Sentimental Journals
Sentimental Journals by Annette Pang, Relationship Life Coach from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Medicare: Don’t Leave Home Without It!
Medicare: Don’t Leave Home Without It! by Martha Khlopin, Radio Host of “Morning Drive With Martha” from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Exercise Your Reading Muscles This Summer
Exercise Your Reading Muscles This Summer by HSPLS Library Development Services Staff from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
American Cancer Society Builds Hope
American Cancer Society Builds Hope by Cathy Alsup, CFRE, American Cancer Society Hawai‘i Pacific from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Hawai‘i Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative
Hawai‘i Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative by Christy Nishita, Ph.D., Interim Director and Researcher, UH Center on Aging from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
SSA News for Same-Sex Couples
SSA News for Same-Sex Couples by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Do You Know A Medicare Hero?
Hero: “a person of distinguished courage or ability, who has performed a heroic act, and is regarded as a model or ideal.” I think every longtime Medicare beneficiary fits this definition. Some deal with their own chronic illness, pain and health threats while they...Family Peacekeeping
In the heat of the moment, worn-out family caregivers’ words can offend, bully or sting: “How come I am the only one at Mom’s when she trips and falls between one and five a.m.? “Why do you get to live rent-free at Mom’s home? “Dad just spits out your tough stew...How to Celebrate the “Sage” in You
Sage is not just a spice — it also means a wise person. How do the Sages of the community keep that positive attitude and stay healthy? One way is to keep healthy with preventive services available through original Medicare Part B and all the Medicare Health plans in...Catholic Charities Transportation Program
Need assistance with your groceries? Want to meet new people? Or go to a doctor’s appointment? Catholic Charities Hawai‘i Transportation Services may be a perfect transportation solution for you. The program offers trips on Oahu for seniors age 60 and...Baby Boomer: New to Social Security?
If retirement is on your horizon, we can answer your questions about Social Security benefits. Here are some common questions: Q: What can Social Security do to help me plan for my retirement? A: We have two online financial planning tools you can use to make informed...New Ways to View Alzheimer’s Disease
Candy Crowley, CNN chief political correspondent, once said about her mom, who had Alzheimer’s disease in 2012, “I want to tell you how much I miss my mother. I miss her most when I’m sitting across from her.” Crowley, her siblings and numerous families have similar...Disability: Facts and Faces
Perhaps the most misunderstood Social Security program is disability insurance, SSDI. Some people mistakenly think that beneficiaries are “on the dole” and getting easy money for minor impairments. That’s not the case. The Social Security Act has a very strict...Insurance For Grown-Ups
If you remember the term “grown-ups,” it is time to make sure your insurance coverage is aging as gracefully as you are. I volunteer at Kokua Kalihi Valley elderly community center in Honolulu and each month we celebrate birthdays. In December, I celebrated the...MEO is Rolling on Maui
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) is a hub for transportation throughout Maui County. It lives up to its motto: “Helping People… Changing Lives” by coordinating the services of over 20 different agencies and nonprofits, and providing low-cost specialized...Hop On Da Bus!
I greeted few ku¯puna at the bus stop in front of Nordstrom at Ala Moana Shopping Center with one question: “Why do you like riding the bus?” All agreed on a few things — the bus is convenient, a pleasant experience, and a great place to meet new and interesting...Patient Transport is News
For seniors who are frail or disabled, transportation in O‘ahu can be challenging. Doctor’s visits are not that simple — scheduling a care partner to ride along, long waits for pickup, and worrying if there will be a long line at the doctor’s office. Steps and...Medicare and Alzheimer’s Disease
The Hawaii SHIP is repeatedly asked this question, “Does Medicare cover Alzheimer’s Disease?” Medicare’s coverage is based on “medically necessary” procedures, not disease diagnosis. For example, if I go to my doctor and he orders blood to be drawn to see if my...Social Security: Figuring Out Retirement
For almost every American worker, Social Security is “part of the plan” for a secure retirement. Here’s a primer on retirement coverage. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. If you were born in 1929 or later,...Medicare Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some very common questions that people ask our SHIP staff and volunteers. If you have a question, visit our website, call us or schedule an appointment. We have the answers. If you want to help your community, become a SHIP Volunteer — it’s a very satisfying...Live and Die Without Regret
No matter where we stand, when people close to us die, a moment of personal truth emerges based on our perspective. When we lose someone dear to us, we undergo a time of deep connection to those who are still living and to ourselves. We grieve. We rejoice. We replay...Honey, Will You Sign Me Up for Smart911?
