Planning for Your Future

A Guide to Financial Planning and Senior Care

Planning for Your Future

Ashley Greene The actor shares how she learned financial responsibility from her fatherÂ

Finance experts Dennis Martin and Jay Jackson answer questions about investing during a pandemic Discover how healthcare monitoring is going online

JUNE 2020 | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

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A Holistic Approach to Care Can Improve Quality of Life The medical profession is preparing for the unprecedented number of people predicted to be living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias over the next two decades. And those on the frontlines assisting families and their loved ones also need to look closely at care strategies.

Researchers work relentlessly to find a cure while those on the forefront of care have begun to look at something else — quality of life. While kindness, compassion, and safety are foundational to dementia care, behavioral therapies and interactive opportunities for those living with dementia are now seen as equally important parts of a care plan. The impact of music, for example, or art classes or pet therapy, have brought a vitality to seniors that previous care strategies didn’t always manage to do.

Professionals working in senior care continue to find new ways to understand barriers people are facing. Trainings and certifications provide comprehensive maps for assisting people living with dementia to live a more holistic existence, far beyond the isolation and stigma that are commonly experienced.

Marcy Baskin, Managing Director, Senior Care Authority

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How to Avoid an Impending Crisis in Dementia Care According to a recent survey, primary care physicians worry about the medical profession’s ability to meet increased demand for dementia care in the United States. But there are steps we can take to change this.

There are currently more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to reach nearly 14 million by 2050 unless new treatments are advanced.

With more seniors aging into the greatest risk category for developing Alzheimer’s and other dementias every day, there are growing concerns that the medical profession may not be ready to care for them.

A recent Alzheimer’s Association survey of primary care physicians (PCPs) found nearly 87 percent of PCPs expect to see an increase in people living with dementia during

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the next five years, but half say the medical profession is not prepared to meet this demand.

Specifically, 82 percent of PCPs say they are on the frontlines of providing dementia care, but not all are confident in their care for patients with Alzheimer’s and other dementias; nearly 39 percent report they are “never” or only “sometimes comfortable” making a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, nearly one-third report they are “never” or only “sometimes comfortable” answering patient questions about Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and 22 percent of all PCPs had no residency training in dementia diagnosis and care. Of the 78 percent who did undergo training, 65 percent reported that the amount was “very little.”

We’re heading toward a medical emergency, wherein dementia care will not be available for all who need it. To avoid the impending

crisis, we must work to increase the number of dementia care specialists, while also ensuring dementia care education, training, and ongoing learning opportunities are available for primary care physicians.

Creating incentives and career pathways to recruit and retain healthcare professionals who specialize in gerontology, geriatrics, and dementia care is one such step. The report also recommends expanding collaborative and coordinated care models that use “teams” comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, and other allied health professionals to provide dementia care. We can increase educational funding to augment the number of providers available to diagnose and treat those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, we can build dementia care expertise and capacity in primary care, and we can identify gaps in current dementia care education and training by making dementia care training and CME more accessible for primary care physicians.

Advancing these and other needed solutions will help ensure timely, high-quality dementia care is available for all who need it. n Joanne Pike, CEO, Alzheimer’s Association

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Publishers Abigail Hanania, Brianna Roberts Business Developers Joelle Hernandez, Gretchen Pancak Managing Director Luciana Olson Lead Designer Tiffany Pryor Designer Marie Coons Lead Editor Mina Fanous Copy Editor Kathleen Walsh Director of Sales Stephanie King Director of Product Faye Godfrey Cover Photo Paul Khoury All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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Together with You We’re in it for the long term.

At our core, OneAmerica® values long-term relationships. We plan for the future, while focusing on the here and now for you and yours. The companies of OneAmerica have come through for Americans for more than 140 years — in the good times and bad.

Let’s do this together.

Visit OneAmerica.com to learn how we help our customers build and protect their financial futures through annuities, individual life insurance and asset-based longterm care solutions.

Life Insurance | Retirement | Employee Benefits © 2020 OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Published clinical studies on pulse oximetry and the benefits of Masimo SET® can be found on our website at http://www. masimo. com. Comparative studies include independent and objective studies which are comprised of abstracts presented at scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journal articles. 2 Estimate: Masimo data on file.

Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. See instructions for use for full prescribing information, including indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF MASIMO CORPORATION

these conditions and avoid unexpected health crises in areas where people often have to travel long distances just to see a physician.

