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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Maplewood Brings Robots to Residents Staff Report With the COVID-19 pandemic prohibiting people from visiting their loved ones in senior living communities, many facilities have had to get creative in entertaining their residents. Maplewood Senior Living in Ohio recently launched Temi robots at all of their locations — Chardon, Cuyahoga Falls and Twinsburg — to help senior residents cope with social distancing, said Maplewood representative Lauren Hovey. “They have been a hit with residents,” she said, adding Maplewood has video and photos of residents dancing, laughing and training their new robot. The suite of technology services geared at creating connected communities for seniors includes a roster of pre-configured iPads, tablets, Alexa-enabled skills, a unique TV channel with programming designed for seniors, and a unique smartphone app that helps them stay more connected with their families and one another, according to Senior Living News. Massachusetts-based Connected Living, which serves hundreds of senior living communities nationwide, announced its partnership with Temi earlier this year to provide these interactive robots to senior living communities and healthcare facilities, according to Senior Living News. “Maplewood Senior Living, an upscale senior care facility, has always been at the
forefront of technology in their facilities with virtual reality applications and visual/audio components for all residents,” Hovey said. “But with the latest challenges of COVID-19, Maplewood has stepped up their tech with the introduction of Temi robots.” The robots were originally scheduled to launch in a couple months at the new Manhattan location, Hovey added. “However, with the impact of COVID-19, the decision was made to roll them out immediately at all suburban locations to help residents cope with social distancing and provide them with as much comfort as possible in these uncertain times,” she said. “While the robots do not replace human interaction, they certainly help residents feel more connected. Temi robots allow residents to more frequently video chat with families, doctors and the internal teams. They also deliver packages to residents’ room and residents are learning how to train them to do other tasks, such as picking up items from the dining room or telling a joke.” One of the most missed activities at all Maplewood homes has been the happy hour, Hovey said. “Temi comes with servers to the rooms of the residents, providing music and telling jokes while residents dance along with the robot,” she said. “Residents are also learning how to train the robots to handle everyday tasks, such as sending them to the dining room or checking in on a friend.”
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, June 11, 2020
GCJFS Emphasizes Elder Abuse Awareness By Cassandra Shofar cassandra@geaugamapleleaf.com
When it comes to the idea of abuse, the elderly might not always be at the forefront of people’s minds. But in 2019 alone, Geauga County Job and Family Services investigated 171 cases of elderly abuse, said Kristina Miller, supervisor for adult protective services in Geauga County. “According to the Administration for Community Living, each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected or exploited,” Miller said. “Geauga County Adult Protective Services investigates abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect for those that are at least 60 years old and have an infirmity of aging (including but not limited to physical and/or mental impairments) which prevents the adult from providing for the adult’s own care or protection. In addition, the adult must reside in an independent living situation.” With June being Elder Abuse Awareness month, the GCJFS is ramping up promoting awareness and education about the topic, she said. “Across Ohio, self-neglect tends to be more than half of the caseload,” Miller said. “It’s true thus far this year.” Self-neglect is when a person cannot care for themselves, whereas neglect is when a caretaker is neglecting the person he/she is caring for, i.e. not giving him/her proper medication or food, not taking that person to doctor appointments, etc., Miller explained.
“One of the biggest barriers that you see is social isolation, and loneliness is a huge component in our population,” she said. “Adults living alone probably have a very limited support system, may or may not have kids … or haven’t been married. Look for people who might be socially isolated and alone … who might not be able to meet their own needs.” Miller added, “Exploitation is becoming more common, as well, because of (senior) scams. We do see the whole gamut. Self-neglect is our highest.” When asked whether the novel coronavirus pandemic has caused a spike or dip in the number of cases reported, Miller said no. “In Geauga County, our numbers have remained steady throughout this time,” she said, adding, however, referrals to APS have declined statewide during the pandemic. Miller said it’s important for people to reach out if they need help or suspect any kind of elder abuse is going on. “In addition to the investigations to ensure the adult’s safety, our agency can assist in linking with appropriate services that will help promote the adult’s protection and wellbeing and prevent future abuse, neglect, self-neglect and exploitation,” she said. Miller encourages anyone with referrals to call adult protective services at 440-2859141 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or, during afterhours, the Copeline at 440-285-5665. “Our agency continues to take phone calls about abuse/neglect and provide ser-
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 Wear Purple to support Elder Abuse Awareness
vices to the older adults in our community during this current pandemic of COVID-19,” she said.
For any other questions or more information about APS in Geauga County, Miller can be reached at 440-285-1286.