Register now for Smart911!™ Already, 1700 O‘ahu residents are signed up for this free program that saves lives, by filing important emergency information with Smart911. 911 dispatchers need callers to give them vital information so they may dispatch EMTs and Firemen...Class of ‘69 Begins the ‘Age of Medicare’
If you graduated from high school in 1969, chances are you’re turning 65 in 2016, or you are already there. Congratulations graduate and welcome to the world of Medicare! If you are 65 and eligible, you may choose to graduate from a commercial health insurance plan to...Your Sweet Recipe for Retirement
Steaming gravy, savory stuffing and sweet potatoes — four types of pie for dessert: pumpkin, apple, sweet potato, and pecan. Every family has its Thanksgiving dinner traditions and recipes to create a perfect holiday meal. If you fail to plan or measure your...Did You Claim Your Medicare Rewards?
You read the title of this column correctly. Many Medicare plans are launching reward and incentive plans. Points earned can be redeemed for prizes or gift cards. Incentives are awarded for healthy activities that result in positive health outcomes. You could earn...Women and Social Security
Social Security values and appreciates women. Men and women with identical earnings histories receive the same benefits, yet women should know about certain trends, differences in lifestyle and patterns of earnings that may affect their benefits. For example, some...From a Fighting to a Forgiving Family
Did I hear right? “My brother threw a shoe at my mom.” “My sister cracked a dinner plate over my head.” “My brothers stopped giving me my inheritance.” “My mother hates me, favors my brother, even if I’m her primary caregiver.” “No one thanks me for what I do.” These...Family Peace is Important to Elders
You knew one day you and your family would be taking care of Mom or Dad. Yet, your family feels pinched; nothing is coordinated. Blame and guilt bubble up because you don’t know how to work as a care team. Lack of agreement, finances and rivalry causes stress. Your...It’s My “Nursing Home” and I Live Here!
Legendary singer Diana Ross recently graced the stage of the Neal Blaisdell Center for an amazing evening of Motown hits and so much more. The stunning 71-year-old looked decades younger than her “baby boomer” audience. Ross sauntered down the aisle singing, “I’m...Social Security Turns 80
Eighty years ago, on Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The new law guaranteed a basic income for retirees and, at the time, the unemployed. Over the years, Social Security has expanded its safety net beyond...Senior Foodbox Program: Good & Healthy
What if there was an easy, affordable way to get necessary nutrients for good health, without having to figure it all out yourself? Hawaii FoodBank on O‘ahu is taking applications for the Senior FoodBox Program, an ongoing supplemental food program in addition to the...Oh What a Month
Looking back, the month of July seemed to just fly by (they say time does that as we “mature”). Many of us don’t realize what a monumental month July is. We all enjoy the Fourth of July and celebrating Independence Day or just sleeping in and then relaxing by the...Senior Housing – Can I Afford It?
There are a lot of housing options available for seniors in Hawai‘i, but they all have their own rules, costs, types of services and levels of care. The most common housing options are retirement communities, assisted living, nursing homes, CCRCs and ARCHs. It can get...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...Decisions to Make as You Age
Where am I going to live as I age and will I need more assistance? Many feel overwhelmed with uncertain options, lack of assistance, decreasing energy and concern about financial burdens. What should I do? Most keep on living their lives without a plan. Some will get...Tips for Navigating Health Care Systems
Are you a family caregiver — taking care of your parents and also your own keiki? Understanding health care can be a challenge, whether you live with that family member or provide long-distance assistance. In the 2014 AARP Caregiver Survey of Hawaii Registered Voters,...Helping as a Representative Payee
If you handle the finances for a Social Security beneficiary or know someone who may need help managing benefits, you may consider applying to become a representative payee. A representative payee is someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income...New Name – Still Great Volunteer Experience
April is recognized as National Volunteer Appreciation Month. Then May is Older Americans Month and the theme this year is “Get into the Act.” Our SHIP volunteers have been getting into the act through delivering community presentations, providing information at...Companion Program Helps Aging in Place
The importance of independence is ever apparent especially as we age. The Senior Companion Program is a vital community-based support service that enables frail kupuna to remain independent and live in their homes. The Senior Companion Program is under the Department...Afraid to Downsize? Get Organized First!
As Realtors, Certified Aging in Place Specialists and Senior Real Estate Specialists, we help our clients connect with professionals who can help them downsize to a more manageable home. Often clients in large homes want to simplify their lifestyle. But one look at...Do You Know IRMA?
