Senior Scene Winter 2021

ASK RUSTY: Social Security Matters SENIOR SCENE

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Dear Rusty: What determines the amount of the cost of living increase for Social Security as compared to the cost of living increase for Congress? Last year Social Security got less than 2 percent, while Congress got a 10 percent cost of living increase.

Why the double standard?

What items are used to determine the cost of living increase? Signed: Inquiring Mind Dear Inquiring Mind: I’m happy to explain how the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security is computed and, although it’s outside the realm of Social Security I usually deal with, how members of Congress get raises in their pay.

The normal COLA formula affecting Social Security uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, known simply as the “CPI-W.” The CPI-W measures changes to consumer prices in several categories such as food, housing, transportation, etc., as computed monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The formula to compute COLA each year compares the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the current year to the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the previous year. If there is a sufficient difference, that difference (expressed as a percentage) becomes the COLA increase percentage for next year. If there is no difference (or only a tiny difference) no COLA increase is awarded because no inflation has occurred from one year to the next, but there have only been 3 years since 1975 that no COLA has been given. The

Russell Gloor AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor, Association of Mature American Citizens

2021 COLA increase was 1.3% and the 2022 COLA increase will be 5.9%, the latter reflecting high inflation we’ve experienced this year.

Increases to Congressional salaries are different.

Although there is a statute allowing for automatic salary increases for members of Congress, that law can be overruled by legislation which suspends those automatic increases.

Through such superseding legislation, Congressional pay has been frozen since 2009. The last salary increase received by members of Congress was 2.8% in January 2009, when each general member’s annual salary became $174,000. Congressional salaries have not increased since that time so, with dollar amounts adjusted for inflation, pay for members of Congress effectively declined by 17% between 2009 and 2020. But don’t feel sorry for them. They have plenty of other perks to sustain them, and Representatives who already collect Social Security get the standard COLA increase to their SS benefit (as we all do).

While Congressional salaries have been frozen for years, there has been much recent debate about whether the CPI-W is an accurate measure of inflation for elderly Americans who rely on Social Security benefits. A commonly heard

argument is that instead of the CPI-W, a separate Consumer Price Index known as the “CPI-E” (Consumer Price Index for the Elderly) would more accurately measure inflation for seniors and, thus, should be used to compute COLA for Social Security beneficiaries. Studies have shown that the CPI-E would provide a slightly improved COLA for SS beneficiaries, but there are other formulae being considered too. It remains to be seen whether future legislation will change how COLA is computed.

Should I Take My Widower Benefit Now? Dear Rusty: I lost my wife 7 years ago. I was told that I could possibly collect 30 to 35% of her benefit as a widower benefit when I turned 60. I will be 61 soon. Would it make sense to pursue this if it is true? I am still working full time. Would this affect my ability to collect Social Security on my own account once I retire?

Signed: Working Survivor Dear Working: Survivor benefits for a widower can be paid as early as age 60 if you have not remarried prior to that. But collecting a survivor benefit before you have reached your full retirement age (your “FRA”, which is age 67) creates some other con-

December 2021

siderations you should be aware of: — Your survivor benefit will be based upon the SS benefit your wife was entitled to at her death.

Taken at your FRA you’d get 100% of the SS amount your wife was entitled to at her death, but if taken any earlier than your FRA the survivor benefit will be reduced.

— Taken before your FRA, your survivor benefit will be actuarially reduced according to the number of months prior to your FRA it is claimed. The reduction amount is 4.75% less per full year earlier than your FRA, and that is a permanent reduction.

If you take your survivor benefit at age 61, you’ll get 71.5% of the SS benefit your wife had earned up to her death.

— Since you’re not yet receiving your own SS retirement benefit, you can take your survivor benefit first and allow your personal SS retirement benefit to grow. Assuming your personal SS retirement benefit will be more than your survivor benefit, you can switch from your survivor benefit to your SS retirement benefit at any time after you are age-eligible to do so (age 62).

You can also, if you wish, choose to continue your survivor benefit up until your personal SS retirement benefit reaches maximum at age 70. At age 70 your own benefit will be 24% more than your FRA benefit amount.

— If you claim the survivor benefit before your FRA and you are still working, you’ll be subject to Social Security’s “earnings test” which limits how much you can

earn before SS takes away some of your benefit. The earnings limit for 2021 is $18,960 (the 2022 limit is $19,560) and if your earnings from work exceed that amount, SS will take back benefits equal to $1 for every $2 you are over the limit.

So, although you can claim a survivor benefit from your deceased wife now (and allow your own SS benefit to grow), practically speaking you may not be able to get a survivor benefit if you are working full time and earning considerably more than the annual earnings limit. In other words, the penalty for exceeding the earnings limit may entirely offset the survivor benefit you are entitled to. If you’re over the earnings limit by only a small amount, you’ll only lose benefits for the number of months needed to repay what you owe.

And for clarity, in the year you attain FRA the earnings limit goes up by about 2.5 times and the penalty is less ($1 for every $3 you are over the limit), and once you reach your full retirement age there is no longer a limit to how much you can earn. To avoid the earnings test, you could also choose to wait until your FRA to maximize your survivor benefit and then wait until age 70 to claim your maximum SS retirement benefit.

Regardless of when you claim your survivor benefit, your own SS retirement benefit won’t be affected.

Your SS retirement benefit, which will replace your smaller survivor benefit, will be based solely on your lifetime earnings history and the age at which you claim it.

