ISSUE #16
Continuing to learn Giving back to the community sharing your spare time
Private In Home Care ISSUE #16
The comfort, familiarity, and privacy of your home surroundings are important to your continued well-being. The Private Duty services of CovenantCare at Home are customized to ensure and enhance your life at home by delivery of exceptional care.
PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen GENERAL MANAGER Drew Savage ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George
Services may include: • Personal Care
DESIGNER Sharon R. Hoffman
• Companionship
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Chuck Higgs
• Meal Preparation • Transportation
SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Corey Rogers Beth Flanagan
Melody Wann
Dawn Hamilton
Charles Webber
Michelle Kendig
Jennifer Webber
• 24–hour Personal Care
• Medication Reminders • Homemaker services • Laundry • Supportive Services
CovenantCare at Home’s goal is quite simple:
Rich Matheson
“to make you feel comfortable in your home for as long as possible”
To advertise in the next Senior Living, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141
If you would like to experience exceptional care, in your home,
Ask For Private Duty Services please call 209-222-0962
for more information about our Private Duty and Personal Assistance services.
138 S. Center St. • Turlock, CA 95380
©Copyright 2016. Senior Living All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Senior Living is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Senior Living are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Senior Living management or owner. Senior Living assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.
Also- check out our website and follow us on
Social Media:
www.covenantcareathome.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/covenantcareathome/ Instagram: covenantcare_at_home_turlock
Twitter: @CCAH_Turlock
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C O N T E N T S YOUR HEALTH................................................... 5 FINANCE.......................................................... 6 STAYING HEALTHY............................................ 7 SELF IMPROVEMENT........................................... 8 STAYING SHARP................................................ 9 CAREER........................................................... 10 DOING GOOD................................................ 14 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE........................... 17 DOMESTIC MATTERS........................................ 18 CLEANING UP................................................. 19 SAFETY FIRST................................................... 20 RELAX.............................................................. 21
Your community’s nonprofit hospice, providing compassionate and quality care, education and support to patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay since 1979. Hospice Care Palliative Care Pediatric Care Alexander Cohen Hospice House Admissions 7 Days a Week Grief Support Camp Erin® of the Central Valley Crisis Response Educational Classes and Resources Hope Chest Thrift Stores
BELIEVE IN GREEN POWER
Getting residents from campus to campus just got a lot easier (and more fun!) with the addition of this electric low speed vehicle. Transportation is a big factor when seniors are considering a move, and influences their social interactions. Bethany Home is committed to finding green ways to meet those needs. Our electric vehicle is more energy-efficient than a car, and frankly, just plain fun to ride!
4368 Spyres Way • Modesto, CA 95356 • 209.578.6300 2431 W. March Lane, Suite 100, Stockton, CA 95207 • 209.477.6300 CommunityHospiceCV
hospiceheart.org
CA100000783 | CA100000613
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Request information or schedule a tour at:
209-599-4221 • bethanyripon.org LIVING
•
930 W. Main Street, Ripon
PRESTIGE ASSISTED LIVING AT MANTECA
Curious about senior living? Don’t just settle for care, expect Prestige! What your typical senior community provides: • Three meals per day • Personal care services • Medication management
Discover the Prestige Difference Everything they do…PLUS: • Full-time RN and Licensed Nursing team • 2018 Readers Choice award winner • Award-winning Expressions memory care • Transitional care for patients with memory impairment Join us for a tour and complimentary meal so we can show you what sets us apart. Prestige Assisted Living at Manteca 1130 Empire Ave., Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 297-2831
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licernse #397004125
LIVING
209 SENIOR LIVING | YOUR HEALTH
Staying healthy H ealthy choices are just as important during retirement as they are in your younger years.
That doesn’t make it easy all the time, though. Exercise, sleep, healthy eating and regular visits to the doctor can often be more complicated as your body ages. Dartmouth-Hitchcock offered tips to stay healthy so you can fully enjoy retirement.
EAT HEALTHY FOODS
Talk to your doctor about how many calories are good for you and make sure you’re sticking within a good range. But developing healthy eating habits is about more than calories. Pay attention to so-dium, cholesterol and other ingredients on the label. Studies show most Americans eat twice as much sodium as the recommended daily amount, which can lead to hypertension and heart disease. Eat whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains like wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, while minimizing fast food and highly processed foods.
GET PLENTY OF SLEEP
Your body may not be growing like a teenager’s, but older adults still need seven to nine hours of sleep a night (perhaps with a nap thrown in since afternoons are free). Not getting enough sleep can lead to depression, irritability and memory problems and just
make your day-to-day functioning more difficult. Get into good sleep habits such as going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time each day, and keep your bedroom screen-free — no taking your laptop to bed! Avoid caffeine late in the day.
