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CENTRAL MA EDITION MA CENTRAL Published Monthly / FREE / April 2012 / Vol. 38 / No. 4 / 32 pp. pp. 32 / 4 No. / 38 Vol. / 2012 April / FREE / Monthly Published
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Managed by: CORNERSTONE Financed by MHFA Affordable Housing Corporation Fifty Plus Advocate ■ Central Massachusetts Edition ■ April 1, 2012 ■ Vol. 38 / No. 4 ■ 32 pp. ■ Published monthly
FEATURED STORIES
h Bay State single seniors losing ground 7
t AARP seeks public input on entitlements 7
Health overhaul opposition wanes 8 n Gay seniors find local support 9 o Frankly speaking about heart health 11
M College towns seek retirees 22
How medical bills wreck credit 23 Public airing 7 Plastic men 14 s Scams against elderly rise 27 i
DEPARTMENTS h Caregiving Tips 21 T Feeling Healthy 12
Home Care Tips 21
e Home Improvement 28 Just My Opinion 5 d Legal Briefs 26
i Money Matters 24 Financially strapped Color creations Resource for Caregivers 18 singles 28 s 7 Travel 16
n Viewpoint 10 BOUT HE OVER Vision Quest A T C I Inside This Month 11 Baby boomer consumers buying habits change, but are still influential: Story page 6
■ I NDEX OF SERVICES IN THIS ISSUE ■
3-D MAMMOGRAPHY DENTAL SERVICES NURSING HOMES Mass General Imaging ...... p. 15 Park Avenue Dental Center ...... p. 31 Golden LivingCenters, Fitchburg ... p. 4 ADULT DAY CARE EYE CARE SERVICES Golden LivingCenters, Worcester ... p. 4 The Adult Day Care at Dodge Park . p. 16 Keamy Eye & Laser Center ...... p. 13 Hillcrest Nursing & Rehab. Ctr...... p. 31 ADVOCACY Holy Trinity ...... p. 11 FINANCIAL SERVICES AARP ...... p. 5 Knollwood Nursing ...... p. 17 Central One Federal Credit Union .. p. 24 AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING River Terrace Healthcare ...... p. 31 FUNERAL SERVICES Lincoln Village ...... p. 2 REST HOMES ALZHEIMER/DEMENTIA CARE Miles Funeral Home ...... p. 11 Dodge Park ...... p. 14 Blaire House of Worcester ...... p. 19 HEALTH CARE INFORMATION SENIOR HEALTH CARE OPTIONS ASSISTED/INDEPENDENT LIVING SHINE Program ...... p. 25 United Healthcare ...... p. 20 Briarwood ...... p. 17 HOME CARE SUBSIDIZED HOUSING ATTORNEYS, ELDER LAW BrightStar Lifecare ...... p. 13 Bet Shalom Apartments ...... p. 23 Durbin & Veglia Attorneys at Law .. p. 25 Home Staff ...... p. 18 Colony Retirement Homes ...... p. 30 Estate Preservation Law Offices ...... p. 27 Emanuel Village ...... p. 8 HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Ingle Law Offices ...... p. 31 Green Hill Towers ...... p. 29 Apple Home Care and Rehab...... p. 13 CEMETERIES Hawthorne Hills ...... p. 8 HOSPICE St. John’s Cemetery & Mausoleum ... p. 26 Illyrian Gardens ...... p. 22 Worcester County Memorial ...... p. 7 Jewish Healthcare Hospice ...... p. 19 Village at Ascension Heights ...... p. 29 CREMATION SERVICES HOSPITALS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home ...... p. 25 Saint Vincent Hospital ...... p. 32 Rachel’s Table ...... p. 28 If you use any services listed above, please mention you saw their ad in the Fifty Plus Advocate. Enhancing Lives Through Innovative Healthcare That’s our mission at Golden LivingCenters. We strive to help you return to your active life after surgery or illness. Combining 24-hour nursing with our exclusive Golden Rehab therapy, clinical expertise and professionally-trained staff, we provide a well-rounded recovery plan to meet your VSHFL¿FQHHGV2XUJRDOLVWR help you regain mobility and independence so you can enjoy an enhanced quality of life.
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This facility welcomes all persons in need of its services and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation or source of payment. GLS-06870-11-LO Gov. Patrick, do you care about your aging constituents? By Sondra L. Shapiro have hit hard at services for vulnerable elders,” according to the statement issued hat does it say about our state by the groups. They said: when its top elected official •The governor has proposed cut- Wignores the most vulnerable ting the elder nutrition budget that among us? would result in a loss of 250,000 meals. At its worst, Gov. Deval Patrick’s According to the AARP Foundation, actions show an unconscionable disregard more than 140,000 older adults in for his older constituents. Massachusetts risk going hungry every day. •There are 1,100 elders on a waiting Just My list for enhanced home care, and since March 1, the basic home care program Opinion also has a wait list for the rest of the year. •The MBTA is proposing fare increases At best, the governor’s and service cuts and changes to The Ride behavior proves a discon- that disproportionately impact elders, nect, resulting from the lack of leadership especially since many are not able to drive. at the state level tasked with serving the •Councils on Aging (COA) funding has elderly and their caregivers. The Executive been cut by 10 percent — a counter-intu- Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) once filled itive action because the services provided this void. by COAs can save money in the long run. Let’s give the benefit of a doubt and say According to David Stevens, executive it’s the latter. director of Mass. Councils on Aging, these Established in 1970 as one of the first agencies provide vital services, includ- secretariats in the country, the EOEA was ing congregate meals that keep seniors a highly visible and influential office, with independent, healthy and engaged in its head reporting directly to the governor. their communities. “Without them, many Because the secretary was usually plucked seniors would need more expensive sup- from the aging network, he or she brought ports and care,” said Stevens. expertise and clout that enabled initiatives The demotion of EOEA means HHS benefiting the state’s aging population. has taken over much of the decision- The turning point came in 2003, making regarding the $3 billion accounts when Gov. Mitt Romney put EOEA under making up long-term care. This despite the Health and Human Services (HHS) the statutory language directing EOEA umbrella, insisting it would still maintain to manage these services and accounts. its influence. The mere fact that it was It makes no sense for HHS to handle now functioning under the auspices of these programs and services since aging HHS greatly diminished its authority. concerns transcend heath care. “It’s about At the time, the aging network pro- transportation, housing, community phetically warned the demotion was con- service, employment opportunities and trary to the needs of seniors, one of the more,” said Chet Jakubiak, executive fastest-growing demographic in the state. director, MAOA. Today, there are some 653,000 households A national report issued last fall by with someone over the age of 60. Many AARP shows Massachusetts ranks in the are comprised of family caregivers and bottom half, at number 30, of all states frail elderly. when it comes to the overall affordability “Despite having worked hard their and quality of long term services and sup- entire lives, nearly half of all seniors in ports — including home care, adult day Massachusetts struggle to meet their basic health services, residential services such needs,” said Carolyn Villers, executive as assisted living and nursing homes, and director of Mass. Senior Action Council support for family caregivers. (MSAC). “With this population expected More recently, a report by Wider to double by the year 2025 we need to Opportunities for Women found that over ensure the Commonwealth is planning half of the state’s elders typically face a ahead to ensure the supports are in place.” budget shortfall of at least $10,248 annu- In January, MSAC joined other advo- ally, making it impossible for them to cacy groups who sent a letter to Gov. meet even their most basic needs for food, Patrick urging him to restore EOEA as a health care and shelter. Massachusetts cabinet agency, giving the secretariat the ranked the worst of all states. full responsibilities it has under state law. (Related story page 7 Editorial page 10) As of this writing, the governor has yet to “Bottom line: Massachusetts seniors respond to that letter. are worse off now than they were a few Last month AARP, the Massachusetts years ago, and it’s not just because of the Association of Older Americans (MAOA), recession,” said Deborah Banda, director the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and of AARP Massachusetts. “We know many Senior Center Directors, Mass Home Care, tough decisions must be made as our and the MSAC issued a statement accus- economy struggles to recover. But what ing the governor of lacking an agenda does it say about our values when the state that supports the elderly and once again has more than $1 billion in its rainy day demanding that he re-instate EOEA as fund and our leaders aren’t willing to dip a full secretariat. They lambasted the into it to protect meals for our seniors?” Patrick administration for diminishing the The groups are calling on elected offi- EOEA secretariat to a department status cials at every level, from town halls to the without legislative authority and contend State House, to develop action plans for the weakening of the office has been meeting the needs of the growing aging occurring incrementally for the past three population statewide and in their respec- years. tive communities. The action represented a breaking This commitment must begin at the point caused by “a troubling series of pro- posals, decisions and developments that CONSTITUENTS page 10
www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 5 Boomer consumers adjust to economic, lifestyle realities By Brian Goslow ing that trend develop.” everyone, however, has the financial resources to pay for Of equal importance is keeping an active mind. village membership. One alternative that is slowly catch- s the economy rebounds, baby boomers are not likely Because of “responsible consumerism,” boomers will ing on is virtual villages and caring collaboratives where to change frugal spending habits that were shaped also live a more environmentally friendly people volunteer time to provide services Aduring the recession. The once spendthrift generation lifestyle. Thornhill points out that many to someone in need. no longer maxes out credit cards or leverages home equity boomers came of age around the time of the “Every hour that they give to help without considering the possible consequences. first Earth Day in 1970, and related activi- somebody becomes an hour they can get That doesn’t mean the 76 million consumers isn’t a ties have been part of their lives ever since. in help from someone else,” Thornhill buying force. Far from it. said. “They call these volunteer time banks “They’re still spending money on things they enjoy and “They’re still spending money where you can make deposits and later things they’d like to do, and to fulfill their wants as much on things they enjoy and on, make withdrawals and, for example, as their needs,” according to Matt Thornhill, founder and get somebody in the caring collaborative president of The Boomer Project. “But they’re being more things they’d like to do, and to to go with you to a medical procedure or practical and responsible about it. They’re being more fulfill their wants as much as to drive you home.” responsible about their money when it comes to buying their needs.” There are approximately 100 time bank products and services.” programs in the United States with 11 The Richmond, Va.-based Boomer Project develops Matt Thornhill Massachusetts-based programs, including marketing strategies for companies looking to market their “The vast majority of boomers today ones in Boston (BackBone Community products to baby boomers. Thornhill formed the company think they’re being green,” he said. “They’re TimeBank), Cambridge (Metro Boston), in 2003 with John Martin, president and CEO of SIR starting to think about how they’re going Gloucester, Salem, Marshfield, Cape Cod, Research. They are the co-authors of Boomer Consumers: to leave the planet, they’re motivated Worcester and Orange (North Quabbin). Ten New Rules for Marketing to America’s Largest, Wealthiest by their legacy so we think they’ll stay Most are not age-specific. and Most Influential Group. engaged in that. One reason time bank collaboratives It’s not just attitudes about money that are changing. “This great recession happened at a time the green were formed was that, while most people are willing to help, “We’re going to see more impetus on well being and movement was picking up speed and it happened at a time people needing help typically are reluctant to ask for what maintaining your health and wellness,” Thornhill said. “If that boomers who had been über consumers for the last they need. “They’re of the mindset, ‘I don’t want to bother you let yourself go, you’re going be frowned upon because 40 years were reaching a stage of life when they realized, anybody; I don’t want to ask for help,’ ” Thornhill said. “If you’re costing more money to maintain than someone who you know what, it’s not so much about having more stuff. you were asked, you’d help in a heartbeat.” is fit.” You remember the bumper sticker, ‘He who has the most Another development impacting how the boomer genera- Big companies will push the idea of a well-being lifestyle stuff wins?’ Boomers would now say that it’s he who has tion lives is that a third of them — approximately 25 million and personal responsibility hard to the boomer market. the best experiences or the most experiences before he dies out of 76 million boomers — are currently unmarried; a “Over the past 40 years, we’ve made it that you’re a social wins,” Thornhill said. growing number of them are living together platonically. pariah if you smoke a cigarette,” Thornhill said. “Over the While boomers may be looking to cut back on their “They never married or they’re divorced or separated or next 20 years, we’re going to try to do the same thing about purchases, Thornhill said, “the longevity economy” will they’re widowed,” Thornhill said. “As they hit 50, 60 and being out of shape and obese.” provide business opportunities for “industry after industry” beyond, they’re looking around, going, ‘Hey, I’ve got one While the need for self-maintenance has been a growing that offers products and services that help boomers stay kid, who lives in Seattle and I live in Boston, my kid’s not mantra for health care advocates, as a whole, the message vital as they grow older. going to be able to take care of me, I don’t want to move has yet to catch on wide-scale. “But it’s going to, especially “Anything that helps boomers stay in their homes and to Seattle, what am I going to do?’ ” The answer, he said, as boomers start to realize the warranty on their bodies is live longer and be connected socially in their homes is may lie in assembling a network to act almost as “a family running out and they have to use it or lose it,” Thornhill said. going to be a big business,” he said. “From remodeling to of convenience” as opposed to blood relatives. “The reality is the older you get, the harder making an age-friendly home to putting technology in place Thornhill said this housing trend is a Golden Girls sce- it is to get out of bed in the morning. The that connects you up so you can stay at home to providing nario where friends move in together and provide care for knees are sending a signal to your brain services in the home. Products to physically adapt the home one another. “They’re going to pal up with other boomers saying that this is not like when you were to be easier to live in as people grow older will be popular. and kind of take care of each other,” he said. 35 anymore,” he said. “You may think you Technology products will allow people to stay And, like it or not, economic realities will continue to have an attitude like 35, but the plant equip- connected with their caregivers, family and cause generations of families to move back in together. ment isn’t holding up like you’re 35. There’ll friends while living in their own homes. “The good news is boomers tend to have very strong be kind of an individual motivation that will Homes will become “more age-friendly,” relationships with their millennial age children, there’s come from there.” Thornhill said. not a huge generation gap between them (as compared to Earlier this year, in an article At the same time, demand for more previous decades),” Thornhill said. “They like the same titled 10 Ways Boomers Will traditional in-home non-medical and type of music; both generations like rock ‘n’ roll. It’s not Transform 2012, Thornhill personal care — such as cooking, as drastic as it would be back when the boomers were and Martin wrote, “Health housecleaning, grocery shopping living at home and their parents liked Frank Sinatra and systems, rather than shop- or just companionship — will Tony Bennett.” ping malls, will become continue to grow. Thornhill and Martin’s next book, Age Ready: Your Guide the center of communi- Where existing support to a New Future in an Older World (LINX Publishing), due ties; exercise programs and programs are cut for bud- later this spring, explores what communities, organizations services from kettlebell getary reasons or are not and companies can do to get ready for 2030 when the (exercises that work the available, “villages” will United States is predicted to have twice as many people entire body) gyms to local continue to spring up over 65 as today. aquatic centers will thrive; in communities able to “That’s the most fundamental change that is coming to and pharmacies and food cover their costs. America and the world and it will cause the most dramatic markets will become more Such a model fol- change. It’s an irreversible truth — we’re going to have an wellness oriented.” lows in the footsteps older demographic composition in the world in 2030,” Martin (l) and Thornhill Similarly, developers are of Boston’s Beacon Hill Thornhill said. including fitness centers in new retirement and assisted Village where members, for a set annual fee, can access “That really is going to change everything.” living communities. “It’s really about taking care of yourself services ranging from rides, house sitters and delivered while you can still live independently and them providing meals to plumbers, electricians and tax experts, and enjoy For more information: The Boomer Project, boomerproject. care for you when you can’t live independently. We’re see- social and cultural programs with other members. Not com; TimeBanks USA, timebanks.org.
