GAGEN 2004 SPRING by Wells-Smith Partners

Georgia

Generations Financial Planning Your Path to a Secure

Future

Also in This Issue: ■ Long-Term Care Insurance ■ A Look at Georgia’s AAAs

Published quarterly by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging

Spring 2004

Area Agencies on Aging – Gateways to Community Resources 1

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were established under the Older Americans Act in 1973 to respond to the needs of older adults age 60 and over in every community. To read more about each of Georgia’s AAAs and the services available, turn to a statewide map and news from each agency, beginning on page 10.

Georgia is divided into 12 AAAs, each serving a different part of the state. They are:

4 7 6

9 12

1 Northwest Georgia 2 Legacy Link 3 Atlanta Regional Commission 4 Southern Crescent 5 Northeast Georgia 6 Lower Chattahoochee 7 Middle Georgia 8 Central Savannah River 9 Heart of Georgia Altamaha 10 Southwest Georgia 11 Southeast Georgia 12 Coastal Georgia

Georgia

Generations SPRING 2004 Published quarterly

through a cooperative effort of Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging. For information contact: Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Services Division 40 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-463-3239 jkauffman@atlantaregional.com

Editorial Project Development: JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA Design and Production: Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA

Georgia Generations is a:

On the Cover: Few things impact the quality of life for seniors as much as their financial security. And today’s “sandwich generation” faces some of the greatest financial challenges. For a look at smart financial planning, turn to page 4.

Spring 2004, Volume 3, #3 © 2004 by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, the Atlanta Regional Commission and JAM Communications make no warranty to the accuracy or reliability of this information. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission. All rights reserved.

Georgia Generations

CAREGIVING NEWS&NOTES

Job Opportunities for Seniors

DID YOU KNOW

ere’s good news for older adults who feel the job market always favors younger employees: A recent study shows that more U.S. companies want older workers. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement consulting firm, reports that an increasing number of firms are hiring older adults because they have valuable experience, a mastery of certain skills and a good work ethic. Older workers accounted for about 77 percent of net employment growth in October 2003, according to the study. Opportunities were noted in fields such as accounting, education, security and business administration.

YOU CAN HAVE A MINI-STROKE AND NOT EVEN KNOW IT? The symptoms of a mini-stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, last only a few minutes. They’re also milder than the symptoms of a full-blown stroke, although similar in nature. They include numbness or weakness, vision problems, confusion, dizziness or loss of balance/ coordination. If you experience any of these symptoms — even

Surfing the Net

briefly — seek medical help immediately.

Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.cornellcares.com offers information on emotional and mental health among older adults. The site was developed by the geriatrics division at Cornell University’s Medical College. www.healthcarecoach.com is a “how-to” resource for caregivers that offers guidelines on subjects such as how to choose a doctor, questions to ask a surgeon and how to handle disputes with insurance companies. Look for more helpful Web sites in the next issue of Georgia Generations.

Scam Alert

atch out for a scam targeting seniors that has been popping up all over the country. It involves an offer for “free scoot-

ers” but, in reality, is a means to defraud Medicare of your tax dollars. The scammers may or may not actually provide a free scooter, but they then charge Medicare for a wheelchair — which is over twice the cost of a scooter. They keep the difference, and Medicare is out the money. If you suspect that you have been the victim of Medicare fraud, call 1-800-275-3626.

Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits Fall 2003

10Lawyer QUESTIONS TO ASK A

Are you faced with a legal problem, but you’re intimidated by the thought of hiring a lawyer? If you find yourself in this situation, use this checklist of basic questions to determine which lawyer is right for you: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

What is your experience in this field? Have you handled matters like mine? What are the possible outcomes of my case? What are my alternatives in resolving the matter? Approximately how long will it take to resolve? Do you recommend mediation or arbitration? What are your rates and how often will you bill me? What is a ballpark figure for the total bill, including fees and expenses? 9. How will you keep me informed of progress? 10. Can junior attorneys or paralegals in the office handle some of the administrative work at a lower rate?

Report suspected fraud and errors. Call your Senior Medicare Patrol Project for details and to request a presentation.

Metro Atlanta: 404-463-0763 Outside Metro Atlanta: GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387 3

financial planning for the

SANDWICH GENERATION By Martha Nolan McKenzie

ith Americans living longer and

couples having children later in life,

the so-called “sandwich generation” — people caring for aging parents while still actively raising children — is growing like an overstuffed hoagie. Besides the emotional strain, this dual responsibility can create a daunting financial challenge. A couple in their early 50s, for example, may find themselves paying a college tuition or two, helping fund their parents’ residence in an assisted-living facility and trying to save for their own retirement — all from the same paycheck.

Georgia Generations

So, as a member of the sandwich generation, how can you avoid being squeezed as flat as a cheap quesadilla? The first step, say financial planning experts, is to do a reality check on expectations and then prioritize. Most people simply can’t fund all the needs of their parents and children without putting themselves at financial risk. The wisest thing you can do is take care of your own financial security first, and then see what you can afford to do for your parents and children. “There is much wisdom in the advice given on airline flights for parents to put on their own oxygen mask first before assisting their children,” said Bonnie A. Hughes, a certified financial planner (CFP) and owner of A&H Financial Planning and Education Inc. in Rome. “This ensures that the parent will actually be conscious and able to help his or her child. The same principle holds true in finance. You can’t help your children — or your parents, for that matter — if you are in financial trouble yourself.” Still, there is much you can do in the financial planning arena to help aging parents and dependent children without compromising your own nest egg. Here’s a look at some smart financial moves you can make for your parents, yourself and your children.