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DLX Helps Seniors Find Right Medicare Plan Submitted Whether you are new to Medicare or have been on Medicare for a while, choosing the right Medicare plan can be complicated and confusing to some. The DLX Insurance Group offers their clients options and solutions based on each client’s specific needs to help them make choosing the right insurance company, Medicare plan and plan options simple and easy. Chester Township resident and senior citizen Steven Fine is the owner of the DLX In-
surance Group and an independent, certified agent representing multiple Medicare insurance companies such as: UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, Aetna, Medical Mutual, Buckeye and many more. The DLX Insurance Group is committed to providing clients excellent customer service with continued communication on an ongoing basis. They are always available to answer any questions or concerns. The Group offers personal annual reviews, making sure their clients are always
Law Firm Talks Problems with Traditional Estate Planning Submitted Healthcare is a hot button topic and many seniors have become fluent in how this rapidly changing marketplace effects them directly. What they may not realize is how spending on healthcare may affect their estate plans. Most people have done some kind of estate planning that involved a will or trust at some point in their lives. Many people have even taken the additional step to update those plans. The problem is traditional estate planning typically only considers how assets are distributed at the death of an individual. An estate plan may need to be adjusted to consider the reality facing seniors today: the rising cost of healthcare and long-term care. Unfortunately, a sudden or unexpected healthcare crisis can quickly drain a family’s savings. Unfortunately, many good estate plans have to be dismantled when an individual faces expenses from a medical crisis or longterm disability. So how can seniors plan for the unexpected? One way is to consult with an elder law attorney. Elder law encompasses traditional
estate planning tactics and anticipates costs associated with long-term disabilities or medical expenses. In addition to learning about elder law planning, many people are surprised to find out that the Veteran’s Administration offers a generous pension called Aid and Attendance to those who served the country during a period of war. This pension is also available to spouses of veterans and widows of veterans. The VA can be tricky to work with. The rules changed in 2018 and it has been a source of frustration to many over the past two years. Determining the timing and correct preparation of an application is paramount to a successful result. Since there are many other estate planning and legal implications involved with pursuing these benefits, you should seek the advice of an attorney who is well versed in this area of practice. Unfortunately, but unsurprising, the government is not in the business of helping people save money. We often find that there are two sets of rules: one for the informed and another for the uninformed. Arm yourself with as much information as possible and when in doubt, seek help.
enrolled in the plan that continues to fit their needs. Every calendar year, plan benefits can and usually do change. These changes may make the benefits more or less attractive. With free annual reviews, you can be confident you are always enrolled in a plan that fits your specific needs. The DLX Insurance Group offers a wide
selection of plans that may include: no co-pays, zero dollar premium, prescription drugs, dental, vision, over-the-counter items, transportation to and from doctors and much more. Make sure you’re not missing out on any of the benefits you may be entitled to by calling or emailing Steven Fine today for your free personalized review at 440-688-3103 or email sfine@dlxig.com.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Healthy Eating Options Enrich Life for Seniors MetroCreative “Let food be thy medicine” is a quote attributed to Hippocrates, the ancient scholar considered to be the father of modern medicine. The saying relates to the notion that what people put in their bodies can heal and/ or prevent certain conditions. For seniors with medicine cabinets full of over-the-counter and prescription medications, the idea of relying predominantly on food to promote optimal health may be tempting, and various foods can be particularly useful to the 50-and-over demographic. According to the World Health Organization, poor diet is a major contributor to many of the diseases that affect older people. Poor diet has been connected to the development of diabetes, and degenerative diseases
such as osteoporosis also may be linked to the foods ones eat. The National Council for Aging Care says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem among the aging due to factors like lack of variety in diet and reduced food intake. Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older. Certain foods may be particularly helpful. • Brain-friendly foods: Foods such as avocado, leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and salmon are good sources of vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may help ward off dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, advises Sonas Home Health Care. • Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent inflammation that can cause cancer and rheumatoid
arthritis. Aging.com says foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, should be consumed at least twice per week. • Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, canned or frozen produce tend to be high in micronutrients, including a variety of important vitamins that are essential for all components of health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating dark green vegetables, such as leafy greens or broccoli, and orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes. • Energy-boosters: Choose whole grains that can provide sustained energy by way of healthy carbohydrates over processed grains. • Bone-friendly foods: Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can prevent calcium from being leached from the bones, which contributes to conditions like osteoporosis. • Digestive system-friendly foods: The di-
gestive system slows down as the body ages, as the walls of the gastrointestinal tract thicken and digestive contractions that push waste along may slow down and become fewer. Foods rich in fiber can promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract mor easily. High-fiber foods also may help naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels. • High-iron foods: Without enough iron in the body, a person may feel tired and lethargic from a reduced production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. A lack of oxygen in body tissues from anemia can be serious, says the National Council for Aging Care. Tofu, spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and fortified breads and cereals are high in iron.