For older patients and those living in rural areas, emerging remote patient monitoring technology can help increase access to healthcare.

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he crisis in American healthcare isn’t one of quality, but rather one of access, both literally and in terms of cost. A recent report found that 77 percent of senior citizens in America are worried about rising healthcare costs, while the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 78 percent of Americans over the age of 55 have at least one chronic medical condition. Paying for medical care is one thing — some Americans have trouble even locating that care. Whereas, on average, urban areas offer more than 53 physicians per 100,000 people, rural areas only average a little under 40.

To address these challenges, many healthcare systems are exploring a new option. “Remote patient monitoring (RPM) allows you and your care provider to manage your health condition outside of the hospital or doctor’s office,” says Joe Kiani, founder and CEO

of Masimo, a global medical technology innovator. “It uses advanced noninvasive medical grade monitoring technology to keep track of your health from the comfort of your home.”

Greater access, lower cost RPM is a suite of technologies such as wearable devices tracking things like blood pressure or even a patient’s weight, “smart” pill bottles that track prescription adherence, and telehealth solutions like videoconferencing devices that allow physicians to check in with patients without physical contact.

One problem that RPM can help address is hospital readmission. When a patient is discharged from the hospital after treatment, they typically still require care, and too often they wind up being readmitted, often for minor symptoms such as dizziness or blood pressure spikes. It’s estimated that unplanned hospital readmissions cost up to $20 bil-

lion annually, but RPM could be utilized to eliminate those readmissions and lower the overall cost of care.

“Remote monitoring can help people more easily manage some health conditions at home while they remain under the watchful eye of a healthcare professional,” Kiani says. But that care has to be of the highest quality. “To be effective, RPM must be accurate and reliable. It must combine that same hospital-grade performance with the simplicity and convenience expected of any high-quality home-use product.”

This is especially important for senior citizens, Kiani says, who often struggle with how expensive and time-consuming it is to manage their chronic conditions. RPM can also bring top-quality healthcare to rural areas that lack access to hospitals and other resources. These more remote communities have a higher rate of chronic diseases, and RPM can be used to monitor

The new normal The COVID-19 pandemic is changing daily life for everyone, and many of these changes may well become permanent. One example is the use of RPM. “The pandemic has made RPM a must, now. The pandemic caused a surge in hospitals at a time they didn’t have sufficient personal protection equipment (PPE) to protect themselves. Patients that had COVID-19 or other health problems that required constant surveillance but didn’t need ICU-level care were sent home with a remote monitor they could trust. People also had an understandable reluctance to visit those spaces unless absolutely necessary, to minimize contact with potentially infected patients and areas. Products like Masimo safetyNet became essential, and as they become more popular and patients become more comfortable with them, remote monitoring and telehealth solutions are likely to become increasingly commonplace, long after the pandemic ends.” In fact, 88 percent of healthcare providers are planning to, or have already launched RPM programs for high-risk, chronically ill patients.

For Kiani, one thing is certain.

“Remote patient monitoring has the potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery — and patient outcomes — by making care more accessible, more convenient, and less expensive.” n Jeff Somers

Masimo is a global medical technology company that develops and produces a wide array of industry-leading monitoring technologies, including innovative measurements, sensors, patient monitors, and automation and connectivity solutions.

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hen’s the best time to start saving for the future? Right now. Starting saving right away helps create a habit that will benefit you in retirement down the line, and in tough times like now.

First steps The first thing to do is save as much as you can. Saving even five or 10 dollars a week automatically from your paycheck makes a difference. If you don’t have a paycheck yet, you can open an account at a local bank or credit union and start saving small amounts whenever you’re able. Also, use this time to work out the best deals to pay down credit card debt.

Additionally, think before you buy things. Every purchase affects your future, but it’s all a balancing act. So, if an exotic coffee keeps you from

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Building Your Future Retirement Paycheck When it comes to saving for the future, it’s important to remember that no amount is too small and there’s no better time to start than right away.

getting depressed, do what makes sense for you.

Know your options Retirement saving is about building a future paycheck, so you can replace your income after you stop working. Its foundation usually comes from Social Security benefits.

Register for a social security account to see what your benefits will be, and how

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that amount will grow if you can wait and earn an extra 8 percent a year after your full retirement age. Importantly, make sure your statement of earnings is correct.

