Category: Articles

  • What Legacy Will You Leave?

    You may be surprised to learn that an estimated 70 percent of American adults have not yet made a will or trust, even though these documents are vitally important to all individuals and families. For those who never complete their estate plans, the government will apply a series of laws that may or may not be what is desirable for the families or heirs.

    You may also be surprised to learn that those who check out planned giving as part of the will and trust process often discover opportunities that not only help their favorite charity, but also provide added benefits for themselves and their families. Even those who already have made plans may find that working with a qualified charity can provide additional benefits they never knew were available.

    Years ago, when I was a estate planning lawyer, I discovered that people would approach this subject with foreboding, only to end up feeling good and relieved after completing their plans. Many of them actually enjoyed the process, and the peace of knowing their lives were in order and their families were better off for the planning.

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii is offering a free “Wills Guide” packed with helpful information to consider before making an appointment with your attorney. It is our way of encouraging you to take the first step towards leaving your legacy. Should you like a free copy, please call me at 808-589-5976 or send an email requesting the guide to jeff@kidneyhi.org.

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    You may be surprised to learn that an estimated 70 percent of American adults have not yet made a will or trust, even though these documents are vitally important to all individuals and families. For those who never complete their estate plans, the government will apply a series of laws that may or may not…

  • Real Property Tax Credits for Homeowners

    Property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements may apply to the City and County of Honolulu for a real property tax credit to reduce their property taxes. Depending on your age, you may qualify for a tax credit equal to the amount of taxes owed for the 2015 and 2016 tax year that exceed 3 or 4 percent of the total of the titleholders’ income. For homeowners 75 or older, the rate is 3 percent. If approved, the tax credit will be applied to the July 1, 2016 –June 30, 2017, tax year.

    What are the eligibility requirements?

    • Homeowner must have a home exemption for the 2015 and the 2016 tax years.
    • Titleholders of the property cannot own other property anywhere.
    • The combined income of all titleholders for the 2014 calendar year does not exceed $60,000.

    How do I apply for this tax credit?

    Applications are available at:

    Applications must be filed by Sept. 30, 2015, and must be filed annually. For further information, please call 808-768-3205.

    *Information subject to change without notice.

    Tax Relief Office
    808-768-3205| bfstreasmailbox@honolulu.gov

    Property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements may apply to the City and County of Honolulu for a real property tax credit to reduce their property taxes. Depending on your age, you may qualify for a tax credit equal to the amount of taxes owed for the 2015 and 2016 tax year that exceed 3…

  • Four Generations Big

    As I was thinking about how many seniors don’t use email or the web, it occurred to me that perhaps they don’t have children or grandchildren who “insist” on training them. So I checked out a couple of places that specialize in teaching seniors computer skills.

    Four Generations Big
    Bilingual System Links, LLC

    One is Bilingual System Links LLC, which has classes personalized for seniors 60 and over in both English and Japanese. Students may bring their personal laptop, iPhone, tablet or smartphone. The instructors are very patient, speak clearly and allow students to work at their own pace. Beginners may choose to learn the basics of keyboard typing, Microsoft Word formatting, and how to save and file documents for easy retrieval. They also offer instruction on safe use of Internet/email and computer basics for Mac or PC. Intermediate level students can learn Excel, Powerpoint, Facebook, YouTube and Skype, etc. Classes are small and students learn theories and practice hands-on. Call 808-952-0712 or visit www.BSL808.com.

    The Emeritus College at     HCC

    The Emeritus College at Honolulu Community College offers adults 55-plus a wide range of computer-related courses throughout the year taught by volunteer instructors. Tuition fees are used to cover the costs of the facilities, equipment and maintenance services for the program. Class offerings include the “basics”— Internet, email, Excel, Word, Windows, iPad and other fun workshops. Senior instructors know how to work with their senior students and enjoy the interactions. Joining the Emeritus Senior Club offers member discounts for classes and includes the Open Computer Laboratory. For a course schedule and full details, call 808-845-9296. General information is available online at www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/node/387

    If you’re on the Neighbor Islands, check with your local senior center for classes — you might just find more things to be interested in.

    Whichever classes you decide to take, you will be pleased with the knowledge and care of all instructors. Don’t be afraid of the computer, because it will probably bring you closer to your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Be fearless as you join them in the “computer age!”