PREVENTATIVE CARE
Keep your vaccines up to date, including the annual flu vaccine; flu tends to be much more dangerous for older patients. Be aware of fall risks around your home and take precautions to re-duce those risks. See an eye doctor regularly and keep glasses and contacts up to date, which will make getting around your house and neighborhood more safely. Talk to your doctor about vitamins or supplements like calcium or vitamin D.
EXERCISE
Find what works for you and do it regularly. You don’t have to be the 90-year-old running a marathon; a brisk walk around your neighborhood or a lowimpact class at the gym work just as well. Weight lifting, cycling, yoga and hiking all are good ways to stay fit. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor or a trainer about a good exercise routine.
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209 SENIOR LIVING | FINANCE
Living trust basics
M
any people have heard about Living Trusts, but are not clear on what they are, what they do and why you may need one. Let us start at the beginning. A Living Trust is considered a contract which differs from a Will. A Will is considered a testamentary document. A Will has no effect until the person passes away. The reason this is important is unlike a Will, a Living Trust does not go through probate. If you have ever been involved with a probate, you know they are very time consuming, often taking years to resolve and they are very costly which is paid by the assets of the estate. A Trust also functions during the lifetime of the Settlor by holding the Settlors assets. Consider a Living Trust to be a bucket. In that bucket, we put our assets such as property and other valuable items. We do this by creating a Trust and then transferring title to the Trust. During our lifetime, we can buy, sell, grow or shrink our assets as we please. Upon our death, all of the items in the Trust are distributed to our beneficiaries according to the instructions in the Trust. A Living Trust has three basic components, the settlor, the trustee and the beneficiary. The settlor creates the trust. The trustee manages the trust assets, and the beneficiary receives the assets of the trust. In most cases, the settlor and
trustee are the same person. However, with a Trust, we will identify successor trustees in the event the first trustee becomes incapacitated and cannot for some reason function as trustee. The same is true for beneficiaries. You may name a beneficiary who passes before the settlor. In that event, there would be successor beneficiaries named who would receive the assets upon the death of the settlor. A properly drafted Living Trust will also include a Pour Over Will, a Financial Power of Attorney, a Medical Power of Attorney Advanced Medical Directive. The Pour Over Will, upon the death of the settlor, will take any personal assets that are not already named in the Trust and “pour� them into the Trust to be distributed according to the Trust instructions. This is helpful if you have personal items such as jewelry, vehicles, household items, etc. that need to be distributed. These things will not have to go through probate to pass to your heirs. The Power of Attorney and Advanced Care Directive are vital
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parts of an effective life plan. The Power of Attorney will name at least one person, and give them permission to make financial or medical decisions in the event you are alive, but not able to make decisions for yourself. Think of it, if you are in the hospital and unable to make decisions, your Power of Attorney will be able to automatically step in and make those vital decisions for you and even keep your bills paid. If you are interested in giving your family the gift of providing a Living Trust that will save them money and heart ache, please give The Sherron Law Firm a call at 209-427-2200. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
209 SENIOR LIVING | STAYING HEALTHY
Mental and emotional health S
tudies show that more than 90 percent of physical ailments are caused or exacerbated by stress.
Mental and emotional issues also can bleed into the body, with depression and isolation contributing to physical pain and a lowered immune system. According to Dartmouth-Hitchcock, people 65 and older need to be extra careful to stay sharp and take care of themselves as they move into retirement.
KEEPING YOUR BRAIN IN GOOD SHAPE
One in eight people 65 years and older has Alzheimer’s disease, and that number gets bigger with other forms of dementia. We’ve all heard about the need to do crossword puzzles to keep your mental faculties intact, and studies have shown that, while some cognitive decline is normal as you age, working in cognitive stimulation like word or logic puzzles, trivia games, reading books and other activities that stretch your brain can help
with mental acuity. Want something a little more active? Take a dance class that requires you to learn new steps, learn a new language (or remind yourself of one you used to know), go to lectures or the local museum, learn an instrument or join a choir.
WORKING ON YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Retirement can be isolating. Many adults spend most of their working lives going to the office and building relationships with coworkers. Not seeing friends as frequently and even not having the routine of getting up and ready and going to the office can be isolating. The death of a spouse or retired friends relocating somewhere warmer or closer to family can also cause isolation. Losing these relationships can contribute to depression. Combating isolation often means a concerted
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effort to cultivate relationships. About a quarter of re-tired adults live alone, which requires even more effort. Set up a regular call with children, grandchildren, siblings and friends who live out of town. Meet for lunch, dinner or coffee; find other retired friends who want to travel and take trips together; invite people over for dinner; and join groups for people with similar hobbies.
MANAGING STRESS
According to Dartmouth-Hitchcock, stress may become more of a health factor as we age. Longterm stress can damage your brain and lead to depression, memory loss, fatigue and a lowered immune system. Learn what your stressors are and do what you can to avoid or mitigate the effects of stress, then find healthy ways to handle it — yoga, exercise, therapy, journaling or meditation.