Learn investment basics If your employer offers a retirement-savings plan, find out how it works and how much, if any, the company will match. The best way to start

investing may be according to your age in a target date fund, such as the 2050 fund.

If you do not have an employer plan, consider opening a Roth individual retirement account (IRA) if you can find one with no minimum deposit. For women who take time out of the workforce to raise children or care for others, this may be the best option. If you’ve saved money

in an IRA, you’ll receive yearly income from it. If you have the funds, you can also create a guaranteed stream of lifetime income by buying a life-insurance annuity to pay basic expenses. Decide by using WISER’s “your future paycheck calculator.”

Protect your assets To avoid draining your savings to cover unexpected costs, consider signing up for life and disability insurance, especially if your employer offers such benefits. Also consider purchasing traditional voluntary benefits such as dental, vision, accident, or cancer coverage if your employer offers them.

It’s never too late to start bettering your finances and what you save is never too small to matter. n M. Cindy Hounsell, JD, President, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement

Financial Management During a Pandemic Dennis Martin, president of Individual Life and Financial Services at OneAmerica and Jay Jackson, CEO of Abacus Life, answer questions about financial security during this unstable economic climate and what people can do to protect themselves.

How can people in this financial climate make the most of their money and be prepared for uncertainty in the future?

Dennis Martin: Though this type of uncertain financial climate increases the focus on finances, it doesn’t change the principles that should guide decisions. Just like in any climate, it’s important to look at your overall picture. Having a trusted financial professional who can help you build and understand your plan for the long term is perhaps the best way to navigate the

uncertainty in the near term.

Know your plan and the principles that are guiding you.

Stay the course or adjust in measured ways with your financial professional.

Jay Jackson: The recent financial climate has created a vacuum of fear and uncertainty forcing all of us to rethink our financial allocations and cash reserves. The volatility in today’s market has our seniors questioning how long their hard-earned savings will last, reassessing where their future cash needs are going to come from.

What are some ways that people can invest their money wisely and safely during this time?

Dennis Martin President, Individual Life and Financial Services, OneAmerica

Jay Jackson President & CEO, Abacus Life

DM: In my view, savings become even more important in times like these. It’s important to have short-term savings that can help cover cash needs in cases of income disruption.

Doing so can ensure you don’t have to make rash decisions with respect to investments, as those are more long-term decisions. These times certainly test our investment risk tolerance. It seems as if we all like risk when it means higher

return, but less so when we experience volatility or losses.

JJ: Investors need to understand their financial options and liquidity needs. It is wise to understand all of your financial options related to your investments (including your life insurance policy) and ensure they are suitable for both your immediate needs and long-term financial goals.

Awareness that you own your life insurance and can sell it amongst financial advisors and broker dealers should be a tool they use to help their clients address financial difficulties. n

Cash In on Life Life insurance is often a senior’s most valuable asset and one that can be used to alleviate retirement challenges. A life insurance policy is personal property and selling it for fair market value is a legitimate, safe and viable choice to create more options for retirement income, funding medical needs, and more.

We handle each case individually and will walk you through the entire process. Our approach is to be honest, consistent and ABACUS LIFE transparent at every point in the OPTIONS FOR YOUR LIFE INSURANCE transaction, and to bring you 800-561-4148 | AbacusLife.com maximum value.

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Retinal disease affects millions of people globally, and it only increases with age. Jay Cormier is president and CEO of Eyedaptic, which creates specialized eyewear that simulates natural vision for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In a Q&A, Cormier explains why vision loss is such a large problem all over the world, and how his company seeks to improve the lives of those with retinal disorders using augmented reality.

Actor Ashley Greene Talks About Investing in Your Financial Future

PHOTO: PAUL KHOURY

Using Augmented Reality Technology to Counteract Vision Loss

How much of a problem is low vision?

More than 250 million people are affected by retinal disease globally. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) alone impacts more than 170 million people. This has created a huge unmet need for patients searching for an easy to use and mobile visual aid solution.

Compromised vision can have a detrimental impact on quality of life, as many people with retinal related conditions lose so much of their independence.

What solutions exist for those with low vision, retinal disorders, or AMD? There is currently no product on the market today that effectively addresses the challenges faced by those with low vision.

Magnifiers have been used with finite utility, which only help in a limited number of tasks, for the user impacted by AMD. What role does technology play in the Eyedaptic visual aid solution?