December 2021

SENIOR SCENE

Beating the Dark Winter Blues

By Dr. Paul D. Nussbaum

While “winter blues” is not a clinical condition, those of us who have lived in regions where there is limited sunlight for several months certainly can relate to the phrase. A more serious condition that is clinical in nature is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

According to the National Institute of Health, only 1% of Floridians suffer from SAD. However, in northernmost parts of the United States, about 10% of people in Alaska may be affected.

Shorter days that occur with the arrival of fall and winter can disrupt our internal biological clock and circadian rhythm. As we lose exposure to light our brains must adjust by sending signals to keep us alert and awake even though the brain wants to trigger melatonin for rest, as the darkness emerges earlier and earlier.

Such changes in our biological clock can disrupt sleep, cause sadness and irritability, increase hunger and intake of carbohydrates, slow our thinking, and even cause depression.

Some benefit by sitting about 30 minutes a day in front of a light box that simulates the blue waves of the sunlight helping our brains and bodies remain alert and active. Still, others may require a discussion with their physician regarding medication to help with their mood.

Dr. Paul Nussbaum is president of the Brain Health Center (www.brainhealthctr.com) and adjunct professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.

Lifestyle tips can also be useful during the 3-5 months of winter: — Try to develop a routine where you are active and a sleep schedule that you maintain.

— Stay busy and organize activities with family and friends so that you do not isolate.

— Be mindful to eat healthy and try to eat within a particular 8-hour time frame each day (see MIND diet).

— Exercise each day and get some form of aerobic workout in daily.

— Meditate and pray on a daily basis to keep focus and emotional balance.

— Stimulate your brain daily with new learning of some type.

— Get away if you can to a southern region where sunlight exposure is better.

— Maintain a conversation with your primary care provider if you believe you are not coping well with the persistent dark days. Your doctor can talk to you about light boxes and possible medication to assist.

— Maintain a forward-looking sense of hope and plan fun outdoor activities for the spring.

— Try to get outside during the fall and winter months, as you will actually benefit from the fresh air and sun even though you may not see it. Nature can provide significant beauty that inspires and calms during the winter months.

Dress warm.

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December 2021

Unfunded Nursing Home Mandates in ‘Build Back Better Act’ Will Worsen Historic Staffing Crisis Could force thousands of struggling nursing homes to further limit access to care to millions of vulnerable seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, today said that two provisions in the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) will have a devastating impact on nursing homes and could force thousands more facilities to further limit admissions or possibly close their doors.

The provisions, one that would require nursing homes to have a registered nurse (RN) on-staff

24 hours a day and another that would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a study on minimum staffing ratios and implement the regulations within one year, are unfunded mandates that conservatively, would cost the nursing homes industry billions of dollars a year and require hiring more than 150,000 new caregivers.

“We strongly support having a RN on staff in nursing homes 24 hours a day, as we originally proposed in our reform agenda earlier this year. However, current data shows that the nursing homes are facing the worst job

loss among all health care providers. We’ve lost 221,000 jobs since the beginning of the pandemic, and recovery is a long way away. Nursing home providers are doing all they can to attract and retain new workers, but the applicants simply aren’t there. The provisions in this bill do nothing to help us strengthen our workforce and will only force thousands of nursing homes to further limit the number of residents they can serve,” said AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson.

AHCA/NCAL estimates that if the HHS study found that nursing homes need to increase clinical and direct care staff by 25 percent, it would require hiring more than 150,000 RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), costing $10.7 billion per year.

Current requirements

mandate that nursing homes have a RN on staff eight hours a day. Under the proposed mandate in the legislation, AHCA/ NCAL estimates it would require hiring 21,000 more nurses, costing $2.5 billion a year.

Phil Fogg, President and CEO of Marquis Companies, who operates more than 20 long term care facilities in California, Nevada and Oregon, said if Congress enacts these provisions without the necessary resources and recruitment programs, it could have a devastating impact on nursing homes and the residents they serve across the country.

“The workforce and economic crisis long term care providers are already experiencing is unprecedented. Lack of qualified workers is forcing providers to limit their admissions and, in some cases, close their doors perma-

nently. Providers simply cannot attract more caregivers to our profession and meet the requirements of these mandates without financial support from Congress,” said Fogg, who is also the chair of the AHCA Board of Governors.

“We all share a common goal and that is to strengthen our workforce and provide the best possible care for our residents. But these unfunded mandates could further exacerbate the challenges we face and ultimately limit access to care for millions. We are eager to work hand-inhand with lawmakers to find meaningful solutions that will ensure seniors continue to receive the highest quality care and caregivers have access to good-paying, rewarding jobs,” said Len Russ, operator and administrator of Bayberry Care Center in New Rochelle, NY.

HELLO SENIORS Well it’s that time of the year’s folks, giving thanks for our blessings. Getting ready for the holiday season with the hustle and bustle and having that special time with our loved ones. Our residents love this very festival season, enjoying our Christmas decorations throughout Trinity homes. Gifts are given to residents on Christmas Eve donated through various people and organizations followed by a Christmas party.

Santa will visit bringing on those big smiles. Activities will be planning a very fun News Years party bringing in the 2022. Trinity Homes is looking forward, to a very bright 2022.Remember your

Lois Zahn Trinity Homes Volunteer Coordinator/ Activities five minutes with someone can be very special to them, your time is worth more than money.