209 SENIOR LIVING | SELF IMPROVEMENT
Continuing to learn Y
u’re never too old to learn a new skill, take up a new hobby or even o go back to school. Not having a full-time job opens up your schedule and your energy level to try something you’ve always wanted to learn. It’s also a great way to keep your brain active and engaged.
SIGN UP FOR A CLASS AT YOUR LOCAL COLLEGE
If you live near a community college or university, see what classes are available to take for nondegree-seeking students. Some colleges have community-oriented classes with a variety of skills, but retirement is also a great opportunity to take classes you didn’t have time to in college. Sign up for world history or anthropology courses or take a voice or music class. Or, if you’re ready for a major commitment, go back to school full-time to earn that second bachelor’s degree or sign up for a graduate program.
READ ALL THE BOOKS YOU CAN
Now’s your chance to knock out “War and Peace” or that series you’ve had on your shelf for years. Retirement provides a great opportunity to spend time reading. You can join (or start) a book club and explore different genres and authors. Check out your library for reading groups or lists. You can also find a group of students to read to.
FIND A NEW HOBBY
Go to your local senior center and learn a new dance, take a cooking class or break out an old camera and go to a photography class. Cities and towns
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of all sizes have these gathering places, and in addition to learning something new, they provide great opportunities to meet new people and find people with similar interests to yours. If you can’t go to a senior center or yours doesn’t offer the classes you want, check out online options. Many groups, including major universities throughout the world, offer online courses; there also are companies that offer classes from the best of the best, including acting from Oscar winners, photography from professional photographers, cooking from the best chefs in the world and more. Alternatively, volunteer to teach a class at your local senior center, start a quilting or hiking club.
209 SENIOR LIVING | STAYING SHARP
Voulez-vous help your brain? I live in South Florida, which is frequently referred to as the home of the silver tsunami. This phrase describes the fact that people like me, the baby boomers (there are 74.9 million of us, born between 1946 and 1964), are beginning to hit retirement age. Unfortunately, this happens to be the precise age when most cases of Alzheimer's disease begin to manifest. In her book "Wordstruck! The Fun and Fascination of Language," Susanna Janssen says: "The Alzheimer's Foundation reports one in nine people sixty-five and older (11 percent) has Alzheimer's disease. Today's count of nearly five and a half million sufferers could explode to fourteen million by 2050 when the number of senior citizens will have doubled in the United States." Full disclosure: This entertaining and informative book about the wonderful world of words was written by the younger sister of my best (and first) friend from high school. When we were teenagers, Suzi and I had many of the same language-obsessed teachers in the
late 1960s, but we lost touch after I went to college at UCLA in Southern California and she attended the University of California, Davis in Northern California. Thanks to "Wordstruck!" I learned about some very encouraging research regarding Alzheimer's disease. According to studies by the American Academy of Neurology and York University, dementia symptoms appear at 71.4 years of age for adults who speak only one language. But for those who are bilingual, the onset is delayed until 75.5 years of age. According to The Alzheimer Association website, even the best Alzheimer drugs delay symptoms by only six to 12 months. So studying a second language could be a much more effective alternative. We now know that the brain is actually like a muscle, and learning a new (or additional) language can provide a strenuous mental workout. The more you use your thinking muscle, the better it gets at storing and recalling information. Switching back and forth between
BY MARILYN MURRAY WILLISON Creators Syndicate
languages is known to improve what scientists call "executive functioning," and the more often we use those functions, the greater chance there is of decreasing or slowing the rate of age-related cognitive decline. The good news is you don't need to be fluent for your brain to benefit from speaking or studying a foreign language. According to a 2014 Medical Daily report, taking the time to learn just three foreign words a day can help your brain, and by the time you've assimilated 100 core words of a language (which should only take three months), you'll have 50 percent of the words needed to conduct a day-to-day conversation. Scientists have used MRIs to compare the brains of people who study foreign languages with those who study nonlanguage subjects, and what they've discovered is surprising. One Swedish study discussed in Science Daily showed that brain size actually increased among those who were studying languages, but not for the others. Suzi just retired after a rewarding
career as a college-level language instructor, and she shares in her delightful book much of what she has experienced as a well-traveled polyglot. "If you dream of speaking a second language, you've put it off long enough in the hopes of finding the 'right time'," she says. "Just start now already. The brain loves big challenges, fruitful frustrations, and bold new beginnings." I don't know about you, but Suzi's enthusiasm (as well as the convincing linguistic research) is just the push I needed to sign up for a local adult language class. Willst du dich mir anschliessen?
Assisted Living • Fine Dining & Inroom Dining • Fitness Programs • Activity Programs • Transportation Assistance with Daily Living • Person Centered Memory Care • Customized Personal Care Plans and So much More!
