Category: Articles

At Your Service…Vietnam Vets

May 22 to 28, 2017, is a very special commemorative event for all Vietnam vets. By a 2012 presidential proclamation and at the request of the national project director for the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, key Vietnam veteran volunteers joined a state planning committee. Hawai‘i was asked to host not only local events, but also the United States National Vietnam War Commemoration Symposium, Memorial and Celebration, with participation by American dignitaries and military representatives from all of the countries that supported U.S war efforts in Vietnam. Last year, Gov. David Ige issued a letter of support.

I am a Tet Offensive survivor and a member of this planning committee. Seven planning commitee members and one advisory board member belong to Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), O’ahu Chapter 858. One of my responsibilities is to notify all Vietnam veterans about this weeklong event, May 22 through May 28, 2017, when we will all finally be “welcomed home.”

Core events in Honolulu are a great parade in Waikīkī, a concert, a reception, a taste of Hawai‘i night or a lū‘au, a POW/MIA/Gold Star family dinner or lū‘au, and a memorial ceremony at Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

Maybe you are thinking as I did when I joined this committee — What! Are you kidding? Too little too late! But then I thought, Hmmmm! Better late than never! Please join us May 22 through 28.

If I lived on O‘ahu, I would register this way:

• Go to www.vietnam50years.org/contact

• Type in this message: “I AM ONLY GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE AND THE PUNCHBOWL CEREMONY WHICH ARE FREE. PLEASE ADVISE ON HOW TO REGISTER.”

• DO NOT sign up or pay for anything else.

• Then register on this website: www.dod.hawaii.gov/ovs/50th-anniversary-vietnam/

If I were not on O‘ahu, I would search online for an air/hotel/car rental package that fits my budget, then follow the steps above to register.

If you want to march with VVA Chapter 858 in the parade in Waikīkī, please contact me.

Rona Adams, president, VVA O‘ahu Chapter 858
ronaadams@hawaii.rr.com | 808-524-6231

At Your Service…Vietnam Vets by Capt. Rona Adams, RN, US Army Nurse Corps, Vietnam from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Serving Senior Veterans

Mr. Hiram Hagiwara, 2015 442nd RCT, 100th Battalion recipient of the French Medal of Honor. His caregiver, Sebastian Adam, said, “It was a privilege to spend time with and care for such a stellar man — not only a client, but a cherished friend. He is missed.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide variety of programs and services for the nation’s 23 million veterans. Today close to 121,007 veterans live in Hawai‘i. Of these, 50,139 (41.4 percent) served during WWII, Korea and Vietnam, according to the “National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics” (Community Survey) 2014 report. Every year on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, we pay tribute and salute these extraordinary men and woman who made the highest sacrifice by risking their lives for us.

As this amazing generation of seniors ages, it is our turn to thank them. If we hold our country’s veterans in such high esteem, it’s important to care for them with the utmost dignity and respect. “It’s overwhelming when meeting with these incredible heroes — their service of valor and bravery is unrivaled,” said Janet Grace, sales and marketing director at Attention Plus Care. “Being in their homes, hearing remarkable stories of blood and battle, and seeing the incredible contributions they’ve made out of their love for this country is truly mindboggling.

“I’m always on the edge of my seat in awe,” said Janet. “As a proud Navy veteran myself, the privilege to meet and discuss home care options with these precious seniors is so rewarding.”

There is an understood responsibility and collaborative effort from various healthcare providers to ensure that our treasured veterans, and their families have access to the highest quality of patient safety and care available.

“The amount and type of care are different for each person, and it is important to know that home health agencies providing direct or indirect skilled nursing and therapeutic services are held to a higher standard, and must be licensed and regulated by the State of Hawai‘i,” said Ivani Phillips, RN and client service supervisor at Attention Plus Care. “A registered nurse can oversee and manage a veteran’s care plan, work with their healthcare provider, understand their diagnosis, help manage chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and assess strategies to minimize risks as patients perform daily activities. Many combat heroes need assistance with tasks like ambulation when using a walker. Post physical trauma and injuries from service days may dictate a higher level of skilled care to manage colostomy, Hoyer lift and catheter care.”

In Hawai‘i, only home care companies licensed by the state Department of Health may provide VA care services. A licensed care company is a valuable resource for homebound veterans. Mahalo to all of Hawai‘i’s veterans — we salute you!

ATTENTION PLUS CARE Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
 808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com

Available monthly:
Aging in Hawaii Educational Outreach Program by Attention Plus Care — A program to provide resources for seniors and their families, instructed by a registered nurse, who covers a different aging topic each month.
For more information on upcoming topics, contact us at 808-440-9356.