Merry Christmas, Very Blessed New Year

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December 2021

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Where’s There’s a Will, COVID-19 There’s a Family Fighting Over It Survey Scam Some years ago, I was at a local gift shop when I came across a small, decorative sign that read: “Where there’s a Will, there’s a family fighting over it.” It was a cute adaptation of the old saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” As an estate planning attorney who has seen more than a few family squabbles after the passing of a loved one, I found it an amusing play on words.

It now sits on a shelf in my office as a reminder that even the best laid estate plan can still be the subject of a family feud.

Some families are able to navigate the loss of their parents in a spirit of relative tranquility as the generations shift forward. Other families, who may have enjoyed decades of peaceful relationships, find that the death of both parents creates or reveals conflict and division. And then, of course, there are the families who have never gotten along, and the generational shift is just the most recent showcase of that family’s dysfunction.

What, if anything, can be done to prevent a family feud after you are gone? Here are a few practical tips to help smooth the path for your family after you are gone.

CONFIRM THAT YOUR ESTATE PLANNING REFLECTS YOUR CURRENT WISHES. This will clean up any “shoulda-coulda-wouldas” in your planning. If you have been meaning to swap out your son’s name as your personal representative and list your daughter instead—do it now. The alternative is your daughter having to deal with your son’s disorganization and procrastination as he fumbles his way through the estate settlement process, even though time has shown he is not suited for the job. If you need to add a statement that the large cash gift you made to your son this year after his divorce is supposed to come out of his inheritance as an advancement—do it now. The alternative is hard feelings between your children because one received significantly more money from you when that was not your intention. Having your true wishes clearly reflected in a binding, legally enforceable estate planning

Diane K. Lautt, JD

document is the most important thing you can do to help your family members avoid conflict after your passing.

CHECK OWNERSHIP OF ACCOUNTS AND PROPERTY. I have written in this column numerous times about how estate plans get “out of whack” when ownership of accounts does not jive with your planning documents. The most common example is when a child is listed as a joint owner on a parent’s bank account. For example, Mom lists Daughter as a joint owner on Mom’s bank account to facilitate bill-paying, then Mom dies and Daughter is the sole surviving owner of the joint bank account. Daughter is legally entitled to the funds in the account even though Mom’s Will stated everything was to be split among her four children equally.

Mom’s Will does not legally control the ownership of the joint bank account with Daughter. Mom’s Will only applies to assets she owned in her own name, without a joint owner or named beneficiary. Now, Daughter and her siblings are quarreling over why Mom only left assets to Daughter via the joint account and seemingly left everyone else out.

A quick review of the account ownership with Mom’s estate planning attorney could have revealed this inconsistency and allowed it to be fixed prior to Mom’s death.

CHECK BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS. Three important rules about beneficiary designations: (1) do not name minor beneficiaries; (2) do not list one child with the expectation they will share with the rest of the family; and (3) understand that singling out certain accounts for people not otherwise listed in your estate planning can backfire if that account does not exist at the time of

your death. For example, a certain account you had earmarked for your favorite grandchild could be drawn down by the time of your death, leaving them nothing.

Your estate planning attorney can give you clear and specific instructions on whether beneficiary designations are appropriate for your planning, and if they are, the exact wording to use.

Contact your “helpers.” Make sure your designated agents know you listed them as power of attorney, trustee, personal representative, etc. Some estate settlement projects get off on the wrong foot because of hurt feelings over who was named as personal representative. Tell your designated agent the location of your original legal documents. It is also possible that the wishes expressed in your Will are never carried out if the original document cannot be located after your death. This is fertile ground for a family feud, especially if the lost legal documents stated you disinherited someone or made an unequal distribution among family members.

CONDUCT A FAMILY MEETING. It is understandable if you are reluctant to share details about what you own and your wishes with family members. However, I highly recommend you gather your loved ones together and share with them the main points of your planning. This gives everyone time to process and accept your decisions during your lifetime.

When people feel they had a chance to be heard, it may decrease the likelihood they turn on each other when you are gone.

ACCEPT THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE FUTURE. There is no fool-proof way to avoid a family fight after you are gone. People change, relationships shift, and much of this is out of your control. But following the steps outlined above will help eliminate many of the most common sources of conflict and give your family members their best opportunity to be at peace with one another after you are gone.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Each individual should consult his or her own attorney.

Survey Scam

Linda

As COVID-19 Madsen continues, scam Project artists find new Director, ND and creative ways Senior Medicare Patrol to use the pandem(ND SMP), ic to fraudulently NDCPD/MSU obtain personal information from unsuspecting older adults.

Scammers are sending fake vaccine surveys through email or text saying they’ll pay cash, often a $50 gift card, for completing the survey in exchange for personal, medical, or financial information.

The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice have warned that the fake surveys ask for a credit card and/or bank information from the victims in order to claim their “free prize.” The scammers may claim the credit card number is needed for a “small shipping fee.” The victims are also instantly exposed to identity theft, and their personal information may be sold on the dark web.

The FBI warns that once the scammers obtain the victim’s information, they may use it to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, or other health care insurers.

Medicare Cards Scammers continue to convince beneficiaries that new COVID-19 Medicare cards are being issued. Medicare cards do not expire.

CMS is not issuing new plastic Medicare cards to replace your paper card. CMS is not issuing new Medicare cards with a microchip.

CMS is not issuing new Medicare cards due to COVID-19. CMS is NOT issuing new Medicare cards and anyone contacting you about this is attempting to steal your information.