Come for a visit to tour our beautiful community spaces and to learn more about senior living, including Connections for Living by MBK, our memory care program.
2241 N. Union Road, Manteca, CA • WWW.MBKseniorliving.com • 209.463.9100 RCFE#392700366
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209 SENIOR LIVING | CAREER
Going back to work
R
etirement is a great opportunity to travel, learn, read, rest and spend time with your family. The last thing you want to think about is going back to work. However, many retirees find themselves heading back into the workforce out of a desire for more career challenges, a way to fill time or a need for money or health insurance in retirement.
As you’re thinking about returning to the workforce for full- or part-time work, consider several questions. Health insurance may be a big factor, according to New Retirement. People who retire before age 65, when Medicare kicks in for all Americans, may find insurance and other out-of-pocket costs eating into their retirement savings, so getting a job that provides health insurance can be the most financially sound option. There are some part-time jobs that offer health insurance, so consider those
options as you’re looking at a return to the workforce. Other people find they have not saved enough money for retirement and need the salary. Determine how much additional money you need each month to determine if you need full- or parttime work. It’s also a good idea to talk to your financial planner to see if you’ll face any tax implications. In addition to your planner, talk to the Social Security Administration in your area. According to New
Retirement, Social Security income could be reduced if you go back to work, depending on what age you were when you retired. Full retirement age is 67 for people born 1960 or later, and if you retire before 67, you will receive less money from Social Security each month. If you retire and go to back to work before you reach 67 (or the full retirement age, which may be younger for those born before 1960), Social Security deducts a dollar in benefits for every $2
you earn above the annual limit, though this is not a permanent change. Finally, if you have a pension, it could be affected if you go back to work for the same company or organization that you worked during your career. Often, companies will suspend benefits when you get back on their payroll, so check with the company so you don’t get an unpleasant surprise your first month. Your pension shouldn’t be unaffected if you work somewhere new.
Personal Service ❀ Caring Assistance Respect & Integrity Oakdale
Modesto
Riverbank
Lic # 507004710
Lic # 570003595
Lic # 507004711
assistedlivingoakdale.com
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(209) 595-1028
With pre-planning, you will help minimize your family's financial and emotional burdens.
Subscribe.
Ashley Vella, Managing Partner, FDR 3639, Jack and Joanne Deegan, Ambassadors
Ripon (FD987) 111 S. Palm Ave. 209-599-3413
Escalon (FD932) 1441 San Joaquin St. 209-838-7321
www.deeganfuneralchapels.com We provide the highest quality of care at all levels: Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care
“A Home to Come Home to”
Skilled Nursing
(Medicare/Medi-Cal Certified)
Rehabilitation Therapy
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW FOR FUTURE OPENINGS IN ALL LEVELS OF CARE! Come visit our community. Schedule a lunch and tour!
209.529.4950 1745 Eldena Way, Modesto, CA 95350
Casa de Modesto is senior living at its best!
www.casademodesto.org •
Serving the Modesto area since 1965. Casa de Modesto is a multi-level not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community
Contact Casa de Modesto to see how you can support helping senior residents in our community through the Benevolence Fund.
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RCFE# 500300107, SNF# 100000019 • Tax ID# 94-6050221
Caring Support when it matters most
FINDING YOUR BEST OPTION JUST GOT EASIER! Elite Senior Placement Consulting We will meet with you at your convenience and help you find the best possible option for you and your family.
We offer resources for • Assisted Living • Memory Care • VA Benefits • In Home Care • Hospice
Visit our website for more information: eliteseniorplacementca.com
209-353-6430
Hospice Team Members & Services Our team of healthcare professionals include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical social workers, counselors, therapists, aides and specially trained volunteers, all working together to provide: Nursing Care • Patient Family Education Pain & Symptom Relief • Family Support Spiritual Support • Respite Care Volunteer Services • Bereavement Programs Home Medical Equipment & Supplies All Medications Related to the Hospice Diagnosis
Optimal Hospice is available 24/7 to provide support for patients and families. Call us today for more information
209-338-3000
Offering professional service 7 days 9 am - 8 pm
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Make the most of every day! Experience Astoria. Beyond daily care, we’re all about helping people do what really matters: shape their legacy, maintain independence, and stay engaged in the community. It’s a joyful approach to aging.
Signature programming to maximize whole-person wellness Outstanding services in home-like surroundings Private, secured, dementia-care neighborhood
700 Laurel Ave, Oakdale CA | (209) 8332200 AstoriaSeniorLiving.com RCFE 507005604
Serving the community since 1979 General Dentistry Dr. Bonnie Morehead Dr. Ron Joseph Dr. Rudy Ciccareli
Dr. Daman Saini Dr. Harneet (Neeti) Saini Dr. Elizabeth Grecco
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Mark Grecco
Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Mohammad El Farra
Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence. Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children. We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite. Our Oral Surgery Department provides general anethesia and I.V. sedation in a safe, professional environment. Members of • California Dental Association • American Dental Association • San Joaquin P.P.A.
