, and many other resources for caregivers.

More information on Dementia Friends can be found at www.aaawm.org/dfmi – including upcoming sessions, how to request a session for your organization, and other ways to get involved. Sessions are currently being offered virtually via Zoom, so it’s never been easier for you or your organization to attend a session. Sessions can also be hosted in-person for your agency by request. You can also call the AAAWM at (616) 456-5664.  There is no cost to attend a session.  

Five reasons women should consider annuities for retirement

Citizen Journalism, Finances, How-To's, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services

If you’re a woman in or near retirement, let me ask you this: “How do you plan to take what you’ve so diligently saved and turn it into a lifetime stream of dependable, predictable, tax-advantaged income?”

Five reasons women should consider using annuities to create more prosperous, less stressful retirements. (pxhere.com)

If you’re like many of us, you probably don’t have a ready answer to this question. That’s because you’ve been busy doing “all the right things.” You’ve been working, saving, maximizing your 401 K, paying off debts, being a caregiver, running a household, etc. It’s likely you haven’t really had time to think about what to do when the time comes to stop working and live on what you’ve accumulated.

I want to suggest: Take some time to consider annuities carefully. After spending time studying this often overlooked, but powerful financial vehicle, I’ve come to believe that nearly every woman planning on retiring could benefit from the features found in annuity products.


Here are a few reasons you should consider an annuity when it comes time to empty your “accumulation” bucket.

  1. An annuity creates guaranteed income for life. When you deposit a lump sum into an annuity, you enter into a contract with an insurance company in which the company guarantees you income for the rest of your life. This will eliminate a chief concern of many women entering the retirement phase of their lives, namely, running out of money too soon.

  2. Flexibility and customization. Annuities have come a long way in the past few years, offering a full spectrum of long-term care and inflation protection features. No longer are you constrained to a “one size fits all” annuity. These new kinds of annuities now provide for a new level of customization, safety, and functionality.

  3. Annuities provide predictability. Many people, especially those in their pre-retirement and retirement life stages, want to know exactly how much income they will be available when they retire. If predictability is one of your top priorities, then an annuity can provide that.

  4. Zero maintenance. When you agree to the terms of the annuity contract, you’ll be assured of a steady income for life even if you live for another 50 years after retiring. An annuity is one of the few available financial products you can actually “set and forget.” there is nothing to keep tweaking or moving around; no more crossing your fingers every time the market hiccups.

  5. Tax benefits by using an annuity for a portion of your nest egg allow that portion to grow tax-deferred, just like the money in traditional retirement accounts. That means if you don’t take out all the money for a while, you could see a significant tax reduction in retirement.

There are many other reasons that an annuity, while it may not be for everyone, is still worthy of your attention as you enter retirement. Partnering with an annuity specialist will allow you to examine these safe money alternatives more thoroughly to see if they will work in your particular situation.

If you’d like to know more about how women can use annuities to create safer, saner, more prosperous post-work lives, email or call me, and I will be happy to send you educational information to help you make the right decisions about your retirement blueprint.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

Silversides to be featured in upcoming Mr. Sid’s series

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, Veterans, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

This week for the Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon series, Vietnam veteran and USS Silversides curator Don Kitchen will be the guest speaker.

The USS Silversides is located in the Muskegon Channel at the Pere Marquette Park. (WKTV)

The USS Silversides was one of the most successful submarines in the Pacfic Theatre of World War II with 23 confirmed sinking. The submarine and its crew were aware a Presidential citation an earned 12 battle stars.

The submarine and adjunct Naval Museum is located at the Muskegon Channel at the Pere Marquette Park.

Kitchen has given several lectures about the USS Silverside and the war in the Pacific. His presentation will be at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.

Up next for the series will be Terry Stevens, fountain engineer for the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. Stevens is scheduled to talk on Aug. 17. His presentation will be about the history o the largest musical fountain “of its kind” in the world and particulars about its operation.

It is important to know what your IRA is investing in

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Non-Profits, Senior Living, ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service. LLC

The IRS restricts specific investment options for an IRA.

These restrictions do not allow investment in collectibles, antiques, and other assets. Here is a list: If an IRA invests in collectibles, the amount invested is considered distributed in the year invested. The account owner may have to pay a 10% additional tax on early distributions.