Reporting Medicare Fraud ND Senior Medicare Patrol helps seniors prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud. If you suspect you, or someone you know, has been a victim of a Medicare scam, contact the ND SMP at ndsmp@minotstateu.edu or call 1-800-233-1737.

Source of information: https://www.smpresource.org/News/20211020/472/Fake-VaccineSurveys-Hit-Text-Email.aspx

PACE helps seniors stay in their homes SENIOR SCENE

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Minot Commission on Aging 21 1st Ave. SE, Minot • 852-0561 • www.minotcoa.com

Our Philosophy

“Helping seniors remain independent and in their homes.

“There’s no place like home.”

OUR PROGRAMS

Congregate Meals Prairie Rose Home Care Services Home Delivered Meals The Parker Coffee Shop Health/Foot Care Prairie Rose Home Service offers Housekeeping, Laundry, Grocery Shopping, Meal Preparation & Respite on a scheduled basis.

PRHS is a designated ND Quality Service Provider. To receive

services available from Prairie Rose Home Service call 701-839-2797.

Older adults in North Dakota who are eligible for nursing home care often remain living independently at home, where they prefer to be.

Although living at home, they may need a level of care that’s difficult for them to manage the medical and self-cares they require by themselves.

That’s where North-

land PACE Senior Care Services comes in. PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a program designed to successfully preserve older adult’s ability to remain living at home through a team-based approach. Northland PACE, a non-profit based in Bismarck North Dakota, also operates offices in Bismarck, Dickinson and Fargo in addition to the Minot location.

The program employs its own interdisciplinary team (IDT) of professionals to provide a comprehensive range of services – a medical director, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, social worker, health aides, therapy services, and several others.

Families are also actively involved in care needs and health decisions.

PACE – Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – is a program of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Most of the individuals served by its local partner, Northland PACE, are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Instead of dealing with separate federal and state programs individually, those who enroll into the Northland PACE program work directly with the staff of PACE, receiving all of their health care needs along with transportation, housekeeping and socialization based on the needs of each person that enrolls. In addition to primary care services from

December 2021

the PACE team, those that enroll also receive specialty care services in the community as needs arise. Prescription medication is also provided.

There are no hidden costs, copayments or deductibles for those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, instead, reimbursement for those services is made directly to Northland PACE. As the Northland PACE program ensures all cares and services are provided based on the needs of each person that enrolls as well as serving as payment source of services there is no need for separate Medicare Part A, B, and D coverage. Participants must be 55 or older, live within the Northland PACE service area, meet level of care need, and able to safely live at home with Northland PACE services.

Bosch says that the main requirement, is that the individual they care for must be eligible for skilled nursing home care but wants to remain in his or her home. Northland PACE’s services offer an alternative that permits them to stay in their home as long as the team and family believe it’s safe and feasible. If nursing home admission becomes necessary, PACE then is responsible to cover that cost to ensure the enrolled participant of the PACE program is receiving the best care in the most appropriate environment of care.

Each person that en-

rolls into the Northland PACE program has their own care plan. Each member of the Northland PACE team assesses the needs for cares and services individually; then their observations are put together into a plan to meet the individual’s needs and wishes. The variety of professionals on the team share and learn from each other allowing the team to thoroughly know and understand each person that enrolls and their needs. That helps them all decide on the most appropriate services and is the success of the program, to assist in preserving enrolled participants living safely and independently at home.

Another benefit of the team approach is taking much of the burden of care off the family and other caregivers. Northland PACE services are provided from both the Northland PACE center as well as in the homes. Participants of the program can enjoy activities and other services offered in the Northland PACE center as well as ensuring all care needs are provided in the home.

Enrolling in PACE begins with a comprehensive assessment by the local staff in its office at 2700 8th Street NW in Minot or in the home of anyone that may be interested in learning more. For more information, visit website www.northlandpace.com or call 701-8578045.

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December 2021

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MEDICARE FRAUD: Know how to protect yourself

By JILL SCHRAMM Senior Staff Writer jschramm@ minotdailynews.com

A northwest North Dakota senior who discovered an unusual charge on her health insurance statement last year made the right call. She contacted her supplemental insurer and Medicare to report suspected fraud.

Identity theft involving Medicare is a multi-billion-dollar crime in the United States. Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. Personal information includes data such as your name, Social Security or Medicare number, a credit card, bank account numbers or Medicare account username and password.

In the case of the local identity fraud victim, who chose to remain anonymous, she received an Explanation of Health Care Benefits document in November 2020, stating that Medicare paid $3,870 toward a $5,400 bill.

Unaware of any medical care prompting the bill, she contacted her medical providers, who confirmed she had no charges pending with them.

She reported to her supplemental insurer and to Medicare, which pursued and eventually resolved her errant bill this past fall. The bill from a San Diego, California, laboratory was purportedly for services in early 2020.

The area woman’s advice to other seniors is to examine their insurance statements closely. Because statements can be confusing, she admitted she hasn’t always followed her own advice, but she said she now understands how important that vigilance is.

The U.S. Department of Justice has prosecuted billions of dollars of Medicare fraud in recent years. In

September 2020, the department announced a historic nationwide enforcement action involving 345 defendants, including more than 100 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals. The defendants were charged with submitting more than $6 billion in false and fraudulent claims to federal healthcare programs and private insurers.

In May 2021, criminal charges were brought against 14 defendants, some previously charged in other indictments, for fraud schemes that exploited the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in more than $143 million in false billings.

Then this past September, the department announced criminal charges against 138 defendants, including 42 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical profession-

als, for alleged participation in fraud schemes that resulted in about $1.4 billion in losses.