    Stories for and about seniors and their caregivers are
    always worth sharing, like a 100 birthday announcement,
    send it to me, Sherry Goya, with a photo.
    808-722-8487 | SGoyaLLC@aol.com

    As I was thinking about how many seniors don’t use email or the web, it occurred to me that perhaps they don’t have children or grandchildren who “insist” on training them. So I checked out a couple of places that specialize in teaching seniors computer skills. One is Bilingual System Links LLC, which has classes…

  • Reflecting on Governor John A. Burns

    1In midlife, documenting the lives of our ancestors and our own memories suddenly becomes important. Even if our kids aren’t interested — we know someday they will be.

    Brendon Burns, 47-year-old grandson of Hawai‘i Gov. John A. Burns, has applied his writing and journaling skills to an earnest and diligent “look back” at the “greatness” that surrounded his grandfather, the second governor of the State of Hawai‘i, from 1962 to 1974. When Brendon’s dad, retired Appellate Court Chief Judge Jim Burns, had a bout of cancer in 2012, he and Brendon took time to recollect the personalities and dynamics of the governor’s era, and rise to power.

    2Author Burns said, “I realized that it is time to pass on those lessons from his life to the next generation.” For Burns, an educator and principal of ‘Aina Haina Elementary School, the lessons are about leadership and consensus building, wrapped in detailed and well-researched historical context that seniors will remember as irrevocable changes in state politics.

    John Burns’ tough childhood prepared him for grassroots politics, lobbying and assuming the risks of huge economic growth in the early years after statehood. Brendon Burns conceived this book for posterity and brings it to us with much aloha and perspiration. An Aura of Greatness: A Reflection on Governor John A. Burnsis available at local bookstores and online at Amazon:www.tinyurl.com/AnAuraOfGreatness.

    In midlife, documenting the lives of our ancestors and our own memories suddenly becomes important. Even if our kids aren’t interested — we know someday they will be. Brendon Burns, 47-year-old grandson of Hawai‘i Gov. John A. Burns, has applied his writing and journaling skills to an earnest and diligent “look back” at the “greatness”…

  • 5 Tips for Senior Sun Safety

    Summer and family fun is right around the corner! More sunshine not only makes the great outdoors more inviting, but increased UV rays and heat also create a few risks.

    Seniors don’t “feel the heat” the way younger people do and might not be aware of the risks of high temperatures. Physiologically, as we age, our bodies lose some natural ability to regulate temperature, making seniors more susceptible to sunburn, eye damage, dehydration, heat exhaustion and more. With some precautionary steps and healthy personal care, everyone can enjoy the summer sun.

    Five ways to play it safe in the sun:

    • Apply sunscreen early and often throughout the day. Try to apply sunscreen an hour before you head outside. The higher the SPF, the more protection there is. Reapply every two hours.
    • Drink plenty of water. Six to eight glasses per day is recommended; more if you’re engaging in physical activity or it’s particularly hot.
    • Stay indoors between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun is most intense. When outdoors, look for shade, especially during the hottest hours.
    • Some medications cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns about your medication side effects.
    • Wear the right clothing and eye protection. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best. Wear wrap-around sunglasses that protect eyes from both UVA and UVB radiation.

     

    HiHomeCare, 745 Fort Street, Suite 116, Honolulu
    808-356-HELP | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com
    hihealthcarehawaii.com

    Summer and family fun is right around the corner! More sunshine not only makes the great outdoors more inviting, but increased UV rays and heat also create a few risks. Seniors don’t “feel the heat” the way younger people do and might not be aware of the risks of high temperatures. Physiologically, as we age,…

  • Estate Planning for College Students

    I recently received a call from a client who has a daughter attending college on the Mainland. Her daughter had been in a ski-accident and was in the hospital. When the mother called the hospital to find out her daughter’s status, they would not release any information or allow the mother to make any decisions on her daughter’s behalf. You can imagine the mother’s distress, thousands of miles away and helpless.

    This situation is all too common. Once your child reaches age 18, you are no longer entitled to see your child’s medical and financial records or make decisions on their behalf. Therefore, it is important for young adults to appoint trusted individuals to make medical and financial decisions in the event they are unable to do so.

