WCCF offering $30,000.00 in Spring Grant Cycle

WCCF has opened their Spring Grant Cycle. Funds for the $30,000 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. You can also download the application from the Foundation’s website at www.wccf.biz. The application deadline will be 3:30pm, April 15, 2019. For more information, you can 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

Youth Foundation Now Recruiting

The Washington County Youth Foundation is now recruiting new members for the 2019-2020 school year. The Youth Foundation is a group of students from Washington County committed to making our community a better place to live. The board 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, 2019.

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

Does Medicare Cover Vision Services?

I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months and would like to know if Medicare covers vision services. I currently have vision insurance through my employer but it will be discontinued when I retire.

Many people approaching age 65 are unclear regarding what Medicare does and does not cover when it comes to vision services. The good news is that original Medicare covers most medical issues, like cataract surgery, treatment of eye diseases and medical emergencies. Unfortunately, routine care, including eye exams and eyeglasses, are the beneficiary's responsibility. Here is a breakdown of what is and is not covered.

Eye exams and treatments: Medicare does not cover routine eye exams that test for eyeglasses or contact lenses. But it does cover yearly medical eye exams if you have diabetes or a high risk of developing glaucoma. Medicare will also pay for exams to test and treat medical eye diseases or serious eye problems, like macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, eye infections or if you get something in your eye.

Eye surgeries: Medicare will cover most eye surgeries that help repair eye function, including cataract surgery to remove cataracts and insert standard intraocular lenses to replace your own. Medicare will not, however, pick up the extra cost if you choose a specialized lens that restores full range of vision, thereby reducing your need for glasses after cataract surgery. The extra charge for a specialized lens can cost up to $2,500 per eye.

Eye surgeries that are typically not covered by Medicare include refractive (LASIK) surgery, cosmetic eye surgery or other procedures that are not considered medically necessary.

Eyeglasses and contact lenses: Medicare does not cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. There is one exception. If you have had a conventional intraocular lens inserted during cataract surgery, Medicare will pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses following the operation.

Ways to Save

Although original Medicare's vision coverage is limited to medical issues, there are ways you can save on routine care. Here are several options to consider.

Consider a Medicare Advantage plan: One way you can get extra vision coverage when you join Medicare is to choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead of original Medicare. Many of these plans, which are sold through private insurance companies, will cover routine eye care and eyeglasses. These plans may also cover your hospital and medical insurance and prescription drugs. See Medicare.gov/find-a-plan to shop for plans.

Purchase vision insurance: If you get routine eye exams and purchase new eyeglasses annually, a vision insurance plan may be worth the cost. These policies typically run between $12 and $20 per month.

Check veterans benefits: If you are a veteran and qualify for VA healthcare benefits, you may be able to get some or all of your routine vision care through the VA. Go to Vets.gov and search for "vision care" to learn more.

Shop around: Many retailers provide discounts – between 10% and 30% – on eye exams and eyeglasses if you belong to a membership group like AARP or AAA. Check out the vision centers at discount retailers or, if you have a copy of your prescription, consider buying your glasses online.

Look for assistance: There are also health centers and local clinics that provide free or discounted vision exams and eyeglasses to those in need. To find these centers, try calling your local Lions Club for referrals.
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.

How to Choose a Good Home Stair Lift

Can you provide some information about stair lifts? I have a difficult time getting up and down the stairs and am interested in purchasing a stair lift for my house but could use some help choosing one.

A good home stair lift is an excellent solution for those with mobility challenges. A stair lift will carry you up and down the stairs in a safe, seated position and provide easy access to the second story or basement level of your home.

To help you choose a quality stair lift that meets your needs and budget, here are a few shopping tips and recommendations.

Types of Lifts

There are two basic types of stair lifts that are sold today: straight and curved. The type you need will depend upon the design of your staircase.

A straight stair lift is one that travels in a straight line up a flight of stairs uninterrupted by landings, bends or curves. These stair lifts can cost between $2,500 and $5,000. Curved lifts, however, are much more elaborate and will go around corners, bends and curves. Curved lifts are much more expensive, typically costing between $8,500 and $15,000 or more depending on the complexity of the installation.

All stair lifts mount to the stair treads, not to the wall, so they are very sturdy and can be installed in almost any home. In addition to the standard option, companies also offer a heavy-duty lift with a wider seat and bigger lifting capacity. If you are tall, you will need to find out about raising the seat height during installation.

Most stair lifts available today also have seats, armrests and footplates that fold up out of the way when not in use. Some stair lifts have swivel seats that make getting into and out of the chair easier. Make sure the lift you choose has standard safety features, like seatbelts, braking systems, footrest sensors, push-button or rocker-switch controls located on the armrest for easy operation and "call send" controls, which allow you to call or send the unit to the other end of the stairs.