1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca • Between Airport and Union
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209 SENIOR LIVING | DOING GOOD
Giving back to the Community
W
Many community organizations need volunteers who are available during working hours or who have the flexibility to travel for days or weeks at a time. How Stuff Works had a number of suggestions for best ways for seniors to give back. Being a foster grandparent or working with young people in some other way is a low-impact, self-guided opportunity that is available in almost every community in the U.S. The Senior Corps Foster Grandparent program connects people 55 and older with children in Head Start programs, ar-ea schools and other youth groups. You can also try Big Brothers Big Sisters,
ithout a regular job to go to, many retirees find themselves with lots of time to volunteer in their community.
children’s hospitals, the school district and more. This also provides a sense of community for senior residents who live far away from their own families. Love your local museum? Volunteer as a tour guide or docent at a museum, landmark, botanical garden or historical site. There may also be behind-the scenes work for people with a passion but who don’t want that much time with people. Meals on Wheels is frequently looking for volunteers to deliver meals to local homebound residents.
This is a good opportunity for particularly social people; many of the elderly people who are re-cipients of meals don’t get as many visitors as they would like, and, in addition to dropping off meals, drivers have the chance to visit with residents. Meals on Wheels is available in all 50 states and has more than 1.5 million volunteers, many of them retirees, delivering meals to more than 1 million seniors each day. Want something a little out of the box? Habitat for Humanity offers opportunities to help build houses.
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These opportunities can be in your neighborhood, but Habitat also has retired and semi-retired volunteers who go to disaster relief zones and other parts of the country as part of the RV Care-A-Vanners, a group of about 6,000 volunteers who, as their name suggests, drive RVs to participate in different homebuilding projects. Retirees are frequently a good fit for a variety of disaster relief efforts, particularly those with special skills, such as doctors, nurses, EMTs, pharmacists, language interpreters, lawyers and even chaplains and fundraisers.
www.stopworkcompfraud.org
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD Health care scams cost Americans billions of dollars each year.
Medical Provider Fraud is anytime a medical provider is involved in fraudulent conduct for the purpose of their own enrichment. Examples include: > Billing for services or treatment never performed; > Billing the workers’ compensation insurer and the workers’ health insurer for the same services; > Performing medically unnecessary treatment, examinations or diagnostic procedures in order to bill for them; > Miscoding or Up-coding treatment charges; > Billing for durable medical equipment that is never dispensed or selling used equipment as new.
The District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit pursues an aggressive approach to identify, investigate and prosecute workers’compensation fraud throughout Stanislaus County.
If you know of a medical provider involved in fraudulent activity, contact the Insurance Fraud Unit of the District Attorney’s Office through our website at www.stopworkcompfraud.org or call (209) 223-6444.
Safety first at Walnut Grove
ST. JUDE CARE CENTER Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
“We make sure your family member is well taken care of,” says Delfina. “Their safety is our first priority. If they need something – even a sandwich during the night – a friendly staff member is there to take care of them!”
“Care with Dignity”
Move-in special!
$250 incentive* Delfina S., Personal Care Attendant
Call today for details!
(209) 575-1950 *Restrictions apply. Expires 4/30/19.
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing Services • Secure Memory Care Unit 5 out of 5 Stars Rated Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Call and schedule a tour Today! 209-823-1788 469 E. North St., Manteca, CA 95336 • stjudecarecenter.com
Walnut Grove Memory Care 2801 Lou Ann Dr., Modesto www.walnutgrovemodesto.com
(209) 575-1950 Follow us on Facebook!
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LIC #507001139
Don’t Just Live Life…
HEAR LIFE!
Serving the Central Valley Since 1979.
$
500 OFF
A SET OF OPN HEARING AIDS OFFER GOOD UNTIL 3/31/2019 NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS, INSURANCE DISCOUNT PLANS, OR MANAGED CARE PLANS
Unbelievable listening experience available to you FREE using the New OPN Hearing Aids. Contact us today to set your appointment with our OPN Hearing Aid Specialist.
