While we still have a couple of months away before the filing deadline, somehow it always seems to sneak upon us and before you know it April 15 is here. Here are some tips for seniors that will help filing taxes run easier.

• Collect all your records early. Start by gathering all your documents, records and receipts that you may have that will help with your return.   

• Contact your current/past company to make sure you are getting your W2s. Follow up with your statements from any investments that you may have i.e. Roth IRA’s, 401k etc. 

• Consider E-File. Filing electronically will lessen the math mistakes, the software will handle all your math calculations for you.  

• Get your refund quicker and hassle free by considering direct deposit.

• Educate yourself, know your tax credits. Be aware of all the tax code changes. Seniors may qualify for the credit for the elderly or disabled if you are 65yrs. old. There is a certain income requirement to be eligible and the long form 1040 or 1040A has to be completed.   

•  Don’t rush! Be thorough… One of the most common mistakes that seniors make is overlooking  something and they end up missing out on a credit that they were entitled to.  

• Make sure it’s legible, if you aren’t able to write because of a disability ask someone to help you. 

•  Double check everything.  A simple mistake on your social security number can slow the process of getting your refund quicker. 

•  Know that you have options. If you don’t feel comfortable filing your own taxes contact a professional. There are many different establishments that seniors can go to. H & R Block,  Jackson Hewitt to just name a few. If it’s a simple return you might be able to get a discount of the processing fee. Also consider TCE Tax Counseling for the Elderly. They provide free tax help to people over the age of 6o years old.   

• Visit IRS.gov for a FREE file. If your income is limited you may be eligible for free tax preparation software and free electronic filing.

Americans are often faced with having to make difficult decisions, therefore  we do our best to prepare for all the unexpected things. The decision to place a  loved one in someone else’s care or a long term facility is a struggle in every family. We strive to always be there for our loved ones and help them with whatever we can do. When it is out of our reach and when we no longer can help them, the decision to seek for help can be quite a struggle.  We want to make sure that they are ok and are getting the best care. So when we hear of new report done by USA today that 1 IN 5 NURSING HOMES GET LOW STARS,  it concerns a lot of family that are struggling to make an already tough decision.  

USA Today found  that nearly all of the nursing homes that were awarded one or two stars are owned by for-profit corporations.  This finding however was not well received with Medicare’s Thomas Hamilton, who spearheaded the rating system.  He would like to see more improvements. Thomas did say that one positive thing with the data finding is that there was a decrease in the number of one star nursing homes.   

When you are considering of placing your loved ones in a long term care facility, do your research.  Better yet,  choose an alternative option. 

 Choose for your loved ones to stay home surrounded by the people and memories they love. 

 Choose Home & Hearth Caregivers…….

For more on this article visit www.cbsnews.com

The holiday season has arrived and for most it is a time of joy, sharing and being with  the ones you love… It is a time for catching up with old friends, being with family and looking forward to what the New Year will bring. It is a great picture but for seniors it is hardly the reality. Feelings of sadness, loneliness are what most seniors feel this time of year.

There are many ways we can help to prevent or lessen those feelings of loneliness and help restore their joy this holiday season.

• Don’t let them be alone. Invite your loved one over, if they can’t be with family, encourage them to be with friends.  
• Volunteer at churches or nursing homes. You are not only helping them with their sadness but keeping you away from your own troubles. 
• Encourage communication with your loved one. If you see them sad, ask them about it, let them talk it out. Sometimes all they want is for someone to listen to them.  
• Relive some of the good times with your loved one. Look at old photos of past holiday gatherings.  
• Remind your loved ones that having them there is what’s most important, not the gifts. Seniors tend to worry about their finances and want to be able to share in the gifts of giving.  

Following some of these tips should help lessen the holiday blues, and remember that a simple gesture is all it takes so that they know someone cares.

Happy Holidays!!  

Medicine can be a safety hazard if not properly disposed.  Each year, thousands of tons of pharmaceuticals and personal care products enter the waste stream either through residential landfills or sanitary sewer systems.  Recent studies have shown that many of these substances are surviving water treatment facilities and making their way into drinking water.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has recommended the use of pharmaceutical take-back programs to dispose of unwanted medications.  This new initiative is designed to give residents the chance to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medicines.

The Cook County Department of Environmental Control, the Cook County Bureau of Health Services and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with the Village of La Grange are sponsoring a drop off program for the safe disposal of medications on:

Saturday, October 24, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Lyons

100 S. Brainard Avenue

North Campus Parking Lot west of the Vaughan Building

La Grange

DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS

• Bring only medication items from private households - NOT medications from businesses or doctors’ offices.
• Use a permanent marker to black out your name or personal information on the prescription label.
• Take medications to collection site ONLY during the drop-off site’s open hours of operation.
• Please follow directions at the drop-off site carefully.  Only give medications to personnel of the drop-off site.
• This is NOT a share or reuse opportunity.  All medications received will be destroyed in an environmentally responsible manner.