Serving Senior Veterans by Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
When You Gotta Walk – Walk

I met Sharon and Randy Reynolds, both in their 60s, on a Saturday afternoon at a Starbucks in Ewa Beach. They are avid walkers with their daughter, Kimberly, and they participate in several charity walks throughout the year, including the 2014 Making Strides (against breast cancer) of Hawai‘i (see photo).

How important is exercise to you? What do you do?

For Sharon and Randy, walking is much more than a simple form of exercise.

“We walk a lot,” said Randy. “But it’s more for the charity part than the walking part,” said Sharon. They are former members of the Lions Club and have participated in charity walks since 1994.

They also spend a lot of time walking because “if we want to go anywhere, we have to walk,” said Sharon. They also use The Bus. But since they live about a half-mile from the nearest bus stop, even taking The Bus requires a bit of exercise.

“It’s not set out to be ‘we are going out for a walk,’ because that’s boring,” said Sharon. “if we are doing it because we have to, then it becomes a chore.”

“It becomes work,” Randy chimed in.

“If you are going for enjoyment, then it is a different story,” Randy concluded.

What do you eat so you can walk better?

“We eat fresh vegetables and salads,” they both said in agreement.

When You Gotta Walk by Stephanie Kim, Generations Magazine Intern from the DecJan 2017 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Serving Our Country

One of the best parts of being on the staff of Generations Magazine is that I have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful families. Quite often, I receive calls and emails from people who have a “story” to tell me, and it is very hard to write about everyone I meet or every event I attend.

Donna Cadiente and Armand Bartolome

Back in June of this year, I received an email from Donna Cadiente, who said that her father was a presidential chef for Presidents Truman and Eisenhower as part of his tour of duty in the Navy. He was aboard the presidential yacht, in the White House and at the presidential retreat camp, now called “Camp David,” after President Eisenhower’s son — that’s what Armand told me. His memories of living in the Philippines, being drafted in the United States Navy, and working in Washington, D.C., back in 1946 are still strong. His tour of duty also sent him to Seattle, Taiwan, California and Hawai‘i.

I enjoyed talking with Armand, and saw his eyes twinkle when he smiled and laughed at me — hey, he’s the one with the funny disposition.

Armand retired from the Navy, apprenticed at Pearl Harbor to become a marine machinist and retired at age 60 to babysit his grandchildren. His daughters say that at almost 88 years old, he now spends his days at St. Francis Adult Day Care, where he enjoys playing solitaire while the ladies enjoy his company. Armand served our country in more ways than one!

Stories for and about seniors and their caregivers are always worth sharing, such as 100th birthday announcements.
Send your stories and photos to Sherry Goya.
808-722-8487 | SGoyaLLC@aol.com

Serving Our Country by Sherry Goya, Generations Magazine Staff from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
We Salute Veterans Every Day

Every day is Veterans Day at Social Security. An expedited process for Social Security disability applications is available to any military service member who became disabled during active duty on or after Oct. 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurred — at home or in the line of duty. Expedited processing is also available to veterans who have a compensation rating of 100 percent — permanent and total disability (P&T) — regardless of when it occurred. Some dependent children and spouses of military personnel may also be eligible for benefits.

Visit our Wounded Warriors website, www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors, for answers to commonly asked questions and additional information about disability benefits available under the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. See our fact sheet: “Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors.”

You can also find the “Social Security for Wounded Warriors” webinar on expedited disability benefits for veterans and active duty military personnel online at www.socialsecurity.gov/socialmedia/webinars.

Keep in mind that the requirements for disability benefits available through Social Security are different from those of the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. Read our publication, “Military Service and Social Security,” to learn more. It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Thank you to all our nation’s brave veterans!

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office,
call from 7am–7pm, Mon–Fri:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) 
www.socialsecurity.gov

We Salute Veterans Every Day by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
How to Chill Hot and Spicy…

As a relationship coach, I find that one of the biggest problems for family caregivers is communication collapse, especially when talking with family members and parents who are aging, ill or dying. Seemingly simple topics, such as how to wash dishes or how to celebrate a birthday, can explode into a hot confrontation.

As an imperfect human, I often feel impatient, too. What sets me apart from my clients is that I know how to patch things up and return to peace.

What technique helps you keep your conversations authentic and relevant, but still kind? Here are things that don’t work: force, bullying, clamming up, stuffing your feelings or crying yourself to sleep.

Trained coaches lead vision exercises so clients can picture themselves in career or home situations as high-level communicators and peacekeepers. In groups and private sessions, vision therapy yields “aha moments.” Caregivers can then approach their present situation differently, boost their inner game and learn to communicate peacefully. Accountability comes from and answering uncomfortable questions, such as, “What was my tone of voice” or “How did others react to my gestures?”

