Category: June – July 2018

Salesman or Scammer?

In Hawai‘i, we must always be on the lookout for scammers going door to door posing as trustworthy salespeople. They may be offering lawn care, home improvement services, alarm systems, and more, and also pretending to be legitimate companies just to get you to trust them.

Five tips to help protect you and your home

1) Research. Ask for identification such as a permit, business license or business card. Research the company through www.BBB.org to view what their complaint history is and their BBB rating.

2) Resist pressure. Do they need an answer now? Avoid sellers who encourage you to sign a contract or put down a deposit right away.

3) Obtain everything in writing. If you decide to do business with a door-to-door salesperson make sure you get everything in writing.

4) Know your rights. Under Hawai‘i’s law on door-to-door sales, a buyer is entitled to a full refund if a cancellation notice is sent in writing within three business days.

5) Pay using a credit card. Payment by credit card is the safest method since certain consumer protections are provided. Make sure you obtain a receipt that documents any payments that are made and keep it for your records.

Most importantly, stay safe. If a salesperson or contractor gets irate, difficult, or if you feel unsafe in any way, close the door and call the police.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU NORTHWEST + PACIFIC
1132 Bishop Street #615, Honolulu HI 96813

808-536-6956 | info@hawaii.bbb.org

For information or to report a scam, visit ScamTracker
at www.bbb.org/scamtracker, or call the main office Monday–Friday from 8 am – 4 pm.

In Hawai‘i, we must always be on the lookout for scammers going door to door posing as trustworthy salespeople. They may be offering lawn care, home improvement services, alarm systems, and more, and also pretending to be legitimate companies just to get you to trust them. Five tips to help protect you and your home
Adding up Elder Abuse Numbers

I went to law school because math wasn’t my strength and I liked to argue (just ask my wife on both accounts). In considering my dislike of figures, it’s ironic that I am often asked to summarize my work in numbers.

I have been with the Prosecutor’s Office now for over 22 years, and 10 years ago created the Elder Abuse Unit. This unit was the first (and still is the only) team in Hawai‘i dedicated to prosecuting felony offenses where the victims were 60 years of age or older. At the beginning of it all, there was only one attorney (me) and one staff member. Over the years, however, we have grown to four attorneys, two staff, one paralegal, and two student interns (in total we have had 32 volunteer student interns over the years).

The cases we handle include everything from property crimes like burglary and auto thefts to sex assaults (there is a rape trial going on right now as I write this article) to violent crimes, including murder. In most cases — whether referred to us by Adult Protective Services or received directly — people do not want to get the police involved. National studies show that only 1 in 25 elder abuse cases are reported to the police.

One thing I wanted the Elder Abuse Unit to be was a resource for educating the public about elder abuse and providing information about preventing one from being a victim of this crime. Besides giving free presentations and trainings to various groups and agencies, our unit has had an information booth at The Good Life Expo (Hawai‘i Seniors’ Fair) for the past nine years. Attendance at that event ranges from 20,000 to 26,000 people each year.

Lastly, I have written 28 articles about elder abuse for Generations Magazine over the years (all issues can be found on this website). Now it is 29 articles.

CORRECTION TO CHART: The Elder Abuse Unit prosecuted over 500 violent crimes, 13 of which were murders.

To report suspected elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Unit at 808-768-7536 | ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov

I have been with the Prosecutor’s Office now for over 22 years, and 10 years ago created the Elder Abuse Unit. This unit was the first (and still is the only) team in Hawai‘i dedicated to prosecuting felony offenses where the victims were 60 years of age or older.
Our Care, Our Choice

Before you panic about the new “Hawai‘i Aid in Dying Law,” it’s a great law but not for the reasons you may think.

Governor Ige signed the Our Care, Our Choice Act on April 5, 2018 and it will become law on January 1, 2019. The new law’s purpose is to establish a regulated process whereby a mentally competent adult resident of Hawai‘i with a terminal illness and less than six months to live may choose to end life with a prescription.

The Act provides that any individual desiring to take advantage of this law must first go to counseling, and this is where the true benefit of this law rests. Studies performed in California found that going through this regulated process ultimately rendered the drugs unnecessary.

The studies revealed that, of those seeking assisted death only a quarter actually did so once engaged in the mandatory counseling process. For the first time, a qualified professional took the time to find out what distressed them, what quality of life meant to them, and in doing so helped them gain control of their lives, resulting in better quality of care.