With vision disorders such as AMD, the central field of vision is missing, making the simplest of tasks a monumental challenge.

Eyedaptic uses a proprietary augment reality software technology, embedded in specialized glasses to enhance the user’s remaining field of vision. Because it is worn as eyewear, it is mobile and does not limit movement and is useful across a wide variety of daily tasks. The results are immediate and from what users have testified, it has been life changing.

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Actor Ashley Greene says now is the perfect time to think about our financial futures, start building credit, and get smart about saving.

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shley Greene, an actor best known for the Twilight series, has been proactive about her finances for years, and she says it’s thanks to her father. “My father has always drilled it into my brother and my head that building credit is the best thing you can do for yourself,” Greene said. “We grew up with not a lot of money. Even though we didn’t have much, he had stellar credit.”

Greene got serious about her own finances when she first moved to Los Angeles at 17. “I got a credit card because I wanted an Apple computer and then I didn’t pay my credit card,” she said. “My dad nearly lost his mind.”

Having credit looming over her at a young age taught Greene to think more fiscally. “Until I owed money that I could not pay, I didn’t really grasp the severity of how it holds its control over you,” she said.

“After that, I looked at a credit card as something where I control my credit card versus it controlling me.”

Many young people think of a credit card as a fast way to more money, but Greene warns people to avoid that attitude. “We have to have credit cards unfortunately. You have to have them to gain credit, but don’t spend more than you have,” she said. “Use the credit card, build your credit, pay the credit card off, because otherwise, you’re just going to get yourself into this rabbit hole.”

Greene, who shares her household finances with her husband Paul Khoury, takes a proactive approach to managing the couple’s spending. “As brutal as it is, I go over all of our credit card statements, even if it’s a

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monthly autopay statement,” she said. “I think people don’t want to look at it. It’s that mentality of, ‘If I don’t look at it it’s not there,’ when really what you should be doing is getting ahead of it.”

Now as the United States economy struggles due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is especially important to start thinking about smart budgeting. “You never think it’s going to happen and here it is happening,” she said, “but then I could sit and remember, you were prepared for this.”

The economic shutdown has meant radical changes in spending but changing spending habits could be a chance to re-evaluate spending priorities, according to Greene. “I went to Big Lots the other day, what with the craziness and there being no toilet paper, and I walked into Big Lots and thought, I’m an idiot. Why am I not coming here all the time when all of the things are half the price?” she said.

Greene, whose mother was an insurance broker, believes this is an empowering time to invest in our personal finances, especially for women. “It is a time for women to feel very empowered,” she said.

“There’s so much more that I could know, but I feel very empowered by the fact that I am in control of myself and my finances.” Greene has just signed up for an online finance course through Yale, thanks to a friend’s recommendation. “You can do it on your computer. You can learn it at home so you don’t feel embarrassed that you’re starting from the ground floor.”

Greene hopes that other women will encourage each other to learn more about their financial futures.

“I would encourage every woman to do it,” she said, “and teach your daughters. I was very lucky to have the dad that I have.” n Ross Elliott MEDIAPLANET

What Seniors Need to Know About Life Settlements Most life insurance policies lapse before maturity, but what consumers may not realize is that life settlements can help them get that money back.

Seniors who need money during times of uncertainty or to pay expenses may want to consider a life settlement. That’s when a life insurance policy holder sells their existing life insurance policy to a third party, receiving more than the cash surrender value, but less than the policy’s net death benefit.

David Kottler, who’s known as The Life Insurance Doctor, says life settlements are something to be aware of, as 90 percent of policies lapse before maturity, which is a huge loss for consumers. Policy owners can receive cash or retain some portion of the death benefit, and the buyer commits to paying all the future premiums.

Reasons policy owners may consider selling include increased premium costs, poor policy performance, no more tax need for the policy, or they simply need cash.

Kottler encourages consumers to avoid dealing with direct buyers, who want to buy the policies for cheap. Instead work with a broker, who will look for the best value.

Brokers collect the medical records and information from the insurance company.

Instead of charging a fee to market the policy, they get paid a success fee after selling the product.

Kottler offers free life insurance policy reviews as well as instant policy value calculators. This enables the policy owner to get an instant valuation of the policy they own.

“Sell through a broker, not directly to a buyer,” he says. “Probably the difference could be three times as much money.”