Learn what a prohibited investment in an IRA is important in retirement planning. (pxhere.com)

Here are some examples of prohibited assets held in an IRA:
• Artwork
• Rugs and other home furnishings
• Antiques
• Precious metals, some exceptions for gold bullion
• Gems, diamonds, other precious stones
• Stamps and coins as collections
• Alcoholic beverages
• Certain other tangible personal property based on the exact nature of the asset
• A partnership or company that owns sells or buys these items could be a named asset within an IRA.
• Insurance products are also not allowed except for annuities.

Assets that are allowed to be held in an IRA include:
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Mutual funds
• Real Estate Investment Trusts
• Brokerage accounts
• Banks products such as CDs and savings account
• Insurance company annuities

If your IRA is engaged in any prohibitive practice, you may be exposed to being taxed as a distribution and also be liable for a 10% penalty.


Remember that an IRA is just a tax-deferred receptacle for invested assets. Almost any category of investment can be placed there, and different IRA custodians make their money by selling and managing these assets. If you open one at a bank, you’ll be able to invest in CDs or savings accounts. If you open it at an insurance company annuity could be a viable option. If you select to open an IRA at a brokerage and mutual fund company, you’ll be able to invest in mutual funds, stocks, bonds as well as other options.

Always make sure your IRA matches up with your goals, and if you do not fully understand the investment options available to you, get a second opinion. Owning an IRA can be a massive advantage to you in later years, make certain your IRA is designed for your specific period and goals.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

Why it is important to use math, science when planning for retirement

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living, , , , ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

First and foremost, I want to let you know that I would never try to sell you on anything. I have learned in my 40 years of experience that if I try to talk you into something, anybody can come right along and talk you out of it so, that is not my objective. However, with math, science, and reason, I would like to reaffirm some very important facts and figures about your retirement planning:

Math and science are key in helping with retirement planning. (pxhere.com)

1. We all know the market is cyclical, it goes up, and it goes down. We have had the longest upmarket, “Bull Market,” in the history of the stock market; over the last nine years. Thus, Reason alone, tells us that we are due for a market correction, “Bear Market.” Math and science prove that we are due for a soon coming market correction. Just to name a few of the catalysts of a possible Bear Market, but not limited to, are these indicators:

•   The most significant “Buyback” in the history of the market took place in the last quarter of 2018. A “buyback” is essentially corporations run out of ideas to increase stock market shares and dividends of their company. They are buying back their stock held in foreign countries and inflating their profits. As of October of 2018, there were over $800 billion in stock buybacks, a stock market record. Corporations used funds from $2.6 trillion dollars sitting overseas.


•   The tariffs imposed on foreign countries in June 2018.


•   The housing market, as interest rates increase, so will adjustable rate mortgages increase. A Zerohedge chart reflects that home-builder stocks are already dropping as lumber prices forecast a drop in the housing market.


•   Interest rates tend to go up when the federal reserve unwinds its balance sheet and adds to the supply of Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities on the market. When interest rates go higher, stock valuations need to go down with a lower P/E ratio. (Profit /Expense ratio)


•   Federal Reserve policy. A JP Morgan study reflects that the Federal Reserve is decreasing its balance sheet of treasuries and mortgage-backed securities by $50 billion a month, which is known as Quantitative Tightening, which is projected to continue to at least the end of 2020.


•   Valuations. The United States Stock Market is the most expensive in the world at this moment. The Buffett indicator is flashing red with a total market capitalization vs. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of 150%. Studies reflect that any ratio above 115% is an indicator that the market is significantly overvalued.

2. Historically the S&P time-line for recuperating from market corrections is between 13 to 22 years. Studies reflect that 64% of the time, the S&P is either losing ground or making up losses. Let me ask the question, “Going into retirement, do you want the 64% chance of a market correction and taking 13 to 22 years to recuperate the retirement savings you’ve accumulated over your lifetime?”

Mortality tables reflect that one retiring at age 65 will live 20 to 25 years.