In all areas of estate planning whether it relates to finances, health care, end of life decisions or who gets what, when and why, the key to successful estate planning — ensuring that your intentions are honored — is through the process of deep reflection as to what is meaningful to you, and then engaging in crucial conversations with loved ones, care providers, and other professionals. It is never simply the making of a document.

Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu HI 96826

808-524-0251 | www.stephenyimestateplanning.com

Before you panic about the new “Hawai‘i Aid in Dying Law,” it’s a great law but not for the reasons you may think. Governor Ige signed the Our Care, Our Choice Act on April 5, 2018 and it will become law on January 1, 2019. The new law’s purpose is to establish a regulated process…
What do all Those Designations Mean?

In today’s world of wondering whether information is reliable or not, it is critical to protect our kūpuna and their families. You may hear or see an advertisement for a business professional with a bunch of initials after their name and wonder what do all those initials really mean? Does it mean they know more than another professional, are they certified to sell more things or is it just a way to market themselves more?

There are literally hundreds of business professional designations with initials that you see after a person’s name.

To make sense of this alphabet soup of financial and other designations, you need to find out about the educational and certifying process for those designations. Then you can decide whose certification can be relied upon.

Certification of competence in a specified subject or areas of expertise, and of the integrity of an agency, firm, group, or person is awarded by a duly recognized and respected accrediting organization.

What to look for in checking out designations is an “Accredited Designation.” This means the professional is required to do continuing education on an annual basis and not just take a test once and use the designation for life. It is vitally important to check the professional out on the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) website at www.cca.hawaii.gov or call 808-587-3222, and with the industry’s professional association.

Step 1:
Ask “Are you licensed to sell me this product or service?”

Legitimate business professionals — including brokers, investment advisers, insurance and real estate agents — must be licensed with the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and in “good standing.” If they say they aren’t licensed, say goodbye — and don’t buy.

The DCCA’s Professional & Vocational Licensing Division licenses 51 different professions and vocations, and has a database you can search using the name of the business or individual:

www.pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/

Step 2:
Check if the designation is accredited.

Many state securities and insurance regulators do not allow financial professionals to use a designation — in particular a “senior” designation — unless it has been accredited by either the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Numerous state regulators also allow financial professionals to use a designation if the organization that awards the designation is on the Department of Education’s list of Accredited Agencies, and the designation does not primarily apply to sales and/or marketing.

It is always good practice to take the time to look into the accreditation of the professionals you turn to for advice before applying your trust, in order to protect your own valuable resources.

In today’s world of wondering whether information is reliable or not, it is critical to protect our kūpuna and their families. You may hear or see an advertisement for a business professional with a bunch of initials after their name and wonder what do all those initials really mean?
Mastering Change

Class reunions are poignant reminders of change. With each passing year, our classmates grow a little grayer, perhaps a little balder, and maybe a little more expansive at the midsection. Good thing we are not like our classmates, right? Actually, we are. Father Time is catching up with all of us. That sobering fact should inspire us to reflect each year on our estate plans and whether they still do what we want them to do.

No matter how well we plan, our estate plans are going to veer off course. It is impossible to predict when that will happen, but it will. Ironically, change is one of the few constants in our lives. If we want our estate plans to work when they are called upon, we need to review them at least annually and keep them as up-to-date as we can. Here’s why.

The law changes

Our estate plans are subject to federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and ordinances, not to mention court decisions. The government seems to love changing the rules on us. Keeping up with those changes is critical, but difficult for the average person who does not deal with the law and stay current with its variations. Thus, we should consult the folks who do stay on top of those things (our estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and certified public accountants) about the changes that may require revisions to our estate planning documents and, perhaps, the estate planning strategies that have worked for us in the past but are now inadequate.

Our health changes

Not to rub it in here, but with age can come changes that impact our ability to make sound decisions and handle assets for ourselves and our loved ones. About 70 percent of us are going to be completely incapacitated for some period in our lives, and we need to have safeguards in place to address those kinds of eventualities. As our health changes, our estate plans may need to change.

Our financial situation changes

Over time, as we acquire and divest ourselves of assets, the assumptions that underlie our estate plans may go out of date. For example, I may have removed my residence from my trust in order to secure a home equity line of credit. If I don’t remember to put it back into my trust after the credit line becomes effective, my home may need to go through probate before it can be passed on to my loved ones. That can come as an unpleasant — but preventable — surprise.