Millions of Medicare beneficiaries with Original Medicare or other Medicare health plans understand the costs associated with their Medicare Part B coverage. The premium for Medicare Part B is usually deducted from the beneficiary’s social security payment, or can be...Social Security Brain Teasers
Test your knowledge or learn a few things today — with this in mind, tease your brain with these bits of Social Security trivia: When was the Social Security Act signed into law, and who signed it? When did Social Security begin paying disability benefits? Is there...Protect Your Property and Loved Ones
The older we get, the more closely we look at our finances, real estate and family. Thinking about our home, who will inherit it and how will we want to be remembered. Estate planning, the next step in this thought process, can be very confusing and overwhelming....Medicare Enrollment Periods and COBRA
It is February and if you have not signed up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period and you are not covered by an active employer group health plan, you still may enroll until Mar. 31. Your coverage for Medicare Part B will begin July 1st and you...Social Security Fights Against Fraud
If you’re like most people, you protect what’s valuable to you. To protect your family financially, you buy health and life insurance. To protect your home, you get homeowner’s insurance, a security alarm, or perhaps a large dog. You hide your jewelry in a safe place...MS. Medicare “Age of Elegance” Pageant
The inaugural Hawai‘i Ms. Medicare “Age of Elegance” pageant held on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki was sponsored by Get2insurance.com. The next Ms. Medicare event will be held in early October 2015. We pray this pilot project will grow...65 And Still On The Job
What do Al Harrington, Tom Moffat and Melveen Leed have in common? All are over 65 and still actively working. Al Harrington, entertainer, healer and educator, says he qualifies for employer health coverage through the Screen Actors Guild. In a recent community PSA,...Your Spouse May Be Covered
If your spouse does not earn income or earns less than you do, he/she (including a samesex spouse) may be entitled to Social Security spouse’s benefits, based on your record. Perhaps one spouse earned significantly more or worked longer than the other. Maybe one...Will I Outlast My Money?
With Hawai‘i’s aging population and the majority living longer, we all start to worry about our financial security. How will I pay for my future expenses on a fixed income after retirement? Who will support me when I run out of money? What can I do to prepare myself?...Getting Ready For 2015 And My Medicare
The holidays are quickly coming. We hope that you have all looked at your Medicare options for 2015. If your plan won’t be available, we urge you take action and make the changes that are best for you. If you have not yet made your decision and need help comparing the...Identifying Needs of Older Residents
A survey of 45-64 year-old adults on O‘ahu ranks affordable home health care and housing the greatest needs facing Honolulu seniors. The 2014 AARP Livable Communities Survey in Honolulu, Hawaii of Adults Age 45+ identifies needs of older residents as well as gaps in...Premium Senior Services
Caring for our aging loved ones doesn’t have to be a strain on our daily lives. Not when Catholic Charities Hawai‘i Premium Senior Services Program (PSS) offers seniors and their families a way to maintain independence and get relief for busy caregivers. Premium...Social Security Helps Veterans
November 11, Veterans Day, is a time to honor the men and women who risk their lives to protect our freedom. Join us in saluting the men and women of the armed forces. Be sure to say “thank you” to all veterans on this important day. At Social Security’s Wounded...It’s Time: Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (also called the “Annual Enrollment Period”) is each year from Oct. 15th — Dec. 7th. Each year this is your opportunity to do a Medicare Checkup: Will my plan still be available in 2016? Is my plan still affordable (looking at...Is Your Medicare Plan Ending This Year?
Have you reviewed your Medicare Plan this fall? If not, this article is for you. While It is common for a Medicare Advantage organization to add or change benefits each year, sometimes they may need to discontinue a plan altogether. If so, notification must be sent to...Hospice & Part D Prescription Medications
Earlier this year the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) clarified the criteria for determining payment responsibility under the Part A hospice benefit and Part D prescription drug benefit for individuals who are under the Medicare hospice benefit....Solutions to the De-Clutter Dilemma
As Baby Boomers and their parents retire, many are choosing to downsize to a simpler life. With their children out of the nest, many are seeking a more comfortable living environment as they age. Many are choosing to spend their retirement years living in a smaller...Retrofit Your Home for Aging
Most seniors prefer living in the home they know and love, but as tasks become harder and unmanageable, seniors will either hire an in-home caregiver, move in with their children or decide to move to an assisted living facility. Aging-in-place, or moving in with...Housing Assistance Program
The “Golden Years” are sometimes anything but for seniors living on a fixed income and in need of a place to live. Unexpected circumstances and daily challenges can lead to housing instability and place a senior at risk of becoming homeless. Catholic Charities...Medicare and The Working Individual
Take your family for ice cream and you’ll find a variety of flavors. Same with Social Security, most people think of retirement, but that’s like limiting yourself to vanilla. Social Security has a variety of benefits. Know them all online at www.socialsecurity.gov....Medicare and The Working Individual