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS (Expired or unwanted medications)

• Prescription medications
• Over-the counter medications
• Medicated ointments
• Medicated shampoos
• Liquids containing medications
• Prescription inhalers
• Over-the counter inhalers
• Glass thermometers containing mercury
• Sharps/needles
• Medical devices containing mercury (blood pressure units, barometers, etc.)

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS

• DEA-controlled substances, including narcotic medications and illegal drugs
• Biohazardous materials
• Radioactive materials
• Other household wastes

All medications received will be destroyed in an environmentally responsible manner by a certified IEPA hauler.  For more information please contact the Cook County Department of Environmental Control at (312) 603-8217 or rakers@cookcountygov.com.

Information provided by Village of LaGrange

Since 2006 Pillars Community Services has been known as the largest provider of comprehensive mental health and social services in the near western and southwestern suburbs.

To this day, Pillars has helped more than 10,000 individuals and families annually by providing mental health services for adults and children, addiction services, services addressing the needs of the older adult population, bereavement support, child and adolescent services, Head Start, and daycare programs, domestic violence and sexual assault services, crisis intervention, employment services, transitional housing and many others. 

The organization addressess the multiple needs of many individuals and families in the community by collaborating with various community resources to ensure that clients are supported.

The well-being of older adults in the community is a key focus at Pillars.  The Older Adult Wraparound program (Adult Wrap), provides intensive therapeutic case management services for older adults by tapping the resources of the community, the client’s natural supports and the aging provider network to address the multiple needs of clients.  The goal of Adult Wrap is to provide intensive mental health treatment and supportive services for at-risk older adults helping them to remain in their setting of choice (usually at home) for as long as possible.  

To contact Pillars call (708) PILLARS  or (708) 745-5277 through Project ACCESS.

Information provided by Aging Care Connections

For years seniors have been known to be the first to have their flu vaccines once flu season starts. With the pandemic of H1N1 it would seem typical for seniors to be one of the first group of people that would more likely be of high risk, however that is not the case.  It seems that for seniors they seem to have a bit of immunity and have been largely spared. Researchers believe that the main reason this is the case is that for years seniors have already been exposed to similar viruses in their lifetimes. It is a rare bit of good news that seniors are embracing.

Communities across Florida that have a large senior community have been happy that this pandemic hasn’t spread in their community.  Over 80 percent of the senior populations have said that they will not seek the H1N1 shot and understand the government’s order for putting other people more of a priority.  Doctors across country are also noticing that seniors aren’t as concerned with the H1N1 virus and are happy that they aren’t that concerned because in actuality they don’t need it. 

Federal guidelines call for pregnant women to be given the shot first, those who live with or care for children younger than 6 months, health care workers, those 6 months up to 24 years old and people with chronic health problems.  Only after those shots are distributed will they become available to seniors under 64 years of age and younger.

Not all Alzheimer’s patients exhibit the same symptoms and not all patient’s are in the same stage.  Some symptoms may not appear at all, while others can occur in more than one stage. The following divides the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease into three stages.

First Stage

This phase is known as early Alzheimer’s and lasts  about  two to four years.  It includes the period leading up to the diagnosis.  Symptoms include:

• Asking the same question over and over again
• Being unable to follow a conversation, especially if more than one other person is involved
• Demonstrating an inability to concentrate, causing hobbies and pastimes to be set aside
• Becoming confused about directions or finances
• Being unable to come to decisions
• Losing interest in their surroundings
• Allowing personal hygiene and common courtesies to slide
• Getting lost while driving on familiar streets
• Appearing depressed  

Second Stage

This phase is known as middle stage Alzheimer’s and lasts about two to four years.  Symptoms include:  

• Showing more and more forgetfulness, such as not turning off the oven or taking medication.
• Trouble recognizing friends and family
• Wandering away from home
• Becoming restless or easily upset in the late afternoon (known as sundowning)
• Exhibiting increasing inability to organize and express thoughts in a timely manner
• Difficulty with tasks that require planning
• Having hallucinations or  becoming delusional
• Exhibiting inappropriate behavior
• Sleeping excessively long or hardly at all

Third Stage

This phase is known as severe Alzheimer’s or final stage and lasts about three years. Symptoms include:

• Having difficulty recognizing family members or even recognizing oneself in the mirror
• Appearing to have little or no memory (not recalling what occured minutes before)
• Having difficulty understanding or speaking (may become mute)
• Making grunting, screaming or groaning noises
• Grasping objects and people (compulsively touching or putting things in the mouth)
• Experience incontinence (bladder and bowel)
• Becoming totally dependent for all personal care (including toileting, bathing, eating)
• Having difficulty chewing and swallowing (contributes to weight loss)
• Becoming severely weak and bedridden (increasing susceptibility to infections, seizures and additional health problems.