Our relationships change

If you are like most people, the list of people you trust to make decisions on your behalf has changed over the past 10 years. Wouldn’t it be a good idea for your estate plan to reflect your current list? Having the wrong trustee can turn out to be a disaster.

Reviewing your estate plan annually is like changing the oil in your car or seeing your dentist every six months. You don’t have to do any of those things, but you will have much better outcomes if you do.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE, Counselor at Law
Focusing exclusively on estate planning and trust law.

www.est8planning.com
808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com

Class reunions are poignant reminders of change. With each passing year, our classmates grow a little grayer, perhaps a little balder, and maybe a little more expansive at the midsection. Good thing we are not like our classmates, right? Actually, we are. Father Time is catching up with all of us. That sobering fact should…
If Inflation Returns, Are You Ready?

Inflation is the normal state of affairs in the U.S. economy. Most economists consider an annual increase in the cost-of-living of two or three percent per year to be a manageable level of inflation. This increase usually is a good trend, because it is an indication of a growing economy.

While inflation has not been a concern in recent decades, the 1970s and early 1980s are remembered as a time when inflation created major economic challenges. In some years during this timeframe, the cost-of-living (as measured by the Consumer Price Index or CPI) increased more than 10 percent per year.

Signs of an inflation uptick

Through much of the current economic recovery, which began nine years ago, inflation has remained modest. Some economists and analysts believe this could change going forward. One key factor that could contribute to an accelerated inflation rate is the unemployment rate, which dipped to its lowest level in years. This may mean employers will have to start offering higher wages to attract and retain qualified staff, which could trigger higher inflation. Another contributing factor could be that most global economies are simultaneously experiencing economic growth. This synchronized expansion may continue to stimulate demand for products and services, leading to faster price increases. Investors are also watching for the impact of the recent tax reform legislation, which could contribute to inflation should consumers spend more, and prices rise.

Watch the Federal Reserve

Follow actions taken by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). It targets an annual inflation rate of 2 percent, a goal it has had little difficulty maintaining in recent years. If the Fed begins lifting the short-term interest rates it controls more quickly than expected, it may be a sign that Fed policymakers are concerned that the threat of higher inflation is upon us. If the Fed raises rates quickly, consumers could see rising interest rates and a more volatile stock market.

The potential impact on your bottom line

While no one can predict what will happen in the future, you should consider how to respond to a changing environment for living costs. If inflation increases rapidly, the impact can be dramatic for consumers. When prices of everyday items begin to noticeably increase, consumers could have less disposable income. The greatest impact can often be on big-ticket items. For example, the price of houses or cars could begin to climb. In select housing markets, this has already happened even though the broader inflation rate has, at least until now, remained subdued.

Does that mean you should quickly adjust your spending? While it may seem prudent, you must be careful not to let short-term economic trends overly influence your long-term financial strategy.

Prepare your portfolio

In what has generally been a period of low inflation (the 1980s through now), stocks and bonds have both performed consistently well. In the 1970s, when inflation was much higher, stocks lagged their historical averages and bonds were negatively affected by rising interest rates.

If inflation rises, interest rates historically have tended to follow that trend. If inflation should begin to accelerate, bond yields may as well. This could hurt bond investors, as existing bond holdings can lose value when yields rise in the broader bond market.

If you are concerned that inflation risks will become a concern, this may be a good time to review your portfolio with your financial advisor.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu HI 96814

808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com

Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ®, is a Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

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.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File #2042638

Inflation is the normal state of affairs in the U.S. economy. Most economists consider an annual increase in the cost-of-living of two or three percent per year to be a manageable level of inflation. This increase usually is a good trend, because it is an indication of a growing economy.
Parting With Treasured Belongings

Have you heard these questions before: “How do I get my Mom to let go of her things?”, “Why does my Dad not want to get rid of his junk?” and “I’m not making much progress with them, what am I doing wrong?” Most times the answer isn’t black and white, as it really depends on the emotional attachment a person has to those items. Every item has a memory or a story that tugs at their heart, and for those reasons, they can’t get rid of them.

So how do you help family members let go of what they treasure when the need arises to downsize to a smaller home or simply de-clutter the one they are living in now? One way is to ask neutral questions like:

“When was the last time you used it?”

