Category: August – September 2014

Not Just Clowning Around
Have you heard that laughter is the best medicine? Well, it’s no joke. Our bodies love laughter!

When we laugh out loud we create a positive energy that makes us feel less grumpy, happier and more content with our life.

As we age, we are often faced with many challenges surrounding family, finances, and our health — just to name a few.

When we laugh for at least ten minutes a day it provides numerous health benefits.

Laughter improves our oxygen intake, in turn helping keep organs and tissues healthy and strengthens the immune system.

Laughter causes a release of endorphins, characterized as “feel good chemicals.” These endorphins help us to relax and reduce stress levels.

After a good laugh, the heart rate slows and our blood pressure drops naturally, leaving the body in a restful state.

Laughter is great exercise for face muscles.

Laughter lifts spirits and creates a greater sense of well-being.

Laughter can reduce arthritic pain.

So for health’s sake watch funny TV shows and movies, think of funny stories or jokes and share them with others. Smile often and try to find humor in all situations, even the tough ones.

As Bill Cosby once said, “If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it!”

HiHomeCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-356-HELP (4357) | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com
hihealthcarehawaii.com
Have you heard that laughter is the best medicine? Well, it’s no joke. Our bodies love laughter! When we laugh out loud we create a positive energy that makes us feel less grumpy, happier and more content with our life. As we age, we are often faced with many challenges surrounding family, finances, and our…
When Home is Anything But Sweet
Hawaii has the largest number of Homeowner’s Associations (HOA) per capita than other state. In these structured communities, residents agree when purchasing their homes to follow certain rules to ensure a certain quality of life is maintained for residents. They pay monthly fees to maintain amenities like, common areas, landscaping and pools, also other expenses, including hiring lawyers to enforce the rules. Governing body of HOA is the Association Board made up of residents elected to their position and to act in the community’s best interest. These communities, are only as good as the members elected to the Boards. Run well and responsibly, neighborhoods become everything residents desire and more. Run poorly, abuse can occur.

An increasing number of instances nationwide where these Boards, hiding behind the excuse of enforcing the rules, have abused their powers, often times targeted the elder members of their community, using harassment, confusion, shame and fear in order to financially bully them.

One example, when Walter (not his real name) returned home from a trip, he discovered in his mailbox letters from his HOA Board, fining him for not maintaining his lawn — an HOA violation. Since he was comfortable speaking up at previous Board meetings, he ignored the correspondence with the intent of explaining the circumstances of his trip at the next meeting. Before the next meeting, he received a letter from an attorney the Board hired, threatening legal action if Walter didn’t pay not only the original fine, but also the legal expenses the lawyer charged to write the letter. Walter found himself not only the target of the Board that didn’t appreciate his outspokenness, but the subject of a lawsuit demanding thousands of dollars in unreasonable legal expenses.

Actions that can be taken to minimize harm done and protect yourself and home.

If you are being treated unfairly by a HOA:

Learn your HOA’s rules and the consequences.

Know what fee’s you’ve agreed to pay for.

Know how fee increases are set, how often they occur, how much is in the HOA’s reserve fund, and the operating expenses and the budget.

If you feel abuse is occurring:

Keep records: document abuses and keep all your correspondences with your HOA.

The worst thing is refusing to pay HOA fees and not telling your reasons — the risk is foreclosure.
Call the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at 586-2643.

Seek out legal advice from an attorney specializing in defending homeowners from HOA; depending on your circumstances, they may take the case on contingency (pay if you win).

To report suspected elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse
Unit at: 808-768-7536 | ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov
Hawaii has the largest number of Homeowner’s Associations (HOA) per capita than other state. In these structured communities, residents agree when purchasing their homes to follow certain rules to ensure a certain quality of life is maintained for residents. They pay monthly fees to maintain amenities like, common areas, landscaping and pools, also other expenses,…
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. This was done to help prevent duplicate payments. CMS has issued a new guidance that requires denial of Part D claims on the basis of Prior Authorization (PA) for Medicare members who choose the hospice benefit after May 1, 2014.

What is a “prior authorization” of a prescription drug?

This is usually when the Medicare Part D plan will cover a particular drug, but your doctor must first show the plan that it is medically necessary for you to have that particular drug. The plans also do this to be sure that the drugs are used correctly. In this new scenario the Medicare Part D plan must confirm who is responsible for paying for the drug; the hospice benefit or the prescription drug benefit. This will also reduce the number of inaccurate claims.