4 Locations To Serve You: • • • •
1079 Eucalyptus St. Suite B-Manteca 530 W. Eaton Ave. - Suite A, Tracy 1444 W. Main St. Suite A - Ripon 250 S. Oak Ave. Suite A-4 Oakdale
(209) 456-5889
www.wessonhearing.com
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DOUG WESSON
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist Certified Audioprosthologist California Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser
E. JULIA TYNER
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist California Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser
209 SENIOR LIVING | MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
What is a Reverse Mortgage? A Reverse Mortgage is a unique loan also referred to as an H.E.C.M. (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage). It is designed for borrowers that are 62 years of age and older. It allows you to access your home equity in the form of monthly income, a line of credit to draw on or immediate cash, tax-free, to use for any reason, without ever having to make a mortgage payment on the loan, as long as you live in your home. If you live in your home until your death, your heirs will have the choice to pay off the loan or sell your home and keep the remaining equity. Reasons why more homeowners are choosing a Reverse Mortgage: They want to eliminate monthly mortgage payments; They want to maintain their dignity and independence; They want to improve their quality of life; They are living longer and outliv-
ing their income/assets; Medical and prescription costs continue to increase at a staggering rate; They want to protect themselves from lost social security and retirement income once the first spouse has passed away; They want to have the ability to afford at-home healthcare and avoid nursing home costs; They want to fix-up their homes or want cash for needed home repairs; They want to buy a new car, truck or motor home to travel and enjoy life; They would like to create a larger estate for their heirs with proper estate planning; They do not want to be a financial burden on their children; To avoid being forced to return to work because of losses in the stock market and/or lack of retirement fund performance. Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage: You keep title to your home; You can keep your home in a living trust;
Proceeds are INCOME TAX-FREE!; You can use the funds to suit your needs; Make no mortgage payments while living in your home; There are no changes to your property taxes; Loan is insured by FHA (Federal Housing Administration; You can use it to purchase a new primary residence, and have no monthly principal and interest payments. Contact me if you are interested or have any questions about a Reverse Mortgage.
Luanne Richardson, Loan Officer (209) 985-8838 NMLS #1193802
American Pacific Mortgage Corporation is licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.
Reverse disclaimer – Reverse Mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan program allows borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out. Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insurance reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency.
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209 SENIOR LIVING | DOMESTIC MATTERS
Upkeep or downsize? R
etirement opens up a range of options for housing.
Some people choose to stay in the homes in which they raised their families, keeping space for vis-iting family, enjoying a big backyard and staying close to their pre-retirement lifestyle. Others sell their house and move somewhere smaller, possibly even a condo or townhouse, reducing the need for yardwork, or they choose to relocate somewhere else — closer to family or to a more temperate climate. At some point, people may opt for a senior living community. The decision is different for each retiring person or couple depending on their wants, needs and financial situations. Forbes suggested making the decision with two factors in mind: quality of life and financial reasons. Although more than 80 percent of Americans say that would prefer to stay in their homes through retirement, it may not be the best choice long-term.
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
Can you afford to keep your home? That includes a mortgage payment, insurance and upkeep. Even if you can make those payments, leveraging the equity in your home for a less expensive housing option may allow you more financial freedom in retirement. According to a 2015 Merrill Lynch study, most Americans of retirement age have more than $200,000 in equity in their homes but less than half of that in retirement savings. Can you afford to move? A smaller home doesn’t always lower your expenses — you may want to live somewhere with a higher cost of living, or you look at a smaller but nicer home or an area with more amenities. Consider the differences you’ll see in finances. Additionally, moving itself is ex-pensive.
QUALITY OF LIFE CONSIDERATIONS
Many people want to travel when they retire or otherwise have more freedom. If this is you, selling your house and renting a home or apartment may allow for that lifestyle. Even if you don’t plan to roam, you may want less responsibility for maintenance and upkeep, which can be achieved either through renting or buying a property in a neighborhood with an involved homeowners association. Also consider whether you want to stay. Perhaps your friends and family are all in this community, you’ve joined organizations and have roots that you want to keep. Or you may find yourself in a school district with high property taxes that made sense when kids were in school but no longer do now that you’re empty nesters.
