2020 Census Tips

Can you offer some tips to help seniors guard against census scams? With the 2020 census gearing up, I have read that there are a lot of potential scammers out there looking to take advantage of older people and I want to protect myself.

Unfortunately, scams have become a persistent problem when the U.S. Census Bureau does its once-a-decade count of the U.S. population. Here is what you can expect from the 2020 Census in the coming weeks, and how you can protect yourself from potential scams.

What to Expect


In mid-March, U.S. households will receive invitations in the mail to respond to the 2020 Census. This year, you will have the option of completing the 2020 census questionnaire either online, by mail or by phone. The invitation will include detailed instructions of what you need to do.

If you do not respond to this invitation letter, you will receive several follow-up postcard reminders from the Census Bureau by mail. If you still do not respond by late April, a census worker will come to your door to collect your response in person. It only takes a few minutes to complete the census questionnaire.

While census participation is very important and required by law, you also need to be vigilant of census-linked scams. This is especially important for seniors who tend to be prime targets.

The Census Bureau warns against phishing email scams, as well as con artists masquerading as census workers who will try to solicit your personal financial information. Here are some tips that can help you protect yourself.

Guard Your Information


Do not give out your personal or financial information. The Census Bureau or a legitimate census worker will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card number, money or donations. They will never contact you on behalf of a political party. If you are asked for any of these, whether it be via phone, mail, email or in person, it is a scam and should be reported to ois.fraud.reporting@census.gov.

Avoid Online Scams


The Census Bureau will not send you an unsolicited email to request your participation in the 2020 Census. Ignore any emails you get that may direct you to a census website that looks real. This website is fake and may be infected with malware. Also, do not reply to the email or open any attachment because they could contain viruses that could infect your computer. Forward the email or website address to the Census Bureau at ois.fraud.reporting@census.gov. Then delete the message.

Be Safe at Home


If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 Census, make sure you verify their identity. A legitimate census taker must present a field badge that includes the worker's photograph, a Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. Census workers will also be carrying a Census Bureau laptop or cellphone, as well as a bag with a Census Bureau logo.

Remember that a census worker will only ask you the questions that appear on the questionnaire – your name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, phone number, type of residence and number of people living with you. They will not ask for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security or credit card number.

If you have questions about their identity, you can call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your local police department.

For more information on the 2020 Census, visit 2020census.gov.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published March 6, 2020

10 Things Medicare May Not Cover

I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months and would like to find out what they do not cover so I can avoid any surprises.

While Medicare (Part A and B) covers a wide array of health care services after you turn 65, it does not cover everything. If you need or want certain services that are not covered, you will have to pay for them. Some additional benefits may be available to you if you have other insurance or if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage health plan. Here is a look at some common medical services that original Medicare may not pay for.

Most dental care: Routine dental care including checkups, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions and dentures may not be covered by Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage plans cover basic dental care services.

Routine vision care and eyeglasses: Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses (except following cataract surgery). However, some tests, treatments and surgeries for medical eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are covered. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer routine vision benefits.

Alternative medicine: Acupuncture, chiropractic services (except to fix subluxation of the spine) and other types of alternative or complementary care may not be covered by Medicare.

Prescription drugs: Medicare (Part A and B) does not provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs. You can buy a separate Part D prescription drug policy that may provide coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan covers both medical and drug costs.

Cosmetic surgery: Most cosmetic procedures are not covered, however, if the surgery is due to an injury or deformity, it may be covered. For example, Medicare will cover a breast prosthesis for breast cancer survivors.

Hearing aids: Medicare will not pay for hearing exams or hearing aids. It may cover a hearing and balance exam, if your doctor determines it is necessary. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits.

Long-term care: Nursing home care and assisted living facilities are not covered by Medicare. Medicare will help pay up to 100 days of skilled nursing or rehabilitation care immediately following a hospital stay of three or more days.

Personal home care: If you need to hire help for bathing, dressing or getting out of bed, Medicare typically will not cover these costs. In some cases, such as if you are homebound and are also receiving skilled nursing care, Medicare may provider coverage. Housekeeping services, such as shopping, meal preparation and cleaning may not be covered, unless you are receiving hospice care. A few Medicare Advantage plans offer in-home support services.

Routine foot care: Medicare does not cover most routine foot care, like the cutting or removing of corns, calluses and toenails. But Medicare may cover medically necessary podiatrist services for foot problems like hammertoes, bunion and heel spurs. Exams, treatments and therapeutic shoes or inserts may be covered if you have foot problems due to diabetes.