Minding your parents’ business Sandra Crawford was one of the lucky ones. As she is an only child, Crawford's parents discussed their finances with her throughout her life, and so when she had to take over paying her parents’ bills and monitoring their investments, she was ready. “After my father died and my mother developed dementia, I didn’t have to hunt for anything,” said the 65-year-old Atlanta woman. “They had kept me up-todate all through the years. They would say, ‘We have this much money in CDs at this bank,’ and ‘This is the value of our insurance policy, and the documents are in the lock box at this bank.’ So when I had to take it over, I knew what they had and where it was.” Most individuals are not so fortunate. Instead, some adult children find themselves going on a frustrating scavenger hunt for bank statements, stock certificates and legal documents when a parent becomes incapacitated. “I’d say the vast majority of people in the sandwich generation don’t know much, if anything, about their parents’ finances,” said Jennifer Noah, CFP and president of the Monitor Group in Augusta. “The parents are reluctant to share the details of their finances, and the children don’t want to broach the subject. But if they don’t talk about

Spring 2004

these things, it’s going to be very hard if the child has to step in and assume responsibility for a parent’s finances.” Noah suggests introducing the subject gradually, if possible. Perhaps you could begin by discussing financial plans you have made for yourself as a way to start a dialogue. Then you could ease into asking your parents to share some of their financial information. “It’s really a process,” said Noah. “You can’t do it all in one weekend. But if you start early, before there is a crisis that The importance of a good return requires you to jump in with both If you are too conservative in your feet, you can make investment strategy, you could sacrifice things go a lot more valuable earnings. Consider the smoothly.” difference between earning 6.5 percent Perhaps the first and 9 percent on a $2,000 annual conorder of business is tribution over 25 years. At 6.5 percent, making sure your your investment will grow to $125,430. parents have all At 9 percent, it will grow to their legal ducks in a row. They should have up-to-date wills, living wills and durable powers of attorney for both financial and health care. (See “Elderlaw and You,” Georgia Generations, Spring 2002 issue.) Next, a financial inventory should be prepared. This should include the name, address and phone number of the parents’ accountant, attorney, banker, stock broker, insurance agents, employee benefits administrator and religious advisor. It should also list locations and account numbers for all bank and brokerage accounts, safe-deposit boxes, real estate and other personal property, insurance policies and sources of retirement income such as pensions. Finally, the list should detail all liabilities — the amount owed, the name of the creditor and the account number. “Once you get a feel for what your parent’s assets are, how much money is coming in each month and how much is going out, you can tell if your parent is living within his means and if what he has saved likely will sustain him,” said Raymond E. Forgue, PhD, co-author of “How to Care for Your Parents’ Money While Caring for Your Parents” (McGraw-Hill Trade, March 2003). Increasing your parents’ return on investments can help with the sustaining part of the equation. Many elderly people, including Crawford’s parents, have all of their holdings in secure but low-yielding certificates of deposit (CDs). “My parents had almost all their money in CDs, and with falling interest rates, their monthly income was dwindling,” said Crawford. “It was extremely difficult, but I finally talked them into shifting the money into conservative mutual funds. They were getting $200 a month in income off their CDs, and now my mother is getting $400 a month from the funds. It’s made a big difference for her.” In addition to getting the assets to work harder, it could pay to streamline them. After a lifetime of savings, your

SAVINGS TIP

$184,647.

parents’ assets can be scattered far and wide. They might have three different brokers, 10 different mutual funds, CDs at different banks, an IRA here, an annuity there. Consolidating these holdings with one broker or planner can greatly simplify money management tasks. “When my mother-in-law first moved down here, she was getting about 20 statements from various accounts,” said Linda Berggren, a registered financial gerontologist and a CPA with Gifford, Hillegass & Ingwersen in Atlanta. “We consolidated everything into one primary account, so now we just get one statement every month. That makes it much easier to track how the investments are doing and to make sure there is no funny business going on with any of the accounts. It’s really hard to do that with 20 different statements.” Undoubtedly, the largest clouds on your parents’ financial horizon are future housing and healthcare needs. An extended stay in a nursing or assisted-living facility can wipe out their savings — and yours. That’s why financial advisors urge those in the sandwich generation to make sure their parents have long-term care insurance. If your parents can’t afford to buy it, consider asking your siblings to go in with you to buy them a policy, if at all possible. “Long-term care policies are costly, no doubt about it,” said Bob Warner, CFP and owner of Warner Financial Services in Gainesville. “But with good long-term care facilities running about $40,000 a year, insurance premiums would be less of a financial burden than supplementing the cost of a facility. I’ve seen people in long-term care deplete all the wealth they had accumulated and wanted to pass on to their children, and it’s a tragedy.” One option that might allow aging parents to remain in their own homes instead of going into a long-term facility is a reverse mortgage. Many times elderly people own their home outright, according to Jack Myers, CFP and president of Total Asset Planning in Columbus. In that case, a bank can make a reverse mortgage loan, doling out the equity in the home either in one lump sum or in monthly payments. “It’s a loan, so there are no taxes on the money you are receiving,” said Myers. “The loan is repaid when the person either moves or passes away. It can be a way to access the money you have built up in your house without having to sell it and move.” The earlier you can begin discussing these issues with your parents, the better. An ideal time might be when a parent is retiring, since he is likely taking financial stock to plan for life after work. “And it’s much easier to make good decisions when things are calm,” said Myers. “If you wait until there is a crisis, it’s much harder to act effectively. I think everyone should be talking to an attorney, a financial planner and a CPA. It should really be a team effort.”