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209 SENIOR LIVING | CLEANING UP
Having an estate sale When contemplating having an estate sale, you may come across the thought of hosting your own. Why pay someone else to do it? It seems simple enough. Take some pictures, generate a list, and then post it on local forums or even pay to post it on estatesales.net. After all, you don’t need a company to do those things for you and you would rather save the money. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider hiring a professional estate liquidator to host your sale. 1. WE ARE CALLED “EXPERT LIQUIDATORS” FOR A REASON We know the ins and outs of this industry and how to advertise to ensure a successful sale every time. We know the city regulations to ensure your sale is not shut down, we accept credit cards which increases sale profits, and we have the knowledge and experience to get the right amount for your belongings. We are problem solvers and we love what we do. So why not let us offer some relief by hosting your sale properly with no burden to you? 2. WE BUILT OUR REPUTATION FOR YOU It has taken many years to build a reputation in the estate sale community and a following of customers who help us host the successful event you need. With our ever growing private email list, you never need to worry about having an empty house with no one to buy your things. Our ability to advertise professionally on the right forums guarantees your sale to be packed and it ensures the liquidation of most of your items. 3. WE CLEAR OUT THE HOME FOR YOU Have you given any thought to what happens with the items that don’t sell? Guess what. You don’t have to worry about that either. After the sale is complete, we provide you with several different options tailored to fit your needs. All you have to do is choose the one that works best for you. We manage the rest leaving you with a cleaned and cared for home that is ready to list on the market. 4. YOU DESERVE TO RELAX You shouldn’t have to do extra work. Odds are, the reason why you are thinking of having a sale is stressful enough, so don’t take on too much. There are experts a phone call away. We love what we do and we are good at it. So let us take it from here. 5. WHY HIRE REMEMBER WHEN ESTATE SALES TO HANDLE YOUR LIQUIDATION? We are a local business and know how much work it takes to liquidate your years of collected items as well as years of family momentums. We have a team of 10 that have your best interest in mind. Whether you are relocating to a smaller home or senior facility or your loved one has passed away, we have your best interest in mind and treat your items with respect and dignity. Collectively, our team brings 15+ years of expertise to the different parts of the estate sale process:
research, management, merchandising, and selling. We equip our clients with the knowledge they need to feel confident throughout their major life transitions. Don’t let our size fool you! We can easily handle large houses with many items and lift any large pieces of furniture you have! We can handle home and ranch sales. We take pride in the proven legacy of being one of the top estate sale business’s in the central valley. The first step is always a free consultation. This appointment consists of a detailed walkthrough of the home, so the best way to prepare is to simply decide what you will be taking with you. Otherwise, please do not throw anything away or donate; everything is sellable. Once we have taken a look around we will propose a commission rate for our services. This rate is determined by factors including what items are for sale, the amount of time needed to prepare the home for the sale and how much labor is involved. We strive to keep our cost as low as possible. This means you will never see a labor fee or “additional charges” of any kind! Our commission includes everything dealing with the sale from the labor to advertising. We take pride in the service we provide when you reach this point in your life. Our commitment to you and your family is our main concern. Let us help you through this hard time in life with respect and the upmost integrity. We are here to help you and your family.
STAGE 1 – STAGING & ADVERTISING
During the pre-sale stage we organize the contents of the home similar to that of a retail store. We utilize our interior design and merchandising techniques to create the ultimate shopping experience. We bring in tables, research and price all items and make sure the sale is well photographed and advertised.
STAGE 2 – SELLING
Once everything is priced and ready to go, we run a multi-day estate sale on site. We place friendly, trusted staff throughout the home for security, place high value items near checkout, ensure customers are able to load-up their purchases and provide each person that enters the home with a great experience.
STAGE 3 – COLLECT YOUR CHECK!
Once all services have been completed we provide you with an itemized list of all items that sold in your sale and payment is made promptly. We are complete with a cash register to track each sale, Credit Cards excepted, staff in each room of the home to be available to answer questions and assist with items and we will guarantee your Estate Sale will be a success and a stress free event for you and your loved ones. We look forward to serving you and your family when the time arises. We are a trusted business that looks forward to working with you and your family.
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Remember When Antiques, Collectibles & Gifts ESTATE SALES SERVICES 1031 W Orangeburg Modesto, CA Kerri Aguiar owner 209-872-8682 or 209-544-1385
Remember When Antiques, Collectibles & Gifts
PARKING LOT & STORE SALE Saturday March 9th, 2019 • 8am-6pm
Over 60 vendors inside and 40+ vendors outside Home Décor, antiques, gardening items, hand crafted gifts and more! Purses, jewelry, collectibles, home furnishings, furniture and that one of a kind item you have been searching for! Bring a friend and come shop for the
special Easter item or that perfect
Mothers Day gift! 1031 W Orangeburg Ave., Modesto CA 209-544-1385
Lunch available for purchase during sale!
209 SENIOR LIVING | SAFETY FIRST
Looking at your home
through fresh eyes When you’ve lived in your home for 40 to 50 years, it can feel like an old shoe…comfortable, worn in. The problem is, as you age you need to look at your home through different eyes. No longer are your area rugs just beautiful, now they’re trip hazards. More seniors fall due to area rugs than any other way. They can be especially dangerous when using a walker. My recommendation is to donate or give away to friends or family. You no longer want those around. If you have stairs you have a problem you can’t give away. In past articles I’ve discussed downsizing to a single-story dwelling. If you can do this I highly recommend doing so. If you can’t, there are other options. One, you can set up your home where your bedroom is down stairs, thereby limiting the number of times you actually need to use the stairs. Another option is to install a moving chair
that can climb the stairs for you. Grab bars are another easy application to increase safety in your home. Besides the obvious locations such as tubs, showers and toilets, don’t overlook areas that often have a single stair….your garage. You can also organize your home so the items you use the most are in the most convenient locations. Try to avoid ladders and step ladders. You can also purchase a mechanical grip to reach items up high, such as canned goods in your kitchen. Safety is always a concern in any home but as you age it becomes so much more important. As a senior, if you injure yourself the recovery time can be so much longer and often times critical to whether you remain in your home! Take the proper precautions by looking through your home with fresh eyes!