“We have seen all too often criminals who engage in health care fraud stealing from taxpayers while jeopardizing the health of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries,” said Gary Cantrell, deputy inspector general for investigations with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Investigator General, in a release.

“Every dollar saved is critical to the sustainability of our Medicare programs and meeting the needs of seniors and people with disabilities,” added Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in the release.

CMS recommends consumers read their Medicare statements for accuracy and

From help with daily activities to sharing your favorite music this is home care.

costs for treatment and care.

CMS also reminds consumers not share their Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who contacts them by phone, email or by approaching them in person, unless they have given them permission in advance.

Medicare or a Medicare plan representatives will call and ask for personal information only if you are already a member of the plan or if you have called and left a message or been told by a representative that someone would call you back.

CMS advises that consumers only give personal information to doctors, insurance companies or plans acting on your behalf, or trusted people in the community who work with Medicare, such as representatives with the North Dakota State Health Insurance

Counseling Program.

If you join a Medicare plan, the plan will let you know how it will use your personal information. Be familiar with your plan’s policy.

Medicare uses personal information in limited situations, such as to work with providers on claims, work with declared personal representatives, or cooperate with law enforcement, fraud investigations or other government oversight activities.

If an unsolicited caller asks for your Medicare number or other personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY 877-486-2048.

Lost or stolen Medicare cards should be reported to 1-800-MEDICARE for replacement using a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier instead of Social Security number.

Additional ways to protect yourself can be found online at medicare.gov by clicking on “forms, help & other resources” found in the Site Resources section at the bottom of the home page. Resources also are available from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General at https://oig.hhs. gov/fraud/consumer-alerts/.

I’m 56 years old and have been a smoker for years. What symptoms should I look for if I have lung cancer?

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The biggest risk factor for lung cancer remains smoking.

Lung cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in early stages and many people aren’t diagnosed until the disease is Dr. Cole Kreofsky advanced. Importantly, the United States Preventative Services Bismarck Cancer Center Task Force now recommends annual screening CT Scans for people 55-80 years old who have a 25-pack-a-year smoking history, as this has been shown to improve survival by catching lung cancer before it causes symptoms. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: -Lasting cough or hoarseness (most common) -Coughing up blood -Breathing difficulties that become progressively worse -Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss -Extreme fatigue -Hoarseness -Recurring infections like bronchitis or pneumonia -Rapidly developing facial swelling The above symptoms are also a concern to people who do not have a history of smoking. If you have any questions or concerns, it is important to talk to your medical provider. If caught at an early stage, lung cancer is often treatable and controllable.

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December 2021

What To Do When A Holiday Visit With An Aging Parent Sparks Concerns

By Chris Orestis, CSA

As families reunite during the holidays, it’s not unusual for adult children who haven’t seen their aging parents in a while to begin to worry about them.

Are they experiencing health problems?

Are they still mentally on top of things?

Is it time to start thinking about long-term care?

“The holidays and their aftermath are the busiest time of year for long-term care admissions,” says Chris Orestis, president of Retirement Genius (www.retirementgenius.com) and an authority on retirement planning, long-term care and financial health.

“Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, families get together and many are seeing Mom or Dad for the first time in months. Some will discover that their parent’s health has declined and he or she should not be left to live on their own any longer.”

Certainly, seniors want to remain independent as long as possible, and they don’t want to become a burden on their family, either physically or financially, Orestis says. As a result, they may try to avoid discussions about their health, mental capabilities and the possibility of the need for the assistance. Family members may be inclined to avoid these conversations as well.

“For some people, the need for long-term care can be brought on from a sudden event such as a fall, stroke, advancing dementia, or other health-related malady,” he says. “For Burlington Community Housing has immediate openings for one bedroom apartment in Burlington. $125 Deposit. Updated flooring, paint, appliances and step in shower. Handicap Accessible. Must be 62 & older or disabled, regardless of age. Rental assistance and utility allowance is available for qualified applicants. Free laundry facility and community center are on site. Water and trash are paid. We are an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Call Karen at 852-5389 for an application.

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If you are concerned about aging parents, Orestis offers a few things to be on the lookout for: PHYSICAL DETERIORATION Be aware of potential signs such as significant weight loss, balance issues and falling, and loss of strength and stamina, Orestis says. “You might also see loss in what is known as ADL – activities of daily living,” he says. “That includes such things as the ability to dress, eat, shower or use the toilet independently.”

MENTAL DETERIORATION It’s easy and tempting to blow off loss of memory or confusion about names, dates and locations as just a “senior moment,” Orestis says. “But cognitive deterioration is an important warning sign that you should be on the lookout for dementia and Alzheimer’s,” he says. “These conditions can worsen quickly and can lead to many physical breakdowns and safety issues.”

LIFESTYLE DETERIORATION Maybe your parent was one of those sticklers for the adage “a place for everything and everything in its place,” but now the home isn’t kept so neatly. “You may even encounter things that are oddly out of place, such as a house plant in the refrigerator or pots and pans in the bathtub,” Orestis says. “Even more concerning, you might see signs of physical damage because they crashed the car into a fence or the wall of the garage, or there are burn marks on the kitchen wall from a flash fire. It’s important to remember that long-term care is not only a matter of healthcare, but also a matter of safety.” others, it can slowly creep up over time and without realizing it one or more loved ones have become caregivers. Confronting the fact that a person has transitioned in life from being independent to dependent in one way or another is difficult.”