Overseas coverage: In most cases, health care outside of the United States is not covered by Medicare except for very limited circumstances – such as on a cruise ship within six hours of a U.S. port. Medigap supplemental plans D, G, M and N cover 80 percent of emergency care abroad. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency care abroad.

The best way to find out what Medicare covers is to talk to your health care provider. Visit Medicare.gov/coverage and type in your test, item or service or download the Medicare “What’s covered” app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To look for Medicare Advantage plans that offer additional benefits visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Keep in mind that even if Medicare covers a service or item, it may not pay 100% of the cost. You will have to pay a monthly Part B premium (which is $144.60 for most beneficiaries in 2020) and unless you have supplemental insurance, you will have to pay your annual deductibles and copayments too. However, most preventive services are entirely covered by Medicare without copays or deductibles.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published February 28, 2020

WCCF OFFERS NON-PROFIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS TRAINING

 WCCF OFFERS NON-PROFIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS TRAINING

In 2018, the Foundation announced that all non-profit organizations that receive any type of grant from Washington County Community Foundation would have the opportunity to complete Board of Director training in order to receive grants in 2020. Two sessions were offered in 2019 and one session will be available in 2020. Nonprofits that have Board members that completed the training in 2019 are to be commended for their prompt action and response! If a nonprofit is unsure as to whether they have any board members who have gone through this training, please reach out to the Washington County Community Foundation to find out.

Members of nonprofit Board of Directors are invited to this informative, fast-paced training on March 17, 2020, presented by David Bennett. David served as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for 22 years. At the last session, attendees gave very positive feedback on the presentation content and style. Several local non-profits have sent multiple board members as a way of providing cost-effective training for their board.

David formed the Community Foundation Research and Training Institute (CFRTI) in 2017. CFRTI provides a variety of training opportunities for community foundations and nonprofit organizations, along with strategic planning facilitation and the preparation of organizational risk assessments.

David is a life-long Hoosier. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Williams College, and a Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton University. He currently resides in Grabill, Indiana. David is President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Fort Wayne and has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.

The 2020 session of Board of Directors training will be March 17th beginning at 8:30 AM at the Community Learning Center at 1707 N. Shelby Street in Salem. The training will be an all-day event and should end by 4:30 PM. Please plan to stay for the entire session so your organization gets credit for attending.

Beginning this year, Washington County Community Foundation will require that nonprofits that receive funding from us have at least one current board member that has completed this valuable training. Board members will sharpen their knowledge of the most critical elements of nonprofit management. Nonprofits that already have board members that attended a previous training in 2019 are encouraged to send more to this highly informative training. Non-profits that do NOT have a Board member that has completed the training will NOT be eligible for any type of grants until this requirement is completed. If an organization had a former Board member that attended the training and is no longer on their Board of Directors, they will to need have another Board Member attend in order to receive grants.

A refundable fee of $100.00 is due by March 10, 2020. Upon successful completion of the program, Washington County Community Foundation will reimburse the organization or individual.

If you should have any questions or would like to reserve a spot(s), please contact Judy or Lindsey at 812-883-7334 or program.officer@wccf.biz

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever

 

When Should Memory Care Patients Stop Driving?

Is there a good rule of thumb on when memory care patients should stop driving? My 82-year-old mom has early stage Alzheimer's disease but still drives herself around town just fine.

Most doctors agree that people with moderate to severe dementia should never get behind the wheel. However, in the early stages of Alzheimer's, the determining factor should be driving performance, not the disease itself.

With that said, it is important to realize that as your mom's driving skills deteriorate over time from the disease, she might not recognize she has a problem. It is very important that you work closely with her doctor to monitor her driving and help her stop when it is no longer safe for her to drive. Here are some additional tips that can help you.

Watch for Warning Signs


The best way to keep tabs on your mom's driving is to take frequent rides with her and be on alert for key warning signs. For example: Does she have trouble remembering routes to familiar places? Does she drive at inappropriate speeds, tailgate, drift between lanes or fail to observe traffic signs? Does she react slowly or make poor driving decisions? Has your mom had any fender benders or tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on her vehicle? All of these are red flags.

If you need some assessment help, hire a driver rehabilitation specialist who is trained to evaluate older drivers. Visit AOTA.org/older-driver or ADED.net to locate one in your area.