Are you going to stop working when you are 65 years old? If you are like some people in Hawaii — you love your job and you aren’t ready to stop working just because you are eligible for Medicare. What happens then? Do you have to sign up for Medicare? Will you be...Don’t Stress Over Fraud
April is Stress Awareness Month, but one thing that should never cause stress is doing business with Social Security. However, if you fall victim to fraud, it can really stress you out, not to mention damage your credit score and wallet. We encourage you to be...Real Property Tax Credits for Homeowners
The City and County of Honolulu offers a real property tax credit to property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements. If you qualify, the maximum real property tax owed would not exceed 3% or 4% of your income, depending on your age. What are the Eligibility...East O’ahu’s Hidden Gem for Adult Day Care
Tucked away in Niu Valley, Kilohana Senior Enrichment Center is a little-known resource for East O‘ahu families. The adult day care is operated by Arcadia, Oahu’s only provider of continuum care. For almost 50 years, Hawai‘i’s families have looked to Arcadia as a...Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: A Tale About Medicare Eligibility
The Hawaii SHIP office recently received a call from a woman who left the message, “I looked in the mirror this morning and this young 50 year old was looking back at me. Then my high school classmate called and asked if I had enrolled in Medicare yet? I realized I...Social Security: Ring in the New Year With a COLA
May people ring in the new year with champagne. People who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) got to ring it in with a COLA. This year, more than 60 million Americans are receiving a 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) in their...Finding Funds for Long-Term Care
Preparing for aging and care is not easy and many do not anticipate the costs associated with long-term care. Some of us assume that relatives will be able to provide care, however this doesn’t always pan out. Those who are not prepared for long-term care costs are...Start a New Tradition with Social Security
The holiday season has arrived — a time of year that is steeped in tradition. We’d like to suggest that you start a new tradition. It actually starts with breaking the old tradition of trudging to an office when you need to do business with Social Security. Sometimes...8 Things on My Medicare To-Do List
Planning ahead for 2014, made me stop and ponder for a moment … what are the things that are really important to me? First thing that came to my mind was my family. Second was the health of my family and myself. This article is dedicated to Medicare recipients and...Medicare: Making the Most of Your Health & Drug Plan
Congratulations! You have made your decision of the Medicare Health and Drug Plan for 2013. For many, this might mean that you stayed with the plan that you had in 2012 and for some, you may have looked at the options available in your area and have enrolled with a...Hawaii Connector Must Be Consumer Friendly, Accountable and Sustainable
Beginning in January 2014, Hawai‘i residents who are without health insurance, small businesses, and those who are self-employed will be able to be covered by insurance purchased through an online marketplace known as the Hawaii Health Connector. The Connector was...All You Need is Love . . .
What can brighten the day of a hospice patient with no one to visit them or a person going through chemotherapy? With a cold nose and furry smile, the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Joy Ambassadors help to spread cheer as part of the pet visitation program. Volunteers and...Caregiving & Medicare
As the air cools and the mango trees produce the last of their fruit, we approach the fall season and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. November is also National Caregivers Month. These are both very important times for individuals with Medicare and our unsung...Share a Tip with Your Favorite Senior
While the Baby Boom era is behind us, its effects live on. The number of people reaching the autumn season of life is higher than ever. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that there are around 600 million people aged 60 and older living in the world today....Caregiver Burnout
In a 2012, 15 percent of Hawai‘i’s population was 65 years and older. This statistic continues to increase; and as part of our culture in Hawai‘I to care for our loved ones, many families have assumed the role of caregiver. Being a caregiver can include providing...Caring for Yourself: Kidney Disease Update
What would you do if you were told you might be sick, or might become sick, even though you feel fine, have no symptoms of which you are aware, and think that you are generally in “good health?” Would you bother to do anything at all under those circumstances? Would...Spouses Have a Significant Benefit
Social Security can be an important financial asset for married couples when the time comes to apply for retirement benefits. In many cases, one spouse may have earned significantly more than the other, or have worked for a longer span of time. Or it could be that one...Medicares’ National Mail-Order Program
On July 1, 2013, Medicare was scheduled to implement a national mail-order program for diabetic testing supplies. The program was designed to offer patients quality supplies at a discounted rate. Rather than having an approved amount of $78 for 100 test strips and...What to Ask When Seeking a Care Home
Choosing a caregiver or nursing home for a family member is one of the most difficult decisions in life. It is a stressful, consuming task that is often made worse by the fact that a loved one has suffered a medical crisis. You may face great pressure to arrange care...When to Place a Loved One
Making the decision to place a loved one into long-term care can be difficult for families. It wasn’t too long after Maria’s husband had fallen outside of their home did she realize it was time to discuss his long-term care plans with the family. Maria’s family found...Important Changes to Medicare July 1, 2013