But eventually, if it becomes clear professional long-term care is needed, family members should discuss a plan for making that happen. After that, the conversation should take place with the loved one in question, who may be apprehensive or even resistant, Orestis says.

“That conversation should be handled with compassion and delicacy,” he says. “Emphasize that not only will this move improve their health and safety, but there will be numerous opportunities for social activities, games, art, entertainment and great food.

“The key is for the family to come together.

Look for the signs that care is needed, formulate a plan, communicate effectively with your loved ones and change the perspective about long-term care from a negative to a safe, healthy and enriching experience in the continuing journey of life.”

About Chris Orestis Chris Orestis, CSA, is president of Retirement Genius (www.retirementgenius.com), and is a nationally recognized financial, health/LTC, and retirement issues expert.

He has over 25 years’ experience in the insurance and long-term care industries and is credited with pioneering the Long-Term Care Life Settlement over a decade ago.

Known as a political insider and senior issues advocate, Orestis is a former Washington, D.C. lobbyist who has worked in both the White House and for the Senate Majority Leader on Capitol Hill. In 2007 he founded Life Care Funding, and in 2017 he founded the LifeCare Xchange.

Chris Orestis is author of the books Help on the Way and A Survival Guide to Aging-- with a third book Retire Like a Genius to be published in 2021. He has been speaking for two-decades across the country about senior finance and the secrets to aging with financial and physical health and dignity. In 2019, Chris was named one of the twenty most innovative people in the life insurance industry by the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA). He has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, NBC News, Fox News, USA Today, Kiplinger’s, Investor’s Business Daily, AARP, PBS, and numerous other media outlets, is a frequent columnist for NewsMax Finance, Broker World, ThinkAdvisor, IRIS, and has been a guest expert on over 50 radio programs and TV appearances.

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December 2021

Page 9

CLUB CALENDAR Alamo Senior Center 528-4881 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m.

Social Activities: Birthdays, monthly, last Tuesday Cards: Tuesday p.m., following lunch Senior Meals: Tuesdays, noon Foot Clinic: Odd months, Divide County Health Nurse Anamoose Senior Citizens 465-3316 Business Meeting: 1st Monday with bingo & speaker Social Meeting: 3rd Friday of month Senior Meals: Every Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chair Exercise: Every Monday & Thurs, 9:30 a.m.

Free Blood Pressure Check: 1st Monday, monthly Cards & Dominoes: Every Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Berthold Senior Citizens 453-3680 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 3:45 p.m.

Cards/Games/ Lunch: Tuesdays & Fridays Bone Builders Exercise: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9 a.m.

Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday, even months (First District Nurses)

Bottineau Senior Center 228-3339 Center is open, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m.

Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.

Senior Meals: Served daily at noon, Monday through Friday Brunch every 1st and 3rd Sunday from noon to 1 p.m.

Sit & Be Fit Exercise: Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Cards & Pool played daily Potluck Brunch: 1st & 3rd Sundays Birthday Celebrations: Every 3 months Souris Basin Transit service runs daily Monday through Friday, in town. Bus goes to Minot Thursdays. Call 228-2061, for reservations Bowbells Senior Citizens 337-2376 Business Meeting: 1st Thursday, 2:30 p.m.

Social Meetings: (Coffee) Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Thursdays, 2 to 4 p.m.

Senior Meals: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:30 a.m.

Foot Clinic: 2nd Thursday, monthly Cards: Monday evenings, 7 p.m.

Bus Service to Kenmare and Minot is available.

Burlington Friendly Seniors 838-3561 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Potluck Supper Social Meetings: Coffee, Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cards: Thursdays, 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pancake Breakfast: Last Saturday, monthly- January to October, 8 a.m. to noon Butte Senior Center 626-7243 Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 2 p.m., monthly, followed by cards & games Social Meetings: Every Tuesday, cards, bingo, games and programs are planned Carpio Senior Citizens 468-5908 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4 p.m. meeting followed by potluck lunch, 6 p.m.

Social Meeting: following business meeting with playing cards Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday morning, even months, First District Health Unit Pool: Wednesdays, 1 p.m.

Whist: Thursdays, 1 p.m.

Crosby Senior Center 965-6964 Business Meeting: 1st Friday, monthly, 1:30 p.m., followed by cards & bingo Social Activities: Potluck meal & cards, 4th Friday, Noon Center is open every Friday for cards, games, and speakers Senior Meals: available through the local hospital program

Drake Senior Citizens 465-3225 Business meeting: 2nd Monday every month.

Potluck every 4th Monday every month.

Social activities: Nov.-April, open to the public.

Every Friday afternoon: cards, games, socializing, coffee and snacks.

Foot Clinic: every 2 months. Call 537-5732 Deering for appointment.

Senior Citizens Souris Basin public 728-6662 transportation to Minot Business Meeting: every Thursday. Call 2nd Thursday, month- 1-800-927-8318. ly at City Community Center Esmond Social Meetings: Golden Age Club Birthday Potluck, 3rd 249-3230 Monday, monthly (winBusiness & Social ter- noon and summer- Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m.) monthly, 2 p.m.