To get a free evaluation of your life insurance policy, go to: lifeinsurancedr.com/ life-insurance-calculator/ This piece has been paid for by Life Insurance Doctor.

Kristen Castillo

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It’s Time to Talk About the Retirement Income Crisis Facing Women Women in America face unique risks and challenges posed by our country’s looming retirement income crisis. The solution often comes down to having protected income.

America has gone through a major shift in retirement over the past 40 years. Today, only about 17 percent of private sector workers still have access to a pension, down from 88 percent in 1975, while Social Security only covers about 40 percent of our pre-retirement income needs. It’s no wonder that an analysis of Federal Reserve data shows that 64 percent of U.S. households (about 80 million) have no source of protected monthly income outside of Social Security. With over 10,000 Americans entering retirement every day, we’re witnessing a looming retirement “income” crisis, where millions face the prospect of running out of money in retirement.

According to a 2018 study by the American Institute of CPAs, running out of money is the single greatest financial concern of clients planning for retirement.

The problem is even more concerning for women.

A study from the Alliance for Lifetime Income conducted last year found that only 40 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 74 believe their retirement savings will last their lifetime, compared to nearly 60 percent of men.

Stretched thin For American women, the risk created by this crisis and its potential impact is particularly serious.

No one is immune to the demands of retirement

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planning, but women have a unique set of challenges with unique causes.

Several studies have shown that women, on average, have a lower household income and less household assets than men because of the gender pay gap.

And their assets are often spread thinner, too, since they are more likely to be single parents and more often shoulder the burden of caring for both their aging parents and children. The need to do more with less also continues in retirement since women typically live five years longer than men, making longevity risk — the risk of outliving your money in retirement — a greater concern for them.

Economists have pointed to protected lifetime income, which is guaranteed retirement income that cannot be outlived, as one of the best antidotes. There are only three places you can get protected lifetime income: Social Security, pensions, and annuities.

But today, too many women have too little protected income in retirement.

Making a plan All of this only emphasizes the fact that women have a greater need to plan for a secure retirement. Doing so often starts with a conversation with a spouse or family member and then, hopefully, a financial professional.

Women who have had these conversations know that a secure retirement doesn’t happen by accident.

While many of the challenges that women face in securing their retirement are beyond their control, having a plan that protects that retirement is not. n Jean Statler, CEO, Alliance for Lifetime Income MEDIAPLANET

IT’S TIME FOR WOMEN TO OWN RETIREMENT. Women have traditionally been expected to do more with less as they shoulder the bulk of responsibilities at home while earning less than men. This disparity carries over into retirement too and presents a unique set of retirement income challenges. But the good news is that a secure retirement begins with a simple conversation about protected lifetime income from an annuity. It’s one way to make sure you’ll never run out of money in retirement.

Learn more at protectedincome.org

How Social Services Are Letting the Aging Population Fall Through the Cracks The pandemic has revealed how the aging population in the United States isn’t getting the care it needs, but there are steps we can take to right this problem. family has watched as visiting hours were cancelled during the pandemic, and as we learned what bills were and were not covered by insurance. Both Colorado schoolteachers, my grandparents have Medicare-backed health insurance that provided robust care during their retirement years. As they enter long-term care however, they fall into the huge segment of the United States population who can’t afford the cost of the daily care they need, but don’t yet qualify for Medicaid. For my grandparents now split between a nursing home and our family home in Colorado, covering the costs of both living situations on a monthly pension just doesn’t add up.

Macular egeneration can lead to blindness Ask your eye doctor about protecting your vision from home See website for FDA Indication for Use.

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we struggled with applying for additional Medicaid coverage while the nursing home bills piled up. While waiting for help from a Medicaid office which had closed due to COVID-19, my grandmother received increasing payment notices and phone calls. While we received help from my grandfather’s nursing home administrative staff, we still struggled. And not everyone has help.

In this country, seniors who depend on Medicaid for long-term care receive widely different benefits depending on the state where they live. As a country, we need to invest in a more equitable, robust, and caring system that promotes fair access across the entire United States. For pre-Medicaid seniors, we must work

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE EDEN FAMILY

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ust like communicating with parents and grandparents living in care facilities shouldn’t be hard, there should be no barriers to providing long-term care for those who have cared for us.