3. Mathematically, it’s a proven fact that if a retiree experiences double-dipping (losing value in their account and drawing income from their account simultaneously) at the beginning of their retirement, they will outlive their retirement funds before they outlive their retirement life. This is known as the “Sequence of Returns.” Also, add the devastating fact of fees, the account now has triple dipping!

4. Psychological studies prove that retirees with a guaranteed, known, and predictable source of income live a much happier, stress-free, and worry-free retirement life.

5. The Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) relieves merely the risks of outliving one’s money and the burden of trying to manage and chase market returns and trying to avoid market losses of managing a retiree’s portfolio. It gives a guaranteed, predictable income for life as well as a projected income, based upon only upside market growth. It automatically tracks this upside market growth.

I trust that the above information on math, science, facts, and figures will assist in journeying into a peaceful, stress-free, worry-free retirement.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Cardiac program provides better quality of life, control over care

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, ,

By Emmanuel Hospice
EmmanuelHospice.org

Despite frequent doctor, ER and hospital visits for those with end-stage heart disease, many eligible patients don’t receive palliative or hospice care to improve their quality of life – but Emmanuel Hospice wants to change that.

With care guidelines developed by the American Heart Association, Emmanuel Hospice professionals are helping patients living with end-stage heart disease achieve better quality of life and control over their care. (Supplied/Adobe Stock)

Hospice professionals like Melissa Schmidt are working to help more patients with advanced congestive heart failure access the enhanced care they deserve.

“Even though heart disease is the nation’s top cause of death, hundreds of thousands of patients with heart failure die alone in hospitals, never utilizing end-of-life care and support,” says Schmidt, who serves as Emmanuel Hospice’s director of clinical services. “Hospice care can help manage or even prevent symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease and keep patients out of the hospital.

“This not only puts patients and families in better control over their care, it also saves money and reduces the stress of repeated hospitalizations.”

At Emmanuel, care is provided to patients wherever they call home. With the nonprofit’s Heart & Soul Advanced Cardiac Care Program, patients have access to a robust care team – nurses, physicians, spiritual caregivers and complementary therapists, all of whom are specially trained in heart failure and in collaborating with outside care providers.

Made possible through the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, or NPHI, Heart & Soul relies on care guidelines developed by the American Heart Association for individuals living with end-stage heart disease.

“Our advanced cardiac care program enables patients to be cared for in a way that works alongside their diagnosis,” Schmidt explains. “We’re able to look at innovative ways to care for patients in collaboration with their cardiologists or other physicians to support the whole person – mind, body and soul.”

Among the unique ways Emmanuel Hospice can support people living with advanced cardiac disease are its complementary services, which can be used alongside pharmaceutical approaches or as alternatives for holistic end-of-life care. In particular, music and massage therapy have proven to be successful in the management of symptoms for Heart & Soul patients.

For example, Emmanuel Hospice’s music therapists aid in anxiety relief for patients living with heart disease through music-assisted relaxation to influence heart rate, enhance breathing and support management of stress.

The use of massage therapy can help reduce painful swelling of feet, ankles and legs that comes with end-stage heart disease. For one of Schmidt’s patients, this service helped avoid an increase in medication, enabling him to remain comfortably at home until his death.

The additional support and education hospice can provide is ideal for patients who wish to avoid repeated trips to the emergency room.According to NPHI, advanced cardiac care programs like Emmanuel’s have already helped lower hospitalization rates in the last year by 23% for patients during their last 30 days of life. Patients who are a part of these programs visit the ER nearly half as much as those not receiving hospice care.

“The decrease in emergency rates is remarkable because patients with heart failure are known to need frequent visits to the doctor’s office, emergency room and hospital due to breathing difficulties, fatigue and other worsening symptoms,” Schmidt says. “Reducinginpatient and emergency services reduces stress, which can improve both mental and physical health outcomes.”

Avoiding trips to the ER or hospital also helps save patients money. The average cost of care in NPHI advanced cardiac care programs is 20-35% lower for patients than those who aren’t in hospice care.

While this is promising data, Schmidt says there’s more work to be done in overcoming myths about hospice care and encouraging families and caregivers to reach out sooner to seek this invaluable service.

“Many people think that hospice is just for your last couple of days or weeks or that calling hospice means giving up,” she says. “Hospice is holistic care and support for people who have been given a physician prognosis of six months or less to live and want to maximize that time.