Story contributed by Susan Baudler, Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist Berkshire Hathaway Home Services- Drysdales DRE# 01894922 Email: susan@susanbaudler.com • 209-985-9969
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209 SENIOR LIVING | RELAX
Taking time to travel R
tirement means unlimited vacation days — time to take all those e trips you couldn’t fit into your few weeks of annual vacation during your working life, energy for day and weekend trips to explore your own region that always seemed like too much after working 40 hours.
While there are plenty of trips that are fun for any traveler, senior citizens have additional options to see the world.
FIND A SENIOR TRAVEL GROUP
ElderTreks and Road Scholar offer adventures of all kinds for senior citizens, including short and inexpensive trips to places throughout the United States and longer excursions to Central and South America, Europe, Africa and more. These programs allow you to sign up for the trips you want to take, browsing through different adventure options like train travel, hiking, sea trips and more, and they do the planning for you. Traveling by yourself? There are tour groups that cater to single senior citizens as well.
LOOK INTO DISCOUNTS AARP and other organizations for senior citizens offer travel discounts on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and tours. Check out what options are available. Often insurance companies and big box stores offer discounts as well, so find the best deal you can. When you go to museums and other sights, ask about a senior discount. You also can get deal on some train tickets throughout Europe, according to Rick Steves; ask at the train station what discounts are available. Even without special deals, retirees have the advantage of more open schedule. Rick Steves suggests traveling during shoulder season (April-May, September-
Joint Pain Doesn’t Need to Be Part of Your Daily Routine When it gets harder and harder to live with joint pain, let us help you live without it. Starting with the day you decide to take action, you’ll have a designated patient coordinator to take care of scheduling, answer questions and follow up on your progress. You’ll have compassionate care with inpatient physical therapists to help you begin your recovery.
Talk with a patient coordinator (888) 901-0857.
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October), when prices are lower because it’s not peak season, but the weather is still fairly good.
INVEST IN A NATIONAL PARKS PASS
Seniors can get a lifetime National Parks pass for $80, allowing entry into all the national parks and monuments throughout the country. For the outdoorsy types, this is an inexpensive way to spend a day or a weekend hiking or camping. Even the less outdoorsy types can find easy hikes or beautiful drives through some of the country’s most pristine, gorgeous landscapes, including the red rocks of Zion National Park, the geysers of Yellowstone or the green, rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park.
Discover your new
LIFESTYLE!
Discover a lifestyle of freedom and service at O’Connor Woods, a gated, resort-style nonprofit continuing care retirement community in the heart of San Joaquin Valley. Surround yourself with down-to-earth, friendly neighbors. Enjoy fresh farm-to-fork cuisine. Choose from apartment or cottage living with peace-of-mind, knowing additional care is available should your health needs change, including assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.
Napa
+ - 70
miles
Lake Tahoe + - 135
miles
O’Connor Woods San Francisco + - 83
miles
Living well is at the core of what we do. Stay fit with water aerobics. Work out on strength training equipment. Choose from life-enriching recreation, as well as lifelong learning through our partnership with University of the Pacific.
Call today to set-up your opportunity to experience life at O’Connor Woods. Continuing Care Retirement Community: Independent Living with Services, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing 3400 Wagner Heights Rd. Stockton, CA 95209 oconnorwoods.org
VOTED
BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
by the Lodi News Sentinel
209-956-3400
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RCFE #390314809 COA #230
MANAGED BY:
ive us old snapshots and
we’ll give you a new way of remembering.
Video Tributes from Our Funeral Home
Our Video Tributess are more than a unique way to show the past–they’re a remarkable way to share memories. You provide old photos of family and friends and we’ll develop a one-of-a-kind video montage. It’s then set to music and shown at the service. Treasure it for the day. Keep it forever. Video Tributes…a moving experience.
“Celebrating 65 years” 247 N. Broadway • Turlock, California 95380
Phone (209) 634-5829 • Fax 209-634-0665 www.allenmortuary.com FD 432
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AN J OA •• S QU
IN
ZI N
E••
BEST
M
A AG
WINNER
2018
Imagine seeing life more clearly.
CATARACT SURGERY • GLAUCOMA CARE • RETINAL SERVICES EYELID SURGERY • LASIK • VISION EXAMS • GLASSES • CONTACTS
Joseph Zieter, M.D.
John Zeiter, M.D.
Richard Wong, M.D
John Canzano, M.D. Joseph Zeiter, Jr., M.D. Michael Mequio, M.D. Peter Hetzner, O.D.
Linda Hsu, O.D.
Steven Wood, O.D.
Robert Pedersen, O.D. Devomder Grewa, O.D. Robert Dupree, O.D.
Jennifer Pham, O.D.
Ralph Miranda, O.D.
STOCKTON LODI MANTECA TRACY SONORA
209-239-3880
Over 55 years of Vision Care
www.Zeitereye.com
Your Vision is Our Passion
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