The journey my family has gone through this year has strengthened my understanding of the need we have as a nation to ensure low cost, long-term care for our growing aging population. We are coming together as a nation to thank and honor our frontline healthcare heroes in their fight against COVID-19. We also need to demand the resources to care for all aging Americans.

In October, my grandfather decided it was time to move away from his wife of 72 years into a living facility that provides the 24-hour care he needs. Since then, my

As a family, navigating the cost of care while trying to understand the complex state and federal health and long-term care requirements, as well as our state’s Medicaid application process, was overwhelming. As COVID-19 ravaged our hometown and separated our family members,

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together to improve and expand access to home and community-based services and benefits for our aging family members. We also need more affordable housing options for seniors, regardless of the level of in-home care they need. By providing more transitional housing options, we can cut down on the cost of more expensive nursing home care.

I truly believe that we, as a nation, have to do better in caring for our aging loved ones. I hope you will join me in supporting the “I am Loved” campaign by demanding national Medicaid and long-term care reform. We must make it easier to understand and affordable for all.

Cost should not be a barrier to health for seniors and being truly loved means, as a country, we take care of those who cared for us. n Casey M. Eden, Eden Life Care

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Older Adults Are at Risk of Malnutrition During COVID-19 Malnutrition among older adults is surprisingly common, and even more so during the pandemic. Luckily, there are resources available to fight this condition.

Could you or a loved one have poor nutrition and not even know it? Poor nutrition is also known as malnutrition, and one in two older adults are either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition.

Simply put, having malnutrition means you lack needed nutrients in your diet, such as enough protein or adequate calories. Risk factors include having other medical issues, problems caring for yourself, cognitive and mental health issues, and limited resources to buy food. And, with the COVID-19 pandemic, more older adults than ever before are at malnutrition risk because of social isolation.

Malnourished hospital patients have longer hospital stays and higher rates of hospital readmissions and prolonged recoveries.

Disease-associated malnutrition in older adults costs taxpayers over $51.3 billion every year.

The good news is malnutrition can be prevented and treated with effective screening and nutrition intervention. The National Blueprint: Achieving Quality Malnutrition Care for Older Adults, 2020 Update is a newlyupdated resource that provides strategies for older adults and their families and caregivers to address malnutrition.

Meredith Whitmire, Defeat Malnutrition Today

Giving Seniors Peace of Mind During the Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has hit older adults especially hard, but there are resources available to help these citizens weather the storm.

If you’re an older adult, even a healthy older adult, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the upheaval from COVID-19, which continues to impact people across the country. The National Council on Aging (NCOA), a trusted national leader working to ensure every person can age well, has two websites to help older adults weather the health and economic uncertainties brought on by the pandemic.

At www.NCOA.org, you’ll find straightforward information on how to maintain your

Could you or a loved one be at risk for poor nutrition?

Learn more at defeatmalnutrition.today.

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physical, mental, and social well-being during the crisis and beyond. There are articles, videos, and tips on self-care, as well as on how to get and pay for daily expenses such as food.

A recent NCOA report predicts the COVID-19 pandemic may push millions of older Americans into poverty. Even those who are managing today may find themselves struggling financially as the pandemic continues. The good news is there are billions of dollars in federal and state benefits programs that can help if you find it’s difficult to make ends meet.

Every year, $20 billion in benefits go unclaimed because older adults don’t know they are eligible for them or how to apply. These benefits can add thousands of dollars a year to

your household budget to help pay for medicine, utilities, taxes, and even healthcare. One is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps), which provides eligible individuals with monthly benefits to help pay for food.

You can find out if you’re eligible for these programs by taking a free, confidential screening on www.BenefitsCheckUp. org. The site is managed by NCOA, a national nonprofit organization, so you can trust that the information is accurate and secure.

COVID-19 has created challenges for all of us. Fortunately, some practical help for older adults is just a few clicks away. n Josh Hodges, Chief Customer Officer, National Council on Aging

Why Caregivers Need to Be Patient With Themselves Christina Irving of the Family Caregiver Alliance answers questions about how caregivers can support their own mental health while still providing dedicated care, especially in such difficult times.

What advice do you have for caregivers who are trying to balance their own stress while also staying calm and reassuring for the people they care for?

It’s important for caregivers to be patient with themselves right now when they’re trying to juggle caregiving, other responsibilities like work and childcare, and coping with the pandemic. Caregiving is stressful in the best of times but there’s a lot of extra worry and anxiety right now. Finding small things each day that help you relax can make a difference in your mood, which will help the person you’re caring for.