Ensuring your own security What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Or in this case, what’s good for your parents is good for you. As a member of the sandwich generation, you should assemble the same financial inventory for yourself that you did for your parents, and you need to make sure you have up-to-date wills, living wills and durable powers of attorney for finances and health Georgia Generations

draw them. And the company match is the closest thing you’ll care. Once you gather all these documents and information, ever get to a free lunch. you need to let someone know about it. The next closest thing might be the Roth IRA. Although “Someone besides you needs to know what the total piccontributions are made with after-tax dollars, the earnings ture is, perhaps a financial advisor, lawyer or family member,” grow tax-free, meaning you never pay taxes on them, even said Berggren. “And someone in the family needs to know who when you withdraw them. So if you start early enough, you that person is and where all the documents are.” can substantially boost your return by avoiding taxes. Your financial inventory will give you a concise picture of Whatever retirement vehicles you choose, you will need to where you are today. Financial planning means figuring out decide how to invest your savings. Though many investors where you want to be tomorrow and how you’re going to get were scared away from the stock market by its recent dismal there. One of the first orders of business is building an emerthree-year performance, stocks still tend to outperform all gency fund, if you don’t already have one. Financial experts other investments over the long haul. have long advised having the equivalent of three months’ salary Of course, you won’t want all your eggs in one basket. in a liquid account in case of an emergency. But with today’s Rather, you should allocate your savings among various investenvironment of downsizing and job insecurity, some advisors ment vehicles such as CDs, bonds or bond funds and stocks or are recommending squirreling away more like six months’ stock funds. “No one investment performs well in all economic salary in case you need to weather a period of unemployment. conditions,” said Ruth Sikes, an investment representative at You also need to take a realistic look at your retirement Edward Jones in Atlanta. “When you are adequately diversisavings plan. First, you must figure out how much money you fied, you are lowering your risk and evening out the ups and are going to need after you quit work. “A general rule of thumb downs in your portfolio.” has been that you’re going to need 70 percent of your current After you worked so hard to save, invest and diversify to annual income in retirement,” said Patrice Dollar, family finanamass your retirement savings, it would be a shame to wipe cial management specialist at the University of Georgia Family them out to pay for long-term care in your later years. So, just and Consumer Science Extension in Athens. “But if you plan to as for your parents, you should make the investment in longtake up expensive hobbies, like golf and travel, you might need term care insurance. Many financial planners advise purchasmore like 100 percent of your pre-retirement income.” ing a policy when you are in your early 50s. In your 60s and When you know the size of the nest egg you need to end up 70s, premiums will be much higher, and you are at higher risk with, you can figure out how much you need to be saving each of developing a chronic illness that might make you ineligible year to build it. But when you are making those calculations, you altogether. would be wise to balance the equation solely on your own savings. Likewise, you should have solid life insurance and disability “The current reality in America is that the three-legged insurance policies in place. “And don’t forget about a spouse stool of retirement — Social Security, private pensions and who is not working,” said Myers, the Columbus CFP. “If a personal savings — has two very wobbly legs,” said Hughes, the Rome CFP. “Many people aren’t with a job long enough to be vested in a pension plan, even if a company offers one. The ability to defer tax on earning can make a big difference in your total return. Assume an annual conAnd the Social Security systribution of $2,000 with an 8 percent return for an investment in the 28 percent tax bracket. After 30 years, tem likely will see significant that investment would grow to $151,594 in a taxable account, but to $226,566 in a tax-deferred account. changes. That means people will have to assume the bulk of 250,000 $226,566 the responsibility for funding 225,000 what could be a 30- to 40-year retirement period.” 200,000 To meet this challenging 175,000 goal, the first thing you should $151,594 150,000 do is participate to the maximum in your company’s 125,000 401(k) plan, especially if it $91,524 100,000 offers matching funds. Your $71,701 investment in a 401(k) is made 75,000 with pre-tax dollars, which 50,000 means you don’t pay any fed$28,973 $26,066 eral income tax on the amount 25,000 you invest until you withdraw 0 it. Likewise, you are not taxed 10 YEARS 20 YEARS 30 YEARS on the earnings in a retireTAX-DEFERRED TAXABLE Source: Edward Jones ment account until you withS AV I N G S

The Advantages of Tax Deferral

Spring 2004

stay-at-home wife or mother passes away, her husband is going to need money to hire someone to do all the things she did.”