The key to ending arguments is to accept imperfections and apply proven approaches and new mindsets. Rivalries don’t get resolved when the referee is frail. As mature adults, now is the time to appreciate siblings’ personalities. Family members can enjoy a sweet reunion during a loved one’s transition when they put aside the hot and spicy behaviors of their teenage years.

LIFE COACH VILLAGE, LLC
808-372-3478 | www.annettepang.com 
www.legendarywisdoms.com/senior-caregiver-coaching/

How to Chill Hot and Spicy by Annette Pang, Relationship Life Coach from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Rollover Your IRA for Good

If you are 70½ or older, rather than simply take your withdrawal this year, you can direct your IRA administrator to distribute a gift from your IRA to a 501(c)3 charity. Any amount you transfer counts against your required minimum distribution (RMD), but does not increase your income. You can direct up to $100,000 to your favorite charitable causes this year.

Three Reasons for Making a Rollover Gift

1) If you take the standard deduction on your income taxes and make charitable gifts, you receive no tax benefit on an outright gift. In effect, you pay taxes on your charitable gifts.

2) Donors who do itemize deductions can reduce their taxable income and may even be able to switch to the standard deduction if it is greater than their itemized deductions.

3) Making an IRA rollover gift may reduce your provisional income under Social Security (and thereby reduce income tax that might otherwise be required on Social Security benefits). You might want to check with your tax advisor to see if this situation affects your taxes.

Making an IRA rollover gift is very easy. Contact your IRA administrator. Because of the popularity of the rollover, most administrators provide forms and a convenient procedure to help you make a rollover gift.

If you have questions, give us a call.

NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF HAWAII
808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org 
For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

Rollover Your IRA for Good by Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
To ‘B’ or Not to ‘B’

That is the question many Medicare beneficiaries are asking when they become eligible for Medicare insurance due to age. Beneficiaries collecting social security cash benefits (available as early as 62) are generally notified a few months before their 65th birthday that they are scheduled for enrollment into Medicare Part A & Part B, unless they opt out.

Those who are not receiving cash benefits must apply on their own and only receive enrollment guidance by contacting social security. For most beneficiaries who meet eligibility rules, the 2016 standard monthly Part B premium is $121.80. However, Part B premiums are income-adjusted. High earners may pay more. Medicare beneficiaries who work at a company with 20 or more employees and have group health insurance through their job or as a dependent spouse may choose to delay Part B. Their group coverage covers Part B services. Yet, some employers require a dependent spouse to take Medicare Part A & Part B after aging into Medicare to remain in the retiree group plan. Medicare may become primary in that situation and the group retiree plan becomes a secondary payor. There is no one-size-fits-all in the Medicare universe. To avoid potential penalties or gaps in coverage, contact your company’s benefits specialist or Social Security to discuss your specific situation and steps. So to take Medicare Part B or not to take Medicare Part B — that is the question.

MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA A radio program with Martha Khlopin
KHNR-690AM:  Saturdays, 2pm-2:30pm , Sundays, 9:30am-10am
808-230-3379 | getmartha@aol.com

To ‘B’ or Not to ‘B’ by Martha Khlopin, Host of “Medicare Moment with Martha” from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
The Sons & Daughters of the 442nd RCT

The Sons & Daughters was established in 1993 as a chapter of the 442nd Veterans Club, which is made up of Nisei veterans who fought two battles in World War II.

“We will never forget the dedication, sacrifice and courage of our fathers,” the Sons & Daughers website states. “It is through their accomplishments that we are here today.”

The nation’s highest award for combat valor, the Medal of Honor, was conferred upon 21 members of the 100th Infantry battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of World War II.

On Oct. 5, 2010, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion, as well as the 6,000 Japanese-Americans who served in the Military Intelligence Service during the war.

In 2012, the surviving members of the 442nd RCT were made chevaliers of the French Légion d’Honneur for their actions contributing to the liberation of France during World War II and their heroic rescue of the Lost Battalion outside of Biffontaine, France.

Sons & Daughters Honolulu club President Grace Fujii said that their work involves supporting Nisei veterans and helping preserve the history of the 442nd RCT, the most highly decorated unit in U.S. military history.

This past year, they assisted at the 73rd annual banquet of the 442nd veterans and began planning for a memorial boulder at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. They are now exploring the possibility of reinstating the docent program at Punchbowl and will participate in events this December for the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Regular membership is for all lineal descendants of a World War II soldier of the 442nd RCT and associate membership is available to those who are interested in the 442nd.

“We welcome new members at any time,” said Grace. “It’s a great way to become involved in community activities, remember our veterans and learn about our World War II history.” To learn more, email or call the club.