Explore Long-Term Care Insurance as Part of Long-Term Planning MetroCreative Individuals plan for many different scenarios: buying a home, putting kids through college and saving for retirement, among them. Quite often the concept of making arrangements for one’s golden years is placed on the back burner. However, that can be an expensive mistake. According to AARP, by the time a person reaches age 65, he or she has a 50-50 chance of needing long-term care at some point in the future. Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older in the United States, does not cover custodial care, which is the primary form
of care in nursing homes. Therefore, many people must find alternative ways to finance nursing home and other long-term care options. Those who must pay out-of-pocket spend an average of $85,000 per year on a nursing home in the U.S., and this is often an expense that has not been included in retirement budgets. Long-term care insurance can be the best option to offset the high costs of nursing home and other care in most instances. It helps cover the costs of services that aren’t covered by regular health insurance, namely assistance with routine daily activities like bathing, dressing or getting in and out of bed, advises the financial resource NerdWallet.
Such care may be administered at home by a private health aide or in a skilled nursing facility. Most policies also will reimburse for services rendered in an assisted living facility or an adult day care center. According to a study revised in 2016 by the Urban Institute and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, about 14 percent of people age 65 and older will require care for more than five years. Getting the facts about long-term care insurance can help individuals make important decisions for their futures. • The earlier a person buys a long-term care insurance policy the lower the rates tend to be. The American Association of Long-
Term Care Insurance says a 65-year-old couple can typically buy a policy for $4,800 per year to offer base benefits of $180,000 plus 3 percent inflation growth. That plan price more than doubles if purchased at age 75. • Cost also is based on the maximum amount the policy will pay per day and the number of years the policy will pay. Many policies limit how long or how much they will pay, some between two and five years, states the Administration on Aging. • Policies require some medical underwriting, so not everyone will qualify. AARP suggests seeking out an independent agent who sells policies from multiple companies rather than a single insurer.
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Shopping for Assisted Living Facilities MetroCreative As people age, oftentimes their living arrangements need to be adjusted. Needs evolve as children move out or other situations arise. One of the scenarios that may come to pass as a person ages is the need for more specialized help that just isn’t possible at home. When failing physical or mental health affects one’s ability to be independent and live safety at home, moving into an assisted living facility may be the next step. The National Center for Assisted Living indicates assisted living offers the little bit of help some people need when they can no longer manage living alone. Typically these facilities provide assistance with bathing or dressing, medication management and other care, while also catering to people who may not require the around-the-clock medical care most often associated with nursing homes. Vetting is an important component of finding assisted living facilities. Family caregivers need to educate themselves about services, costs and other resources provided by assisted living facilities. AARP says assisted living facilities provide residents with a range of services that can include supervision, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care. Residents usually have their own apartments or private rooms. Because they are mostly regulated
at state level in the United States, there is a lot of variety among these facilities. That means family caregivers need to assess their needs and desires in a facility to find the right one that fits. Assisted living facilities offer a home-like environment, and the amenities available vary based on cost. Paying for assisted living differs from paying for nursing homes. Largely government-subsidized health programs like Medicare and Medicaid pay for nursing home care. Those who would be best serviced by assisted living may find they may not qualify for government support, nor may the facilities accept anything other than private payment or long-term care insurance to cover room and board. Other considerations in assisted living facilities are size, specialties, atmosphere, location, and the ability to transition to higher forms of care. Assisted living may fill a void currently, but it’s often not a permanent situation for all, and eventually certain residents may have to move on to skilled care facilities. Potential residents and their families should visit various assisted living facilities to get a feel for what they are like. Speak with the staff and residents, request a meal and get a sense of the environment. Apart from cost, how the home feels is one of the most important factors in shopping around for this type of residence.
Tax Assistance Offered to Seniors Submitted Tax assistance will again be available to Geauga County seniors 60 years of age and older at the Geauga County Department on Aging, 470 Center St., Building 2, in Chardon. The department on aging will offer the free service by appointment only, through July 9. Tax assistance will be available from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) trained and certified personnel. Tax preparers will be using the electronic E-filing method. The volunteers who help prepare taxes will need two forms of identification from each taxpayer who is receiving tax assistance. One of the forms of identification must be photo identification, such as a passport, U.S. driver’s license, state identification card or military identification card. The second identification form can be an original or a copy of one’s social security card, ITIN card
or letter, if applicable. Do not discard your end of year Social Security statement, as it indicates the benefits one has received. Seniors will have the option to have their refund deposited directly into the bank account of their choice. Bring bank routing and account numbers to the appointment. Bring along tax forms, bank statements, receipts, end of year Social Security statement, W2’s, two forms of identification, 2018 tax return for comparison and bank routing and account number for direct deposit of refund check. Tax appointments are limited. Face coverings are required during appointments. Health questionnaires and temperature screenings will be completed upon arrival for appointments. To schedule an appointment for tax assistance, call 440-279-2130, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Caring, Compassionate and Giving Back to our Community NOW HIRING CAREGIVERS IN GEAUGA COUNTY 440-974-0869
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
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