Fifty Plus Advocate is published monthly, 12 Publisher: Philip Davis Research Study Advertising: times annually by Mar-Len Pub li ca tions, Inc. 131 Executive Editor / Donna Davis: ext. 130 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605. Assistant Publisher: Sondra Shapiro: ext. 136 Boston Metro / Boston South Sales Manager: Fifty Plus Advocate ac cepts no responsibility for Reva Capellari: ext. 5 unsolicited manu scripts or materials and does not Staff Reporter: Brian Goslow: ext. 135 return them to sender. Retrac tions for any inaccuracies Central Massachusetts Edition Travel Writer: Victor Block Sales: will be printed when necessary. Unsolicited letters to Donna Davis: ext. 130 131 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605 Art Director: Susan J. Clapham: ext. 142 the editor become the property of this newspaper and Cara Kassab: ext. 125 can be reprinted in part or in whole unless otherwise Serving the Fifty Plus Com mu nity since 1975 Bookkeeper: Stacy Lemay: ext. 6 stated. Fifty Plus Advocate columnists writing under a (508) 752-2512 • FAX: (508) 752-9057 byline are ex press ing their personal opinions and not Bookkeeping: ext. 6, Circulation: ext. 7, Sales Manager: ext. 5 Members of the Associated Press. necessarily those of the newspaper. Read more at www.fiftyplusadvocate.com Bay State single seniors face cost of living gap
By Brian Goslow that help residents battling eco- “Households facing these familiar with, the stories about people who nomic hardship. These programs grave income disparities are aren’t taking the medications they need to he Elder Economic Security Standard include SNAP (the Supplemental placed in the position of take because they can’t afford them; people Index found Massachusetts the worst Nutrition Assistance Program), making untenable choices — who are not eating a nutritious diet; people Tin the country when it comes to single the former food stamp program); between rent or utilities, utili- who are living in housing that is not up to senior renters being able to make ends meet, SSI (Social Security Supplemental ties or nutritional foods and so standards.” with their median income covering only 62 Security Income); fuel assistance; on,” said WOW’s President and In some instances, parents and grandpar- percent of their everyday needs. and health care subsidies, which CEO, Donna Addkison. “The ents are moving in with their children and That means many state residents 65 and Jakubiak estimated were worth need for gap-filling programs grandchildren out of economic necessity. older who live alone and rent their own approximately $2,000 a year. looms large as does the need to Necessity is driving many seniors to work apartments face an average annual $10,248 Yet, administrators overseeing connect older adults with the well into their “retirement” years. “They shortfall in covering basic living expenses, these lifeline programs are being limited but available assis- really have to in order to have any hope of according to the findings of a recently pressured to trim costs in order Mutchler tance.” living independently,” Mutchler said. released study by the Washington, D.C.- to balance their budgets. So how are those with huge based Wider Opportunities for Women ”Cuts in programs and services and differences between their income and basic For more information: Wider Opportunities (WOW) and the Gerontology Institute at restraints being put on eligibility standards living expenses getting by? for Women, wowonline.org; Gerontology the University of Massachusetts Boston. are making them available to fewer people,” “There are a lot of very unfavorable Institute at UMass Boston, umb.edu/geron- The median elder income in this category said Jakubiak. This is making “getting by” ways in which the gap might be closed,” tologyinstitute; Massachusetts Association for was $16,800 in the state. even tougher. Mutchler said. “There are the stories we’re Older Americans, maoamass.org. (Related editorial page 10) “The numbers add up in a less favorable AARP wants to know what you think about Medicare, Social Security way in Massachusetts then the other states, but it’s bad all over,” said Jan E. Mutchler, BOSTON — that shows 95 percent of Americans think AARP research emphasize the importance associate director for social and demograph- ou’ve Earned a Say, AARP’s national Washington should spend more time lis- of Medicare and Social Security to older ic research at the Gerontology Institute at campaign, is taking the debate about tening to ordinary citizens like them when Americans, and outline some of the chal- the McCormack Graduate School of Policy YMedicare and Social Security “out it comes to decisions about Medicare and lenges facing the program in the com- and Global Studies at the University of from behind closed doors in Washington Social Security, she said, “You’ve worked ing years. In the survey, 98 percent of Massachusetts Boston. “Things don’t look and making sure that all Americans have a too hard to let the next president and respondents said Medicare is important to great anywhere.” voice in the discussion about their future,” Congress make decisions about the future people’s health in retirement, but only 54 The survey found that an older single according to an AARP press release. of Medicare and Social Security without percent are confident it will be there for resident in the state needs $27,048 a year During the You’ve Earned a Say hearing from you.” them throughout their retirement. Similarly, to live independently. Chet Jakubiak, execu- Massachusetts kick-off event, more than The Springfield residents shared their 96 percent of respondents believe Social tive director of Massachusetts Association 100 seniors and their families gathered opinions and ideas about the future of Security is important to people’s financial of Older Americans (MAOA), called the at Springfield’s St. Anthony’s Church to Medicare and Social Security, and also had security in retirement, but only 49 percent findings “a warning,” while noting the participate in a community conversation the opportunity to “vote their views” during are confident it will be there for them. numbers do not include the monetary value facilitated by AARP Massachusetts State interactive polling. of federal and state aging network services President Linda Fitzgerald. Citing research According to Fitzgerald, results of new AARP page 8
www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 7 Health overhaul unpopular, but not as feared WASHINGTON — Most of the law’s major changes have can charge older adults. But self-interest know what’s going to happen.” ttacked as a rationing scheme and yet to take effect, and dire predictions — of hasn’t made Sisson a supporter. Confusion about the complex legislation praised as a lifesaver, President Barack lost jobs, soaring premiums and long waits “As a guy that’s semi-retired, the law would has not helped Obama sell it to the public, AObama’s health care law remains as to see the doctor — have not materialized. probably benefit me, and I’m still against it contributing to an atmosphere in which wild divisive and confusing as ever. But a new Provisions that have gone into effect, includ- because it’s not good for our country,” said charges about potential repercussions readily poll finds Americans are less worried that ing extended coverage for young adults on Sisson. find an audience. the overhaul will undermine their own care. their parents’ insurance and relief for seniors Most of the drop in people saying they Only about three in 10 say they under- An Associated Press-GfK poll shows that with high prescription costs, only had a mod- believe their care will worsen actually comes stand the law extremely or very well. Most, Americans are less concerned their own per- est impact on health care spending. from those like Sisson, who are opposed to 44 percent, say they understand it just some- sonal health care will suffer as a result of it. Lee Sisson, 63, a semi-retired business- it. Of the law’s opponents, 55 percent now what, while 29 percent say they understand Shortly after the law passed in 2010, man from Winter Haven, Fla., said he figures say their care will worsen. But in April 2010, it not too well or not well at all. nearly half — 47 percent — said they that he might be better off personally as a soon after the law passed, that share was 67 On the key issue before the Supreme expected the quality of their care to worsen. result of the overhaul. For example, it would percent. Court, however, public opinion is clear. Now just 32 percent say that’s their worry. limit how much health insurance companies Overall, half of Americans say they don’t Nearly six in 10 in say they oppose the law’s think the quality of their care will change, requirement that Americans carry health ➤ AARP while 14 percent expect it to improve. insurance, except in cases of financial hard- The health care debate may be getting ship, or pay a fine to the government. Cont. from page 17 less edgy, but it’s unclear how much it will Opponents argue that such a mandate help Obama and Democrats heading into a is an unconstitutional expansion of federal In Massachusetts, nearly a million contentious 2012 election season. Americans power, amounting to Congress ordering pri- seniors count on Social Security to help remain cool to the major domestic accom- vate citizens to buy a particular product. pay the bills, and on Medicare for guaran- plishment of the president’s first term, even The administration and many experts teed health care coverage, according to the if they like some of the law’s provisions. believe that the overhaul cannot work with- AARP release. The average Social Security The poll found that 35 percent of out an insurance requirement. The law guar- benefit is $14,000 a year, and in the Bay Americans support the health care law antees that people with pre-existing medical State, seniors typically rely on Social overhaul, while 47 percent oppose it. That’s problems can get coverage. Therefore, with- Security for more than half (56 percent) about the same split as when it passed. Then, out a mandate, many healthy people may of their income. Meanwhile, the common- 39 percent supported it and 50 percent just postpone buying insurance until they wealth’s seniors pay about $6,800 out of opposed it. get sick, driving up costs. pocket annually for Medicare premiums, Opposition remains strongest among While opposition to an individual insur- co-payments and deductibles. Martha Pappas of Springfield during seniors, many of whom object that Medicare ance requirement remains strong, the poll Over the next few months, AARP Massa- question and answer time. cuts were used to help finance coverage for found that 60 percent support putting the chusetts will facilitate more than 30 You’ve sharing their views online. AARP volunteers younger uninsured people. obligation on employers. Businesses are Earned a Say community conversations will also distribute You’ve Earned a Say “We were supposed to have a nice, relaxed currently under no legal requirement to across the state, hold telephone town hall questionnaires (see page 10 for a copy) at retirement, and now we are scared,” said provide insurance, and the law would penal- meetings to hear from Bay Staters, and public events and activities. The question- Nancy Deister Knaack, 65, of Leawood, Kan., ize medium to large companies that fail to sponsor webinars for those interested in naire is also available at www.aarp.org/ma. a retired special education teacher. “We don’t do so. — AP
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8 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 Gay, lesbian seniors get support, friends in Mass. program Do You Want
By Susan Lahoud of people where she would be free to talk about what she’d been through coming out FREE HOUSING INFORMATION SHARON — as a lesbian and her needs now as she ages. ver the past two decades, Sarah de She said it was quite an experience — Ris has driven hundreds of miles being married to a man, having children mailed to you?