    Few 18-year-olds consider the need for an estate plan, because most have little in the way of property. But if your child were to suddenly lose the ability to make or communicate decisions, they would need a an authorized person to make decisions for them. Your college student will want to consider two important Powers of Attorney:

    An Advance Health Care Directive gives you the ability to act on your child’s behalf with regard to medical decision-making in the event that your child is unable to do so.

    A General Durable Power of Attorney gives you legal authority to act on your child’s behalf regarding financial matters, regardless of whether they are able to make decisions on their own or not. It may be used in matters of both emergency and convenience.

    Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law
    2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu
    808-524-0251 | www.stephenyimestateplanning.com

    I recently received a call from a client who has a daughter attending college on the Mainland. Her daughter had been in a ski-accident and was in the hospital. When the mother called the hospital to find out her daughter’s status, they would not release any information or allow the mother to make any decisions…

  • Asian-Style Mini Turkey Meatloaves

    1

    This recipe works as a quick weekday dinner or as a great pupu ! Adjust the portion size for muffin-size individual portions, tart-sized tantalizing bites or sliders (mini sandwiches made in dinner rolls) by flattening the tart-sized portions before cooking on a baking sheet.

    Ingredients:

    Meatloaf

    • 1-1/2 lbs ground turkey
    • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
    • 3/4 cup thinly sliced green onion (all parts)
    • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (extra for garnish)
    • 1 tablespoon Thai/Vietnamese fish sauce
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (such as Mae Ploy)
    • 1 egg plus 1 egg white, lightly beaten
    • Fresh ground pepper

    Asian BBQ Glaze

    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
    • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy)

    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray a standard-sized cupcake tin with non-stick cooking spray. Or for pupu size, you’ll need a mini-tart sized tin(s), allowing for 30 pieces per recipe.

    In a medium bowl, combine ingredients for the meatloaf, adding the panko last. Shape meatloaf mixture into eight ball-shaped portions and drop each meatloaf ball into individual cups (there will be empty cups if using a standard 12-cup tin).

    Put mini meatloaves into preheated oven and set a timer for 20 minutes. While meatloaf cooks, combine ingredients for the bbq glaze in a small ramekin/cup.

    After 20 minutes, take tin out of oven and lightly mop the top of each meatloaf with the glaze, then return to the oven for five to seven minutes to let the glaze thicken. Remove from the oven and let rest for five minutes; plate individually or on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro for an attractive finish. Enjoy!

    Servings: 8 individual or 30 pupu –sized portions

    Time: 30 minutes

    This recipe works as a quick weekday dinner or as a great pupu ! Adjust the portion size for muffin-size individual portions, tart-sized tantalizing bites or sliders (mini sandwiches made in dinner rolls) by flattening the tart-sized portions before cooking on a baking sheet. Ingredients: Meatloaf 1-1/2 lbs ground turkey 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs…

  • Transition to Care at Home

    Straub Hospital

    “The case manager was excellent in preparing us for the care that my mother needed. She went beyond the call of duty.”

    “I want you to know how grateful we are and how wonderfully helpful, supportive and resourceful your social worker has been — above and beyond, and a tribute to you and the hospital.”

    These notes of mahalo come from patients and family members who are thankful for quality care they received during what can be a very complex situation — hospital discharge and preparing for the tasks of at-home care.

    Hospitals throughout Hawai‘i follow strict guidelines set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission, for training caregivers — with the goal of ensuring the patient’s safety and well being.

    Last year, Consumer Reports Magazine rated Straub Clinic and Hospital as the safest hospital in Hawai‘i. Specifically noted were a low medical mortality, avoidance of infections and the state’s lowest surgical mortality rate.

    Developing a culture of safety requires constant communication among physicians, nurses and everyone involved in the patient’s treatment team. From the moment a patient enters the hospital, a nurse assesses the patient’s support system, residence and daily activities. A hospital case manager also determines any special transition needs, based on individual diagnosis and recovery.

    If a patient is incapable of or uncomfortable with administering their own necessary at-home care, the case manager will ask if a family member, friend or neighbor would be willing and available to serve as a caregiver.