“We want to help these individuals and families know it is absolutely OK to utilize hospice to supplement other medical care that’s already being provided. Our entire team is trained and ready to walk alongside you with individualized care for your end-of-life journey.”

To learn more about Heart & Soul, individuals can visit EmmanuelHospice.org/cardiac-program or call 616-719-0919.

It is Elder Abuse Awareness Month: Know the signs

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Senior Living, ,

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency of Aging Western Michigan

Make sure to check in with your older adult regulars to make sure their needs are being meet. (pxhere.com)

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness month! This month works not only to educate people on the topic of elder abuse, but also to increase reporting numbers as elder abuse is under-reported and start discussions on how to recognize and prevent this abuse. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse.

Elder abuse is widespread. Every year an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. This is where you can help by knowing the warning signs and reporting abuse when you suspect it. When we come together, we can prevent elder abuse from happening.

Some Warning Signs of Abuse

Elder abuse includes financial abuse/scams, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition Coordinator Cassie Caple, who is also the contract administrator with the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, explained a few of these warning signs.

“Whether you are a professional with an older adult client, or a family member checking in on a loved one, a few physical things you can look out for include unexplained bruises, reports of recent falls, and sudden weight loss,” Caple said. “Or if you are having a conversation and they mention something along the lines of unpaid bills, feeling lonely, or perhaps not taking their medication, these can be signs of abuse as well. So, it is really good to check in, ask what they might need, and have that heightened awareness.”

Taking the time to intentionally check in with the older adults in your life is a great first step. It is recommended that you have this conversation with the older adult alone so they can feel safe in sharing any concerns.

Reporting Abuse

Once you are educated on what to look out for, and feel that abuse may be occurring, it is time to take action. If you have concern that an older adult in your life is not in a safe and healthy living situation, you can report this to reputable agencies. Below are a few reliable places to start:

  • Adult Protective Services investigators protect vulnerable adults and staff will investigate allegations within 24 hours after the report is received. APS has a 24/7 Hotline: 855-444-3911 where anyone is able to make a report.
  • Long Term Care Ombudsman advocate for residents in long term care facilities: 1-866-485-9393 or visit www.mltcop.org
  • Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Complaint Hotline takes complaints against various state licensed and federally certified health facilities, agencies, and programs: 800-882-6006 or visits www.Michigan.gov/lara



If you’d like further resources on elder abuse, the Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition at www.protectkentseniors.org specializes in compiling up-to-date information on scams, advocating for seniors, and remaining dedicated to the elimination of elder abuse in Kent County and the surrounding areas. The Michigan Elder Abuse Task Force through the state of Michigan at www.michigan.gov also shares a number of resources. And lastly, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan can connect you with community resources at (616) 456-5664. 

Heritage Hill to host colorful garden tour this Saturday

3-bottom, architecture, Citizen Journalism, design, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Heritage Hill Garden Tour will feature 10 private gardens and two organization gardens in this year’s event. (Supplied)

Ten private gardens and two organizational gardens will be part of the 2022 Heritage Hill Garden Tour, which is set for Saturday, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Each garden is a unique reflection of the creative, nature-loving gardeners who tend them. From showy displays in front gardens bursting with color to hidden gems waiting behind a home to warmly welcome guests, the possibilities of what a garden can be will inspire.

 

Some of the gardens included on this self-guided tour are:

  1. President Gerald Ford’s boyhood back yard now filled with statuary and rare plantings.
  2. Wonderland over 40 years in the making that surrounds an enchanting home. 
  3. A serene and elegant backyard setting that includes a complete outdoor kitchen.
  4. A stately brick home perfectly surrounded by beautiful plantings.  
  5. A small but artfully designed garden that makes wise use of every space.
  6. A front yard garden that catches the eye of everyone who passes by.
  7. Free-flowing flower garden on Prospect Ave. that wears new colors for every season.
  8. Formal fountains galore surrounding a home on College.
  9. Peaceful natural water feature that accents a shade garden. 
  10. A sweet little garden on Paris Ave.
  11.  Vibrant annuals and perennials at the Voigt House tended by volunteers.
  12.  Formal gardens at the Meyer May House that are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture.