Oto get to lesbian, gay, bisexual and and then battling breast cancer in 1994 — transgender (LGBT) events, “just to be in before really being able to start reaching out that environment.” and coming out. Please check off all the facilities that you would like to The 72-year-old now only has to drive a “I had things I wanted to say and I fig- mile down the road. ured I’d better say them now,” she said of receive free, no obligation information from. You can check For older adults who did not come out the cancer scare. until later years, it’s now often a matter of Green said her attempts over the years off as many locations as you like. Your name will not be used getting out to mingle with others in their in trying to drum up support for LGBT for any other purpose. Fill out the coupon, cut out and mail communities to share common ground. group in other communities did not pan Under a first-time initiative in the state, out. back to us at the address below. the Sharon Council on Aging, in con- But she did find herself growing and junction with HESSCO Elder Services, speaking up for herself “and those without an agency that serves local communities a voice.” Affordable 55+ including Foxborough, Plainville, Norfolk She told of being in an exercise class and Wrentham, is hoping to provide a sup- years ago, when someone in the class cir- portive social gathering place as well as culated a petition against gay marriage and Apartments: educational and health care programming people were signing it. specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- After mustering her courage, she later R Lincoln Village - Worcester gender seniors. spoke to the class about how there are Lincoln Village Launched in September, the effort has LGBTs in most groups, whether they speak already attracted an average of 30 seniors up or not, and that she considered the peti- at each of its once-a-month lunches from tion “hurtful.” Assisted Living Facilities: neighboring and even more distant com- “It was political. It had nothing to do munities, stretching into Boston and Rhode with exercise class,” she said. R Briarwood - Assisted Living, Worcester Island. She said while no one “came out” as a And they’re hoping to attract more par- result, she did receive applause. ticipants from the Attleboro area. Green said that depending on the situ- “We’re trying to reach out into the LGBT ation, she likes to educate and encourage Briarwood Rest Homes: community and pull people in who are understanding and acceptance, and the isolated and alone,” said Jayne Davis with idea that “our humanity is shared though R Dodge Park - Rest Home, Worcester HESSCO. “We want to pull them into a our orientation may not be.” safe place where they can socialize,” and De Ris, who came out after her divorce find out about available resources specific from her husband in the late 1990s when to their needs, she said. she was in her 50s, said “you just don’t Subsidized The program was the result of a meeting know when you’re going to encounter last May involving representatives from var- acceptance or worse.” Dodge Park Apartments: ious community groups including visiting She said when she worked at Wheaton nurse associations and churches, she said. College, the professors and LGBT staff The National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce made her feel comfortable. R Bet Shalom - Worcester has estimated that there are more than 3 She said it took some “adjustment” for Dodge Park Rest Home million gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgen- her two then adult children in accepting R Colony Retirement - Worcester der Americans over age 65. her newly-announced status, as well as The Lakeside Cafe in the Sharon Adult dealing with the divorce. Center is the sixth such program for LGBT “You can be liberal, but when it’s your R Emanuel Village - Worcester seniors in the state, and the first in a coun- own mother and her sexual preference...,” Bet Shalom cil of aging building, Davis said. she said. De Ris is happy the group exists. “I’m so But she feels “elders coming out is a way Dodge Park Rest Home R Green Hill Towers - Worcester thrilled to have this in this community,” she to combat homophobia.” said. “I think a lot of LGBT elders in the Of course, feeling welcomed and accept- RPeters Grove - Hudson suburbs are isolated.” ed is crucial. But just as important, espe- She suspects there are many more elder cially for elder adults, is having transporta- lesbian women who have not come out tion to get to events and places to meet. R Village @ Ascension Heights who could benefit from the program. HESSCO has just recently received a grant Colony Retirement - Worcester “There’s a joy in connecting and being that allows it to provide transportation, out, once you feel comfortable being where which includes being able to pick people you are,” de Ris said. “It’s the people who up from the nearby train station. don’t come out to these that I worry about.” Jim Flavin, 74, took the train ride from She said finding understanding, accep- Somerville with Camille Bourque. tance and talking with people of her age “It’s fun, it’s a lovely place and I like that going through some of the same issues that it’s during the day,” said Flavin, adding that FREE HOUSING INFORMATION she’s going through means less isolation. “it’s something to do and you’re among (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY) “You’re a part of a community,” she said. your people.” The gatherings have included musical Bourque, who is nearing age 84, said Name programs and holiday parties, along with that “the more times we do this, the more guest speakers addressing issues specific to places we go and the more people we Address lesbians and gays. meet.” City State Zip Having a place to go to discuss those Talking as they ate lunch, the men noted issues and others is among the needs of the there hasn’t been much mixing with the Phone community, said attendees at the luncheon, ladies in the group to date. Each group sat \Attn: Free Fifty Plus Housing Information including Ellen Green, who will soon cel- at separate tables. Fifty Plus Advocate, 131 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605 ebrate her 80th birthday. “It’s probably our fault, too,” noted The Medfield resident said she “jumped *We cannot process without your phone number. It will be used only in regard to the properties that z-2 at the chance” to be among a community SUPPORT page 23 you have marked. 4.12 Viewpoint Make your voice heard on Medicare, Social Security
t’s time to take the debate about Medicare and Social Security When it comes to securing the future of Medicare and Social out from behind closed doors in Washington so you can make Security, which of the following do you expect? Iyour voice heard. That’s why AARP has launched You’ve Earned A) More funding will be needed to maintain the same benefits a Say — so you can have a say in the future of Medicare and B) Benefits will be reduced Social Security. You’ve worked too hard to let the next President C) Either A or B and Congress make decisions about the future of Medicare and D) None of the above Social Security without hearing from you. Make your voice heard. Fill out the questionnaire below, and send it to AARP When it comes to changes being made to Social Security and Medicare in Washington, which Massachusetts, One Beacon Street, Suite 2301, Boston, MA 02108; you may also email of the following describes you best: responses to [email protected]. A) I want to make my voice heard B) I want to make my voice heard, but I don’t think it will make any difference What do you think? C) I am not interested in being involved.
Check one option for each of the following questions: Do you believe that it is important to strengthen Medicare and Social Security? Why or why not? Which of these statements do you think describes Social Security the best? ______A) Social Security is okay as it is ______B) It needs minor changes ______C) It needs major changes ______D) It is in a state of crisis Name: ______Which of these statements do you think describes Medicare the best? A) Medicare is okay as it is Address: ______B) It needs minor changes ______C) It needs major changes Phone: ______D) It is in a state of crisis Email: ______Do you expect to get more back from Medicare and Social Security than you have contributed, AARP member number, if applicable: less, or about the same? ______A) More B) Less AARP Massachusetts will be holding You’ve Earned a Say community conversations through- C) Same out Massachusetts, as well as telephone town hall meetings and webinars. Find out more by visiting www.aarp.org/ma or call 866-448-3621. Massachusetts elders face worst “independence gap” in nation By Al Norman gap is the biggest in the country — making there was no state where media income was nearly 5 percent during 2010. But Jakubiak Massachusetts the hardest place for seniors equal to the basic cost of living for seniors. said elders likely saw an even greater arch roared in like a lion with the to make ends meet. But our state happens to be the worst. income drop. Rising costs and falling release of a report by a national All of us who call Donna Addkison, the CEO of WOW, told income have led to a weakening of older Mgroup called Wider Opportunities Massachusetts home the media: “Growing old in Massachusetts is residents’ economic security. for Women (WOW), which found that know that the cost of getting more and Jakubiak said the problems go even seniors in Massachusetts face the largest living is high. But this more expensive. deeper. “Another contributing factor is the gap in the nation between income and the new report quantifies the Push Even though we failure to develop a clear, comprehensive, cost of basic expenses. You might call this disparity between what Back may not be able administration-wide public policies or disparity the “independence gap” because seniors have to live on, to avoid getting guidelines to respond to the untenable it threatens older people’s ability to keep versus what it costs to live. older, we can’t afford it either. Working economic situation of the state’s elders,” financially afloat. Using their “Elder Index” hard is no guarantee you’ll be able to cover Jakubiak said. “In short, prices are up, The WOW report found that elders yardstick, WOW and the Gerontology your most basic expenses when you retire.” income is down, public benefits are slashed, in the Commonwealth are coping with a Institute at U Mass/Boston found that an The Elder Index looks at basic living and there is no public policy to address $10,248 income shortfall, as measured by elder living alone and renting an apartment needs, like housing, food, transportation elders economic conditions. So here we an “Elder Index” that measures the costs of needs an average of $27,048 a year to live and health care. It provides more insight are, worst in the nation.” basic expenses compared to seniors’ typical independently. than the one-dimensional “poverty level” Today in Massachusetts, seniors account (median) income. But even worse — this In fairness, the study also found that data that the federal government releases. for nearly 20 percent of the population. Simply put, the new data shows that seniors They are the “lost 20 percent” of our demo- in Massachusetts have to struggle harder graphic — because public officials have Enjoy Home You can enjoy the convenience than their counterparts in the rest of the failed to create either a vision or an agenda of having your Fifty Plus country to keep their heads above water. to help these citizens remain independent. According to Chet Jakubiak, the As Jakubiak says: “Far too many elders Advocate delivered to you executive director of the Massachusetts live every day on the edge of economic Delivery of at home, insuring you that Association of Older Americans (MAOA), disaster. That’s a disgrace.” you will never miss an issue. who worked with WOW and U Mass/ Boston on the new report, U.S. Census Al Norman is the executive director of Just fill out this coupon and data shows that the median income among Mass Home Care. He can be reached at 978- enclose payment. all households in Massachusetts dropped 502-3794, or at [email protected] ❍ 1 year - $18 ❍ 2 years - $34 ❍ 3 years - $48 ➤ Constituents can educate and guide policy makers and Name:______public officials to ensure strong programs Address:______Cont. from page 5 and supports for seniors and caregivers. City:______State:______Zip: ______top. By reinstating The Executive Office Sondra Shapiro is the executive editor of of Elder Affairs to its rightful autonomous the Fifty Plus Advocate. Email her at sshapiro. If change of address or renewal, MAIL TO: position Gov. Patrick would convey an [email protected], follow her on place mailing label here understanding of and caring about the Twitter at shapiro50plus or read more at www. and your new address. 131 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605 needs of his constituency. A strong EOEA fiftyplusadvocate.com.
10 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 How can I get rid of my glasses? Part 2 Advice urges wider sharing By Dr. Jean Keamy with lower degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Since nother refractive surgical proce- PRK removes less cornea than LASIK, of heart care decisions dure, PRK or photore- it may be the preferred procedure for Afractive keratectomy, patients with By Marilynn Marchione make his heart pump better. has over 20 years of history. thin corneas. “Even if it goes well, people are left with PRK, like LASIK, uses the Vision PRK often heart device might save your life but an electrical cord coming out of their belly” excimer laser to reshape Quest has the same leave you miserable. That awful pos- and a higher risk of stroke and bleeding the cornea. The difference outcome as A sibility is the reason for new advice from the nose or throat, Allen said. between the two procedures LASIK. urging doctors to talk more honestly with The man suffered bleeding problems, is how the second layer of As with any refractive procedure, it people who have very weak hearts and are needed a breathing machine and spent the cornea is exposed. With is not recommend for patients who have considering pumps, pacemakers, new valves 10 weeks in the hospital. He and his wife PRK, a brush or blade scrapes off the retinal pathology, glaucoma or cataracts. or procedures to open clogged arteries. hated that his device kept him tethered epithelium, the first layer of the cornea, Discussing all refractive surgical options Too often, patients with advanced heart to a power supply or gave him only a few so the laser can reshape the second layer with a surgeon is the best way to find failure don’t realize what they are getting hours of freedom on battery power. Some of the cornea, the stroma. With LASIK, out what is the best procedure for an into when they agree to a treatment, and models last longer. a flap is made into the anterior stroma individual. doctors assume they want everything pos- “They came to us a couple months after to expose the middle corneal stoma. sible done to keep them alive, according to he went home and said his quality of life PRK has a longer healing time than Dr. Jean Keamy is a board certified oph- the American Heart Association and other was not what he wished” and asked to have LASIK because that first layer of the cor- thalmologist specializing in LASIK, PRK, medical groups. the pump turned off, Allen said. The man nea must grow back before the vision is refractive surgery, cataract surgery, eye lid It calls for shared decision making when died about a year ago. clear. This can take between four- to 10 surgery and diseases of the eye and routine patients face a chronic condition that often By contrast, former Vice President Dick days for most people. eye exams. She owns Keamy Eye & Laser proves fatal and they need to figure out what Cheney, 71, has been living with a heart It may also be a more uncomfortable Centre at 24 Lyman St. in Westborough and they really want for their remaining days. If assist device since the summer of 2010 and slower healing process than LASIK, can be reached at 508-836-8733. Learn they also have dementia or failing kidneys, and reports he’s “doing well for now” in his but it also eliminates any risks of mak- more at www.seemedrkeamy.com. Archives the answer may not be a heart device to recent memoir. Cheney, who had the first of ing a LASIK flap. of articles from previous issues can be read prolong their lives. five heart attacks at age 37, proudly shows PRK is an ideal procedure for patients at www.fiftyplusadvocate.com. “Patients may feel that the treatment was off the long-life batteries he wears in a vest. worse than the disease,” said Dr. Larry Allen More than 5 million Americans have Group launches website for legal questions of the University of Colorado Anschutz heart failure, and the number is growing BOSTON — family law, labor and unemployment, estate Medical Center, who helped draft the new as the population ages. It occurs when a he Massachusetts Bar Association’s planning, real estate, consumer protection, advice. heart becomes too weak — because of a Lawyer Referral Service has started a personal injury, criminal law, personal One of his former patients is an example: heart attack, high blood pressure or other Tnew website to provide basic answers finance, business, government benefits and a 74-year-old man too weak to go shopping condition — to pump enough blood. Fluid to common legal questions and connect immigration. The site can also help users or walk around his neighborhood. He was can back up into the lungs, causing short- people who need legal help to an attorney. looking for a lawyer to contact the referral so miserable that doctors thought he would ness of breath, weight gain, fatigue and The website, www.MassLawHelp.com, service to find an attorney with appropriate feel better with a “mini artificial heart” — a provides answers to questions in the areas of experience. — AP $100,000 left ventricular assist device to ADVICE page 28