Depending on the company, you may also have the option of choosing between an electric (AC) and a battery powered (DC) stair lift. Battery powered units charge at the base station and are quieter and smoother than electric lifts. Another reason to go with a battery powered stair lift is that the system will work even if there is a power failure in the home.

Purchasing Tips

While there are many companies that make and sell stair lifts, two of the best, based on reputation and customer satisfaction ratings, are Bruno and Stannah.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover stair lifts nor do Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies, but some Medicare Advantage plans may help pay. Many states offer Medicaid waivers that will pay for lifts for those that qualify. The VA offers cash grants to veterans with disabilities for home safety improvements.

To save some money, you may want to consider purchasing a used or refurbished model. If you only need a stair lift for a short period of time, consider renting one. Most companies offer these options along with financing programs.

To get started, contact some stair lift companies and ask to be put in touch with a dealer in your area. All dealers provide free in-home assessments and estimates and can help you choose an appropriate lift.

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.

Do I Need to File a Tax Return This Year?

What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My income dropped way down when I to retired last year, so I am wondering if I need to file a tax return this year.

Whether you are required to file a federal income tax return this year depends on several factors: how much you earned last year (in 2018), the source of that income, your age and your filing status.

Here is a rundown of this tax season's IRS tax filing requirement thresholds. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2018 gross income – which includes all taxable income, not counting 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. If your gross income is over the threshold, however, you will be required to file. The 2018 thresholds are as follows:

Single Filer: $12,000 ($13,600 if you are age 65 or older as of Jan. 1, 2019).
Married filing jointly: $24,000 ($25,300 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $26,600 if you are both over 65).
Married filing separately: $5 at any age.
Head of household: $18,000 ($19,600 if age 65 or older).
Qualifying widow or widower with dependent child: $24,000 ($25,300 if you are 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.

Additional Considerations
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 2018, 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 its website that asks a series of questions to will help you determine if you are required to file or if you should file because you are due a refund. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

You can access this tool by clicking on the "Do I Need to File?" link at IRS.gov/filing. 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
Even 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. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/state-tax-agencies.

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, TEC 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.

Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program, that provides free tax preparation at approximately 5,000 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 22, 2019

Helping Seniors Extend Their Driving Years

What tips or resources can you recommend to help seniors extend their driving years? My dad, who is 82, is still a decent driver, but I worry about his safety going forward.

With more than 40 million licensed drivers in the U.S. over the age of 65, there are many resources available today to help keep older drivers safe and behind the wheel longer. Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep your dad driving safely.

Get his eyes checked: Because about 90% of the information necessary to drive is received through our eyes, getting your dad's eyes checked every year to be sure his vision and eyewear is up to par is an important first step.

Check his meds: Does your dad take any medicine or combination of medicines that make him sleepy, light-headed or loopy? If so, make a list of all his medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and dietary supplements and take it to his doctor or pharmacist for review. You can also get help with this online at RoadwiseRX.com.

Evaluate his driving: To stay on top of any potential driving issues, you should take a ride with your dad from time-to-time and watch for problem areas. While you observe, ask yourself: Does he drive at inappropriate speeds, tailgate or drift between lanes? Does he have difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Does he react slowly, get confused easily or make poor driving decisions? For more tips, see the National Caregivers Library driving assessment checklist at SeniorDriverChecklist.org.

If your dad needs a more thorough evaluation, you can turn to a driver rehabilitation specialist who is trained to evaluate older drivers. This type of assessment typically costs between $100 and $200. To locate a professional in your area, visit AOTA.org/older-driver or ADED.net.

Take a refresher course: AAA and AARP both have older driver refresher courses that can help your dad tune-up his driving skills and learn how to adjust for slower reflexes, weaker vision and other age-related changes that affect driving. Taking a class may also earn him a discount on his auto insurance. To locate a class, contact your local AAA or AARP. Most courses cost around $15 to $30 and can be taken in the classroom or online.

Another good resource to look into is CarFit. This is a free assessment program that will help your dad adjust his vehicle for a better fit, making it easier and safer to drive. CarFit events are held around the country in select locations. See Car-Fit.org to look for one near you.

Make some adjustments: Recognizing your dad's driving vulnerabilities and making small changes to when and where he drives can go a long way to help keep him safe and driving longer. Adjustments may include not driving after dark or during rush hour traffic, avoiding major highways or other busy roads and not driving in poor weather conditions.

When it gets to the point that your dad's driving is not safe anymore and he needs to step away from the wheel, The Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offers two helpful resources. Visit The Hartford's website and click on "Publications" to download or order the "At the Crossroads" and "We Need to Talk" guides.