Information provided by Rachel Zuckerman

If your loved one is disabled, or suffers from a medical condition it doesn’t mean that exercise shouldn’t be a factor.  It is all the more reason to stay active and work out. Physical activity has many benefits for all ages.  For seniors, walking is a great benefit as it strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart disease.  

When seniors combine different types of exercise such as walking, lifting and stretching they inherit many benefits.

• Become more alert
• Improve skin tone
• Sleep better
• Decrease depression
• Help with the disability
• Improve medical condition
• Strengthens muscles

Think Safety and Be Prepared.  

• Warm up with gentle stretching exercises.
• Start slow and build gradually.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, water only.
• Be aware of any signs of difficulty. Stop immediately if there’s shortness of breath or pain.
• Make sure breathing exercises are performed. Inhale and Exhale.
• Don’t get up too quick, avoid dizziness or loss of balance.

Now that you’re loved one is ready to get started involve them in choosing the types of exercise they should do.  There are many different varieties; standing exercises, sitting exercises and lying exercises.  Depending on your loved ones condition should help on deciding which type of exercise works best.

Congrats to Donna Walker as her article was published in the Sept. 3rd issue of Hinsdale Doings. We are happy that she got the recognition she deserves!! Not only is it a great article but also has some great helpful tips.  

A Little Help From Our Friends…

As we age there are milestones that we can’t wait to reach, but has anyone ever heard: “Wow, I can’t wait until I’m a senior citizen!”

Since there are so many issues that face our seniors, it may be affecting the way decisions are made. Medical, financial, transportation or housing woes can be daunting, but with just a little help, life could be a little easier.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! By eating right, taking our medications as prescribed and making sure we have a safe living environment helps avoid trips to the emergency room.

If you are balancing paying for prescriptions versus eating, help is just a phone call away. Meals on wheels will be there when you need it. You absolutely should not skip a meal; food feeds your mind and body. The Meals on Wheels phone is (312) 207-5290. Go on-line to the Eldercare Locator tool at www.eldercare.gov or call them at (800) 677-1116.

If you or your loved one is in need of help with utility bills, prescription saving programs, legal advice or any other services, go to www.benefitscheckup.org or call the National Council on Aging at (202) 479-1200 to see if you qualify.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”

– Albert Einstein.

At some point driving a vehicle is no longer an option; does that mean you are stuck at home? Not at all. If you are located close to shopping or your favorite restaurant, it may be as simple as taking a walk. Exercise is critical to improving strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. If physical limitations are hindering that option, recruit a relative or friend. Many communities have resources which have a guide to help seniors locate transportation. Go to www.agingwellpartnership.org to view the possibilities online.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

– Nelson Mandella.

When it comes to day-to-day living, one of the major topics relates to your home. Most of us would like to stay in our homes where we have raised our children, and where our memories surround us. But if your home is getting too hard to clean, or the stairs are too much to bear when doing laundry, what can you do or who do you call?

There are various options when it comes to in-home care, the cost, the level of care and the security of your loved one. There are many individuals who are here and are working illegally, which may result in loss of finances, elder abuse and lawsuits. Solution, find a reputable licensed agency that does their due diligence so that you have peace of mind in your home or the home of your loved one.

Life is full of challenges and opportunities, we just have to know where to look, who to call and use our voices to ask for help. The lines on our faces, the hair that has turned silver, should be badges of honor of what we have accomplished, what we have learned and how we impact the next generation.

“First you are young; then you are middle-aged; then you are old; then you are wonderful.”

– Lady Diana Cooper.

Donna Walker works with Home & Hearth Caregivers

Flu season has arrived and seniors should be prepared. With all the attention on the H1N1 virus and with the flu season already on its way, there’s no better time than now for seniors to get their flu shots.

There are 226,000 Americans who are hospitalized with flu each year and over 30,000 people die because of the flu or its complications according to CDC. Seniors who have chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems have a high risk of being affected. Seniors are more likely to get sick because as people age, their immune systems get weaker and don’t respond as well.

What is Flu?

It is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

Symptoms of the flu

• High Fever/Chills
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Headaches
• Muscle Aches
• Sore Throat
• Constant Coughing/Dry Cough  

Pneumococcal Pneumonia is another vaccine that seniors should also protect themselves against. Seniors over 64 years old and others with increased susceptibility to infections such as diabetes, chronic disorders of the lung or heart and cirrhosis should get vaccinated. Seniors who plan to get the flu shot can get the vaccination at the same time and will more than likely be also covered by Medicare.

Seniors should contact their doctor today to get their flu shots or visit a clinic or any drugstore chains that offer flu vaccinations. Medicare will cover the cost of the shot so don’t wait until you get sick. Also CVS and Walgreens are offering free flu shots to the unemployed and uninsured.  For all other consumers Walgreens will charge $24.99 for injections and $29.99 for a nasal spray version. 

It’s your life take care of your body and health…..