*ULHI5HFRYHU\6HULHV 2IIHUHGE\0LOHV)XQHUDO+RPH This Journey of Grief )LQGLQJ 6HDWLQJLVOLPLWHG6HPLQDULV IUHHDQGRSHQWRWKHSXEOLF 300 Barber Avenue 1183 Main Street /LJKWUHIUHVKPHQWVZLOOEHVHUYHG 3OHDVHFDOO RU Worcester, MA 01606 Worcester, MA 01603 IRUUHVHUYDWLRQV XXXIUOSOFUt7JSUVBM5PVS"WBJMBCMF www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 11 Feeling Healthy Sponsored by: Trimming super-size with half-orders, plate colors By Lauran Neergaard size, and the calories, last year. can pile on calorie-dense starches like offered the option. “We’ll be seeing some very creative ways rice or pasta or fries because they’re very A 25-cent discount didn’t spur more WASHINGTON — of downsizing in the next couple of years,” inexpensive, filling the plate so it looks like takers. Nor did adding calorie labels so Call it the alter-ego of super-sizing. predicts Wansink, author of Mindless Eating: a good deal, Schwartz said. people could calculate for themselves, the Researchers infiltrated a fast-food Why We Eat More Than We Think. A popular Chinese franchise at Duke researchers report in a recent journal Health Chinese restaurant and found up to a But let’s call it University, with Affairs — concluding the up-front offer third of diners jumped at the offer of a “right-sizing,” said a mix of students, made the difference. half-size of the usual heaping pile of rice or Duke University staff and visitors to Anywhere from 14 percent to 33 percent noodles — even when the smaller amount behavioral econo- the campus hos- chose the reduced portions, depending on cost the same. mist Dan Ariely. pital, allowed the the day and the mix of customers. Giant portion sizes are one of the culprits Right-size suggests researchers in at Even 200 fewer calories can add up over behind the epidemic of bulging waistlines, it’s a good portion, lunchtime. time. And other tricks can trim portions and nowhere is the portion-creep more not a cut, he said. In the serving without people noticing, whether dining evident than in restaurants with French Couldn’t you just line, customers pick out or at home. Cornell’s Wansink found fry-heavy meal deals or plates overflowing get a doggie bag? the rice or noodles people served 18 percent more pasta with with pasta. Now scientists are tapping into Sure, if you’ve got first. The standard marinara sauce onto a red plate than a the psychology of eating to find ways to the willpower to stop serving is a whop- white one — and 18 percent more pasta trim portions without people feeling cheated before your plate is ping 10 ounces, alfredo onto a white plate. — focusing on everything from the starchy mostly clean. Lots about 400 calories A stark contrast “makes you think sides to the color of the plates. of research shows even before order- twice before you throw on another scoop,” “The small Coke now is what used to Americans don’t. ing the entree, said explained Wansink. His own family bought be a large 15 years ago,” laments psycholo- We tend to rely on Schwartz. There was some dark dinner plates to supplement gist Janet Schwartz, a marketing professor visual cues about no half-size option their white ones, because people tend to at Tulane University who led the Chinese how much food is on the menu board. overeat white starches more than veggies. food study. “We should ask people what left, shoveling it in In a series of Wansink’s other research has found: portion size they want,” instead of large before the stomach- experiments, serv- •Switching from 11-inch plates to being the default. to-brain signal of “hey wait, I’m getting ers asked 970 customers after their initial 10-inch plates makes people take less food, Restaurants are paying close attention, full” can arrive. rice or noodle order: “Would you like a and waste less food. The slightly smaller said prominent food-science researcher So Schwartz and Ariely tested a different half-order to save 200 calories?” Those plate makes a normal serving look more Brian Wansink of Cornell University. His approach: Could we limit our own tempta- who said yes didn’t order a higher-calorie satisfying. own tests found children were satisfied tion if we focus not on the tastiest reason entree to compensate. Weighing leftovers •People think they’re drinking more with about half the fries in their Happy we visited a restaurant — the entree — but showed they threw away the same amount Meal long before McDonald’s cut back the on the side dishes? After all, restaurants of food as customers who refused or weren’t TRIMMING page 14 PRIVATE HOME CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT! 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Epstein, a Miami and Carlos Wolf, a Miami plastic surgeon, procedure for good measure. “My father New York plastic surgeon who special- said many of his male patients look at MIAMI — would’ve never ever thought of doing this, izes in hair restoration and facial plastic cosmetic surgery as “an investment in their ichael Bell was tired of looking but I definitely feel I made the right deci- surgery, “looking good and looking young future. I often hear, ‘I’m between jobs, but tired. He’d had enough of the sion.” has always been very I need to look good for interviews.’ Or, ‘I Mpesky questions about whether Men of all ages are important. Now they look older than I feel.’ ” He said men are he had slept well. growing more com- want to stay competi- willing to try something they believe will “I wanted to look as good as I felt,” said fortable with the idea tive and they want to give them an edge in an interview or a the retired educator, 53. “My face didn’t of getting help for look good.” deal. show how much energy I really had.” their looks, from spe- About 70 percent Some men are prompted to visit the So, after months of research, he got a cial creams to injec- of Epstein’s patients plastic surgeon for other reasons. Quite a little help for his sagging eyelids from a tions or laser. Popular are men, most of them few find themselves suddenly single and plastic surgeon. And he looks younger. plastic surgery reality in their 40s and 50s. want to date again. Even his friends say so. shows and affordable In some cases, job Men’s expectations of cosmetic surgery Forget droopy eyes. Bid farewell to financing have also insecurity is fueling are vastly different from women’s, accord- those telltale wrinkles. And say sayonara fueled the interest. interest in cosmetic ing to local doctors. Men take much long- to turkey neck. A small but growing group Men see guys like surgery. “It’s a tougher er to make up their mind about a proce- of middle-aged men are going under the themselves — not just job market, so they dure and they tend to do a lot of research. knife to hold back the relentless march of celebrities or actors want to look better They usually come to consultations alone, time. They’re also getting Botox injections, — improving their and younger,” said though wives or girlfriends sometimes tag soft tissue fillers and chemical peels in appearances on these shows and learn they Seth R. Thaller, chief of plastic and recon- along for support. pursuit of a youthful look. can get the same results without taking too structive surgery at the University of Miami Men also tell surgeons they don’t want a Procedures for men grew by 2 percent much time from work. Miller School of Medicine. “They want to drastic change in appearance, just enough in 2010, led mostly by baby boomers — Alfredo Amoedo, for instance, had look less tired and more alert.” to make them look better. — AP those born between 1946 and 1964 — surgery for the annoying bags under his who are getting more comfortable with eyes on a Friday and was back at work by ➤ Trimming sage that at least some customers want to the idea that a little cosmetic help can midweek. eat more sensibly. Applebee’s, for example, go a long way. It’s the first uptick since “If you feel sick, you take a medicine,” Cont. from page 12 has introduced a line of meals under 550 2007, according to the American Society Amoedo, 50, explained. “If you work calories, including such things as steak. of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), who say the out, you take a supplement. This is pretty from a tall skinny glass than a short wide And a National Restaurant Association change also signals that people are grow- much the same.” one even if both hold the same volume, a survey found smaller-portion entrees, ing more comfortable spending money on Local doctors say boomers are reaching finding Wansink said was widely adopted “mini-meals” for adults and kids, and themselves after the recession. an age where exercise may no longer be by bars. bite-size desserts made a new trend list. The biggest increase has been in mini- able to fight off gravity. Hence, in 2010, •Beware if kids eat from the adult bowls. It’s all consumer demand, said associa- mally invasive procedures — Botox and facelifts for men rose 14 percent and lipo- He found 6-year-olds serve themselves 44 tion nutrition director Joy Dubost: More soft tissue fillers, primarily. suction 7 percent nationally, according to percent more food in an 18-ounce bowl diners now are “requesting the healthier “It’s more acceptable,” said Ivan Malave, ASPS. than a 12-ounce bowl. options and paying attention to their 50, who had his eyelids tucked, his eye- “For the baby boomer generation,” Restaurants are starting to get the mes- calories.” — AP Caring for your memory impaired loved one! Dodge Park Rest Home provides a unique dementia Monthly Support Groups and Alzheimer's program tailored to meet “Open to Public” \RXUORYHGRQH·VVSHFLÀFQHHGV2XUKRPHOLNH VW7XHVGD\RIHYHU\PRQWKIRUVSRXVHVRI environment is usually at half the cost of a nursing individuals with memory impairments. 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Now in Worcester. 3D mammography, pioneered at Massachusetts General Hospital Imaging, brings a new dimension of clarity to breast cancer detection. This new technology provides multiple views of the breast to visualize previously hidden structures and allows doctors to pinpoint the size, shape and location of abnormalities. What this means for our patients is not only better cancer detection, but also fewer callbacks and fewer anxious moments. Schedule your 3D Mammogram today: 508-849-5000 Mass General Imaging - Worcester 385 Grove Street Worcester, MA 01605 www.3Dmammo.org © Massachusetts General Hospital www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 15 Travel and Entertainment By Victor Block long history. The old walled section is the larg- “You want to spend two weeks on est inhabited medieval town in Europe. Rhodes?” our Greek friend asked. Ancient building and fortifications mani- “You’ll go out of your mind.” fest an atmosphere of the Middle Ages as Fast forward two months. After our authentic as that found anywhere. trip, my wife, Fyllis, and I recalled that Many of the most impressive struc- warning and agreed that we had been tures date back to the period between wrong. We should have stayed on Rhodes 1307 and 1522 A.D., when the Order of longer. Knights of St. John of Jerusalem ruled and Hearing the word “Greece” can conjure left imposing evidence of their presence. up multiple images. Whitewashed villages The Street of the Knights, lined by for- gleaming in the sun. Seas that range in a mer residences, leads to the fortress-like spectrum of color from light turquoise to Grand Master’s Palace. An archaeological dark blue. Archeological sites that trace museum is located in what served as the the roots of much of Western civilization. main hospital of the Knights. Hippocrates Square, the Old Town’s main shopping area, is lined by imposing stone buildings that today house restaurants and bars. Despite its population of only about 1,100 people, Lindos vies with Rhodes as Kamiros a magnet for visitors. It’s a quintessential ancient Kamiros introduces the lifestyle of ful aroma to find the little bakery of the Greek village of white houses, dazzling its original inhabitants during the 6th and same name. It turns out breads and cakes in the sunlight, perched on the side of a 5th centuries B.C. The site spills down a that were mentioned in The Iliad, using steep hill. Looming above is the acropolis, hillside overlooking the sea. On the top recipes handed down by generations of a cliff topped by graceful columns that level stood a temple complex of Athena local families. are remnants of the Temple of Athena. and a covered reservoir, large enough to Kritinia is one of the prettiest villages Also intriguing is an outdoor auditorium supply water to several hundred families on Rhodes. Clinging to a hillside, the carved into a rocky cliff that could seat through a network of terra cotta pipes. town of about 550 inhabitants offers pan- 1,800 spectators. The main settlement, on a lower ter- oramic views of the sea in one direction Located near the middle of Rhodes, race, consisted of a grid of streets and and, in the other, of Mount Attavyros, at Lindos is well situated for day trips to houses adorned with mosaic floors and 3,985 feet the tallest spot on the island. beaches and other attrac- painted wall decorations. For an excellent meal, and opportuni- tions. Like many destinations The remains of public baths ties to meet friendly locals, stop at any Tiny chapel in Europe, beaches that range include hot and cold cham- of the small tavernas that you pass when from soft sand to rounded bers, and an underground driving between and in villages. The own- Rhodes has it all, conveniently packed pebbles line Rhodes. The system for heating the ers often are the cooks and wait staff, and into an area about one-seventh the size best are strung along the east rooms. even if they speak no English, they go out of Massachusetts that allows visitors to coast of the island. Equally inviting is con- of their way to help you order. discover its allures and attractions at a Despite the allure of sand temporary life encountered As ubiquitous as tavernas throughout leisurely pace. and sun, Fyllis and I man- in tiny unspoiled mountain Rhodes are churches. While the major The island is an outdoor museum of aged to tear ourselves away villages, which in many religious edifices attract most visitors, reminders of peoples who have passed to delve into a mixed bag ways has changed little over Fyllis and I found equally inviting the tiny through — the seafaring Phoenicians, of historic sights. Driving generations. Residents of white chapels that are scattered around Persians, Roman Empire and Ottoman through the countryside, we Archangelos are known as the island. Many of these miniscule struc- Turks. followed roads that snake Taverna chef grilling master artisans who make tures can accommodate only a handful of The city of Rhodes is perched at the over rolling hills and low lunch pottery and weave carpets worshippers. northernmost tip of the island where an mountains. Landscapes vary and tapestries using the same ancient settlement rose more than 2,400 from arid, rocky terrain near the coastline time-honored methods as their forebears. For more information, call the Greek years ago. Monuments from every period to verdant forests in the interior. Anyone driving into the village of National Tourism Organization at 212-421- since then stand in silent testimony to its A stroll through the extensive ruins of Appolonia need only follow the wonder- 5777 or log onto visitgreece.gr. Our adult day care is there for you. 6XSHUYLVHGFDUHXSWRKRXUVSHUGD\0RUH 'DLO\$FWLYLWLHV,QFOXGH Exercise, Music, Art DIIRUGDEOHWKDQDQ\RWKHUFDUHRSWLRQ and Intergenerational Programs, among others. 7KHGD\FOXEDOORZVPHPEHUVWRVSHQGWKHGD\LQ 0HDOVLQFOXGHG DFRPIRUWDEOHVWLPXODWLQJHQYLURQPHQW “Caring for your family THE ADULT DAY CLUB at Dodge Park members since 1967.” 