Transition Tips


Through your assessments, if you believe it is still safe for your mom to drive, you should start recommending some simple adjustments to ensure her safety. For example, she should only drive in daylight, on familiar routes, and avoid busy roads and bad weather. Also, ask her to sign an Alzheimer's "driving contract" (visit ALZ.org/driving to print one). This contract designates someone to tell her when it is no longer safe to drive.

You may also want to consider getting a GPS car tracking device (such as MotoSafety.com or AutoBrain.com) to help you oversee her driving. These devices will let you track where she is driving and allow you to set up parameters for zones and speed limits. You can receive alerts on your smartphone when she exits a specific area, if she is driving too fast or braking harshly.

Time to Quit


When your mom can no longer drive safely, you will need to talk to her. It is actually best to start having these conversations in the early stages of the disease, before she needs to quit driving, so she can be prepared.

You also need to have a plan for alternative transportation (including a list of family, friends and local transportation options) that will help your mom after she can no longer drive.

For tips on how to talk to your mom, the Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence offers a helpful guide called "At the Crossroads: Family Conversations About Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and Driving." You can get the guide at TheHartford.com/Publications-on-Aging.

Refusing to Quit


If your mom refuses to quit, you have several options. First, suggest a visit to her doctor who can give her a medical evaluation and prescribe that she stops driving. Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.

If she still refuses, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if they can help. Some states require doctors to report new dementia cases to the DMV, who can revoke the person's license.

If these fail, consider hiding her keys or just take them away. You could also disable her vehicle by disconnecting the battery. Alternatively, you can park her car in another location so she cannot see it or have access to it.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published February 21, 2020

Youth Foundation Now Recruiting

The Washington County Youth Foundation is now recruiting new members for the 2020-2021 school year.  The Youth Foundation is a group of students from Washington County committed to making our community a better place to live.  The group has members who are sophomores, juniors and seniors in any area high school or are home schooled. 

The Youth Foundation averages one meeting a month.  Times and location will vary; however, most meetings occur on Sunday afternoons.  During the school year the Washington County Youth Foundation will offer one grant cycle, several community service activities and one peer community awareness/asset development event.  Also, Washington County Youth Foundation members will be expected to be volunteers in the Happily Ever After Project.  All members make financial contributions to support the service activities of the Youth Foundation.    

Application, permission slip and more information can be downloaded from the Washington County Community Foundation’s website at www.wccf.biz.  Additionally, information can be obtained from current Washington County Youth Foundation members or by calling the Foundation office at 883-7334.   Applications are due by 4:00 pm on April 15, 2020.

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever

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WCCF offering $40,000.00 in Spring Grant Cycle

WCCF has opened their Spring Grant Cycle.  Funds for the $40,000 grant cycle are made possible through our generous donors and the Foundation’s Touch Tomorrow Funds.

Grant applications for the spring grant cycle are available at the WCCF office located on Shelby Street in the Learning Center complex or by calling the WCCF office.  The application deadline will be 3:30pm, April 15, 2020.  For more information or to request an application, you may call Judy Johnson or Lindsey Wade-Swift at the Foundation office.  The number is 883-7334.

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever

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Jinny Scifres Memorial Scholarship Applications Available

The Washington County Community Foundation will be accepting applications for the Jinny Scifres Scholarship.  The scholarship is for any individual planning to attend a post-secondary accredited institution in the 2020-2021 school year and plans to pursue studies in the medical field.  The number and dollar amount of scholarships will be determined by the committee.  Preference may be given to non-traditional nursing students who may be returning to school after starting a family or career, as did Jinny. 

After starting a family, Jinny made the tough decision to return to school and study nursing.  After graduation, she began her nursing career at Washington County Memorial Hospital as an Emergency Room Nurse.  Jinny’s love of nursing eventually lead her to several promotions and back to school once again.  She eventually became the Director of Patient Care Services.

Jinny died in the fall of 2000, after bravely battling bone cancer.  Her family and many friends established this scholarship fund in her memory, to assist others who, like Jinny, return to school to study nursing after starting a family or career.  

For questions or an application, please contact Judy or Lindsey at 812-883-7334 or program.officer@wccf.biz.  Applications are due by April 15, 2020 at 3:30.

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever

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Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease

What are the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease? I was just diagnosed with it after noticing hand tremors for nearly a year, but looking back, I am wondering if I missed any other early warning signs.