Teaching Your Children Well Next to saving for retirement, saving for college is the biggest financial challenge for many. Indeed, with tuitions growing much more rapidly than inflation — and salaries — the task is more daunting than ever. However, a relatively new type of plan, called a 529 plan, is making it easier for parents to build their college savings. With a 529, parents or grandparents can set aside funds that will grow tax-deferred and can be withdrawn tax-free as long as they are used to pay for college. “529 plans are the hottest things out there,” said Talbert Edenfield, CFP and president of Edenfield Financial Services Inc. in Springfield. “Besides being very tax advantageous, the parent can The magic of compounding change the beneficiary. So if your oldest Starting early is perhaps the best advice child doesn’t use all any investor can get, thanks to comhis money, you can pounding. Consider the difference in change the beneficiinvesting $2,000 a year in an IRA beginary to another child.” ning at age 25 versus waiting until age 32 Education IRAs to begin contributing. If you began and Series EE bonds investing at 25, by age 65 you would also offer tax-advanhave accumulated $973,703. But if you taged ways to save waited until 32, your total would be for college expenses. And you should remember there is no law requiring you to pick up the entire tab of higher education, unless you want to. “It seems among many kids today there is an assumption — ‘I will go to college. I’ll go wherever I want to. I won’t have to work, and I will have a car,’“ said Noah, the Augusta CFP. “It’s OK for parents to say, ‘You know, we really can’t afford that.’” Scholarships, grants and loans are available — you just have to look for them. “Most parents would like to be able to pay for their children’s college, but some people can’t afford to do it without foregoing their retirement savings,” said UGA’s Dollar. “That’s a big mistake. There is financial aid for college, but there is no type of assistance for retirement.” If you are able to set aside money for college, you are making an investment in your children’s future. But just as valuable may be the lessons about money that you impart. Teaching children from a young age how to manage money responsibly will help ensure their future security. “The best financial lesson we can pass on is one of financial responsibility,” said Hughes. “Children have to understand that they will have to earn their own way.” Perhaps the most popular way to start teaching young children about money is with an allowance. Once children understand what money is, they can start getting a set amount each week. When they are a little older, you can introduce them to the banking system, first with a savings account, and later

SAVINGS TIP

$488,953.

with a checking account. “Most banks offer low-minimum accounts for kids,” said Dollar. You can also reward the self-discipline required to save part of his or her allowance by matching any money the child puts aside, recommends Sikes. Then, once his account hits a certain level, you can roll that money into an investment such as a mutual fund, stock or bond. This will help teach about returns on investment and how to make money work harder. “I tell parents to go through the house and find the items your child really likes,” said Sikes. “Then you can say, ‘This video game is made by this company,’ and ‘This cereal is made by this company.’ Order their annual reports and start learning about the companies and decide which stock you might like to buy. It can be fun.” As you teach your children about saving and investing, don’t neglect the importance of one other thing you can do with money — giving it away. “The families that tend to keep their wealth are those that teach their children about philanthropy,” said Dana Halberg, first vice president of Mellon Financial Corporation’s Private Wealth Management Group in Atlanta. “That teaches them to think outside themselves and makes sure money doesn’t direct their lives.” As any mom or dad will tell you, parenting doesn’t stop when a child leaves the nest, and neither should teaching about finances. In fact, when your child begins his first job is a perfect time to talk to him about saving for retirement. “I think you should tell your child to save 15 percent of his income right from the start,” said Hughes. “It sounds painful, but they should get used to living at that level right from the start. If they never earn more than $25,000 a year and save 15 percent a year in a tax-deferred account from age 25, and earn 8 percent on those savings, they will be millionaires by age 65.” Early adulthood is also a critical time to learn about the hazards of credit cards. College students and job market entrants are bombarded with credit card offers, and it’s tempting to charge your way to the type of lifestyle you see depicted on Friends. But young adults should limit themselves to one major credit card and charge only what they can pay off entirely every month. You should also encourage your adult children to do their own tax returns. “Taxes are simple to do when you first start working,” said Hughes. “And by doing the returns yourself, you learn about the tax system, deductions, interest and dividends. And you don’t have to pay a CPA.” Finally, you should resist the urge to help your adult child any more than you have to. “You can’t replace the satisfaction anyone gets from earning their own way,” said Hughes. “If you buy your child’s car or give him a down payment for a house, you rob him of that satisfaction. It also sets up the expectation that nice things are gotten easily, which is not the case. In most cases, you have to work hard for nice things.” Of course, with finances and with everything else, children learn best by example. So if you make sure your house is in good financial order, save with discipline, invest with intelligence and share your wealth with those less fortunate, chances are your children will do the same. Now that’s a good return on investment. GG Georgia Generations