Individual tickets are $12 in advance, $15 on the day of the tour. Group tickets may be purchased in advance for $8 each for 20 or more tickets, $5 each for 50 or more tickets. Group pricing is not available on the day of the tour.

Tickets are available for pre-sale through midnight on June 17 via our website, www.heritagehillweb.org or contact the office during operating hours at 616-459-8950.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth at the Child Discovery Center, 409 Lafayette Ave. SE. on the day of tour. Pre-sold tickets may be picked up at will call on the day of the tour.

The tour occurs rain or shine. Refunds are not available. Masks are welcomed for the safety of garden hosts and visitors.

Parking will be available at:

  • Child Discovery Center at 409 Lafayette Ave. SE
  • Elders Helpers at 500 Cherry St. S.E.
  • On-street parking is often available. Please adhere to posted parking restrictions.

Senior Sing-A-Long continues to provide the soundtrack to life

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Senior Living, , ,

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

A few years after Senior Sing A-Long started its life enrichment music programs for seniors, they began providing music therapy by licensed music therapists as well. (Courtesy)

Like many organizations, Senior Sing A-Long took a hit in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With senior living communities on lockdown, the Wyoming nonprofit couldn’t schedule the life enrichment music programs the organization has been providing in West Michigan since 2004. The programs, offered for free or at a greatly reduced cost, use live performances to revitalize the minds and spirits of people living in long-term care communities.

The pandemic also made it hard to hold the types of in-person fundraisers that help pay for Senior Sing A-Long’s services, according to Development Director Sarah Dwortz.

But although they have had to reshuffle their priorities at times over the past two years, Senior Sing A-Long is still going strong. They recently received a $6,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which helped to fill a funding gap, Dwortz said.

“We work with about 70 musicians on our list, and communities have their favorites – they can pick from the list,” Dwortz said. “We can offer them at no cost or much below market cost thanks to funding like this.”

 

Senior Sing A-Long receives grants from many foundations, including the Wyoming Community Foundation, Keller Foundation and West Michigan Alliance for Veterans, as well as corporate sponsorships and private donations.

The organization was founded in 2004 by Ken and Hattie Van Haaften, and is now run by their daughter, Jill Dover. The Van Haaftens started the program after realizing that music programs were one of the only things that could cheer up Ken’s mother, Katherine, when she was living in a nursing home. After a visit from a musician who played songs Katherine remembered from her youth, she would brighten up and talk about her life and memories.

The Senior Sing A-Long program has about 70 musicians working with several communities. (Courtesy)

“It started out by Ken going to Marge’s and finding musicians who might help him out,” said Dwortz, of Ken’s visits to the popular Wyoming doughnut shop (Marge’s Donut Den) that hosts live music. “One thing led to another. Now there’s a wide array of musicians, and the volume has been much greater than Jill and her dad ever anticipated.”

A few years after Senior Sing A-Long started its life enrichment music programs for seniors, they began providing music therapy by licensed music therapists as well. The music therapy program consists of small groups of seniors creating music by playing instruments, and serves as a way to accomplish therapeutic goals.

“Right now we’re working with approximately 60 communities – some just for music therapy, some for life enrichment, and some for both,” Dwortz said.

If funding weren’t an issue, Senior Sing A-Long would love to serve more communities at no cost, Dwortz said. And they would love to add another music therapist to its staff.

“We always want to continue to provide service to communities that otherwise wouldn’t have it due to the budget they have available,” she said. “We believe it’s necessary. It’s basic quality of life. I see it bringing a lot of joy.”

Donations are always welcome – and so are musicians willing to play for the seniors in the communities.

“We are always happy to hear from people if they have a musical talent. We’re always looking for more musicians,” Dwortz said. “For a lot of them, it’s nice to make a little money during the day, and they’re pretty philanthropic at the same time. They’re giving every day they do it. People love them. I think they get something out of it.”

More information about Senior Sing A-Long is available on their website at seniorsingalong.org.