Consider meditation, journaling, music, exercise, or talking

with friends to help manage your own stress.

What type of support do caregivers need?

What strategies do you have for building resilience during difficult times?

Getting breaks from caregiving, is a necessary resource but may not be as available right now.

Given the social distancing our communities are practicing to reduce risk of exposure to the virus, some caregivers may not be comfortable having someone come into their home. Having friends, family, or friendly volunteers call to “visit” with the person you’re caring for may give you some down time right now.

Emotional support for the caregiver may be also available through telehealth — video or phone calls with mental health professionals or counselors.

Think about what people can do to help you and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It may be calls to the person you’re caring for, tutoring help for your kids, or someone you can talk to. Ask your local Area Agency on Aging about what caregiver support programs are available or if there is financial help if you’ve lost income due to the pandemic. n

The American Psychological Association suggests five steps to building resilience: fostering wellness, building connections, finding purpose, embracing healthy thoughts, and seeking help. A good place for caregivers to start is paying more attention to their physical and mental health. Getting good sleep isn’t always easy, but sleep plays a big role in our well-being.

Talking with friends or family and connecting with other caregivers through online support groups can provide an outlet for stress and be a good source of support. It’s easy to focus on the things that are difficult or aren’t going well, but trying to notice what went well that day and the moments of happiness helps us from only dwelling on the negative.

Getting Extra Help for Medicare Patients During the Pandemic The pandemic has made getting necessary outside help and care complicated for many adults. Here is how one man made it work.

Thomas Rexroat understands hardship.

The Indianapolis resident suffered burns on more than 90 percent of his body in a house fire seven years ago. When COVID19 hit, Rexroat — who prides himself on helping others, even with difficulty walking due to nerve damage in his legs — found himself homebound and in need of some extra help.

At the beginning of the pandemic and shelter-in-place mandate, Rexroat relied on Oak Street Health, a network of primary care centers for adults on Medicare. The organization has continued their care plans through telehealth visits, proactive wellness checks, and deliveries of food, medical and household supplies.

“I was amazed to receive a phone call every day from my Oak Street Health care team to see how I was doing and if I needed anything,” said Rexroat. “Most of my friends didn’t hear from their doctors at all, and Oak Street Health even delivered groceries to my home. They truly care about me and went above and beyond to help. I am so grateful for my care team.” COVID-19 emphasized just how important it is for older adults to engage in preventive, primary care and manage their chronic conditions.

This piece has been paid for by Oak Street Health.

OakStreet Health

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MEDIAPLANET

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Safety Devices for Seniors Have Never Been More Important Recent months have made living alone increasingly dangerous for seniors, so some are turning to safety devices.

S

enior safety is more critical now in 2020 than ever before.

Many seniors are choosing to forgo retirement communities and senior living facilities in favor of aging-inplace, where they can remain in their own homes during their golden years. For seniors living alone or caring for a deteriorating spouse, technology can be a saving grace that allows them to remain independent and safe.

A continuum of services starting with a daily call check-in service, potentially

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paired with an emergency alert pendant or in-home sensors and fall-detection devices can provide a layer of security and safety for those living alone or with an impaired partner. Today’s technology allows seniors to maintain their independence for far longer than they could before.

In July of last year, Vince Arcuri, living alone in New York, had a sudden gallbladder attack overnight. Arcuri’s attack caused him to go into septic shock. Within a matter of hours he went

READ MORE AT FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

Safety pendants and daily-call services have saved countless lives over the years

from feeling fine, to being too weak to pick up the phone, to falling into a coma. Fortunately, Arcuri had signed up for a daily check-in call. On the day of the emergency, the daily call service from

IamFine.com alerted one of Arcuri’s family members when he did not answer his scheduled call. From there, his family was able to get Arcuri to the hospital where he received treatment.

“I can say that it saved my life,” Arcuri said.

Safety pendants and daily-call services have saved countless lives over the years. Using either service, or both in conjunction, can reduce the severity of an emergency and can help ease the mind of seniors and their loved ones.

It’s hard to predict what the second half of 2020 will bring, and when an older family member or loved one is living independently, it can be scary for everyone involved.