GUEST CLOSE-UP

Protecting Yourself and Your Family from the

Costs

Long-Term Care By Jerry Stedman, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

t’s easy to think that just by buying life insurance, you’ve provided for your loved ones once you’re gone. But who pays the bill — which can be staggering — if you’re unable to take care of yourself? People are living longer today, which greatly increases the likelihood that they will develop a chronic illness that requires ongoing care. Statistics tell us that a 65-year-old man can expect to live 15 more years. A 65year-old woman can expect to live slightly more than 20 years. In fact, so many of us in America are now living to age 85 and beyond that this population of the oldest-old will double as a proportion of the U.S. population by the year 2030, and will double again by 2050. Many of us assume that we will always be able to dress ourselves, get in and out of bed, eat a meal or go to the bathroom with little or no assistance. Moreover, many of us do not consider how we’d pay for services, should we need others to take care of us. Long-term care is expensive, and Medicare generally does not pay for custodial care required for chronic medical conditions. For example, a daily visit by a home health aide costs an average of $35,000 a year. Adult day care can cost over $1,300 per month, and nursing home care can cost $4,500 a month or more. Long-term care insurance may be an answer for some, and as health care costs escalate, more and more people are purchasing this type of coverage. Long-term care insurance typically

covers some or all of the costs of care associated with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer’s disease or severe arthritis. Evaluating your need for long-term care insurance is an important part of retirement or estate planning. This insurance can protect your assets so that they are not exhausted by care costs. As you make the decision, it’s important to work with a financial representative who understands your needs and can design a plan that helps you achieve your financial goals. If that plan includes long-term care insurance, the financial advisor can help you select a policy that gives you the best protection you can afford, underwritten by a company with a solid track record. Choose a well-established company with a solid history of treating its policyholders well and one that has received the highest possible ratings by at least three of the third-party rating agencies. Premiums will be lower if you buy long-term care insurance while in your 40s or 50s, instead of waiting until you are older. If you have developed health problems, you may no longer be insurable. Deciding if long-term care insurance is right for you can be difficult. Experienced financial advisors can help you sort through the issues to make the right decision for you and your family. For further information, contact Jerry Stedman, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, at 678-638-1305. GG

People are living longer today, which greatly increases the likelihood that they will develop a chronic illness that requires ongoing care.

Spring 2004

A Look at Area Agencies on Aging Around Georgia In communities across the country, Area

Northwest Georgia

Northeast Atlanta Regional Georgia Commission Southern Crescent

Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to local resources, planning efforts and services that help older adults remain independent. On

Legacy Link

Central Savannah River Middle Georgia

Lower Chattahoochee

Heart of Georgia Altamaha

Southwest Georgia

Southeast Georgia

Coastal Georgia

the following pages are the programs and services offered by Georgia’s AAAs.

Northwest Georgia Covers a 15-county area surrounding Rome, Dallas, Dalton, Cartersville

Reaching underserved populations

he Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Spring is the only publicly funded residential facility that meets the special educational needs of the deaf and hard of hearing.The deaf may feel isolated because of their disability and need to communicate using alternate methods such as signing. Because of the number of deaf and Although the dog, Amy, is not deaf, her owner, Lois Padgett, cannot hear and uses sign language and voice commands.

hard of hearing individuals and family members drawn to the area, many of the school’s graduates have remained in the rural, picturesque Cave Spring area and are “aging in place” in a community that is comfortable for them. The Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging is working with several local advocates to inform these individuals about a wide range of aging services available to them. Ben Jackson, who develops affordable housing for the deaf, has built Spring Haven, a 25unit community of lowincome housing for the deaf. Dr. Susan Butler Sumner, a physician who signs, counts many of the

deaf and hard-of-hearing as her patients. Her patients describe her as a caring individual and an advocate who works to provide them with the best care possible. Wendell Barnes teaches interpreters for the deaf. The school is actively involved in the community. Special groups have special needs. It is the goal of the Area Agency on Aging to assist in ways that are most helpful to meet those needs. For information, contact the AAA of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 1793, Rome, GA 30162-1793; 706-802-5506 or toll-free 1-800-759-2963. NORTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, Whitfield

Georgia Generations

Legacy Link Covers a 13-county area surrounding Gainesville, Cumming, Clarkesville, Toccoa, Hiawassee

AAA: What’s that??

All Georgia AAAs are involved in a large health care program for seniors and persons with disabilities. All AAAs fund care coordination for persons enrolled in the Community Care Services Program, which helps individuals stay in their homes

hat is an Area Agency on Aging, anyway? You may see some general descriptions about Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in this magazine and look over the various articles but still All Georgia AAAs are involved in a large not know what they health care program for seniors and really are. persons with disabilities. AAAs have some basic features that are the same nationwide. AAAs conduct some programs themselves, but the majority of programs for seniors are provided by subcontractors with funding from the AAA. All state governments furnish both state and federal monies to AAAs for programs and services to benefit older persons.

and communities across the state. AAAs in Georgia have worked hard to compile a database of information about services and programs across the state — information that is useful to persons seeking a wide variety of services and that benefit seniors and persons with disabilities. Your local AAA can also put you in touch with AAAs in other states to find information about services. For further information, contact Legacy Link, P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 305032534; 770-538-2650 or toll-free 1-800-845-LINK.