What medications does hospice benefit pay?

This benefit will pay for medications that ease the suffering and help in pain management in a terminal condition. The Medicare approved Hospice provider will supply the medications and the copayment to the individual will be no more than $5.00 per prescription.

What does Medicare Part D pay for?

Your Part D plan will pay for those maintenance prescriptions not related to the hospice benefit. Medications for things like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Under this new guidance these medications will require prior authorization,

What can I or my caregiver do so that there is not a delay in getting the medications I need?

First, whenever possible order your refills at least seven days before your current prescription runs out. Call your Medicare Part D plan to ask for the forms and process in requesting a “coverage determination”. Talk with your hospice provider or nurse on what prescription drugs are under your hospice benefit.

Please call for more information about this or other Medicare subjects. We have trained and certified counselors available to help navigate the Medicare health care system. If you have a group that would like more information about the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7, 2014) we are available for community presentations and annual Medicare screenings. And always, we are looking for individuals who would like to help their community by becoming a Hawaii SHIP Volunteer.

Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
1-888-875-9229 | 808-586-7299
help@hawaiiship.org | www.hawaiiship.org
For 2014 Medicare updates: www.medicare.gov

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. This was done to help prevent duplicate payments. CMS has issued a new guidance that requires…
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 home, retirement community, or with their adult children. This transition is often too overwhelming and very stressful. With years of memories and accumulated “stuff” in their home, they simply don’t know where to begin. With little to no help available, many aren’t able to make the move so they stay where they are even if they know that other living options would be better for them.

The Good News is, now there is a solution to this growing issue developing in our community of retirees.

Senior Move Managers LLC, also dba De-clutter Hawaii, was formed by Dan and Julie Ihara in October 2010. After years of servicing senior clients in their Real Estate business, they have created efficient, friendly tools that help Seniors downsize their personal belongings. They’ve learned ways that help people de-clutter their home and detach from their personal belongings. In January of 2011, they joined the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) as the first and only Senior Move Management firm in Hawai‘i. Dan’s niece, Cynthia Goya Arnold, is the Vice President of Operations and manages the day-to-day services for their clients. Since the inception, Senior Move Managers has helped hundreds of clients move into Retirement Communities, Condos, as well as helped clear out family Estates where parents have passed on.

We’ve seen it all: from the vacant “hoarder home” to the everyday Senior who has lived in the same home for 80 years. No job is too big, or too small for us to help. We have also been called on to downsize and de-clutter homes to make them safer and more functional for those choosing to stay at home and age in place. No matter what your age, most people can use help with de-cluttering their home. Each client receives customized services based on their personal situation. We do anything to help our clients minimize stress. Seniors like that we’re insured, bonded and nationally certified with the NASMM.

Senior Move Managers offers a free one hour consultation to determine your goals, create a plan and schedule to meet those goals. Senior Move Managers is part of The Complete Solution for Seniors who also helps seniors with finding alternative living environments, improve the value of their home and sell their home for the highest price within your time frame.

We started this business to help families through an often challenging phase of life. As a local, family-owned and operated business, we treat you like our family. Call us and you’ll see our passion to serve and compassion for Seniors. Cynthia Arnold at 808-221-8345, or Dan Ihara at 808-256-7873.

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 home, retirement community, or with their adult children. This…
Editor’s Note

I can still remember my first conversation with myself in early 2010 when I took over Generations Magazine (GM), I said to myself, “now what do I do?” Well, my first call was to my classmate and partner Wilson Angel, GM Art Director and to make a long story short, he said “he was all in.” Next call was to my good friend, Kirk Matthews at KHON2 News Elderhood Project’s to see if he would be our first cover story and I still remember what he said, “are you crazy!” He said, “You are busy as it is and now you want to take on this huge task of providing our much loved seniors and their families with their own magazine?” I said yes, and he graciously became our first cover story after a round of golf. Love you Kirk!

