BLOG
Posted on February 20, 2012 by jplitman@lutheranhomecare.org
While tax season is a time of year some people look forward to, many of us find it to be more of a burden than a benefit. Sure, we might get a tax return that we can spend on something frivolous (or put into savings), but that also requires the completion of all of those complicated tax forms. Fortunately, there are some resources available to provide assistance.
One of these resources is VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Eligibility for this program is based on financial need and qualifying individuals or families are provided with IRS-certified volunteers who provide free income tax return preparation. VITA sites are generally conveniently located in the community at places such as libraries or schools and many sites offer free electronic filing. To find a VITA site near you, simply call 1-800-906-9887.
Another helpful resource is the TCE Program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly. This program offers free help with priority given to those aged 60 or older and it specializes in pension and retirement issues unique to seniors. This assistance is again facilitated by IRS-certified volunteers. For more information on this program, please contact 1-800-227-7669.
These programs will also help you identify special tax credits for which you may be eligible, including Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. Each of these credits have certain eligibility requirements such as income or age, and the above mentioned programs can help determine if you are eligible based on the appropriate criteria. Even if you do not legally need to file your taxes based on your income, it is recommended that you do file them, as you may qualify for the above mentioned or additional credits or refunds.
Don’t forget, your federal return is due by April 17th 2012, and most state returns are due around that time as well! It’s never too soon to start getting your taxes together, especially with all of the help that is available.
Posted in Disability, Earned Income Credit, Elderly, Retirement, TCE, Tax filing assistance, Tax refund, Tax returns, Taxes, VITA
|
Tagged Elderly Care, IRS, tax credits, tax preparation assistance, tax returns
|
Posted on January 12, 2012 by Melanie Furlong
LIFE Lutheran Services has integrated daily living monitoring technology to enable more oversight of what is happening with our participants when they are at home. The Health Sense system, installed in the home, provides several unique monitoring options including a wall monitor to sense vibration from falls, pads at the side of the bed to register whether or not a participant gets up in the middle of the night and doesn’t return in a timely manner, monitors on the front door to detect wandering, safety monitors on the stove and in other areas such as the refrigerator that can also detect eating patterns.
Over a short orientation period, the system “learns” the participant’s normal living patterns and then it can detect and alert the LIFE team when something seems out of the norm for that participant. “For example,” explains Brenda Gossert, Home Care Supervisor, “if a participant normally gets up between 1am and 3am to use the bathroom and returns within 10 minutes the system learns this pattern. If suddenly one night he doesn’t return to bed after 30 minutes, that could signal a problem –he may have fallen and lying on the floor or he may have wandered out of the house. The system can call him, using a speakerphone in the home, to make sure he is okay. If there is no response the system will alert us and a family member.”
The system is a step above the “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” button as it is a passive system that is more thorough and also preventative in that it provides information about behavior. The system provides reports to LIFE clinicians to detect changes in activities over time. As an example, Gossert explains that there are monitors on the kitchen cupboards and refrigerator that detect food preparation and eating patterns. “Over time we can tell if the participant is improving or declining in his ability to prepare his own meals.”
Deke Gilbert lives an hour and a half away from his dad Earl, a LIFE participant using the system. “(It) really is a big help. It knows his sleeping patterns. He might say he slept well but I know he was up all night. It tells LIFE (staff) why he’s tired.” Deke says that the system can also help keep his dad safe. “I live far away. It’s peace of mind to know somebody is watching for him. If he gets out in cold weather and maybe can’t find his way back home, I get a call and LIFE gets a call. If I can’t get hold of him on his cell (phone) I could call the police.”
�
“This system is not intended to replace personal care, but complement it,” says Mary Fredette, LIFE’s Executive Director. “By using this technology we are empowering our participants to continue to live independently at home while giving their families peace of mind.”
LIFE (Living Independence For the Elderly) Lutheran Services is a creative program designed to enhance the ability of seniors to safely live in their homes and communities with dignity and independence by providing access to the full range of preventative, primary, acute and long-term care services. LIFE includes many elements of the traditional health care system and is coordinated by an interdisciplinary team LIFE currently serves seniors in Franklin County, PA. For more about LIFE, please call 717-264-LIFE or visit www.lifelutheranservices.org.
Posted in Health Sense, Healthy Living at Home, Help at Home, Independent Living, Senior Living, detect wandering, eating patterns, monitoring system, safety monitors
|
Tagged detect wandering, eating patterns, health sense, healthy living at home, Help at Home, independent living, monitoring system, safety monitors, Senior Living
|
Posted on November 17, 2011 by Melanie Furlong
LIFE Lutheran Services held a rally yesterday at the Capitol Rotunda to thank Pennsylvania on behalf of all LIFE (Living Independence For the Elderly) programs throughout the state for ongoing support of this program which serves our most frail citizens where they want to live – in their homes and communities. Representative Rob Kauffman greeted our group of 30+ LIFE participants and staff at the Capitol Rotunda. LIFE participant Linda Cooper presented Senator Rich Alloway with a homemade ornament for the Capitol Christmas Tree and the senator spoke to the group. Later, our group made our way to the gallery above the Senate floor where Senator Alloway recognized us to fellow legislators and we received a warm welcome. Click here for link to photos and some of Senator Alloway’s remarks.