LEGACY LINK ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White

Southern Crescent Covers a 10-county area surrounding Franklin, Newnan, LaGrange, Griffin, Carrollton Georgia Technical College for their “Make a Difference Day Senior Expo.” The Senior Expo provided health screenings, flu shots, health and wellness information, food, live he Southern Crescent Area Agency on entertainment and door prizes. The Senior Aging recently sponsored three Expo was coordinated by Sally Richter, exhibits at the Callaway Center of West programs manager for CareLink AmeriCorps, and Dan Wooten, director for the Troup County Senior Center. The staff and volunteers of the AAA were involved in three exhibits: GeorgiaCares Prescription Assistance Program, Southern Crescent AAA Resources and Southern Crescent CAREThe Southern Crescent AAA sponsored three exhibits at West Georgia Technical College’s Senior Expo. NET. Southern

Senior Expo Showcases AAA Exhibits

Spring 2004

Crescent CARE-NET is a group of dedicated experts and care providers that has partnered with the Rosalynn Carter Institute to form an area-wide CARE-NET group to provide information, assistance and training to caregivers. This and similar collaborations enrich the service outreach of the Southern Crescent AAA and all agencies involved. For more information on upcoming events and forums in the Southern Crescent service area, contact the Southern Crescent AAA, P.O. Box 1600, Franklin, GA 30217-1600; 706-675-6721, 770-854-6026 or toll-free 1-866-854-5652. SOUTHERN CRESCENT ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, Upson

Atlanta Regional Commission Covers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta The new site is part of a larger communications campaign that Aging Atlanta Partnership will roll out later this year to help older adults and caregivers find the services they need easily and quickly. The site is simple to navigate, and the new colon’t have time during your work day transportation services and more. The site ors and the ability to increase the size of to find a home-delivered meal proalso offers easy-to-understand information the text make it easy on the eyes. gram for your mother who lives alone in about the differences between Medicare In addition to targeting seniors and Cherokee County? Frustrated about the and Medicaid and where to turn for precaregivers, the camnumber of calls it takes to find paign will target transportation to the doctor baby boomers, who for your disabled aunt who will reach retirelives in Peachtree City? ment age in 2011. Help is just a click away at Through the camAgeWiseConnection.com. paign, the partnerThe Atlanta Regional Comship hopes to mission’s Aging Services Diviencourage this sion’s new Web site is making group to begin it easier than ever before for planning more older adults or caregivers to thoughtfully for access information about their eventual services available in the retirement. “A sucregion, 24 hours a day, seven cessful retirement days a week. depends on more AgeWiseConnection.com than having adeincludes a searchable database Caregivers can access information about quate financial of some of the most services available in the region. resources, as requested services in the important as that Atlanta region. Categories is,” says Cheryll Schramm, chief of ARC’s include adult day care, housing, home-delivscription assistance programs. A calendar Aging Services Division. “We want people ered meals, home health care and hospice, lists events and workshops of interest to to think about where they will want to live older adults, caregivers and professionals and how they will spend their time. We working in the field. also hope they will be prepared in the event they need some type of long-term care.” Atlanta Regional Commission 404-463-3333 Over time, ARC plans to add more services and products to the Web site to If you need caregiving information, contact an AgeWise Connection partner: appeal to this younger, more affluent Cherokee County Cherokee County Senior Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, audience. Services, 770-345-5312 770-461-0813 For more information, call the Atlanta Clayton County Clayton County Aging Fulton County Fulton County Aging Regional Commission at 404-463-3333 or Program, 770-603-4050 Program, 404-730-6000 contact the AgeWise Connection numbers Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, Gwinnett County Gwinnett County Senior listed in the box to the left. 770-528-5364 Services, 678-377-4150

New web site offers help to working caregivers

DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs, 404-687-7117 Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, 770-489-3100

Henry County Henry County Senior Services, 770-898-7670 Rockdale County Rockdale County Senior Services, 770-922-4633

ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale

Georgia Generations

Northeast Georgia Covers a 12-county area surrounding Athens, Winder, Monroe, Covington, Madison

Caregiving in northeast Georgia

upport for caregivers is a vital part of any effort to help seniors remain in their home communities. Since 1983, the Athens Community Council on Aging has operated support groups as an educational and therapeutic service in the Northeast Georgia Planning and Service Area. The Athens Area Alzheimer’s Support Group began that year, and the group has operated continuously ever since. A caregivers’ support group began later to reach those caring for persons with any physical, cognitive or emotional limitations, and the Parkinson’s support groups are unique in that they serve both patients and caregivers. Other support groups target individuals with attention deficit disorder

The Athens Community Council on Aging staff receives group leadership training from the Alzheimer’s Association, and licensed clinical volunteers partner to work with each group. The format is controlled by group members and often includes speakers, while the staff has responAllison Hogan (in black jacket), Athens Community Council on Aging Senior Center manager, and Elizabeth McNeely, RN sibility for coordination. (left of Ms. Hogan), nurse practitioner and Athens For further information, contact Community Council on Aging volunteer from the Medical the Northeast Georgia RDC, 305 College of Georgia, meet with a caregiver support group. Research Drive, Athens, GA 30605as well as those with chronic fatigue syn2795; 706-583-2547 or toll-free drome/fibromyalgia.These groups meet 1-800-474-7540. monthly and are offered at varying times of the day. The local Pilot Club has partnered NORTHEAST GEORGIA with the Alzheimer’s Support Group in ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: order to provide care for family members Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, with Alzheimer’s disease during the supJackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton port group meeting.