“How often do you use those items?”

“When will you use it again?”

Another way is to bring in professionals. They will ask those same questions of clients as they work through years of personal belongings. They understand that people have a hard time letting go, but they also have an unbiased opinion about the actual value, rather than the perceived value, of those treasures.

SENIOR MOVE MANAGERS / DE-CLUTTER HAWAII

808-221-8345 | cynthia@smmhawaii.com
www.smmhawaii.com

Have you heard these questions before: “How do I get my Mom to let go of her things?”, “Why does my Dad not want to get rid of his junk?” and “I’m not making much progress with them, what am I doing wrong?” Most times the answer isn’t black and white, as it really depends…
Disability Benefits Q&A

Q

I’m applying for disability benefits. Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I’m approved for disability benefits?

A

You will receive Medicare after you receive disability benefits for 24 months. When you become eligible for disability benefits, we will automatically enroll you in Medicare. We start counting the 24 months from the month you were entitled to receive disability, not the month when you received your first payment. Special rules apply to people with permanent kidney failure and those with “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Learn more about Social Security disability benefits by reading our publication at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

Q

I have been getting Social Security disability benefits for many years. I’m about to hit my full retirement age. What will happen to my disability benefits?

A

When you reach “full retirement age” we will switch you from disability to retirement benefits. But you won’t even notice the change because your benefit amount will stay the same. It’s just that when you reach retirement age, we consider you to be a “retiree” and not a disability beneficiary. To learn more, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri:

1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | www.socialsecurity.gov

I’m applying for disability benefits. Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I’m approved for disability benefits?
Respiratory Care: Breathing Exercises

In the last issue we discussed how people diagnosed with chronic respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at higher risk for infection. This issue, we focus on ways to ease their breathing problems.

Struggling to breathe forces the body to start using neck, stomach, back and chest muscles. They hurt as badly as after a fully body workout!

Two exercises on the American Lung Association’s website help strengthen lungs:

Pursed Lip Breathing

This exercise reduces the number of breaths you take and keeps your airways open longer. More air is able to flow in and out of your lungs, so you can be more physically active. To practice it, simply breathe in through your nose and breathe out at least twice as long through your mouth, with pursed lips.¹

Belly Breathing, aka Diaphragmic Breathing

As with pursed lip breathing, start by breathing in through your nose. Pay attention to how your belly fills up with air. You can put your hands lightly on your stomach, or place a tissue box on it, so you can be aware of your belly rising and falling. Breathe out through your mouth at least two to three times as long as your inhale. Be sure to relax your neck and shoulders as you retrain your diaphragm to take on the work of helping to fill and empty your lungs.¹

CARE CENTER OF HONOLULU
1900 Bachelot Street, Honolulu HI 96817

808-531-5302 | www.ccoh.us

1
American Lung Association Breathing Exercises:
www.bit.ly/ALA_BreathingExercises

In the last issue we discussed how people diagnosed with chronic respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at higher risk for infection. This issue, we focus on ways to ease their breathing problems.
Family Caregivers’ R & R

It’s a mistake for family caregivers to forget about their own well-being while caring for their loved ones. Many feel guilty for taking time off for a spa day or a staycation. I encourage them to accept it’s perfectly OK to get away and return reinvigorated and refreshed.

I also endorse going on escapades, like Neighbor Island trips or to faraway places, via tour groups, private treks or whatever suits your preferences.

One of the biggest regrets Baby Boomers have is an unfulfilled bucket list because they had other obligations. Maybe it’s time to ask for support from family members to care for loved ones while you fulfill some of those dreams.

The key to a fun getaway is planning. For more than a decade, my husband and I have regularly crisscrossed the world with six couples we have known for over 50 years. The friend who plans out and leads our five-star dream itineraries researches ideas on the internet and in YouTube videos, and he negotiates with local vendors, hoteliers and tour guides to keep costs down.

Make your motto: Live and die without regrets — and take time off, before it’s too late.

World Class Vineyards in Bourgogne, France. Kneeling: Annette Pang and Kathleen Ching, Middle: Ronald & Penny Mau, Russell Ching, Wendell Pang, Steve & Tina Chung, Cynthia & Guy Seu, Back: Loretta & Tyler Yajima

BABY BOOMER TRAVEL TIPS
www.annettepang.com

It’s a mistake for family caregivers to forget about their own well-being while caring for their loved ones. Many feel guilty for taking time off for a spa day or a staycation. I encourage them to accept it’s perfectly OK to get away and return reinvigorated and refreshed.
Is Assisted Living a Negative?