442ND VETERANS CLUB
933 Wiliwili St., Honolulu HI 96826
808-949-799 | sons-daughters@442SD.org

The Sons & Daughters of the 442nd RCT by Stephanie Kim, Generations Magazine Intern from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Picture Bride: A Historical Novel

Picture Bride is a remarkably engaging read, and from a historical sense, a body of research that brings to the forefront something that has escaped attention — Japanese-American culture. Everyone in Hawai‘i should read it!

The immigration experience of Issei Japanese workers at the turn of the century has been documented, as well as the valor of their Nisei descendants, the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 552nd Artillery Battalion and 232nd Combat Engineer Company.

Author Mike Malaghan’s wife, Tomoko, helped him interpret Japanese cultural values of the first immigrants —attributes that later made them American patriots integral to the U.S. and Allied war against the Nazi’s in Europe and the Japanese Imperial Army in Asia.

The protagonist, Haru, narrowly escapes sexual servitude in Amakusa, Japan, before becoming “picture bride” to a Buddhist priest, ministering to workers at Parker Ranch in Waimea on Hawai‘i Island. Mild and polite, but intelligent and strategic, Haru delicately navigates her community through plantation strikes and government opposition to Japanese language schools.

She supports her family with her passion for American freedom, noble aspects of Buddhism, and Japanese respect for knowledge and mastery. Her three sons honor her legacy as Nisei soldiers.

The book is available at:
– Local bookstores ($19.95 for softcover, prices may vary)
– www.Amazon.com (Kindle version is $8.99)
– Legacy Isle Publishing (an imprint of Watermark Publishing):
 www.bookshawaii.net
 808-587-7766 | toll-free: 866-900-BOOK

Picture Bride: A Historical Novel by Generations Magazine Staff from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Walking on an Underwater Treadmill

Underwater treadmills (UTM) are revolutionizing physical therapy and fitness. Top athletes are utilizing UTM or treadmill pools for peak performance or speedy recovery after an injury. Underwater walking is very different from land-based walking, especially regarding shock absorption, energy expenditure and muscle activity.

Those with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) often avoid walking for exercise due to increased pain. In a study at Utah State University, OA patients reported a 140 percent increase in pain during land treadmill exercise compared to pain experienced during UTM sessions.

UTM users can exercise much longer against water resistance, increasing oxygen consumption and calorie burning.

Muscle activity is also higher, leading to greater hip, leg and foot strength, as well as improvements in core muscle groups throughout the body.

Many physical therapy clinics and athletic training rooms offer these systems — either self-propelled or motorized.

MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu HI 96814
Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy and  Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

Walking on an Underwater Treadmill by Julie Moon, Physical Therapist from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Secret Money for Veterans

Many veterans believe that they have to have suffered an in-service disability to qualify for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ monetary benefits. This is a common misconception.

Depending on their health status, income and assets, many senior veterans and their dependents or surviving spouse can qualify for not only basic “Improved Pensions” based on low income, but also for supplemental benefits. The supplemental benefits are called “Housebound Benefits” and “Aid & Attendance Benefits.”

PENSION BENEFITS

To qualify for any of these pension benefits, the veteran (or surviving spouse, based on the veteran’s military service record) must satisfy the following general criteria:

• The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty.

• At least one of the 90 days of active duty must have been during wartime. Dates have been officially defined for the beginning and end of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict. The Gulf War, which began Aug. 2, 1990, is not concluded yet.

• The veteran must have received a discharge other than dishonorable.

• The claimant and household must have limited income and assets.

• The claimant must have a permanent and total disability at the time of application (note that a surviving spouse can qualify for a basic low-income pension without being disabled, but the veteran must be disabled — although the disability does not have to be related to wartime or military service).

• The disability must have been caused without the willful misconduct of the claimant and must not have been due to alcohol or drug abuse.

HOUSEBOUND & A&A BENEFITS

As the name implies, Housebound Benefits are payable when the claimant is substantially confined to his or her home because of permanent disability. To qualify for Aid & Attendance Benefits, the claimant must:

• Require the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions for everyday living  (such as bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, transferring from bed to a wheelchair or dealing with incontinence), OR

• Be bedridden, in that he or she must remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment, OR

• Be a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, OR

• Be blind or have very poor vision.

Applying for these supplemental benefits is not a quick or simple process, and you may want to enlist the help of a veterans’ assistance organization or a specially-trained individual. Note that whoever assists with the application cannot charge a fee for that service. However, if the individual or organization performs other services, fees may be incurred.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE, Counselor at Law
Focusing exclusively on estate planning and trust law.
www.est8planning.com
O‘ahu: 808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com

Secret Money for Veterans by Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life

Category: Articles

Three Reasons for Making a Rollover Gift

PENSION BENEFITS

HOUSEBOUND & A&A BENEFITS