As with any progressive disease, early diagnosis is important to start effective treatment before irreversible damage has occurred. Recognizing the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease is challenging because they are usually subtle and can be easily overlooked, dismissed or even misdiagnosed.

Parkinson’s disease, which afflicts around one million Americans, is a degenerative disorder that occurs when the brain’s dopamine-producing neurons die or become impaired. This happens in the part of the brain that controls movement. It can cause tremors (or shaking), stiffness and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination.

The symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. The progression of symptoms is often different from one person to another. Some people with Parkinson’s become severely disabled, while others may experience only minor motor disruptions.

While the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, scientists believe genetics and environmental factors such as exposure to certain toxins play a key role. Most people with Parkinson’s first develop the disease around age 60 or older. Men are more likely than women to develop Parkinson’s disease.

Early Warning Signs


Parkinson’s disease is difficult to diagnose because there is no definitive test to confirm it. Doctors, usually neurologists, will do an examination and evaluate a combination of warning signs, but symptoms can vary greatly by patient which often leads to confusion and misdiagnosis. That said, here are some of the key signs and symptoms everyone should know:

Trouble sleeping: Nighttime symptoms include thrashing around in bed or acting out dreams, such as kicking or punching when asleep. This is a REM sleep behavior disorder and one of the strongest and earliest pre-diagnostic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Loss of smell: Another early symptom is not being able to smell certain foods very well like bananas, dill pickles or licorice.

Constipation: Problems with digestion and bowel movements are a big problem for people with Parkinson’s. This is an early sign that can occur up to 20 years before this disease is diagnosed.

Changes in handwriting: Writing may become more difficult and your handwriting may appear much smaller than it has in the past.

Tremors: Slight shaking or tremor in your finger, thumb, hand or chin. The tremor usually happens at rest and it may disappear when you move the extremity. This is the most common and recognizable outward sign of Parkinson’s disease. Typically, by the time tremors start, the brain has already lost more than half of its dopamine-producing cells.

Slowed movement: Over time, Parkinson’s disease can slow movements, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be difficult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk.

Speech changes: Symptoms include speaking softly, quickly, slurring or hesitating before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual inflections.

Loss of automatic movements: Patients also exhibit a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, like blinking, smiling or swinging arms while walking.

Impaired posture and balance: Stooping, leaning or slouching when you stand, and/or balance problems can all be early signs of Parkinson’s.

Treatments


Currently, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are a variety of medications that can provide relief from the symptoms. In some later cases, surgery may be advised. Other treatments include lifestyle modifications, such as getting more rest and exercise.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Helpful Tips for Tax Filing Season

What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for seniors this year? I did not file a tax return last year because my 2018 income was below the filing requirements, but I got a part-time job late in 2019, so I am wondering if I need to file this year.

Whether you are required to file a federal income tax return this year depends not only on how much you earned last year (2019), but also the source of that income, as well as your age and your filing status.

Here is a rundown of the IRS tax filing requirement thresholds for the 2019 tax year. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2019 gross income – which includes all taxable income, except your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately – was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you may not have to file. But if it is over the threshold, you are required to file.
  • Single: $12,200 ($13,850 if you reached age 65 before Jan. 1, 2020)
  • Married filing jointly: $24,400 ($25,700 if you or your spouse are 65 or older; or $27,000 if you are both over age 65)
  • Married filing separately: $12,200 at any age
  • Head of household: $18,350 ($20,000 if age 65 or older)
  • Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $24,400 ($25,700 if age 65 or older)
To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the "Tax Guide for Seniors" (publication 554) or see IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p554.pdf.

Check Here Too


There are some other financial situations that can require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2019, owe any special taxes like an alternative minimum tax or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you will need to file.

You will also need to file if you are receiving Social Security benefits and one-half of your benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you are married and filing jointly.

To figure all this out, the IRS offers an interactive tax assistant tool on their website that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you are required to file or if you should file because you are due a refund. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

You can access this tool at IRS.gov/help/ita – click on the "Do I Need to File a Tax Return?" link. You can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. You can also get face-to-face help at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. See IRS.gov/localcontacts or call 800-829-1040 to locate a center near you.

Check Your State


If you are not required to file a federal tax return this year, do not assume that you are also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you are entirely in the clear.

Tax Preparation Help


If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can get help through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, the TCE provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate a service near you.

Check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at more than 4,800 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp. You do not have to be an AARP member to use this service.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published February 7, 2020

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