Senior Meals: TuesActivities: Potluck days, Thursdays and Meals, Bingo, and Fridays in Country Readings Store & Cafe Foot Clinic: 2nd Fessenden Senior Thursday, monthly Citizens Bus Trips to many 547-3403 events Business Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, monthDouglas Nifty Fiftys ly, with speakers, pro529-4431 grams and games Business Meeting: Social Activities: Hol4th Tuesday, monthly iday meals and potwith potluck lucks Foot Clinic: 4th MonSenior Meals: Tuesday, even months, First day, Wednesday and District Health Nurse Fridays, catered by Social Events: Bingo Wells & Sheridan and lots of visiting Aging Council, (home City meets regularly delivered meals availat the Center. able) Quilting Mission: Birthdays: 1st MonJan. through May, any- day, monthly one is invited to help!

Flaxton Senior Citizens 596-3850 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly Foot Clinic: 4th Wednesday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pinochle: Every Wednesday Glenburn Senior Citizens 362-7773 Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: coffee starting at 10 a.m. Meals at 11:30 a.m.

1st Sunday of every month, pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center. Meeting to follow breakfast.

3rd Sunday of every month, a birthday potluck at the center starting at 12:30 p.m.

Games and cards to follow.

Footcare every 3rd Monday.

Gatherings every Tuesday morning at the Last Hurrah, 10 a.m. breakfast (brunch) on your own.

2nd Saturday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at a different restaurant in Minot, location to be announced at previous month’s meeting.

3rd Thursday of each month, Last Hurrah, 5:30 p.m. Meal on your own.

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December 2021

CLUB CALENDAR Granville Senior Citizens 728-6888 Business Meeting: 1st Monday, monthly at 1:00 p.m.

Afternoon Activities: Daily, Monday through Friday (cards, puzzles and coffee) Senior Meals: Daily, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Diner Foot Clinic: Monthly, 3rd Monday, contact First District Health Nurse Birthdays: 2nd Thursday, odd months, potluck meal at 4:30 p.m.

Souris Basin Transit to Minot, weekly on Thursdays Grenora Senior Center 694-2472 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1 p.m.

Social Activities: Annual Burger Fry and Membership Drive, October Cards: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, noon Foot Clinic: odd months, morning, Divide County Health Nurse Harvey Senior Citizens Senior Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monthly business meeting 2nd Tuesday

celebrating birthdays and lunch served.

Bingo at Senior Center every Friday at 1:30 p.m., also card games and visiting.

Bone builders exercise Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

Wells, Sheridan Aging Council serves meals Monday through Friday at noon. Supper night is once a month.

Home delivered meals are available. Wells, Sheridan Aging Counci daily bus service to Harvey. Also scheduled bus rides to Minot and Bismarck – call 3244032.

Kenmare Senior Citizens Center 385-4551 Business Meeting: Quarterly, Jan., April, July & Oct Social Meetings: Monday through Saturday, 1:30 p.m.- Games & 3 p.m.- Lunch Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m.

Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Exercise: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30 a.m.

Birthday Potluck: November through April, Saturday, noon; May through October, Friday, 6 p.m., Games & Social follows Board members meet as needed.

Lansford Hi Neighbors Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday, monthly, 5 p.m. dinner, Lansford Mall Social Meetings: Activities, Tours, Events as planned Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, Backroads Cafe in Lansford Mall Foot Clinic: 4th Thursday, odd months, Lansford Mall, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays, to Minot Educational activities, tours, and videos throughout the year.

Lignite Senior Citizens Club 933-2855 Business Meeting: 1st Friday, monthly Social Meetings: Card playing, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, Noon Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly, Christ Lutheran Church Makoti Senior Citizens 726-5757 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m.

Social Meetings: Potluck Supper, 6 p.m., prior to business meeting Frozen Senior Meals: Order the 1st week of the month, 726-5757

Max Over 55 Club 679-2265 Business Meeting: noon, 4th Friday monthly, except 6 p.m. in June and July, potlucks also.

Other Friday potlucks coincide with the school year. Check the city calendar for changes.

Mohall 1st & 3rd Friday: Noon potluck, all Invited.

3rd Friday: Business meeting M o n d a y - We d n e s day-Friday: Bone builders 9:30 am Newburg Senior Citizens 272-6204 Business Meeting: As needed Social Meetings: As scheduled Senior Meal: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Coffee Cup Cafe, Newburg Mall Foot Clinic: 1st Wednesday, odd months, Community Center, First District Health Nurse New Town Lakeside Senior Citizens 627-2818 Business meeting: 1st Friday at noon. Senior meals every Friday at noon followed by cards, dominoes, shuffle board, puzzles etc.

Parker Senior Center 21 1st Ave SE , Minot 852-0561 website: www.minotcoa.com email: mcoapsc@srt.com Senior Meal Program: Cafe 60 Breakfast: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.10 a.m., Parker Center Coffee Shop Congregate Meal Program: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Parker Senior Center Meals on Wheels, call 852-0561 for more information Exercise: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Parker Senior Center Yoga: Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m., Parker Senior Center (No yoga 3rd Wednesday of the month) Bingo: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12:00 p.m., Parker Senior Center Call Minot Commission on Aging for questions at 852-0561.

Parshall Golden Jet Set 862-3444 Hours: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.

Home-cooked meal every Wednesday at noon.

Foot Clinic: by appointment 4th Wednesday, even months.

Activities: Wednesday, puzzles and visit-

ing.

Center is available for rent. Call: Karen O, 862-3642; Judy J, 862-3852; Terri M. 862-3124 and Carol B., 862-3843.