Posted in Healthy Living at Home, Help at Home, Independent Living, PA
|
Tagged healthy living at home, Help at Home, independent living
|
Posted on July 27, 2011 by hmoore@lifelutheranservices.org
Driving allows us to be independent and move freely in our daily lives. Losing the abiliy to drive is difficult, terrifying, and depressing for many older adults and/or their families.
Are you a safe driver?
This is a question that is sometimes hard to answer (or to give a truthful answer). If you are asking this question about yourself or a loved one, you already have identified a concern. Here are a few things to consider when answering this question. (National Institute on Aging, August 2008)
-
My joints are stiff
-
My vision is impaired
-
I can’t hear things like I used to
-
I am not as quick with making decisions
-
What medicines am I taking?
The above information can all be reviewed with your primary care physician and there may be treatments that can provide improvement to your health and your driving ability. Addressing these issues with your doctor early is very important, and allows a greater opportunity for effective interventions.
Other tips that can be helpful:
- When in doubt, don’t go out. Try to wait out the storm, or consider using alternative transportation if they are accesible to you (taxi, commuter service, family, neighbor).
- Look for different routes that may be easier to navigate. Left turns are more difficult for all of us, because we have to be aware of multiple things at once.
- If you have a question about your driving skills, have a professional check them, and let them make suggestions about how you might be able to improve your driving. To learn more about a local program offered through Summitt Health in Franklin County, PA, follow this link to Summit Health Driving Assessment.
- Take a driving refresher course. (Some insurance companies may even lower your rates!!)
Other resources that may be useful include:
PennDOT www.drivesafepa.org
Information through PennDOT, but specifically for older drivers Mature Driver
Federal Highway Administration www.safety.fhwa.dot.gov
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety www.seniordrivers.org
Posted in Durable power of attorney for health care decisions, Health Services in Franklin County, Healthy Living at Home, Help at Home, Independent Living, PA, Safe Driving, Senior Driving, Senior Living, health care decisions
|
Tagged Caregiver, communication, durable power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care decisions, end-of-life decisions, health care decisions, Health Living at Home, safe driving, senior driving, Senior Living, values
|
Posted on July 1, 2011 by Melanie Furlong
The participants and staff of LIFE Lutheran Services gathered recently at the Center in Chambersburg to celebrate LIFE together. LIFE is a community based program designed to enhance the ability of seniors to live safely in their homes and communities with dignity and independence. LIFE began providing services in Franklin County in November of 2008. The Center was filled with smiles and laughter as they joined in the fun filled social events which included a picnic, scavenger hunt, sing along and of course a new “family photo”.
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Posted on June 3, 2011 by mfredette@lifelutheranservices.com
Recently, while attending a national conference of healthcare organizations I was struck by a rather startling observation. Healthcare is aging! As I looked out over the audience most attendees appeared to be “boomers” leaving me to ponder who are the healthcare leaders and caregiving staff of the future, and will there be enough of them to meet the need?
- Birthrate numbers are decreasing and the number of Americans over the age of 65 is accelerating.
- It is estimated that by the year 2050 the elderly in need of care will increase to 20 million, and continue to deplete an already lessening number of available caregivers.
Good news? I think so. Enter the Millennials. Creative communication and technology are on the rise and Generation Nexters are the drivers. The Pew Research Center‘s recent publication, Millennials: A Portrait of Generation Next, offers insight into this exciting group. Though characteristics of the generation vary by region, and social and economic conditions
- Fifty million 18-to-29-year-olds make up a major portion of this new and exciting self-assured, enthusiastic, forward-thinking and culturally diverse generation.
- The generation is marked by an increased use and familiarity with communications, media, and digital technologies.
- Healthcare organizations must quickly and dramatically adjust business practices to attract and retain a Millennium workforce.
Change? You bet! This generation requires it. The “Nexters” will challenge organizations to the max and we must rejoice!
- Technology and constant, credible, relevant and real communication is required.
- This generation believes that good parenting, successful marriage and helping others are among the most important things in their lives.
- Millenial’s view their values and beliefs as in sync with those of their parents more so than any previous generation.
Healthcare and The Boomers couldn’t be luckier!