We’ve received several calls from individuals who have received letters from the Department of Health & Human Services in Baltimore Maryland titled An Important Message for People with Original Medicare. So questions were asked: Is this letter legitimate? Yes it...Caregivers Role
Little is known of caregivers within our community who provide care to aged and disabled individuals under the Community Care Foster Family Home Program. In fact, at times there is a certain undeserved stigma attached to the profession. So what is the role of Adult...Strong Families Survive
In June we celebrate National Family Month, which is a great time to reflect on your family and how to make it stronger. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reminds us, strong families share many valuable qualities: trust, commitment, communication,...Preference, Dignity, and Choice
Are you or someone you know living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility? Are you interested in moving back home to the community? The Hawai‘i Going Home Plus (GHP)project can help to explore community choices and services available, create a care plan to...Adult Foster Care: A Caring Alternative
Yes. Adult Foster Care, also known as the Community Care Foster Family Home (CCFFH), is a program that offers an alternative long-term care option to individuals who are unable to live independently and in need of medical care. This program was created to prevent the...Social Security: Best Ways to Do Business with SSA
Many people save time by going online to take care of everyday tasks. For example, they shop online to avoid going to crowded malls or stores. They pay bills and check their account balances online to save a trip to the bank. It’s true of Social Security business,...Payments, Lost Pensions and Free Legal Help
Like many retirees and widows, Margaret has been relying on a fixed income. Suddenly, she receives a letter from the pension company stating that her monthly pension of $800 was an error and will be reduced to pay back a $4,000 overpayment. The pension is Margaret’s...How to Re-Enroll in Medicare
As it may happen to some seniors, retirees or other individuals with Medicare, the decision to get off of any health insurance plan is a personal risk. And then deciding to get back on becomes another decision/challenge. Here, a personal friend contacted me asking...Medicare: Staying Healthy
February is “Heart Healthy Month” (and for all of you sweethearts out there, don’t forget Valentine’s Day on February 14th). Taking care of your heart is very important and there are some easy things that each of us can do. Ask your physician what your “healthy...Social Security: W-2s, 1099s and Benefits
April’s showers bring more than just May’s flowers — they also bring the deadline day for filing taxes. Don’t wait until the showers arrive to prepare for tax season. Whether you are a small business owner, a retiree, or a new parent, here are some Social Security tax...What is a Case Manager?
Most travelers will tell you that having a guide when exploring new places can be very helpful. A case manager can be that guide as we begin to explore the options available to us as we age. Case management is a holistic, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to...Good News for Homeowners
The City & County of Honolulu offers a home rehabilitation loan program to owner-occupant homeowners on Oahu, whose incomes do not exceed 80% of the area median income. The loans can be used to repair and correct deteriorated and hazardous conditions on the...Social Security: Report Your Name Change
If you need to change your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you will want to report the change to Social Security. There are several reasons to report the change. One, is that the IRS and Social Security match computer records. If your name on your...Benefits Enrollment Center: Can Help You
The Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) was recently awarded one of 20 Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) Grants nationwide from the National Council on Aging. The BEC grant supports the development of person-centered, community-based system to provide outreach, and to help...AARP: Long-Term Care Awareness
AARP Hawai’i’s Top Legislative Priority in 2013 In a state with a high cost of living — where one in five residents will be 65 or older by 2032 — island residents are worried about paying for long-term care. In Hawai‘i, costs range from $17,500 for one year of adult...Insecure? Secure It . . . Online
Question: I’m doing more things online, including shopping and paying bills. What are some things I can do at www.socialsecurity.gov? Answer: Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to take a look at your Social Security Statement, which allows you to check...AARP: Voter Resources
Straight Talk: Social Security & Medicare How long will Hawai‘i residents be able to work as they age? How much should seniors pay for health care? What will future retirees need, and what as a nation can we afford? These are some of the issues at stake this...Kokua Council
The Kokua Council is one of Hawai‘i’s oldest advocacy groups. Kokua Council empowers seniors and other concerned citizens to be effective advocates in shaping the future and well-being of our community. The Council encourages those needing help in advocating for...Understanding Medicare & Medicaid
Navigating the health care system can be challenging, but for more than 9 million people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, it can be especially difficult. Medicare and Medicaid have similar names but they are very different programs. People who are...Don’t Fall Behind!
It is that magical time of the year. The pumpkins are at the open markets, the air is a bit cooler and it’s time for your Medicare Check-Up. You don’t need to see your doctor for this checkup, just sit down and reflect back on the past year. Questions to ask yourself:...