Fast forward to this August/September 2014 issue, 5 years later and we are still committed to our mission of providing valuable and resourceful information to our Kupuna and their families. We are so blessed to have so many supporters and followers of GM. Special thanks goes out to our original business partners from 2010 that have and are still in GM as our partners and who truly believe in serving our senior population; Kirk Matthews and KHON2 News, my brother and one of the top realtors in Hawai‘i, Dan Ihara with Keller Willliams, 15 Craigside and Arcadia Community Services, Michael Yee, CFP, Ameriprise Financial Inc., Scott Makuakane with Est8Planning Counsel, LLLC, Attorney Stephen Yim, Craig and Sandy Watanabe from Captain Cook Coin, and Mike Rossell producer of our beloved Senior Fair that always happens the last weekend in September at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

A big “Mahalo” goes out to Vacations Hawaii and Boyd Gaming’s Kevin Kaneshiro and Director of Marketing Ashlen Manos for their years of sponsorship and support. I could not think of a better partner in all these years to have on our cover for our Senior Fair issue than our favorite California Hotel & Casino, known as “the Cal,” and yes, the 9th Island. A special “Mahalo” to David Lebby, VP and General Manager of the Cal and Main Street Station Hotel, Casino & Brewery for always taking special care of our Hawai‘i seniors.

Don’t forget to stop by at our 8th annual Aging in Place Workshop at the Ala Moana Hotel on Saturday August 23rd. Thank you to our sponsors KHON2’s Elderhood Project, AARP Hawaii, Vacations Hawaii (Yes we will be giving away a Vegas Trip), Straub Clinic and Hospital, AlohaCare, The Plaza Assisted Living, Kokua Care, De-clutter Hawaii and Cardon Outreach.

FYI — Our website www.Generations808.com still and always will have all our past issues including our very first issue with Kirk Matthews from 2010. Our site has many resources such as our GM calendar of future senior events around the island, list of GM business partners, listen to all our Generations Radio segments and past “Aging in Place” workshop presentations, as well as all our past resource guides and articles.

Live well this summer!,

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

I can still remember my first conversation with myself in early 2010 when I took over Generations Magazine (GM), I said to myself, “now what do I do?” Well, my first call was to my classmate and partner Wilson Angel, GM Art Director and to make a long story short, he said “he was all…
Signs of the Economic Times

The state of the economy can make a big difference in our lives. It affects opportunities in the job market, drives stock market, determine prices and influences buyer behavior.

When economy is robust, there’s optimism in the air. Companies’ hire, investors invest and consumers spend. When economy is sluggish, mood is somber, companies struggle to make a profit, investors are more cautious and consumers tighten their wallets.

How do we know if the economy is doing well?

Economic indicators that go hand-in-hand with economic health, provide clues. Direct economic indicators go up when economy is rosy and down when economy tanks. Other factors have an inverse relationship with the economy. These inverse factors fall and rise opposite the strength of the economy.

Leading economic indicators are considered most important factors to watch. Unlike lagging economic indicators that appear after economic change, these indicators come first, helping economists predict the direction of the economy. Here are some of the most discussed leading economic indicators.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) — Is a consolidated measure of price of goods and services over time at the consumer level. Observed changes in CPI help determine inflation and cost of living, help shape our monetary policy. Measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPI is calculated for food, energy and other consumer goods. Further analysis within these categories reveal what influences price fluctuations.

Prices of some goods and services are more influential than others. For example, we are a nation of automobile owners; price of gas is closely watched. When prices get too high or too low, government may intervene with policies intended to cap consumer costs and spur economic activity.

Producer Price Index (CPI) — Prices paid at the store, the Producer Price Index (PPI) considers what wholesalers pay for U.S. goods and services (food and energy, not factored). Wholesale prices influence consumer prices; PPI can be a useful predictor of impending inflation.

U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes — Our nation relies on foreign trade to sustain economic activity. Price we charge foreign trading partners for goods and services, can reveal a good deal about our economic standing. Fluctuations in supply and demand, competition and stability of our global partners make these measures more vulnerable to variability.

Productivity and Costs — Productivity statistics tell how well our economy is working. When businesses are able to do more in less time, profits rise, in turn paves the way for more investment, more jobs and prosperity.

Real Earnings — Looks at real average hourly earnings to estimate consumer-buying power. Comparing real earnings to the CPI, shed light on how far the U.S. dollar can go.

New Construction — Housing starts and building permits are regularly monitored by the financial industry, they reflect both business growth and consumer confidence.

Employment Situation — Stock market tends to perk at announcement of new hires and fewer unemployment claims. Investors like a healthy economy. Job security also tends to give consumers more confidence.

Visit the Bureau of Economic Analysis at www.bea.gov and U.S. Census Bureau at www.census.gov. Apply what you learn with your financial advisor, who can help you consider important financial decisions.

Michael W. K. Yee, CFP
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1100, Honolulu
808-952-1222 ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
Michael W K Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CRPC®, is a Financial Advisor CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™ with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 26 years.
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.
Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File # 823751.