Lower Chattahoochee Covers a 16-county area surrounding Columbus, Americus, Butler, Montezuma, Cuthbert

Family caregivers workshop offered

he Lower Chattahoochee Area Agency on Aging offered a workshop titled “Communicating Effectively with Health Care Professionals” for caregiver support groups in the 16-county area. Caregivers benefited from the workshop by gaining insight and understanding into communication difficulties, creating an empowering vision of a team approach to quality health care, identifying communication skills needed to make this happen and practicing powerful comCecelia Adams, caregiver counselor for LCAAA, explains the key principles for effective communication to the caregiver group.

Spring 2004

munication tools and techniques designed to help advocate for their loved ones. The workshop is part of the Enhancing Caregivers’ Ability to Care Project of the National Family Caregivers Association. Funding for the project was provided in part by grants from the Administration on Aging and the Jacob and Valeria Langecloth Foundation. Karla Vineyard & Associates designed the program. In addition to a workbook, the workshop utilizes elements such as Reader’s

Theater, a scenario of a caregiver’s experiences used throughout the workshop, and a communication planner and action plan with skill practice using role-playing. Comments from caregiver participants in the workshop included: “It will help me be more organized,” “It taught me to be more aggressive,” and “I will use the workbook, especially the communication planner before doctor visits.” For further information, contact Lower Chattahoochee AAA, P.O. Box 1908, Columbus, GA 31902-1908; 706-256-2900 or toll-free 1-800-615-4379.

LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Webster

Middle Georgia Covers an 11-county area surrounding Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville

First phase of HOPE VI senior housing complex

ground-breaking ceremony was held on August 29, 2003, to celebrate the start of construction of the 2009 Vineville Senior Housing Complex. This is the first phase of the HUD HOPE VI Program. After extensive planning and partnering with public and private investors, the dream of providing much-needed housing and services for low-income seniors has finally become a reality. This project will give some of our neediest seniors a new lease on life and an opportunity to live in dignity and comfort. One of the greatest honors is to serve our elders. As America’s senior population continues to grow, providing affordable housing options for them becomes increas-

ingly important. The 2009 Vineville Development will feature four multi-story buildings with elevators, housing 20 onebedroom and 86 two-bedroom apartments. Each of the 106 apartments will include wall-to-wall carpeting, a kitchen

Geri Ward (top left), assistant director of the MGAAA, and Darlene Brown (top right), community education specialist of the MGAAA, meet with Melisha Ivery (top middle) of the HOPE VI Program administered by the Macon Housing Authority, and some of the future residents of the 2009 Vineville Senior Housing Complex.

with a dishwasher, ample closet space, washers and dryers and an emergency call system. Residents will live in their own apartments in a building designed to meet their personal service needs while maintaining the independent lifestyle that senior citizens desire. Everyone agrees that there is a tremendous need for affordable housing for seniors. The Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging is pleased to be a part of the team that is making it happen. For further information, contact the Middle Georgia RDC, 175-C Emery Highway, Macon, GA 31217; 478-751-6466 or toll-free 1-888-548-1456. MIDDLE GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, Wilkinson

Central Savannah River Covers a 14-county area surrounding Augusta, Thomson, Martinez/Evans, Waynesboro, Sandersville

Feeling better by doing good

eview an average week for the Area Agency on Aging’s Volunteer of the Year,Vivian J. “Vicki” McKnight, and you’ll see the new face of retirement. While

McKnight may be in her 80s, she’s “not quite ready to slow down.” This dynamo volunteers at University Hospital Senior Club five days per week and then fills her spare moments with projects for other grateful community groups. “I try to stay useful whenever I can,” she explains. “And I like to have things to work on during the day and at night, too.” In May, in recognition of Older Americans Month 2004, McKnight will carve out a day from her busy schedule to pass on the torch to a new Volunteer of the Year. Studies show that volunteers such as McKnight are prime examples of this year’s Older Americans Month theme, Vivian J. McKnight (right) receives the AAA’s Volunteer of the Year award from Central Savannah River AAA director, Jeanette Cummings.

“Aging Well, Living Well.” Volunteerism can lower stress levels, increase immunity, improve emotional health and reduce physical pain.The AAA now makes it easier for CSRA residents to volunteer with guidance from “CSRA Aging Action,” a new Web site filled with tips, links, wish lists and announcements for the region’s aging advocates, donors and volunteers. To learn more and find a cause, visit www.AgingAction.org today. For further information, contact the Central Savannah River AAA, 3023 River Watch Pkwy., Suite A, Augusta, GA 30907-2800; 706-210-2018 or toll-free 1-888-922-4464. CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes

Georgia Generations

Southwest Georgia Covers a 14-county area surrounding Albany, Bainbridge, Moultrie, Thomasville

HELP! Using technologies that support caregiving

experience. Learning stations offered hands-on and one-on-one contact with occupational, speech, physical and respiratory therapists, as well as community legal

outhwest Georgia CARE-NET, in partnership with Darton College in Albany, held a conference for caregivers of all ages and circumstances, including those caring for the elderly, disabled children or adults and grandparents raising grandchildren. The conference goal was to explore some of the technologies that can enhance caregiving for family and professional caregivers. Many people are unaware of the resources available to them to make caring for their loved ones easier. This conference featured innovative opportunities for caregivers to broaden their knowledge and

southwest georgia

CARE-NET and debt counseling services, depression screening and dental and hearing specialists. Caregivers were able to bring their care receivers with them as they learned how to access new services and use new low-technology devices and medical equipment.