Navy officially changes status of 13 USS Indianapolis sailors lost during World War II

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Faces, Senior Living, Veterans, ,

By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The USS Indianapolis sank on July 30, 1945 after being struck by two Japanese torpedoes. One of the sailors, Seaman 2nd Class George David Payne, was from Grand Rapids.

The Navy has officially changed the status of 13 sailors lost when the USS Indianapolis (CA 35) was sunk in 1945 from “unaccounted for” to “buried at sea,” Navy Casualty announced on May 27.

The change in status is the result of extensive research between Naval History and Heritage Command, Navy Casualty Office, the USS Indianapolis Survivors Association, the USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization, and the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation.

The announcement helps bring closure to the families of these sailors who lost their lives at the end of a secret mission which helped end World War II.

The USS Indianapolis sank on July 30, 1945, after being struck by two Japanese torpedoes.

The sailors whose status changed are:

Seaman 1st Class George Stanley Abbott – Bedford, Kentucky

Seaman 2nd Class Eugene Clifford Batson – Kansas City, Kansas

Gunner’s Mate 1st Class William Alexander Haynes – Homedale, Idaho

Seaman 2nd Class Albert Raymond Kelly – Cleveland, Ohio

Seaman 1st Class Albert Davis Lundgren – Washington, D.C.

Fireman 1st Class Ollie McHone – Mars Hill, Arkansas

Seaman 2nd Class George David Payne – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Storekeeper 3rd Class Alvin Wilder Rahn – Hamlet, North Carolina

Ship’s Cook 3rd Class Jose Antonio Saenz – Edinburg, Texas

Coxswain Charles Byrd Sparks – Birmingham, Alabama

Radioman 2nd Class Joseph Mason Strain – Creston, Iowa

SSML3 Angelo Anthony Sudano – Niles, Ohio

Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Floyd Ralph Wolfe – Turner, Oregon

Approximately 300 of the ship’s 1,195 Sailors went down with the ship, and some 900 men were set adrift. Only 316 survived. Due to administrative errors, many Sailors who were recovered from the ocean and buried at sea from responding vessels were misclassified as “missing in action “or “unaccounted for.”

According to Rick Stone, who previously served at NHHC, he initiated the USS Indianapolis Burial at Sea Project to determine if any Indianapolis casualties met this criteria. Following his retirement from government service, he established the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation to continue the project and located documentation proving the 13 Sailors were misclassified.

According to the foundation’s USS Indianapolis Burial at Sea Project web page, “recovering a lost sailor, giving their loved ones and family closure, is the greatest gift we can imagine and the greatest way to celebrate and thank the sailors who lost their lives aboard the USS Indianapolis.

“One of my favorite quotes is ‘Poor is the nation that has no heroes but shameful is the nation who, having heroes, forgets them,’” Stone said. “Our foundation will never forget the heroes of the USS Indianapolis and are proud of our role in helping 13 families learn that the Navy went to great lengths to honor them soon after their deaths.”

Capt. Robert McMahon, director of the Navy Casualty Office, said bringing closure to families of those lost at sea is a “solemn duty and obligation” he takes to heart.

“Nothing is more important to me than giving families that knowledge when the unthinkable happens,” he said. “No amount of time lessens the loss, however, if we can bring some certainty to loved ones, even seven decades later, we are keeping faith with those we lost.”

One of those family members, William Baxter, nephew of Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Wolfe, was notified April 26 of the change in status. Sailors from Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command Beaufort, South Carolina, arrived at his door with a certificate and flag to recognize Wolfe’s sacrifice.

Baxter, an Okatie, South Carolina, native, said while he did not know his uncle, “it’s nice to finally have some closure to what actually happened to [him]. Thank you all for going above and beyond for me and my family. I wasn’t expecting all of this, but thank you.”

Change of Topic: Tune in on Memorial Day to our special annual program involving the USS Silversides ceremony titled, “The Lost Boat Ceremony at the USS Silversides in Muskegon.”

MEMORIAL DAY AIR TIMES:

WKTV 25: 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

WKTV Government 26: 6:30 p.m.

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan: Commitment to Quality Programs

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation, Senior Living,

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is an essential senior resource for a nine-county region that includes Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties. We work to connect seniors, family caregivers, and adults with disabilities to resources that help them to live independently. This includes programs for long term care services and supports to help make this independence possible.