    If none are identified, the case manager will discuss home care visits or short-term placement in a nursing or rehab facility. The patient’s short-term and long-term options are evaluated based on finances, insurance coverage, available community resources and patient/family preference. Then, appropriate services are arranged to coordinate with the patient’s expected date of discharge.

    At-home care support also includes classes and hands-on medication training set up around the patient and caregiver’s schedule. Written instructions and printed educational materials also are provided for patients and caregivers.

    2Communication continues with a review of all at-home arrangements at the time of discharge, and calls to both patient and caregiver within 48 hours, to answer any questions or concerns and make sure they both understand the importance of critical appointments and medications.

    By communicating and working with patients’ and caregivers’ educational needs from admission through recuperation, we are able to better provide a safe environment for the patient, both at the hospital and at home.

    Straub Clinic & Hospital
    808-522-4000 | info@straubhealth.org
    straubhealth.org

    “The case manager was excellent in preparing us for the care that my mother needed. She went beyond the call of duty.” “I want you to know how grateful we are and how wonderfully helpful, supportive and resourceful your social worker has been — above and beyond, and a tribute to you and the hospital.”…

  • Gifts Anyone Can Afford

    Sometimes I am asked by people how they can help our cause without disturbing their finances. Surprisingly, there are ways to accomplish that goal. Each situation is different, so consulting your tax advisor is a good idea. You may wish to consider these ideas:

    •  Designating a charity as a beneficiary in your will or trust is a simple way to commit to a cause you believe in, without affecting your cash flow during your lifetime. Additionally, it’s easy to revoke this type of gift, if your situation or goals change.

    •  Naming a charity as the beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement plan, financial account, annuity or unneeded life insurance policy is another easy way to help while you continue to benefit from these assets during your lifetime.

    •  If you own low-interest assets like bank Cds, you may donate them to charity and receive a Charitable Gift Annuity with an annual payment to you, often with a higher interest rate.

    •  Real estate you no longer need or wish to sell may be given to a charity without impacting your cash flow. You may also benefit from capital gains tax avoidance, while receiving a tax deduction for the gift.

    •  If you own your home and wish to remain living there, you can transfer your home to a charity, while retaining the right to use the home during your lifetime. You may even enjoy the added benefit of an income tax deduction while you live in your home!

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    Sometimes I am asked by people how they can help our cause without disturbing their finances. Surprisingly, there are ways to accomplish that goal. Each situation is different, so consulting your tax advisor is a good idea. You may wish to consider these ideas: •  Designating a charity as a beneficiary in your will or…

  • Prescriptions or Addiction?

    The pharmaceutical abuser looks like you or me … They start running out of their meds. So now, they start going to the doc to get more and more…the doc cuts them off. Then they start visiting the ER, making up injuries … Now they become our problem as law enforcement.”— Keith Kamita, State of Hawai‘i Public Safety Division Narcotics Enforcement from a documentary film that focuses public attention on prescription drug addiction and polypharmacy in the senior population.

    Since last year, prescription drug abuse was responsible for more than 475,000 emergency room visits and 32,329 deaths across America. Over the past 15 years in Hawai‘i, reported fatal drug overdoses in persons 60 and over increased nearly 400 percent; a large portion of these fatalities involved prescription drug abuse.

    For seniors, a critical factor is “polypharmacy,” taking several medications simultaneously and drinking alcohol. Currently, about half of people over 65 take five or more medications per week. About 12 percent take 10 or more.

    Combining alcohol with some agents for hypertension, type 2 diabetes and anxiety — drugs that are all metabolized in the liver — can be deadly. Patients and their doctors have to consider how drugs interact and how they will be taken.

    Alan Johnson, CEO of Hina Mauka, Hawai‘i’s largest drug and alcohol treatment center, reports that this year, 16 percent of the center’s 1,500 adult patients are over 50. This increase mirrors a 35 percent increase in fatal drug poisonings among seniors. He added, “… they’re taking pain medication. The family doesn’t know what to do. Now [grandpa] has this huge addiction and he’s becoming manipulative, he’s in denial, he can’t be managed … That’s very difficult to treat when you’re at that age.” Johnson emphasizes that the longer anyone takes powerful painkillers and anti-anxiety medications, the more they need to get relief. So what are the possible solutions? Most addiction specialists agree that physicians need more training to spot addictive patterns of misuse, abuse and dependency, as well as underlying behavioral issues. Doctors then need to refer patients to therapeutic psychologists who can help them cope with underlying issues.