The day featured workshops on such topics as “Caring for the Caregiver,” “Coping with Stress: Relaxation Therapy,” “Facing Death and Dying at Peace,” “Gadgets, Gizmos & Whatchamacallits” and “Living in a Forever Home: How Aging-in-Place Can Be a Dream Come True.” An “Ask Us Anything” panel (or “Stump the Experts”) gave participants a chance to have their questions answered in a fun, safe setting. Everyone learned something new and helpful. For further information, contact Southwest Georgia COA, 1105 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701-2508; 229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612. SOUTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth

Southeast Georgia Covers an 18-county area surrounding Waycross, Valdosta, Tifton, Douglas, Folkston

Newly appointed DHR board member visits senior center

ewly appointed Department of Human Resources (DHR) board member LaRon D. Bennett, Sr. is taking a “hands-on” approach to learning about the various services of DHR, including those offered to the elderly through local Area Agencies on Aging. In his quest to meet actual beneficiaries of DHR services, Bennett is traveling throughout the region visiting health departments, mental health facilities and senior centers. While touring the Nelson Greene Senior Center in Ware County, Bennett had the opportunity to meet with 31 elderly participants. The seniors stressed the

Spring 2004

DHR board member LaRon D. Bennett, Sr. (standing, center) is shown with several senior center participants and staff members.

crucial role their center plays in the quality of their lives. As with other senior centers, the Ware County facility provides seniors with a nutritious meal five days a week, socialization, physical activity and access to important information on issues such as nutrition, medication management and GeorgiaCares (a program that assists sen-

iors in obtaining low-cost and no-cost prescription drugs). Following his stopover at the Nelson Greene Senior Center, Bennett stated, “I am still learning about DHR and the services provided to seniors, but indications are that more attention needs to be directed toward programs specifically for seniors, while finding ways to tap into their great treasure of wisdom, knowledge and experience.” For information, contact Southeast Georgia RDC, 1725 South Georgia Parkway West, Waycross, GA, 31503; 912-285-6097 or toll-free 1-888-732-4464. SOUTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, Ware

Sponsors Thanks to these Georgia companies and organizations for their generous support

AARP

Georgia Council on Aging

Southern Home Care Services

Assuming responsibility for the home care of loved ones can involve assisting with daily activities, managing high-tech medical treatments and dealing with issues around dying. AARP’s “Life Answers” program can help you meet these critical responsibilities. Find out more at www.aarp.org/lifeanswers

The Georgia Council on Aging advocates on behalf of older Georgians and their families. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.gcoa.org

Nursing and personal care services tailored to your needs, Southern Home Care Services serves all ages with compassion, skill and respect. Licensed and accredited. www.southernhomecareservices.com

Grady Gold

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development

Bridgebuilders, Inc. Personal care in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Customized services delivered with compassion, integrity and professionalism. 600 S. Central Ave., Bridgebuilders, Inc.

Hapeville 30354; 404-765-4300.

Georgia Alliance for Staffing Solutions An alliance that promotes quality long-term care for seniors and persons with disabilities by seeking innovative solutions to improve staffing and support caregivers. www.agingatlanta.com

GeorgiaCares GeorgiaCares is a private-public partnership that assists Medicare beneficiaries with health insurance questions and Medicare problems. GeorgiaCares also seeks to enroll all eligible Medicare beneficiaries in all low-cost prescription assistance programs. For assistance please call 1-800-669-8387.

Grady Senior Services was created with the special care needs of older adults in mind! People over 60 can receive comprehensive evaluations and care for common problems seen in older adults. 404-616-0800.

Pfizer The “Health, Medicines & Lifestyles” icon on Pfizer’s Web site, will lead you to topics that include “Profile of Caregiving,” “Exploring Your Health On Line” and many more. www.pfizer.com

Sixty Plus, Piedmont Hospital A program to enhance the well-being of older adults and their families by providing services, education and support. 1968 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta 30309; 404-605-3867.

Dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, and professional caregivers. The RCI is proud to partner with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Georgia to develop CARE-NETs across the state. www.rosalynncarter.org

United Hospice of Calhoun Serving Northwest Georgia with compassionate and gentle care for those with life-limiting illnesses. Call Caroline Talley at 1-800-867-7976 or 706-602-9546. Georgia Generations is published and supported by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging. Additional circulation support is provided by the generous sponsors listed here. For more information on becoming a sponsor of Georgia Generations please call 404-463-3222.

How can I help?

The Thanks Mom and Dad Fund® can honor someone who has been an inspiration to you. Call 1-800-676-2433 to learn how.

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