The state of the economy can make a big difference in our lives. It affects opportunities in the job market, drives stock market, determine prices and influences buyer behavior. When economy is robust, there’s optimism in the air. Companies’ hire, investors invest and consumers spend. When economy is sluggish, mood is somber, companies struggle to…
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 family, is a more comfortable option, but may require re-modeling the home to make it safe. These improvements may consist of ramps, walk-in showers, wheel chair accessibility and more. When a home is no longer safe, or care becomes unmanageable for the family, finding the right retirement community is the next step.

There are several types of retirement communities available, such as assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) and Adults Residential Care Homes (ARCH’s) available. Prices can be as high as $120,000 yearly or low-income housing options are available. Knowing the differences between these options will help you decide where you will feel more comfortable. Site visits are a must.

Kahala Associates Senior Concierge offers free seminars on many senior related topics year round. Here are two upcoming events:

August 30th — Home Safety & Improvement Tips Join guest speaker Curt Kiriu with C.K. Independent Living Builders.

October 18th — Senior Housing Option Seminar Learn about the different retirement communities and how they differ.

For more information and to register (seating is limited), email Seniors@LaneyRE.com or call 808-282-1399.

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 family, is a more comfortable option, but may require re-modeling the…
Living Life At Its Fullest!

Can you imagine, a century ago men were still relying on buttons and women on painful corsets. Vacuum cleaners and washing machines had just become commercially available, though too expensive for many families. That’s Winifred Mann’s era, born 1910.

Winnie turned 104 on May 1 and her friends at Arcadia made sure she got a Big Birthday Bash with wine, cheese and crackers.

Winnie has seen many changes in her 104 years; a Midwesterner from Nebraska, she lived through WWI, WWII, and The Great Depression of the 30’s, even the days of the 1960’s Hippie Counter Culture Movement, what a change!

She and her late husband, Ralph came to Hawai’i from San Diego, California in 1962 when he was assigned to a US Department of Defense position. After her late husband’s death in 1999, she followed her longtime interests in oil painting, sewing, reading, and cartooning. Later, as a painter, she sought out people engaged in activities and based her paintings on photos with subjects ranging from people enjoying favorite pastimes at the beach or taking walks in Arcadia’s gardens where she resides to tourist attractions and peaceful landscapes.

Winnie still manages to keep active as she enjoys life here in Hawai‘i. “Happy 104th Birthday, Winifred Mann!” and Generations Magazine wishes you many more to come!

If you know of any other centenarians, send us a photo and something about him/her. Contact Sherry Goya: 808-722-8487 | SGoyaLLC@aol.com

Can you imagine, a century ago men were still relying on buttons and women on painful corsets. Vacuum cleaners and washing machines had just become commercially available, though too expensive for many families. That’s Winifred Mann’s era, born 1910. Winnie turned 104 on May 1 and her friends at Arcadia made sure she got a…
Move for Parkinson’s Disease

The Hawaii Chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) is inviting the people of Hawai‘i to get ready to move on Saturday, October 25th at 9 am – noon at Honolulu Hale Civic Grounds for the 2nd annual Moving Day Hawaii. Moving Day events are held around the country to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and funds for Parkinson’s research and NPF programs.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. Approximately 60 – 80% of dopamine-producing cells in the brain are damaged and do not produce enough dopamine, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear. In the United States, 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, adding to the one million people who have Parkinson’s disease.

Moving Day Hawaii will feature a Movement Pavilion with yoga and hula, 3K walk, health fair and a kid zone. The event is designed for people living with Parkinson’s disease, their caregivers, friends and families. Studies show movement is beneficial and proven to help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, improving flexibility and mobility. Vigorous exercise, such as biking and running has been shown to potentially slow down or delay progression of the disease. The aim is to encourage people to stay active and move for better health.

Learn more about Moving Day Hawaii and how you, your family, friends and/or your company can get involved, visit www.movingdayhawaii.org or email movingday@parkinsonshawaii.org. There is no cost to register and participate, but fundraising is encouraged.

The Hawaii Chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) is inviting the people of Hawai‘i to get ready to move on Saturday, October 25th at 9 am – noon at Honolulu Hale Civic Grounds for the 2nd annual Moving Day Hawaii. Moving Day events are held around the country to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease…
Our Story

I have had the great fortune to be able to go on a cruise this summer with my family and visited many different places in Europe.