Plaza Senior Center 497-3320 Business Meeting: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 3 p.m., followed by cards and potluck meal Senior Meals: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, at 11:30 a.m., in Plaza Cafe; Monday and Wednesday, Breakfast, in Plaza Cafe Foot Clinic: Every other month, Mountrail County Health Nurse Yo g a / E x e r c i s e : Three times each week Computer: available for members Powers Lake Senior Citizens 464-5630 Center is open, Mon. through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Business Meeting: 3rd Saturday, monthly, 5:30 p.m., followed by potluck supper Social Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1:30 p.m.

Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, noon; reservations required. Catered by “The Food Barn” Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service:

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CLUB CALENDAR Thursdays, to Minot Activities: Cards, puzzles, snooker and coffee with treats, anytime! Local papers available, books and TV Ray Senior Center 568-3946 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 12:30 p.m.

Senior Meals: 2nd Tuesday, weekly, noon Special events and activities: as planned Rolla Senior Citizens 477-6421 Business Meeting: 2nd Friday, monthly, 12:45 p.m., followed by bingo & entertainment Senior Meals: Daily, noon; home delivered and frozen meals available Foot Clinic: 3rd Thursday, monthly Exercise: Bone Builders program for seniors Transportation Van: available for rides to medical appointments, shopping and business appointments Rugby Senior Citizens 776-2240 Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly, 1:30 p.m.

Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m., Reservations required by 1:30 p.m. day prior.

Bingo: Wednesdays,

1 p.m.

Stanley Souris Basin Transit Golden Age Club Bus Service: Daily, in 628-2101 Rugby and Thursdays, Business meeting to Minot 2nd Friday 10 a.m.

Home-cooked meal Ryder every Friday at noon.

Happy Hours Club Birthday party on Business Meet- the 4th Friday of every ing: 1st Monday of the month; birthday cake month and special music.

Breakfast: Monday Senior Basin Tranthrough Friday, 7 to 9 sit Bus service every a.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: Special events and call for a ride to Minot. activities as planned.

Bus: 1-800-927-8318.

Sawyer Senior Citizens 624-5256 Potluck meals are planned periodically.

Senior meals are served at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Sawyer Senior Center. Call 6245256 for meal reservations.

Pool and exercise are available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

Members’ birthdays are recognized the first Wednesday of every month at the dinner and birthday cake is served.

Activity night and meetings are held the second Thursday of each month.

Foot clinic is offered the second Wednesday of every even numbered month.

For information on bus service to Minot, call 852-8008.

The club email address is sawyerseniorcitizens@srt.com.

Surrey Senior Citizens Activity Center 839-8702 surreyseniors@srt.com Senior Meals are served at noon on Monday through Thursday serving promptly at noon. Call by 8 a.m. for reservations. Home deliveries by request.

Foot care is available at the Center. Call LaVonne at 240-2679 for appointment.

Exercise class every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Game night will run Jan. 30 through April 2. Open to public w/ snacks provided.

Bingo is played each Thursday at 1 p.m., prizes awarded.

Board meetings held on the last Tuesday before the last Friday of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Potlucks held on last Friday of the month starting at 6:30 p.m.

Tioga Senior Citizens 664-3425 Monthly Board / Business Meeting: 2nd Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m.

Meals served at noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Home Delivered meals available on Tuesdays and Fridays, please call ahead at Social Activities: Bingo, following monthly meetings.

Cards: Tuesday and Fridays, 1 p.m., Board Games available.

Towner Senior Citizens VIP Club 537-5155 Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday every other month, 10 a.m.

Coffee every Monday 10 a.m.

Cards and games Tuesday 6:30 Bunco first and third Thursday of the month 1:30 Senior Meals: Summer, Monday through Friday; fall and winter, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday Foot Clinic: third Tuesday, every other month, First District Health Unit Monthly Potluck & Birthdays: Last Wednesday of the month at noon, with pinochle, whist, hand and foot, and Bunco to follow.

Upham 55+ Club 768-2581 Business Meeting: 1st Monday, alternate months Social Meetings: Cards- Wednesday & Saturday, 1 p.m.; both followed by coffee and snacks, 3 p.m.

Foot Clinic: 1st Thursday, odd months; First District Health Nurse Velva Star City Senior Citizens 338-2628 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, noon, followed by birthday party, 2 p.m.

Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:30 a.m., catered by Souris Valley Care Center.

Volunteers serve meals and package meals for home delivery.

Exercise room available for members only.

Facility is available for rental.

Westhope Senior Citizens 245-6401 Business Meeting: 3rd Monday Center is open Monday through Friday, 2 to 5 pm Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 am at Westhope Public School Cafeteria.

Home delivered meals are available.

Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly at Senior Center.

Wildrose Senior Citizens 539-2169 Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m.

Social Meetings: Birthdays, 3rd Tuesday, 1 p.m.

Senior Meals: Every Tuesday, noon.

Transportation: Wildrose Public Transportation, weekly trips to Crosby, Tioga, Williston and Minot, Call for reservations. Van is also available for special events.

Willow City Senior Citizens Center Business and social meeting: first Monday of the month at 2 p.m. followed by bingo and lunch.

Senior meals served at the Backwoods Cafe every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon.

Card parties Jan.March every Monday at 1:30 p.m. followed by lunch Foot clinic: every odd month on the fourth Wednesday at the Senior Center. Call 228-3101 to make an appointment.

Wilton Pioneer Senior Center 734-6426 Business meeting: second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m., followed by cards and entertainment.

Senior meals: Monday through Friday at noon.

Reservations required 24 hours in advance.

Home delivered and frozen meals available.

Activities: coffee at 9 a.m. daily. Puzzles daily and cards Monday and Wednesday afternoon.

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December 2021

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