Taking control of our own environment and being prepared for unexpected changes not only improves the safety of living alone but also provides peace of mind that if something should happen, our loved ones will get the timely care they need. n Paul Hammond, Founder, IamFine

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Early detection is crucial when it comes to AMD, which is why new remote monitoring systems can save your eyes.

Vision gives life color, dimension, and vividness. Yet for those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness among people over age 50 worldwide, this precious sense is threatened.

“There are two types of AMD: wet and dry,” said Candice Morin, communications director of Notal Vision, a diagnostic services company focused on helping patients manage eye health from home.

There’s no treatment for dry AMD which, without proper monitoring, can progress to wet AMD, which can then lead to permanent blindness.

“Unlike dry AMD, there are effective treatments for wet AMD,” Morin said.

“Studies have shown that these treatments are most effective when initiated early, before any symptoms are noticed and vision loss has occurred. Catching the conversion to wet AMD as early as possible is the key to maintaining good vision.”

Detecting wet AMD between doctor’s visits is crucial. The Amsler grid, a method developed in the 1940s, can help, but newer innovations, such as the ForeseeHome® AMD Monitoring Program — which is covered by Medicare and available via referral from an eye doctor — can be even more effective. Manufactured by Notal Vision, it includes a non-invasive, easy-touse device that can be used at home daily.

“Technology like the ForeseeHome program supports a new way of delivering healthcare to seniors through a remote diagnostic clinic,” Morin said. “Acting as an extension of your eye doctor’s office, a diagnostic clinic provides education, support, and continuous engagement for successful home monitoring.” By leveraging new technology and practicing proactiveness, you can help preserve your vision for many years to come.

Melinda Carter

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Joan Lunden Explains Why Helping Seniors Feel Connected Is So Important For families committed to helping their aging relatives, TV host and author Joan Lunden says preparation is critical.

Robert Browning’s “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be,” is a poignant reminder that our senior years can be filled with joy. But as we age, there are often health issues and financial concerns. That’s why planning for the future is essential.

“Since my early 30s, I’d been in charge of the care of my aging mom and my brother, who suffered from the many complications of type 2 diabetes,” says Joan Lunden, author of “Why Did I Come Into this Room,” a book about aging, and the popular former co-host of Good Morning America. “When my brother died at the age of 57, my mom, who was then 88, was suffering from dementia, which became exponentially worse with the loss of her son. She couldn’t handle the daily tasks of living on her own.”

“I made a lot of mistakes finding the right senior care for my mother, since I didn’t know much about elder care or the needs that came with her increasing dementia. I couldn’t believe that I didn’t have a plan in place. I made a vow to myself that I would work to help others be better prepared.”

Staying connected Older individuals often wish to remain in their own homes, and many are capable of caring for themselves, but loneliness can be a real problem.

“Research shows that people with strong social networks, who spend time with friends and family, are more likely to live longer than people who are lonely,” says Lunden. “Social connections are one of the leading predictors of successful aging.” According to Lunden, loneliness is comparable to the risk of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and exceeds the risk of alcohol consumption, obesity, and physical inactivity.

“There’s nothing that will accelerate decline more than isolation. What’s more, loneliness seems to pose the greatest risk for elderly people who are prone to depression.”

Embracing technology Lunden, a longtime spokesperson for a national senior care referral service, says it’s never been more important to find ways to stay connected to those who are aging in place.

READ MORE AT FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

PHOTO: DAPHNE YOUREE

How Remote AMD Monitoring Could Save Your Eyesight

“Facetime calls and Zoom sessions will allow your loved one to see you and feel the connection. It’s also more important than ever to impress upon them not to open their door to people. Set up a schedule to deliver to them food and other needs, and greet them with a smile, but not a hug.

“This pandemic is sure to change our world forever in terms of technology. It has become our sole source for staying connected and checking in on loved ones. I don’t think that any of us would have imagined the number of grandparents who would be Zooming with their grandkids. I foresee technology, especially telemedicine, making lives much more manageable in the future for people who are aging in place or who are homebound.”

Helping seniors during COVID-19 Lunden notes that, for the most part, senior living facilities have been able to safeguard their elderly residents by closing their doors to outsiders.

“While we all want to give our loved ones a hug, it has been for their safety that we all throw kisses #throughtheglass. Then, too, in senior communities around the country, it has become the norm for the healthcare workers to assist their residents on Zoom and FaceTime calls. I imagine this will become part of their daily life going forward.” n Cindy Riley MEDIAPLANET