    Through greater public awareness we may be able to get help for patients who become addicted, reduce the number of fatalities due to drug poisoning, now our number one cause of accidental death in America.

    For a copy of Unprescribed — Prescription for Addiction (58-minute film), call: 808-599-6403 or email: studio@filmworkspacific.com.

    “It is estimated that 2.1 million Americans are addicted to opioid pain killers which reflects the wide spread availability of these drugs. Heroin abuse in our country affects more than half a million Americans, and is driven by individuals switching from prescription opioids to heroin because it is cheaper and easier to access.”

    — Nora D.Volkow, M.D., Director, National Institute for Drug Abuse, NIH

    The pharmaceutical abuser looks like you or me … They start running out of their meds. So now, they start going to the doc to get more and more…the doc cuts them off. Then they start visiting the ER, making up injuries … Now they become our problem as law enforcement.”— Keith Kamita, State of…

  • Where Do Caregivers Find Help?

    You know mom’s getting worse and you’re overwhelmed, with no time to even look for help. Don’t wait until you are running on empty and need help immediately to understand your choices, prioritize needs and know exactly how to select a qualified home health care provider.

    There are experienced home health agencies licensed in Hawai‘i and accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest accrediting body in health care. A licensed and accredited agency meets state and national standards to provide safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. Ask if your current or potential home care company is licensed.

    Many families are surprised to learn about the significant differences between “home care,” and “home health care” agencies in Hawai‘i. Cynthia Baker, BSN, RN, recently explained in a workshop for seniors and caregivers, “Home health agencies that provide direct or indirect skilled nursing and therapeutic services are held to a higher standard and must be licensed and regulated in the State of Hawai‘i. By contrast, home care agencies are not licensed in the state. Both provide important, but very different services.”

    There are many educational seminars being offered these days. As more seniors choose to age in place and be cared for at home, there is greater need for good information on managing the symptoms they may have from chronic disease to natural aging. “Kupuna love being educated, as it helps empower them and their quality of life,” said Baker.

     

    Attention Plus Care, Accredited by The Joint Commission
    1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com

    You know mom’s getting worse and you’re overwhelmed, with no time to even look for help. Don’t wait until you are running on empty and need help immediately to understand your choices, prioritize needs and know exactly how to select a qualified home health care provider. There are experienced home health agencies licensed in Hawai‘i…

  • Someone’s Knocking at The Door

    “Someone’s knockin’ at the door, somebody’s ringin’ the bell, do me a favor, open the door and let them in.” Chances are, if you recognize the lyrics to “Let Them In,” written by McCartney, you may have already gotten a knock on the door by a Medicare agent. Few people can recall how Medicare was first sold. Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965, and benefits became effective July 1, 1966. Eligible seniors did not get auto-enrolled; a force of 5,000 workers paid $1.25 per hour for 20 weeks went door to-door to ask them to enroll. In 1966, the Washington Post asked a reporter to shadow a Medicare worker. The reporter observed people who were home but would not answer the door — others slammed the door on the salesperson and a few reluctantly let them in. When asked about their hesitancy to sign up, many replied that they didn’t need it, assumed it was for the poor or that they couldn’t afford the $3 monthly premium. According to Social Security records, approximately 19 million were eligible and 93 percent enrolled in the summer of 1966, making the launch successful. Door-to-door solicitation is no longer allowed, but Medicare beneficiaries can schedule a no-cost, no-obligation home visit by an agent to learn about their Medicare options. So if you schedule an appointment with a Medicare agent, do yourself a favor — open the door and let them in!

    808-543-2073 | getmedicare@aol.com
    www.Get2insurance.com
    A Medicare Moment With Martha
    A radio program with Martha Khlopin
    AM690: Saturdays, 11 am –11:30 am
    99.5FM: Sundays, 10 am –10:30 am

    “Someone’s knockin’ at the door, somebody’s ringin’ the bell, do me a favor, open the door and let them in.” Chances are, if you recognize the lyrics to “Let Them In,” written by McCartney, you may have already gotten a knock on the door by a Medicare agent. Few people can recall how Medicare was…