5DQGROSK5RDG:RUFHVWHU0$www.dodgepark.com Call Ben or Mike at 508-853-8180 for a free, no obligation tour. DAY CLUB AVAILABLE 7AM - 7PM, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. YOU CHOOSE ONLY THE HOURS YOU WANT! 16 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 “State of the Art Healthcare Environment” We offer: 5HVSLWHDQG+RVSLFH&DUH 5HVWDXUDQWVW\OHGLQLQJURRP 3727675HKDEVHUYLFHV GD\VDZHHN %ULJKWDQGDLU\URRPV$FWLYLWLHV GD\VDZHHN /RQJWHUPDQGVKRUWWHUPFDUH )XOOWLPH3K\VLFLDQ$VVLVWDQW &DEOH79DQGWHOHSKRQHVDYDLODEOHLQHDFKURRP $QFLOODU\6HUYLFHV GHQWDOH\HSRGLDWU\SURYLGHGDW &RQWLQXLQJFDUHFRPPXQLW\ 5HVLGHQWFRPSXWHUZLWKIUHHDFFHVVWRLQWHUQHW WKHQXUVLQJFHQWHU 3HWWKHUDS\WKURXJK7XIWV9HWHULQDU\3URJUDP -&$+2DFFUHGLWHG 6FKHGXOHDWRXUWRGD\ %ULDUZRRG&LUFOH:RUFHVWHU0$ ZLWK7UDFH\.LQJ +RVSLWDO/LDLVRQ 508-853-6910 FDOO “A part of Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community” ZZZNQROOZRRGQXUVLQJFHQWHUFRP www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 17 Resource for Caregivers Millions now manage aging parents’ care from afar By Matt Sedensky I knew what to far from their once,” said Kay Branch, who lives in do, but I don’t.” hometowns, shift- Anchorage, Alaska, but helps coordinate WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As lifespans ing demographics care for her parents in Lakeland, Fla., risty Bryner worries her 80-year- lengthen and the in the country about 3,800 miles away. old mom might slip and fall when number of seniors could exacerbate There are no easy answers. Kshe picks up the newspaper, or rapidly grows, the issue: Over Bryner first became a long-distance that she’ll get in an accident when she more Americans the next four caregiver when, more than a decade ago, drives to the grocery store. What if she find themselves in decades, the share her father began suffering from dementia, has a medical emergency and no one’s Bryner’s precarious of people 65 and which consumed him until he died in there to help? What if, like her father, her position, strug- older is expected 2010. She used to be able to count on mother slips into a fog of dementia? gling to care for an to rapidly expand help from her brother, who lived close to Those questions would be hard ailing loved one while the number their parents, but he died of cancer a few enough if Bryner’s aging parent lived from hundreds or of people under years back. Her mother doesn’t want to across town in Portland, Ore., but she thousands of miles 20 will roughly leave the house she’s lived in for so long. is in Kent, Ohio. The stress of caregiv- away. hold steady. That So Bryner talks daily with her mother ing seems magnified by each of the more The National Institute on Aging (NIA) means there will be a far smaller share of via Skype, a video telephone service. She’s than 2,000 miles that separate them. estimates around 7 million Americans people between 20 and 64, the age group lucky to have a job that’s flexible enough “I feel like I’m being split in half are long-distance caregivers. Aside from that most often is faced with caregiving. between coasts,” said Bryner, 54. “I wish economic factors that often drive people “You just want to be in two places at MILLIONS page 21 Tips for managing an elder’s care from a distance Caring for an aging parent or other relative can rank relatives, neighbors or friends. Ask them for help when pressure, all from afar. among the most stressful tasks a person can ever take you need it and rely on them for on-site advice on how •Pay attention to subtle clues from your relative that on. But doing so from a distance makes it even more your loved one is doing. might hint at underlying problems. Are they continuing challenging. •Keep handy vital information such as prescriptions, a to socialize? Paying their bills? Maintaining the house? Some tips for long-distance caregivers: living will, phone lists of doctors and financial information. •Take care of yourself, too. Make sure you get breaks •Keep in regular contact with your loved one and, if •Seek out the help of a geriatric care manager, who can when you need them and find an outlet for emotional possible, use video chats so you can make visual assess- line up in-home services for your parent or other relative support. If you’re not cared for, you won’t be able to take ments. Seniors often defy stereotypes with their handle and assist in other caregiving tasks. good care of your loved one either. — AP on technology and can master useful tools like Skype or •Utilize new technology to help monitor your loved other video chatting services, such as on the iPad. one. There are now consumer products that can dispense Sources: National Institutes of Health, AARP, interviews •Find allies closer to the person you’re caring for: other pills, track sleep and bathroom activity and monitor blood with caregivers. 18 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 JHC HomeCare and Hospice an affiliate of Jewish Healthcare Center www.jewishhealthcarecenter.com Serving the families of Worcester county with quality care. JHC HomeCare JHC Hospice 629 Salisbury St. A recognized leader 629 Salisbury St. Worcester, MA 01609 in the community. Worcester, MA 01609 (508) 713-0538 (508) 713-0512 Fax (508) 770-0539 Fax (508) 713-0554 Follow breaking news all month on www.fiftyplusadvocate.com Don’t wait for the next issue of the Fifty Plus Advocate newspaper to get the most updated information! Visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com today! Worcester’s only 100% Alzheimer/Dementia Care Facility! “Come See Our New Look!” Blaire House of Worcester just completed extensive renovations. The many improvements were done with a unique focus on the impact of the physical environment on Alzheimer’s care, and to share our cutting edge advancements in Technology. • All staff is Alzheimer’s certified • Family Owned and Operated • Dr. Phillip Gottlieb, Geriatric over 50 years Psychiatric Consultant • 2010 Recipient of Bronze Quality • Physical/Occupational/ Award by the American Health Speech Therapy Care Association • 24 Hour Skilled Nursing Care • Specialized Activity Programs • Alzheimer’s Support Group Welcome to Blaire House! • Hospice • Respite Call Linda Belsito • Two Enclosed Patios for more information or BLAIRE HOUSE OF WORCESTER Medicare, a tour. She can Medicaid be reached at 116 Houghton Street, Worcester, MA 01604 VA & Senior Whole Health 774-292-9655. 508-791-5543 www.elderservices.com Providers www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 19 Now I have someone to drive me to the doctor. With UnitedHealthcare® Senior Care Options (HMO SNP), you’ll have a Personal Care Manager. Your Personal Care Manager will help you coordinate the services you may need, like rides to doctor appointments, and answer questions about staying healthy and more. It’s your doctor, hospital and prescription drug coverage and independent living support in one simple plan. $0 copay for dental fillings and dentures $0 copay for all prescribed medications $0 copay for eyewear (up to $125 annually) $0 copay for rides to doctor appointments Get more benefits in one plan at no cost to you. Find out more today. Call 1-855-765-0486, TTY 711, or go to www.UHCCommunityPlan.com. is now UnitedHealthcare Senior Care Options (UnitedHealthcare SCO) is a voluntary program available to people who are 65 and older. UnitedHealthcare SCO is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract and a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medicaid program. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. H2226_120213_173411 File & Use 02262012 MA12-DU001_3391401 20 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 When a loved-one needs special care in a facility setting By Micha Shalev, MHA facility leadership team must continuously The facility leadership and management disease. It is one which neither demands evaluate each task to determine what the team must know the residents. In working too much or too little of the person. It is n Alzheimer’s sufferer residing in a resident can still do. with each individual, they should be able all about the balance. facility will likely depend on per- The most common mistake I see is that to answer the questions listed below to all A good care plan is responsive to the Asonnel to provide person- a l caregivers assuming that the residents family members at any given time: unpredictable behaviors of your loved one. assistance. He or she may be needs help simply because they are slow to •What can the resident do? Examples: The most effective tool in caring for the able to take a bath one day respond or do the task poorly. The chal- Walk without assistance. Simple crafts and person with Alzheimer’s disease is the train- and not the next. This does lenge is to give activities. Communicate with or without ing of personnel, the facility’s resources to not indicate that the indi- the residents help. correctly address problems and the ability viduals are being mean, Caregiving only as much •What does the resident need help with? to choose an appropriate strategy. stubborn or manipulative. Tips assistance as Examples: Impulse control (screaming, Because of the unique nature of Because of the disease, they need to biting, combative behavior, etc.). Using Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia he or she may have reduced support their the bathroom (i.e. getting his trousers disorders, success often depends on flexibil- ability to remember old skills remaining abilities and to provide struc- unbuttoned). Dressing (patient can put on ity, creativity, teamwork and the willingness and may have no control over ture so that they feel safe and comfortable. shirt and trousers but needs assistance with of the facility and the medical team to try certain behaviors. Some Alzheimer’s resi- A safe and peaceful environment can work buttons, zipper, etc.). different approaches. What works today dents can do some tasks very well, but will miracles on individuals with behavior •What are the facility goals for the may not work tomorrow. need complete assistance with others. The problems. resident? Examples: Use of remaining skills (i.e. resident draws well so the goal is to Micha Shalev, MHA, is the owner and maintain this interest and skill as long as administrator of Dodge Park Rest Home ➤ Millions to Denmark when she received a call possible). Ask about what safety and pro- and The Adult Day Club at Dodge Park, alerting her that her mother was hav- tocol measures will be used for the loved 101 Randolph Road, Worcester. The facility Cont. from page 18 ing kidney failure and appeared as if she one if he or she wanders or tries to leave the is holding two free support group meetings a would die. She needed to communicate facility. How will self-esteem be maintained month for spouses and children of individuals that she’s able to visit for a couple of her mother’s wishes from afar as her pan- for the resident (i.e. provide opportunities with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. weeks every few months. But she fears icked sister tried to search their mother’s in which he or she experiences success or For information call 508-853-8180 or e-mail what may happen when her mother is home for her living will. Castillo-Bach sense of accomplishment)? [email protected]. Visit Dodge Park not as healthy as she is now. didn’t think she could make it in time to A good care plan is one in which the at www.dodgepark.com. Archives of articles “Someone needs to check on her, see her mother alive once more. caregiver continuously monitors the chang- from previous issues can be read at www. someone needs to look out for her,” she “I won’t get to touch my mother ing needs of the person with Alzheimer’s fiftyplusadvocate.com. said. “And the only someone is me, and I again,” she thought. don’t live there.” She was wrong. Her mother pulled Many long-distance caregivers say through. But she says it illustrates what How to choose a hospice residence they insist on daily phone calls or video long-distance caregivers so frequently go By Angela Penny Depending on the hospice residence, chats to hear or see how their loved one is through. the family might be able to have the same doing. Oftentimes, they find another rela- Lynn Feinberg, a caregiving expert at hen a loved-one enters hospice, nursing staff provide services. tive or a paid caregiver they can trust who AARP, said the number of long-distance it is a very difficult time for When considering a hospice residence, is closer and able to help with some tasks. caregivers is likely to grow, particularly Weveryone because it is the end ask what outside providers it is in partner- Yet there always is the unexpected: as a sagging economy has people taking of a life-journey. ship with and whether these people can Medical emergencies, problems with whatever job they can get, wherever it is. Often, end of life care is provided at home see patients at the residence. Will the same insurance coverage, urgent financial Though caregiving is a major stress on by family members, with a hospice team nurse, CNA and pastor that saw you or your issues. Problems become far tougher to anyone, distance can often magnify it, visiting the family throughout the week. loved one in your home be able to follow resolve when you need to hop on a plane Feinberg said, and presents particular dif- and provide care at the hospice residence? or make a daylong drive. ficulty when it must be balanced with an Caregiver Tips Also ask about accommodations for “There are lots of things that you have inflexible job. family. Are there cots? Beds? What types of to do that become these real exercises “It’s a huge stress,” she said. “It can private areas are there for families? Lastly, in futility,” said Ed Rose, 49, who lives have enormous implications not only At times this becomes a hardship, physi- go for a tour or see if the hospice residence in Boston but, like his sister, travels for someone’s quality of life, but also for cally and emotionally, for a family. Families provides for a virtual tour online. This may frequently to Chicago to help care for someone’s job.” want to spend more quality time with their help when making your decision. his 106-year-old grandmother, Blanche It can also carry a huge financial bur- loved one and not be the caregiver. It is the Seelmann. den. A November 2007 report by the most important time to be the wife, hus- Angela Penny, COTA, is director of admis- Rose has rushed to his grandmother’s National Alliance for Caregiving and band, daughter, son or friend. It is a time sions & marketing for Ichabod Washburn side for hospitalizations, and made Evercare, a division of United Health to reminisce, hug, laugh and love. Hospice Residence, 1183 Main St., unexpected trips to solve bureaucratic Group, found annual expenses incurred This is when a hospice residence can Worcester, MA and Holy Trinity Nursing and issues like retrieving a document from a by long-distance caregivers averaged assist a patient and their loved ones. A Rehabilitation Center (a non-profit commu- safe-deposit box in order to open a bank about $8,728, far more than caregivers hospice residence provides professional nity owned and managed healthcare facility) account. who lived close to their loved one. Some caregivers so that a family can spend qual- located at 300 Barber Ave., Worcester. She can But he said he has also managed to get also had to cut back on work hours, take ity time with their loved one at the end of be reached at 508-341-7170 (mobile) or visit most of the logistics down to a routine. on debt of their own and slash their per- life’s journey. www.htnr.net. He uses Skype to speak with his sonal spending. grandmother every day and tries to Even with that in mind, though, be there whenever she has a doctor’s many long-distance caregivers say appointment. Aides handle many daily they don’t regret their decision. Rita tasks and have access to a credit card Morrow, who works in accounting and Support our for household expenses. They send him lives in Louisville, Ky., about a six-hour receipts so he can monitor spending. He drive from her 90-year-old mother in has an apartment near his grandmother Memphis, Tenn., does all the juggling to make sure he’s comfortable on his fre- too. ADVERTISERS quent visits. She has to remind her mother to take Even for those who live near those her medicine, make sure rides are lined they care for, travel for work can fre- up for doctor’s appointments, rush to her Please let them know quently make it a long-distance affair. aid if there’s a problem. She knows her Evelyn Castillo-Bach lives in Pembroke mom wants to stay in her home, to keep you saw their ad in the Pines, Fla., the same town as her 84-year- going to the church she’s gone to the past old mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease. 60 years, to be near her friends. But she is on the road roughly half the “We do what we have to do for our year, sometimes for months at a time, parents,” she said. “My mother did all both for work with her own Web com- kinds of things for me.” — AP pany and accompanying her husband, a consultant for the United Nations. For more information, www.fiftypluscare- ThankTha you in advance for your help! Once, she was en route from Kosovo givers.com. www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 21 College towns draw those seeking active retirement By Carole Feldman Centurelli, an Ithaca College senior from concerts on