We barely heard any English spoken on this trip and while the languages are varied, I’ve noticed more commonalities than differences among the people we’ve had the privilege of meeting during our travels.

These commonalities include (1) the love of family as I hear universal laughter coming from parents and children, (2) enjoying freedom other countries may not yet enjoy, including the freedom of speech, to vote, to drive and (3) a desire to tell one’s story.

Fittingly, the person’s name assigned to help us during our cruise in the Mediterranean is Story. We visited museums in Paris, the incredible ruins in Pompeii, and the young democracy in Tunisia. In each place, I noticed that the people have a desire to tell one’s story, through pictures, writing,\ and oral history.

Estate planning, to me, is much more than leaving cash to someone. Cash is so quickly gone. It is one’s legacy that continues on.

I believe that this legacy, your story, is just as important as the legal estate plan leaving assets by way of will or trust and have created what I’ve coined “My Heartfelt Will.” Please consider taking the time and giving yourself permission to write your story.

I encourage you to consider writing your legacy down, the memories and experiences that continue to shape your lives. Are you considering making your estate plan this summer?

Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | 2054 S. Beretania St., Hon. | (808) 524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com

I have had the great fortune to be able to go on a cruise this summer with my family and visited many different places in Europe. We barely heard any English spoken on this trip and while the languages are varied, I’ve noticed more commonalities than differences among the people we’ve had the privilege of…
Retirement Assets for Charitable Giving

If you are like many people; you may desire to make a charitable gift as part of your estate plan, a way to give back, when your need for assets is done. This kind of planning is done when retirement is also on our minds.

Most of us hold retirement savings in an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b). Because of the way these funds are used, you may not exhaust all of your retirement money during your lifetime. So, the question is, “What will I do with my unspent retirement savings?”

A Common Solution

Most people designate family members as beneficiaries of retirement accounts. The problem with doing this is that much of your savings may never go to your loved ones. By giving your unspent retirement savings to your family (other than your surviving spouse), your retirement savings will be taxed. First, if you have a taxable estate, your estate will pay tax on the asset. Second, your family members will pay tax at their ordinary income rate resulting in very little of your remaining money actually going to your family.

A Better Solution

When leaving assets to family, it’s best to give your family assets that step-up in basis at death such as stock and real estate, these assets may be received and sold by your family without paying any tax. Your retirement assets actually make a better gift to charity because a charitable organization can receive the entire asset tax free and make use of it to further its mission.

National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

If you are like many people; you may desire to make a charitable gift as part of your estate plan, a way to give back, when your need for assets is done. This kind of planning is done when retirement is also on our minds. Most of us hold retirement savings in an IRA, 401(k)…
Sharing an Experience

Around 10:00 pm, September 8, 2011, the right hand of a 58 year-old woman felt tingly as she was on her laptop. She went to bed, couldn’t sleep, and moved to the sofa. At about 2:00 am, she woke up…cheek, chest, numb — all the way down to her toes. Her husband took her to ER.

The MRI showed a blood clot on the left side of her brain, affecting the right side of her body. She was told she had a stroke. Why? She was active, coached tennis, ate right, had no family history or other symptoms like sagging face, slurred words, or blurred vision. No one, not even the doctors explained how she could have had a stroke. More importantly, no one gave her any instructions on what to do. Three days later, a nurse told her she could go home — she didn’t know what to expect.

By chance, the woman saw her nephew, a physical therapist. “Aunty, keep doing everything the same as you did before,” he advised. One simple sentence made the biggest difference in her life. She kept forcing her fingers, arms, and legs to move. She even kept working; walking without assistance in a week, hitting tennis balls in four weeks, and driving in six weeks. Self-motivation with her own therapy, no medical assistance, helped her recover—that woman was me! My PT Angel was Shaw Okawara.

I shared my experience with the Hawai’I Neurotrauma Registry, a voluntary registry for persons with brain, stroke, and spinal cord injury.

If you’ve had this type of injury, please consider taking the online survey at www.svy.mk/1a5Ya5m (be sure to click the “submit” button through several pages, read the content through until you get to filling in your information). You may also call (808) 692-1375 for information. By sharing your experience, it’ll help others.

Around 10:00 pm, September 8, 2011, the right hand of a 58 year-old woman felt tingly as she was on her laptop. She went to bed, couldn’t sleep, and moved to the sofa. At about 2:00 am, she woke up…cheek, chest, numb — all the way down to her toes. Her husband took her to…