Posted in Health Services in Franklin County, Healthy Living at Home, Help at Home, Independent Living, Senior Living, health care decisions
|
Tagged Caregiver, communication, Elderly Care, Generation Next, Healthcare, home care, Medicare, Millennials, Pew Research Center, technology, values
|
Posted on May 23, 2011 by hmoore@lifelutheranservices.org
We all want to remain independent in our actions, words, thoughts, and decisions. There is strength and freedom in independence, something we strive for from a very young age.
I am not sure how many of you read Sports Illustrated, but an article in the April 18, 2011 magazine caught my attention.
It regarded Team Hoyt, a father and son endeavor for independence. After reading this article, it was obvious that this fight for independence included both of them, for similar and different reasons.
This story might mirror how a fight for independence in your own personal life looks. Maybe you are the one struggling to hold on to your ability to make decisions, manage your medications, or fix your own meals. Maybe you are the caregiver, balancing your own needs with a loved one, whom you are trying so desperately to keep at home.
Like Team Hoyt, it’s hard to do it on your own. They had help through each other, and from their family, community, and supporters.
Reach out for assistance, if you are the one in need, or if you are the caregiver. By extending your hand, you may well be shaking hands with independence.
Posted in Advance Directives, Durable power of attorney for health care decisions, Healthy Living at Home, Help at Home, Independent Living, Senior Living, end-of-life decisions, health care decisions
|
Tagged advane directives, durable power of attorney, end-of-life decisions, health care decisions, Health Living at Home, Help at Home, independent living, Senior Living
|
Posted on May 12, 2011 by hmoore@lifelutheranservices.org
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President Kennedy, 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. Today, more than 37.8 million men and women aged 65 and older live in the United States (US Census 2009).
Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country. Honors and tributes include formal presidential proclamations, ceremonies, and local events, fairs and other activities throughout the month of May. http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/index.aspx
How can we as individuals and as a community show our gratitude for the years older American citizens of this country have given? Saying “Thank You” is always a nice start, and something we all too often overlook. Acknowledgement is powerful, and letting them know that they have a purpose, value, and a role in your community is one of the most giving and respectful ways of showing your gratitude.
Posted in Healthy Living at Home, Help at Home, Independent Living, Senior Living
|
Tagged healthy living at home, independent living, Older Americans Month, respect for older adults, Senior Living
|
Posted on April 19, 2011 by Melanie Furlong
Sadly, accidents and medical emergencies can occur suddenly to anyone at any age resulting in families having to face difficult end-of-life decisions. Imagine the shock and surprise of such an event occurring and then having to make life sustaining treatment decisions for your loved one.
If something happened to you where you could not make life sustaining decisions for yourself, are you confident that your loved ones would make the right decisions for you? Do they know what kind of care you would want? Making your own advance directives now can save your family from the anguish of having to make them for you and also help to ensure that you receive the type of care that you would want.
Your wishes about life sustaining treatment can be spelled out in a living will. Life sustaining treatment decisions can include Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders as well as decisions about feeding tubes, surgery, blood transfusions, dialysis, mechanical respiration, and antibiotics. In a situation where physicians determine that a person is in a permanent state of unconsciousness or is terminally ill and cannot express their wishes, directives on a living will can serve as a guide to family members and physicians. A living will lists what treatments you do or do not want to receive in these circumstances. A living will also allows you to name a surrogate decision maker if you become unable to make your wishes known.
Before making these decisions it is important to understand what life-sustaining treatments can and cannot do. Your doctor can give you information about the pros and cons of different kinds of treatment. Then think about the degree of recovery that you can expect from these treatments. What will your quality of life be?
Another type of advance directive is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care decisions. This allows you to name a person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make such decisions. Unlike a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care may take effect regardless of whether you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. If you do decide to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you, it is important that you speak openly and honestly with that person about your wishes. Your health care agent is expected to speak for you and needs to know what you would have wanted if and when the time comes to do so.
To make all of this an easy process and to encourage you to make your advance directives, LIFE Lutheran Services is providing free copies of “5 Wishes”, a legal advance care planning document that is easy to use and understand and is written in everyday language that speaks to what matters most to you and me.
Please contact us or call 1-800-840-9081 for your free copy of “5 Wishes”. Once you complete it, distribute copies to your physicians and family members and keep extra copies for the future. Review it periodically to update it with changes in your wishes or decision makers. You may change or cancel an advance directive at any time by executing a new document and destroying prior copies.
Posted in Advance Directives, DNR, Do Not Resuscitate, Durable power of attorney for health care decisions, Five Wishes, Living Will, end-of-life, end-of-life decisions, health care decisions, life sustaining treatment
|
Tagged advance directives, DNR, Do Not Resuscitate, durable power of attorney for health care decisions, end-of-life, end-of-life decisions, Five Wishes, health care decisions, life sustaining treatment, living will
|