campus, with transportation able and they can’t preempt a paying stu- Hingham, Mass., who has volunteered provided. dent,” Lillie said. College isn’t just for the young. with retirees, said, “Hearing about different At the same time, some classes for stu- But retirees don’t necessarily have to live With many people seeking a retirement experiences allows you to reflect on your dents are held at Longview, and residents in a facility partnered with a university to that is culturally active and intellectually own life and see it a little bit differently, can sit in, said Rhoda Meador, director of take advantage of programming at a school. stimulating, colleges and universities are which I think is important for college stu- the Gerontology Institute at Ithaca College. Sam Wolsky, who retired to Tucson, working to bring retirees to their campuses dents to do.” Talking with the seniors can provide con- Ariz., from Chicago to be near his children and towns, offering them free or reduced- Sure, the same types of residential facili- text and reality to the students’ academic and grandchildren, said he and his late rate classes, artistic performances or lec- ties and programming are available in com- subjects, she said. wife, Roberta, found the musical, dance tures. Some have partnered with retirement munities around the country, but there’s and theater offerings at the University of residences in the area. a preponderance in college towns, said Arizona an added benefit to their lives For some retirees, it’s a homecoming: Scott Perry, president of Bankers Life there. “There’s a smorgasbord of activi- They’re returning to their former campuses and Casualty Company, which put out a ties that you can be involved in,” said with warm memories of the time they spent study on the best U.S. cities for seniors. Wolsky. there as students. Others are moving to be Among the criteria it considered were Colleges and universities also attract closer to their children, who might be affili- social opportunities, including the num- retirees who want to use their exper- ated with the university. For still others, it’s ber of colleges and universities in town. tise and experience to pursue a sec- just a new adventure. “We can’t underestimate the impor- ond career — teaching. Ron Brown, a “People think seniors today are look- tance of keeping our minds active as we 64-year-old patent lawyer, decided to ing for sun and sand and not much else,” age,” he said, adding that college com- retire to Tucson from Minneapolis in said Jill Lillie, director of marketing at The munities have the resources to “allow part for an adjunct teaching position at Village at Penn State, a continuing care resi- seniors to focus on what they want to the University of Arizona law school. dence in State College, Pa. “But boomers pursue in the next stage of their life.” He also hopes to take classes. “I have are focused on new challenges. They want And it’s not just intellectual and nightmares about forgetting how to to enrich their lives, write a new chapter.” social. Typically, he said, many large do calculus,” said Brown, who studied Campus life can provide plenty of universities will have teaching hospitals and Sarah Furie, 20, a junior from Windsor, chemistry and chemical engineering and opportunities to do that. even dental schools, which provide health Conn., who is majoring in television and got a PhD before going to law school. “We were tired of looking at old people, services for seniors. “They raise the quality radio, said student volunteers have taught One school — the University of North and we wanted to get to a place where of care in the community,” he said. Longview residents about computers, per- Carolina at Asheville — has established there was a little more vibrancy, a little In Ithaca, N.Y., the Longview retire- formed musical programs, and done arts an on-campus center dedicated to mak- more to do,” said Al Green, a 1947 Penn ment community offers independent and and crafts. ing retirement a fulfilling stage of life. State graduate who moved to The Village assisted living, and has a partnership with Similarly, student interns teach fitness The North Carolina Center for Creative at Penn State after first retiring to Florida. Ithaca College to promote intergenerational and art at the Village at Penn State, and Retirement, founded in 1988, lets retirees On a recent fall weekend, he was juggling learning. Two or three residents are taking help with technology. Sports teams also in the community “use their lifetime experi- sporting events, a bridge game and drinks classes at the college, said Breelan Nash, visit, Lillie said. ence to solve some of the problems, make with friends. Longview’s recreation and volunteer coor- Residents can take one class a semester a contribution,” said Catherine Frank, the Students cite benefits, too. Vicki dinator. Residents also attend plays and at Penn State. “There has to be space avail- executive director. — AP “Waiting List Closed!” Read previous issues of the On-line at www.fiftyplusadvocate.com Now all four editions of the Fifty Plus Advocate newspaper are on-line for an entire year. Miss an issue? No problem! Download it to your computer and read it at Effective April 2, 2012, the waiting list will be closed until your leisure. Save important further notice at Illyrian Garden Apartments, 545 Salisbury information for future Street, Worcester, MA 01609 508-753-7217 TTY 711. The reference. waitlist is being closed due to its length. Applications received/ postmarked after April 2, 2012 will be returned. Currently serving the mature market of Massachusetts Professionally managed by Barkan Management Company. with four monthly editions in BostonBoston, Boston South, South Boston Bosto Metro-West and Central ILLYRIAN GARDENS, Inc. Massachusetts. For advertising information call 545 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 Donna Davis at 508-752-2512, ext. 130. 508-753-7217 22 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 Medical bills can wreck credit, even when paid off By Carla K. Johnson Their credit report contained a shocker: Fund, a private foundation that sponsors learned that someone with a FICO score of A $200 medical bill had been sent to a col- health care research, estimates that 22 million 680 — which is considered good, but not CHICAGO — lection agency. Although since paid, it still Americans were contacted by collection agen- excellent — will see their score drop up to ike and Laura Park thought their lowered their credit scores by about 100 cies for unpaid medical bills in 2005. That 65 points because of a medical collection. credit record was spotless. The Texas points, and it means they’ll have to pay a increased to 30 million Americans in 2010. “I didn’t know a medical collection would Mcouple wanted to take advantage of discount point to get the best interest rate. Surprisingly, even after the bills have been hammer it that hard,” Ernst said. “Our inves- low interest rates, so they put their house on Cost to them: $2,500. paid off, the record of the collection action can tors require a 620 to even get a loan.” the market and talked to a lender about a A growing number of Americans could stay on a credit report for up to seven years, It’s a problem for insured and uninsured mortgage on a bigger home in the Dallas-Fort encounter similar landmines when they refi- dragging down credit scores and driving up alike. Outright billing mistakes, confusion Worth suburbs. nance or take out a loan. The Commonwealth the cost of financing a home. An estimated 3.4 over whether a claim will be paid by insur- million Americans have paid-off medical debt ance and disputes between insurance com- ➤ Support care and treatment for lesbian and gay lingering on their credit reports, according to panies and doctors — all can lead to medical people. the Access Project, a research group funded bills being sent to collection agencies. Cont. from page 9 Flavin maintains that a lot of people in by health care foundations and advocates Congress is considering legislation — the his generation were “silent, because they of tougher laws on medical debt collectors. Medical Debt Responsibility Act — that Howard Bornstein, 68, saying the three of wanted to be.” Medical bills make up the majority of col- would require credit agencies to delete paid- them are “sort of a clique” because they He said times have changed now, with lection actions on credit reports, and most off medical debt from credit reports within travel to different events together and more acceptance, but also because of are for less than $250, according to Federal 45 days. otherwise keep in touch. technological advances. Flavin said gays Reserve Board research. The bill has bipartisan support in the The elders said they can relate to don’t necessarily have to meet up in bars The Parks had no idea a billing error they’d House. A Senate version was also introduced. youths who are dealing with coming out, anymore. They can link up online. sorted out a year earlier — they never actually Debt collectors support the legislation in but they feel that at least they have some He said he has taken part in gay pride owed the $200 — could affect their credit. the House, according to ACA International, a peer support. parades as a member of a group advocat- They didn’t know the bill for a copayment trade association. A key foe of an earlier bill Bourque said going to gay bars in his ing gay rights. on a PET scan Mike needed had been sent was another group representing the nation’s younger years meant “you had to look The lunch at the Sharon center pres- to a collection agency. credit bureaus. The Consumer Data Industry both ways before going in a side or back ents just another opportunity for the men “We’ve prided ourselves in having impec- Association, which hasn’t taken a position on entrance to make sure nobody you knew “to network, meet people and to be seen,” cable credit. We worked hard to establish the revised bill, said that lenders need to see saw you.” Bornstein said. that,” said Laura Park, a 51-year-old office a consumer’s patterns of behavior over time “Before Stonewall in New York City, Davis, of HESSCO, said that’s part of manager married to a 53-year-old firefighter. and even paid-off medical debt is relevant to everything was hidden,” he said, referring the aim of the program, which she hopes They are going ahead with the home purchase whether the consumer is a good risk. to the 1969 uprising at the Stonewall Inn will attract more LGBT people. while trying to fix their credit report. Most hospitals and physician groups in Greenwich Village that is credited with “There are folks right in our backyard Matt Ernst, a vice president at Mortgage use collection agencies to go after late bills igniting the gay civil rights movement. that we need to bring out of their apart- Lenders of America in Overland Park, Kan., after 60 or 90 days, rather than hiring more Flavin said that both he and Bourque ments to where they can feel safe and said medical collections frequently turn up staff. It makes financial sense to share the were interviewed for Gen Silent, a docu- welcome,” she said. “We want them to go on credit reports. amounts collected with an agency. “If you mentary by Stu Maddox that follows from invisibility to inclusion.” “We see a ton of them,” Ernst said. They don’t collect anything, it’s worth zero,” said aging LGBT people from the Boston area. De Ris added, “We’re a welcoming have an impact on financing, he said, but Richard Gundling of the Healthcare Financial His topic involves inequities in health group.” — AP even he didn’t realize how much until he Management Association. — AP Part Time Delivery Bet Shalom / Apartments Bet Shalom Apartments is an attractive subsidized complex dedicated to serving 62 years of age and older as well as mobility Person impaired of any age. It is located at 475 Chandler Street in Worcester, Mass. The property has 95 one-bedroom apartments. Several units are barrier free with easy Wanted access for the mobility impaired. All units include the following: s #ENTRAL HEATING s 3TOVE AND REFRIGERATOR for drop off and distribution of s %LECTRICITY AND !IR s %MERGENCY PULL CHORDS local newspapers $8.50 per hour, conditioning s 7ALL TO WALL CARPETING s /N SITE PARKING plus mileage - approximately In addition, the property has one laundry room with economical 1 day a month. card-operated machines and one community room for use by residents. There is 24-hour emergency maintenance service and Call for more information the maintenance superintendent lives on site. There is also a management office located on site. and appointments, Call the office today @ 508 791-1188 Stacy at 508-752-2512, ext. 127 to receive your application. Professionally Managed by Barkan Management Company. www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 23 Money Matters Sponsored by: How secure are your retiree benefits? By Dave Carpenter some also are losing health and life insurance A: Pension assets generally are not at risk defined-benefit pensions in 2010, according benefits. in a company bankruptcy because pension to the Employee Benefits Research Institute. Retiree benefits aren’t as secure as they Here is an overview of key concerns for cash must by law be kept separate from busi- That’s down from 28 percent in 1990. used to be, as auto and airline workers and retirees and near-retirees concerning benefits: ness accounts. But some retirees with higher Q: What benefits are the likeliest to be cut? others have learned in recent years. Q: How can a com- paying pensions may not A: Health benefits. Unlike with pensions, Kodak workers are among those who will pany promise benefits and get the full amounts. retiree health care benefits are not protected by experience the changes as the company reor- then renege on them years Pensions offered by law, said Ed Beltram of the nonprofit National ganizes under bankruptcy protection. Kodak later? Are there no protec- private employers are Retiree Legislative Network. wants to end health care benefits for about tions for workers? typically secured by the Most companies have “reservation of 16 thousand retirees who are over age 65 and A: It’s perfectly legal for Pension Benefit Guaranty rights” clauses that effectively say they reserve eligible for Medicare. Other companies are companies to eliminate Corp., which takes over the right to change or eliminate benefits such doing the same, either in or out of bankruptcy. benefits that have not yet failed pension plans to as health care and life insurance. Hundreds The biggest pain is likely to be felt by baby been earned. continue paying retirees. of companies have taken advantage of them boomers, who are mostly still in the workforce Pensions, medical ben- But the federal agency to reduce or eliminate those benefits in the but facing increasing prospects that their efits and even vacations caps the benefits it pays past decade. employers may freeze their pensions, reduce all are considered to be out to retirees annually. In bankruptcy, benefits can be reduced or or eliminate company matches in their 401(k) voluntarily provided ben- The maximum for 2012 wiped out with a judge’s approval. plans and shrink health benefits. efits. It’s more common in is $55,841, so if your One typical reduction that particularly “Baby boomers would do well to recognize other countries to have employer goes under your hurts retirees is when companies reduce life that they’re not going to be looking ahead to mandatory insurance and pension benefit is capped insurance from a year’s salary to $10,000 or as comfortable a retirement as their parents vacations, said Rebecca at that amount. less, Beltram said. Retirees who wish to have had,” said Olivia Mitchell, head of the Boettner Davis, legal director of the Outside of bankruptcy, more life insurance can find it unaffordable Center for Pensions and Retirement Security Pension Rights Center in the bigger risk for retir- or impossible to secure new policies in their at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Washington. ees is having their pen- 60s, 70s or 80s. School. “Their parents had a secure Social So-called anti-cutback sions frozen, meaning the Q: What about company-sponsored Security system, generous Medicare system, rules in the federal tax amounts handed out in 401(k) retirement plans? defined-benefit pensions and retiree medical code offer some protection. They generally retirement will be thousands of dollars less A: Your 401(k) or other defined-contribu- benefits.” prohibit a company from taking away any per year than they were told. “The law gives tion account, if you have one, is protected by Traditional pensions are fast vanishing and accrued benefits. But that’s not the case with companies the opportunity to break promises law. The assets in the plan are yours and are the other areas all are considered fodder for future benefits. And the precedents set by to their workers,” said Davis. managed for you by a service provider hired potential cuts in the years ahead. companies since the early 2000s point toward And almost no company still offers pen- by your employer. But workers who have been retired for increasing reductions. sions to new employees. Only 14 percent of 10, 20 or 30 years are feeling it, too, because Q: How vulnerable are pensions? private sector workers still had traditional, SECURE page 25 Senior Sense Certificates WITH RATES AS HIGH AS % 2.30 APY* Call for details. 