MI Choice Medicaid Waiver is one of these programs. It provides person-centered care that empowers individuals to age-in-place in their own home rather than in a facility. Ongoing services through the program include personal care, housekeeping, meals, respite, and transportation. In an initial assessment, a supports coordinator is able to truly get to know an individual, coordinate their services, and connect them to partner agencies and community resources. Supports coordinators do more than oversee an individual’s care, they become their advocate, making sure their needs are met. Sometimes, just having someone in their corner cheering them on can be a driving force for a person’s confidence in maintaining their independence at home.

Recently, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan received a NCQA Accreditation of Case Management for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) for the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program. This three-year accreditation is from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a nonprofit organization that issues accreditation, certifications, and recognition programs based upon measurement, transparency, and accountability to highlight top performers and drive improvement. Earning NCQA’s Accreditation of Case Management for LTSS demonstrates that an organization is dedicated to coordinating the delivery of care in a person-centered and integrated manner to help individuals function optimally in their preferred setting.

When asked about this accreditation for the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, AAAWM Care Management Services Director Suzanne Filby-Clark explained, “We’re proud of our agency and staff as the preparation for this accreditation lasted approximately 12 months. The agency performed gap analysis to determine tasks, work groups were formed to seek clinical input, policies and procedures were written to align with the requirements, and all of the necessary documentation was notated and organized for submission. This NCQA accreditation shows our partners, participants, and community members prioritize and provide high quality care and services.”

The NCQA accreditation reinforces the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan’s commitment to improve the health outcomes of our patient population and ensure delivery of person-centered care. To learn more about the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program and other resources for aging in place, reach out to the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan’s Information and Assistance team at (616) 456-5664. 

About the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan helps older adults and individuals with disabilities remain independent and provides support and education to caregivers in Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties. You can visit www.aaawm.org to learn about our programs and services and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyonAging

About NCQA

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more-informed health care choices. NCQA can be found online at ncqa.org, on Twitter @ncqa, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NCQA.org   and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/ncqa.

Kent Garden Club helps honor those who serve with markers at the Michigan Veterans Home

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, , , , ,

By Aaron Robins
WKTV Community Contributor

Gold Star father, John Burri, of Wyoming, poses in front of the Blue Star and Gold Star memorials. (WKTV/Aaron Robins)

More than 100 people gathered at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids this past Saturday for the Dedication Ceremony of Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Markers to honor servicemen and women along with families that have lost loved ones who served.

In addition to hosting the event, the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids and the Kent Garden Club worked together on the project. U.S. Army and Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids Member Council President Corporal Robert Troost and former Kent Garden Club President Kathy Wolverton played vital roles in bringing it all together. The two star memorials, one blue and one gold, were placed in a new memorial garden space to give veterans and visitors a place to reflect and meditate.

  

“I thought the display was a beautiful gathering of people coming together to not only honor those who have served but to dedicate this special place,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “You know this home, the veterans home, has a rich history here in our city and to see this addition is just really special.”

  • The Blue Star and Gold Star Memorials at the Grand Rapids’ Home for Veterans (WKTV/Aaron Robins)
  • Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss next to the new memorials. (WKTV/Aaron Robins)
  • Kent Garden Club member and program co-chair Joan Tolley
  • Veterans and the community came out for the dedication. (WKTV/Aaron Robins)
  • Community members came out to celebrate the new Blue Star and Gold Star memorials. (WKTV/Aaron Robins)
  • Union High School JROTC Color Guard retiring colors. (WKTV/Aaron Robins)

Mayor Bliss delivered remarks from a stage in front of veterans and Gold Star families. She was joined by representatives for Congressman Peter Meijer and State Senator Winnie Brinks, Kent Garden Club organizers and retired military officers. Congressman Peter Meijer detonated an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol building on September 11, 2021. District Director of Senator Winnie Brinks office Kate Kooyman revealed that the Grand Rapids Veterans Home will receive nearly $6.5 million for operating costs and $200,000 for upgraded security as a part of a budget passed by the Senate for the first phase of the upcoming fiscal year.