Despite the great advancements in retirement community resident care in recent years — some through government involvement, but most through business owners seeking to create a better quality of life for seniors — one of the challenges faced when discussing senior living options is the negative stigma that immediately comes to mind about “assisted living.”

This stigma is primarily due to confusion about the different senior care options available. Many people think that seniors will lose their independence in an assisted living environment or not receive adequate care.

Pat and Rodney

Mike Wong experienced this personally last year when his father, Rodney, faced medical issues requiring placement in a skilled nursing facility, where 24-hour nursing care would be available. Mike faced a dilemma, as the primary caregiver for both Rodney and his wife, Pat, was Rodney. Should his father be placed in a skilled nursing facility or could his parents move together to an assisted living community that also offered 24-hour care?

Mike explains, “It was important to all of us that my parents’ lifestyles would not be negatively impacted. The decision was challenging, and we had difficult conversations as a family as we negotiated our transition. Both are now happy and have found their groove in the community. I am overjoyed that my parents are happy. I see them thriving!”

REGENCY HUALALAI
A Regency Pacific Retirement Community

75-181 Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona HI 96740
808-329-7878 | www.regency-pacific.com

Despite the great advancements in retirement community resident care in recent years — some through government involvement, but most through business owners seeking to create a better quality of life for seniors — one of the challenges faced when discussing senior living options is the negative stigma that immediately comes to mind about “assisted living.”
Seniors and Technology
Technology is ever-advancing these days with information on new devices everywhere. For early adopters this is seen as helpful and even normal. However, for some seniors, adapting to new devices can be challenging due to physical limitations. Vision loss is one of the more common problems experienced, as is Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) that typically affects older adults.

Millions of Americans every year are affected by AMD, which destroys central vision leaving only the peripheral vision. Those affected may be unable to see the faces of their family members, drive a car, or read a newspaper. Using a mobile device can have the same results. Nearly 1 in every 3 adults over the age of 75 is currently affected with AMD. According to Dr. Chris Knobbe, clinical associate professor emeritus at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, “AMD is an epidemic — world-wide. Globally, 1 in every 11 persons over the age of 50 has some degree of AMD.”

The good news is technology is improving for those with vision loss like AMD. Currently there are many tools which can help individuals to read their devices, from simple magnifiers and brighter reading lights, to more sophisticated screen readers and applications. The accommodation of selecting larger fonts and web page sizes has also been available across media to make information more legible. These visual aids have helped those with vision impairments to maximize their usable vision and make better use of devices and technology. The use of voice command devices has also become more mainstream and should be considered for those with vision impairments. Amazon has ECHO, a home voice command device, Samsung has a smart TV which listens to voice commands, and Sony has their smart watch with voice commands.

Bridging these gaps between seniors and technology can also be a challenge for caregivers sometimes, given the limitations that vision loss can have on using devices. But once these hurdles are cleared, research shows that adults older than 65 using smartphones or other electronic devices are more likely to become daily internet users. While some seniors may be reluctant to adopt technology due to their limitations, caregivers can help by doing a few simple things:

Avoid complex devices with distracting features.

Use technology that accommodates physical limitations.

Choose devices relevant to user needs and values.

Encourage technology that is socially rewarding.

Be their technical support.

Once on the internet, seniors using devices with social media apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, are more in touch and engaged with others. Forrester Research also showed in their report, “Digital Seniors”, that 60 percent of all U.S. seniors (those 65 and older) are online and, of those, roughly half are also using Facebook. “Many people have the misunderstanding that seniors are averse to technology. I don’t find that true at all,” said registered nurse, Kari Wheeling. “It’s the simpler things like Arthur-itis, or forgetting their glasses on their head, that gets in the way.”

ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTH CARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission

1580 Makaloa St., Ste. #1060, Honolulu HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com

AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.
Technology is ever-advancing these days with information on new devices everywhere. For early adopters this is seen as helpful and even normal. However, for some seniors, adapting to new devices can be challenging due to physical limitations. Vision loss is one of the more common problems experienced, as is Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) that…

Category: June – July 2018

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