40 South St., Westborough 508-366-5553 148 Main St., Northborough 508-393-8112 714 Main St., Shrewsbury 508-842-7400 63 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-2100 Safe. Secure. Since 1952 Federally insured by NCUA www.centralfcu.com *Annual percentage Yield. The APY assumes that dividends remain in the account until maturity. All certificate rates are fixed for the length of the term. Senior Sense Certificates require a $10,000 minimum balance, account holder must be at least 60 years of age and have direct deposit in to a Central One share draft account. Certificates up to and including a 1 year term are subject to an early withdrawal penalty of 3 months’ dividend. Certificates over a one year term are subject to an early withdrawal penalty of six months’ dividend. Rate is accurate as of 3/27/12 and is subject to change at any time without notice. You can’t take it with you By Marianne Delorey and exercise videos. Do You Want to Are meals available? Don’t bring more mericans tend to have more stuff pots and pans than you will need for the than they need. At no time is this occasional meal. If there is a commu- Save $4,000??? Amore apparent than when they are nity kitchen, is it well stocked? Maybe downsizing. There are plenty of profes- you can do without your 12 cup coffee Social Security Extra Help Rules Have Changed!! sional organizers that can help you get maker and 60 piece dinnerware set. a handle on your stuff, but the first step Can you host family parties in the You May Be One of 5,000 Beneficiaries in downsizing should actually be to get a common areas? Then bring a loveseat better handle on your future space. instead of a couch and a four person Now Eligible for This Program. dining table instead of an eight person Housing Options table. 1. Do you have Medicare What are your responsibilities with Prescription Drug Coverage? regard to cleaning? If you are in an apart- Go to your new space and measure ment, you will likely need a vacuum, a 2. Is your monthly income at or to see what will fit, but don’t limit your broom, a mop and some basic cleaning below $1,373/individual, $1,841/ thoughts to your new room, apartment equipment. If cleaning services are pro- couple? or condo. Talk to the manager and other vided, you might need even less. If you residents where you are moving to. Find are going into a condo, you may still 3. Are your resources at or below out what amenities your building will want to hang on to your rug shampooer. $12,510/individual, $25,010/ offer that will help you limit what you How much storage is available? And will need to bring. what are the conditions of that storage? couple? Does the building have an exercise Is it a private, locked space or a commu- If you answered yes to these three questions, room or an exercise program? Are there nal, shared space? Is it seasonal only? On safe and attractive paths for walking? If you may save up to $4,000 in prescription drug costs this year. so, you might not need your treadmill YOU page 26 To find out if you qualify for ➤ Secure — three-quarters at the same level as before. The big 401(k) danger for retirees and this program, call your Cont. from page 24 workers alike is having their accounts heavily Regional SHINE Program at dependent on their employer’s stock. If the 1-800-AGE INFO Many companies froze the matching contri- company gets into financial trouble or files butions to 401(k)s after the financial melt- for bankruptcy, the collapse of the stock can 1-800-243-4636 (Option #3) down of 2008. The good news: In one recent devastate savings. The prime example: Enron study by business consultant Towers Watson, Corp. Enron employees held nearly 60 per- 75 percent of the mid- to large-sized com- cent of their retirement assets in company SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) is Administered by the Mass Executive Office of Elder Affairs In panies that had lowered or suspended their stock when the shares went from $90 to Partnership with the Friends of the Milford Senior Center, The Massachusetts Councils on Aging and other local agencies. 401(k) contributions have resumed them nothing. — AP Just How Well Curious about Cremation? Prepared Are You? Contact Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home ❖ Elder Law ❖ Corp. 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MAJERCIK, DIRECTOR “Serving All Faiths” 100 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE Veteran owned 48 School Street, Webster, MA 01570 ¤¤ ÛÝÛoook`Yo¤eYb]j[ac[ge www.durbinandveglia.com 1-800-279-7429 www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 25 Medicaid/MassHealth: Emphasizing the need to plan By Linda T. Cammuso others whom you trust, but who are not attorney for professional help throughout eligibility verification process. fully informed, may actually have damag- the process. The kinds of services you may It’s a sad fact that those who are facing ursing home care or the need for ing effects. When you get advice like: “The expect to receive include: imminent long-term-care situations, and long-term-care services is among government is going to take your house, •A personalized analysis of your finan- who have not planned adequately, could Nthe most serious financial burden you need to spend all your money before cial healthcare considerations relevant to conceivably lose everything. But you don’t a senior will experience in his or her life- you go into the nursing home before you your application; need to find yourself in this situation if you time. In the United States, the average cost can quality for MassHealth, or you can •Spend down options guidance; are proactive and work with a legal profes- for nursing home care exceeds $70,000 give your house to a child for $1” — you •Clarification about the five-year look sional who is qualified in estate planning annually — in fact some nursing facilities need to seriously consider that person’s back period; and elder law. in Massachusetts cost well over $100,000. expertise in the area of elder law and the •Preparation of the application and Given those realities, it does not take much MassHealth application process. Using the attachments; Linda T. Cammuso, a founding partner to imagine how soon your finances will wrong individual to help could result in •Identification and organization of sup- at Estate Preservation Law Offices and an be devastated should you, or a loved one, denial of benefits, and the appeal process plemental materials; estate planning professional, has extensive need to move into a nursing facility. If you can be a lengthy, uphill battle. •Communication with MassHealth case- experience in estate planning, elder law and accumulated assets during your If you have a loved one who is in a nurs- workers; long-term care planning. She may be reached life to leave to future gen- ing home or who might need MassHealth •Coordination with the nursing home; at www.estatepreservationlaw.com or by call- erations, that dream would coverage to help with their care, consider •Appeals for denial of benefits; and ing 508-751-5010. Archives of articles from vanish. contacting an elder law/ estate planning •Ongoing assistance with the annual previous issues may be read at www.fifty- Legal Briefs ➤ You Determine the rules for the mainte- make sure your pool floats and rackets nance crew. Will they let you borrow a don’t get buried in the move. If you will Medicaid, known as Cont. from page 25 hammer if you are hanging a picture? have outside space, will you want to MassHealth in Massachu- Will they help you hang your curtains? garden? Prepare by setting aside your setts, is the primary program that funds a similar note, ask about the closets. If What other tools will you need to bring? favorite tools and equipment. long-term care and nursing home costs you saw a model unit, ask about the spe- Check out the laundry facilities. Are Every building is different in terms of for those who qualify. The application cific dimension and number of closets. their machines small? If so, you might what amenities it offers residents. The process is riddled with strict rules and Ask about rules of use for common want to forget about that double plush rules set up by management for com- regulations that are not easy to navigate areas. Can your grandchildren use the comforter and bring a blanket and a mon area use will vary from place to and qualifying is not easy. The best time toys in the common area? If you leave bedspread. place. to plan for MassHealth eligibility is before a radio in the common areas, will it be Are there TVs and a computer in you or a loved one needs care; however safe? Will it be ok with management? common areas? Is there a lending Marianne Delorey, Ph.D., is the executive you should also know that it is never too Find out about local transportation. library? Maybe you won’t need such a director of Colony Retirement Homes. She late to apply. Will you be bringing your car? Do you big desk or work space. Can you toler- can be reached at 508-755-0444 or mdelo- Getting the facts about Medicaid/ know what the closest bus route is? Will ate sharing some of these items or do [email protected] and www.colony- MassHealth eligibility from the right source you need to bring sturdy bags so you you need your own? retirementhomes.com. Archives of articles is important. Often advice from well- can go grocery shopping and haul your What about outside space? Is there a from previous issues can be read at www. meaning friends, family members and food home on a bus? What about a cart? pool or tennis court? You may want to fiftyplusadvocate.com. 26 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 Losses mount from scams targeting older Americans By David Crary “Scam Alert” column for the AARP Bulletin. “What happens if “A lot of the scammers pretend to be with NEW YORK — the government — they say they’re calling oomers beware: Scams, frauds and from the Social Security Administration or I don’t have a will other financial exploitation schemes the IRS,” Kirchheimer said. “People 65 and Btargeting older Americans are a grow- over, they often fall for that.” ing multibillion-dollar industry enriching There’s a multitude of scam scenarios, the schemers, anguishing the victims and some of them new twists on old ploys. or an estate plan?” vexing law enforcement officials who find Among the current variations: these crimes among the hardest to investi- •The Grandparent Scam: Impostors, gate and prosecute. often calling from abroad, pose as a grand- “The true con artists, who are in the child in need of cash to cope with some business of making money off older folks sort of emergency, perhaps an arrest or an through devious means, are very good at accident. The grandparent is asked to send what they do,” said Sally Hurme, a consumer money and urged not to tell anyone else fraud specialist with AARP. “They cover their about the transfer. A lot and it’s not good. tracks, they use persuasive psychological Police in Bangor, Maine, said a man in his If you don’t have a will or an estate plan: means to spin their tales.” 70s was bilked out of $7,000 in January by Elder financial abuse encompasses a wide a con artist pretending to be his grandson • A court could appoint a third party to make medical range of tactics, some perpetrated by rela- who called to say he needed money to get tives or trusted advisers, some by strangers out of jail in Spain. and financial decisions for you…instead of someone via telemarketing and Internet-based scams. In another version, scammers pose as you love and trust Researchers say only a fraction of the soldiers who’ve been serving in Afghanistan, • You could lose your home and life savings to pay for abuse gets reported to the authorities, often and call grandparents claiming to need because victims are too befuddled or embar- money as part of their homecoming. long-term or nursing home care rassed to speak up. Even with the reported •The Lottery Scam: Scammers inform • The government could take a huge chunk of the cases, data is elusive because most federal their target that they have won a lottery or crime statistics don’t include breakdowns sweepstakes and need to make a payment inheritance that you planned to leave behind for loved of victims’ ages. to obtain the supposed prize. The targets ones – is that what you really want to happen? Nonetheless, there’s ample research to may be sent a fake prize-money check they convey the scope of this scourge. can deposit in their bank account. Before A federally funded study conducted for that check bounces, the criminals will col- No matter what your net worth is… the National Institute of Justice in 2009 lect money for supposed fees or taxes on concluded that 5 percent of Americans 60 the prize. you need a will and an estate plan! and older had been the victim of recent Police in Holden, Mass., say an 80-year- financial exploitation by a family member, old woman recently was bilked out of Don’t wait! Let Estate Preservation Law Offices help protect while 6.5 percent were the target of a nonfa- $400,000 over the course of a year in her mily member. The study, led by psychologist efforts to claim bogus prize money. In Los you and your loved ones. Our consultations are free; and, Ron Acierno of the Medical University of Angeles, authorities said last year that an if you cannot come to us – we’ll come to you. South Carolina, was based on input from 87-year-old widower fell for a lottery scam 5,777 older adults. masterminded in Quebec, and mailed A report last year by insurer MetLife Inc. $160,000 in checks that he’d been told was Contact Attorney Linda T. Cammuso or Attorney Brendan estimated the annual loss by victims of elder for taxes on his purported $3.3 million in J. King at Estate Preservation Law Offices today. financial abuse at $2.9 billion, compared winnings. with $2.6 billion in 2008. Many recent lottery scam calls have “Elder financial abuse is an intolerable come from Jamaica, to the point where its crime resulting in losses of human rights area code (876) is now cited by anti-scam and dignity,” MetLife said. “Yet it remains experts as a warning sign. Other Caribbean Estate Preservation Law Offices under reported, under recognized and under area codes also have been implicated. prosecuted.” •The Toilet Paper Scam: Fraudsters often Protecting assets during your lifetime. Older Americans are by no means the try to convince gullible targets into paying Preserving them for the next generation. only target of schemers and scammers, but exorbitant sums for unneeded products and experts say they have distinctive character- services, as exemplified by a scam uncovered www.estatepreservationlaw.com istics that often make them a tempting prey. in South Florida last year. Some have disabilities that leave them According to U.S. investigators, sales- 508.751.5010 dependent on others for help; others are people claiming their company was affili- unsophisticated about certain financial ated with federal agencies told their elderly Main office in Worcester, MA, with matters or potential pitfalls on the Internet. victims that they needed special toilet paper satellite offices in Braintree, Cambridge Many are relatively isolated and suscep- to comply with new regulations and avoid and Hyannis, MA. tible to overtures from seemingly friendly ruining their septic tanks. In all, prosecutors strangers. said the company scammed about $1 mil- “That’s why telemarketing scams are lion from victims from across the country, so successful,” said Karen Turner, head including some who purchased more than of a newly formed elder fraud unit in the 70 years’ worth of toilet paper. Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office in New Three suspects in that case, all from For our FREE brochures, Long-Term York City. “They’re delighted to have some- Florida’s Palm Beach County, pleaded guilty one to talk with — they almost welcome to wire fraud. But officials say arrests are the Care Planning, The Medicaid/MassHealth the calls.” exception, not the rule, especially in tele- Coupled with these factors, most older marketing and Internet scams where there’s Application Process, and Estate Plan: Americans, even in these troubled eco- no paper trail, no face-to-face interaction Without one you are living on the edge, nomic times, have tangible assets in the and the perpetrators are often operating form of homeownership, pensions and from abroad. please call 508.751.5010. Social Security income that scammers seek “It’s very hard for us to investigate over- to exploit. seas — the likelihood of us finding them Another factor is the older generation’s and extraditing them is slim,” said Turner, patriotism and respect for authority, accord- ing to Sid Kirchheimer, who writes a weekly SCAMS page 30 www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 27 Home Improvement Getting creative with color: how to do it right By Melissa Rayworth Brown and light blue. These basic wooden picture frames and common color palettes surface repaint them in a vivid red lac- triped staircases and lavender walls? frequently in home decorating. quer. They’re not just for high-profile Freshen up these typical pair- No color is off-limits, provided Sdesigners anymore. ings by bringing in a third color you choose the right shade. Even Home-decorating TV shows and glossy no one would expect, said Brian pink doesn’t have to be saved for shelter magazines have many homeown- Patrick Flynn, HGTV blogger and children’s bedrooms, Novogratz ers embracing the bold, unexpected use founder of DecorDemon.com. said. of color that cutting-edge designers love. “If you really want chocolate A tip from Burnham: If you But creative color can be tricky. Three brown with pale blue, which has want to use a color like teal or experts offer advice on doing it right: been done to death, then add chartreuse but are worried it will something like celery green,” he be overpowering, look for what said. “All of a sudden, it’s fresh she calls a “dusty” version of these The edgiest colors can be tamed and you’ve made it your own.” colors — one that’s tempered by a nicely by pairing them If you love wild colors like bit of gray. with natural wood tones. bright orange but aren’t sure how The edgiest colors can be to decorate with them, Flynn way subtle drama without looking outra- tamed nicely by pairing them suggests using a bright hue alongside a geous. with natural wood tones. Bursts of color are perfect for areas very dark and a very light one. Orange Paint is inexpensive and easy to apply, Burnham often adds furniture with that normally get little attention, said might be a disaster mixed with green and so it can be the perfect vehicle to bring black wood finishes to rooms where she Cortney Novogratz, co-host of the new yellow, but it can look sophisticated when in wilder colors. But Flynn finds that has used intense colors. HGTV series Home by Novogratz. Stairs, used with silver and dark charcoal. some homeowners are intimidated by Novogratz did the same in a master alcoves and unused corners of rooms, she Being adventurous with color doesn’t choosing a bold or quirky color for their bedroom where she used a single shade said, are spots “that people don’t realize always mean using loud hues. Betsy walls: “They feel like it’s permanent, even of bright yellow for the walls and floor. they can really dress up and have fun Burnham, founder of Los Angeles’ though it isn’t,” he said. A large wooden bed in the center of the with to show a reflection of who they are Burnham Design, recently chose lavender If you prefer neutral walls, you can room created a calming break from the as homeowners.” for the entryway of a home in Beverly easily bring in edgier colors with furni- energizing yellow that filled the space. For her show’s first episode, she paint- Hills. ture, window treatments and accesso- Overall, said Flynn, give yourself ed a beach house staircase white with Her client had expected the walls of ries. Novogratz suggests another option: permission to experiment and indulge pink and blue stripes from top to bottom. this two-story space to be painted a clas- Choose vibrant pieces of art, and then your creativity. “Every time I do my own This narrow approach to the second floor sic neutral — maybe cream or taupe. frame them in brightly colored frames. space,” he said, “I think of it as a canvas suddenly became bright and inviting. Lavender was an unexpected choice, but She and her husband, Robert, who is where I can experiment with completely Black and white. Red and green. the owner was thrilled: It gave the entry- also her design partner, sometimes take unusual color combinations.” — AP ➤ Advice independence, quality of life and obligations on families and caregivers. Cont. from page 11 •Considering palliative care, which does not mean stopping treatment. swollen ankles. The goal is “not only living long, it’s VOLUNTEERS Many high-tech treatments are available to living well. People often make decisions treat advanced disease. But they usually don’t about the ‘long’ without even considering NEEDED slow its progression, they just keep people the ‘well,’ ” said Jessie Gruman, president from dying. And that means living longer of the Center for Advancing Health, a with steadily worsening symptoms. Patients patient advocacy group. The American don’t often understand that when they Heart Association asked Gruman, who agree to gadgets like a $30,000 to $50,000 has had several cancers and a heart prob- implanted defibrillator, which shocks a lem, to review the advice from a patient’s quivering heart back into normal rhythm. perspective. “Defibrillators don’t actually make peo- The worst thing is to have no plan or ple feel better — it doesn’t treat the underly- clear goals when an emergency occurs, ing heart failure. All it does is abort sudden she said. death,” Allen said. “The person who’s ill may not have par- ticular cognitive clarity and the caregivers MISSION: More than 100,000 defibrillators are To end hunger in Greater Worcester and to implanted each year in the United States, may be upset and exhausted. They just reduce the waste of nourishing food. and one quarter of them are replacement haven’t thought it through — they haven’t Become involved in this special project that helps feed hungry operations because a battery has worn out had a chance to think it through. They’ve people in our community. (they last three to five years). That often never done this before,” Gruman said. is done without reconsidering whether a Mary Jane Eaton has thought it through. VOLUNTEER DRIVERS: Are needed year round patient’s health has deteriorated so much She’s 80 and lives in Aurora, Colo., just east to distribute excess food to emergency feeding programs that the device isn’t a good idea, three of Denver. Twenty years ago, she had a new • in their own vehicles • Sundays – Fridays • time to suit your Harvard Medical School doctors wrote heart valve put in that is leaking now. She schedule • drive as much or as little as you would like recently in the New England Journal of has heart failure and chest pains, probably Medicine. from clogged arteries. After talks with her VOLUNTEER DISPATCHERS: Are needed year The new American Heart Association cardiologist, Dr. Jennifer Dorosz, she has round to arrange for the distribution of excess food • work out advice takes aim at this problem. It urges: decided to treat her fluid buildup with of your own home • 1 shift/month, Sundays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. or •An annual talk between heart failure higher doses of water pills and not have Weekdays: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. patients and doctors to set treatment goals any more tests or surgery. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION for the present and for possible emergencies “I can’t see that I could go through that,” such as cardiac arrest. she said. “At my age, I just figure you know Contact Lissa at 508-799-7699 •”Milestone” reviews after any big what, when the Lord’s ready for me, he’s See our website www.rachelstable.org change such as hospitalization, a defibril- going to take me. And I don’t want to be lator shock, worsening kidney problems taken on the operating table.” — AP or dementia. •Discussing not just survival gains but Online: Heart Association: www.ameri- also potential problems from devices or canheart.org; Heart failure info: www.nhlbi. treatments, such as side effects, loss of nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hf. 28 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 Good Neighbors ~ Quality Lifestyle s 3PACIOUS "EDROOM !PARTMENTS s ,IBRARY AND #OMMUNITY 2OOMS s .ON 3MOKING "UILDING WITH ,ARGE 3CREEN 46 s #ENTRAL !IR #ONDITIONING s (OUR %MERGENCY -AINTENANCE s !LL 5TILITIES )NCLUDED s #ONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR (OSPITALS s !MPLE 0ARKING 3HOPPING #ENTERS AND $OWNTOWN 7ORCESTER s ,AUNDRY 2OOMS ON %ACH &LOOR s 3MALL 0ETS 7ELCOME Village at Ascension Heights 6ERNON 3TREET 7ORCESTER -! s 508-752-5590 Office Hours: Mon. & Fri. 2pm-5pm; Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 10am-3pm To receive an application please call 508-752-5590 To qualify a person must be at least 62 years of age and meet HUD annual low income guidelines of no more that $29,350 for a single person or $33,550 for two people. Award Winning Senior Housing! “Wheelchair accessible apartments available.” Green Hill Towers -OUNT 6ERNON 3TREET 7ORCESTER -! s OFFICE OPEN DAILY 8:30AM - 5:00PM To receive an application please call 508-755-6062 TDD# 508-755-0228 s 3PACIOUS BEDROOM APARTMENTS s 7ITHIN THE BUILDING AMENITIES INCLUDE s 3MALL PETS WELCOME s ! 4HEATER LIKE MEDIA CENTER s (ANDICAP ACCESSIBLE LOUNGES ON EVERY mOOR s (EAT AND (OT WATER INCLUDED s ! ,IBRARY WITH BOOKS IN ENGLISH SPANISH s "US ROUTE AMPLE PARKING s 0HYSICAL lTNESS CENTER s "EAUTIFUL LANDSCAPED GROUNDS WITH GAZEBO s 'AME ROOM WITH BILLIARD TABLE AND OUTDOOR COVERED PATIO s #OMMUNITY ROOM WITH BINGO BOARD AND LARGE SCREEN 46 Available occupancy to income eligible mature adults (age 62 years & older) or permanently disabled. Managed by Applicants must meet HUD annual low income guidelines of no more than $29,350 for a single person or $33,550 for two people. Preference is given to individuals 62 and older. Financed by MHFA www.fiftyplusadvocate.com 29 ➤ Scams experts, the most wrenching cases often The Office of Older Americans is headed appropriated to put it in practice. involve financial abuse by an older person’s by Hubert H. Humphrey III, a former The FBI is actively fighting elder finan- Cont. from page 27 adult children or other family members attorney general of Minnesota who says cial abuse, issuing anti-scam top sheets who’d been put in positions of trust. awareness of elder abuse is growing among and tracking the online portion of prob- the Brooklyn prosecutor. “These people think they’re entitled to law enforcement agencies. lem through its Internet Crime Complaint Paul Greenwood, a deputy district attor- something — they say, ‘I just wanted an One of the policy advisers working with Center. ney in San Diego who runs an elder abuse advance on my inheritance,’ ” said Arlene Humphrey is Naomi Karp, who formerly Special Agent Nick Savage said the prosecution unit, says he’s been trying to Markarian, an assistant district attorney in handled elder-abuse issues for AARP. center received more than 300,000 com- cajole local banks and credit unions to be Brooklyn who specializes in elder plaints last year, reflecting close to a more aggressive in protecting their elderly abuse prevention. half-billion dollars in losses, with 45 customers. One way is for those institutions She says this type of financial percent of the toll borne by people to contact authorities if they detect suspi- exploitation is often accompanied by over 50. cious withdrawal patterns. physical abuse, and yet many elderly Among older victims, Savage said, Greenwood said he’s often spoken by victims balk at reporting it. there’s often a hesitancy to report phone with overseas scammers, initially “There’s the embarrassment factor the crimes. pretending to be a potential victim, then — no one wants to see relatives pros- “A lot of people are ashamed of revealing who he is. ecuted,” Markarian said. “And there’s the victimization and don’t want to “They’re not in the least affected. They fear of losing your independence — come forward for fear that they’ll just move on to the next call,” he said. “If being put in a nursing home. A lot be seen silly, that they should have they’re outside the U.S., they’re home free.” of the times, it’s the offender making known better,” he said. Nonetheless, Greenwood hopes his fel- that threat.” Looking ahead, there are mixed low prosecutors nationwide will become Markarian added another note of views on whether the baby boom- more aggressive in pursuing charges when caution. ers, now mostly in their 50s and they can catch a suspected scammer. “We’re seeing not just older victims but She said most states have developed early 60s, will be less prone to scams and “The cliché is that these are victims older perpetrators,” she said. “Not all old appropriate laws for dealing with elder exploitation than their elders. with poor memories or who are reluctant people are sweet.” abuse, and the key question is whether The AARP’s Hurme thinks that’s possible. to testify,” Greenwood said. “We’ve found A case in point: The estranged father of there are enough investigators and other “They’re more assertive, questioning — we can overcome that. Once you get them actress Jodie Foster — 89-year-old Lucius resources to carry them out effectively. certainly they’ve grown up on computers into court, the victims have such strong Foster — was sentenced to a five-year jail She likened the challenge to a whack- and are more savvy with them, so there is jury appeal that most of time the defense term in December for bilking more than a-mole game. hope,” Hurme said. “But I don’t think the just pleads out.” $100,000 from poor and elderly people in “As soon as law enforcement or regula- bad guys are going to go away — they’re Cases of financial elder abuse surface a home-building scheme. tory agencies go after one scam, it’s so easy going to adjust their pitches as the demo- at all economic levels of U.S. society. For Financial abuse by family members and for the con artist to morph with the next graphics change.” elderly scam victims of modest means, the trusted advisers will be among the targets of best one,” she said. results can be catastrophic. the federal Office of Older Americans, part One needed step, according to abuse- To report abuse in Massachusetts call “The abuse can leave a person devas- of the new Consumer Financial Protection prevention advocates, is getting money the Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275. tated,” Turner said. “They’re not young to Bureau. Plans are in the works to provide for the federal Elder Justice Act. Congress Online — National Council on Aging tips for enough to grow a nest egg again — the nest guidelines for relatives and others on ethi- passed it two years ago with the aim of avoiding scams: bit.ly/yQ2Swp; AARP scam egg is gone.” cal standards for helping handle an older helping states combat various forms of elder expert: tinyurl.com/7tlxjmx; FBI Internet For prosecutors and other anti-scam person’s finances. abuse, but thus far no dollars have been Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov. Subsidized senior housing with a meal program option that makes us different! Colony Retirement Home III is Colony Retirement Homes I are congregate housing for seniors. Enjoy garden style studio apartments, located in a country-like setting. A short walk takes nutritious “Home Cooked Meals,” served At Colony you to shopping centers, banks, restaurants in our attractive dining room with your and the bus line. A little bit of the country neighbors and friends. we let you adjacent to the city. choose! All apartments at Colony Retirement Homes receive rental assistance through the HUD section 8 program. Rent is 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Rent includes all utilities except phone and cable TV. Call Monday thru Friday, COLONY RETIREMENT HOMES III : Congregate Housing 9am to 5 pm for more information. COLONY RETIREMENT HOMES INC. I 101 Chadwick Street, Worcester 485 Grove Street, Worcester (508) 755-0444 (508) 852-5285 COLONY RETIREMENT HOMES Worcester, MA Not For Profit Corporation www.colonyretirementhomes.com 30 Fifty Plus Advocate April 1, 2012 A Bridge From THE $1,950 A MONTH BENEFIT FOR VETERANS Hospital to Home THE VA DOESN’T WANT When people leave the hospital, they often need continued care YOU TO KNOW ABOUT. in order to recover completely. That’s where we come in. At Hillcrest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and River Many Veterans and spouses qualify for a little known VA Terrace Healthcare we provide pulmonary care, orthopedic services and specialized short-term inpatient rehabilitation for benefit designed to help them stay at home and out of a patients recuperating from surgery or other procedures, bridging nursing home. It can also pay for assisted living. The the gap between hospital and home. Patients are provided with benefit ranges from $1,056 a month for widows to about a full range of medical, rehabilitative and social services to treat $1,950 a month for couples. Our FREE report outlines the and support their needs. benefit and what it takes to qualify. Call now for your free You can also relax in your room between therapy sessions with special report. in-room movies on portable DVD players, a Wii gaming system and laptop internet access. Call anytime 1-508-281-7900 To learn more, we invite you to visit us in person or online. 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