The ceremony also included Soloist Brandon Harris and the Northview High School Band giving a rendition of the national anthem, in addition to playing taps, and the Union High School JROTC Color Guard presenting and retiring colors.

Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce member Kristin Ruther serves as the first vice president of the Kent Garden Club. (WKTV/Aaron Robins)

“I say congratulations to the Blue Star and Gold Star garden club, to all the family members, to all the leadership,” said (retired) Major General Gregory Vadnais. “Thank you for what you do, it’s important work. It keeps it in the conscious of American communities, that’s what we need to do.”

Gold Star father and Wyoming resident John Burri, who lost his son Eric Todd Burri on June 7, 2005, while serving in Iraq, couldn’t help but be brought to tears during the ceremony. Burri shared that as a parent, Gold Star families, which are families who have lost an immediate family member while in active service, are always worried about our heroes being forgotten, adding that the dedication of the Gold Star reaffirms that they will not be. Blue Star represents those families with active members in service.

Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids provides long-term skilled nursing care for veterans and eligible family members. The Kent Garden Club is an organization that focuses on gardening education. To learn more about both organizations visit www.michigan.gov/mvh and kentgardenclub.org.

Another way to offer love: Art Legacy helps hospice patients create lasting memories

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, , , ,

By Emmanuel Hospice

Licensed Massage Therapist Joan Blessings works with an Emmanuel Hospice patient. (supplied)

While gathering a curated kit of art supplies, Joan Blessings marvels at how the act of creativity can bring such physical and emotional comfort to the patients she serves through Emmanuel Hospice.

A longtime fan of arts and crafts herself, Blessings never anticipated a day she’d be incorporating her hobby into her work. As a licensed massage therapist and member of the complementary therapy team, she works to manage patient symptoms through the power of touch, essential oils and other services.

But now with Art Legacy, Emmanuel Hospice’s newest complementary service offering, she’s also able to share her passion with patients, giving them the opportunity to create and leave behind legacy artwork for their loved ones.

“Art has a way of working different parts of the brain and bringing up different memories, as well has having positive effects physically,” Blessings says. “As patients create, their breathing can get easier, their shoulders relax, they laugh and smile more – it’s amazing to see the impact it can have.”

Art Legacy is designed to encourage self-expression while assisting with symptom management, supporting memories and providing connection. The program utilizes a variety of materials and relies on the creativity of Art Legacy facilitators, like Blessings, to give patients the opportunity to create.

The Art Legacy Hand Mold provides an opportunity for a person to make a hand mold with or for their loved ones. (supplied)

As a complementary service, Art Legacy is used alongside pharmaceutical and other medical approaches to help with mood regulation and coping, as well as anxiety, restlessness or boredom.

In addition to this new art program, Emmanuel Hospice offers other complementary services such as music therapy, pet visitors, virtual reality and acupuncture, to name a few. Blessings says what sets Art Legacy apart from the other offerings is how it engages patients.

“It’s important to us to provide our patients with a variety of options that engage the senses and create unique, joyful memories,” Blessings says. “Art Legacy is one more way we are able to do that. It differs from our other complementary offerings in that most of those services are something that the patient or loved ones are receiving rather than creating.

“Art Legacy really involves our patients in hands-on, enriching activities that improve their quality of life through self-expression, symptom management and more.”

The program also provides an opportunity to make a hand mold with or for their loved ones as a meaningful and tangible artifact. The hand mold can be of the patient’s hand alone or with a loved one to commemorate a relationship.

Art Legacy is designed to encourage self-expression while assisting with symptom management, supporting memories and providing connection. (supplied)

For patients who are more isolated, Art Legacy not only provides a way to engage with something but also someone. Patients enjoy the comfort of companionship that is included with a session through an Art Legacy facilitator.

Whether it be a staff member or trained volunteer, Art Legacy facilitators offer a compassionate presence while patients create. While an interest in art is helpful, no experience is needed to serve as a facilitator.

“Art Legacy facilitators don’t have to be super artsy; they can just be there to facilitate the activity,” Blessings explains. “We’re really there to spend quality time with someone, to bring some joy to their life and to offer them some love in a different way.”

Individuals who are interested in volunteering or learning more about Emmanuel Hospice can visit EmmanuelHospice.org for more information.