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 15, 2019

How to Save Money on Your Medication

I take several medications for multiple health conditions and the prices keep going up, even with insurance. Can you recommend any tips that can help me save?

The rising cost of prescription drugs is a problem that stings millions of Americans. While there is not a simple solution, there are strategies and resources that can help reduce your drug costs so you can afford what you need. Here are several to consider.

If you have insurance, know your formulary: Most prescription drug plans today have formularies (a list of medications they cover) that place drugs into different "tiers." Drugs in each tier have a different cost. A drug in a lower tier will generally cost less than a drug in a higher tier. Higher tier drugs may require you to get permission or try another medication first before you can use them.

To get a copy of your plan's formulary, visit your drug plan's website or call the toll-free number on the back of your insurance card. Once you have this information, share it with your doctor so that he or she can prescribe you medications in the lower-cost tiers, when possible. In the alternative, your doctor can help you get coverage approval from your insurer if you need a more expensive drug.

Also, find out if your drug plan offers preferred pharmacies or a mail-order service. Buying your meds from these sources may also save you some money.

Talk to your doctor: Ask your doctor if any of the medications you are currently taking can be reduced or if you can stop taking them completely. Find out if the ones you must continue taking are available in generic form. About 80% of all premium drugs on the market today have a lower-cost alternative. Switching could save you between 20 and 90%.

Ask for a three-month prescription: This can be significantly cheaper for drugs you take long-term. If you use insurance, you will pay one co-pay rather than three.

Split your pills: Ask your doctor if the pills you are taking can be cut in half. Pill splitting allows you to get two months' worth of medicine for the price of one. If you do this, you will need to get a prescription from your doctor for twice the dosage you need.

Find and use online discounts: Start by trying online services such as GoodRx, BlinkHealth or WeRx. They will ask for the name of the drug, the dose, the number of pills and where you live. Then they will show you what you can expect to pay at various pharmacies if you use their discount coupons or vouchers, which you can print out or download to your phone to show a pharmacist.

Pay cash: Most generic medications cost less if you do not use insurance. For example, chains like Target and Walmart offer discount-drug programs that sell generics for as little as $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply if you pay out-of-pocket. While some insurance companies charge a $10 copay for a 30-day supply.

Also, ask your pharmacy if they offer a drug discount card program and compare costs with your insurance plan. You can also find free drug discount cards online through organizations like NeedyMeds. These cards can be used at most U.S. pharmacies.

Shop online: You may also save by using an online pharmacy, but be sure to use an online retailer that operates within the U.S. and is licensed. The website should display the VIPPS symbol, which shows it is a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site.

Search for drug assistance programs: If your income is limited, you may be eligible to receive help through drug assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and charitable organizations. To find these types of programs use services such as BenefitsCheckUp, Patient Advocate Foundation, RxAssist and NeedyMeds.

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 8, 2019

How to Slow Down Cognitive Aging

Are there any proven strategies for preventing cognitive decline? I have a family history of dementia and worry about my own memory and cognitive abilities as I grow older. What can you tell me?

For most people, starting in their fifties and sixties, the brain's ability to remember names, multi-task or learn something new starts declining. While our genes (which we cannot control) play a key role in determining our cognitive aging, our general health (which we do have some control over) plays a big factor too.

Here are some healthy lifestyle strategies — recommended by medical experts — that you can employ to help stave off cognitive loss and maybe even build a stronger brain.

Manage health problems: Studies have shown that cognitive problems are related to health conditions, like diabetes, heart disease and even depression. So, if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, you should try to treat them with lifestyle changes and medication (if necessary) and get them under control. If you have a history of depression, you need to talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Exercise: Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to all parts of your body, including your brain, keeping your brain cells well nourished. So, choose an aerobic activity you enjoy such as walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, etc., that elevates your heart rate and do it for at least 30 to 40 minutes three times a week.

Eat healthy: A heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, may also help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish and nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats. Keep processed foods and sweets to a minimum.

Get some sleep: Quality, restful sleep contributes to brain health too. Typically, adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep daily. If you have persistent problems sleeping, you need to identify and address the problem. Medications, late-night exercise and alcohol can interfere with sleep quality and length, as can arthritis pain, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.

If you need help, make an appointment with a sleep specialist who will probably recommend an overnight diagnostic sleep test.

Challenge your mind: Some research suggests that mind challenging activities can help improve memory and slow age-related mental decline. But, be aware that these activities consist of things you are not accustomed to doing. For example, crossword puzzles are not enough to challenge your brain, if you are already a regular puzzle doer. Instead, you need to pick up a new skill, like learning to dance, playing a musical instrument, studying a new language or working through math problems — something that is challenging and a little outside your comfort zone.

Brain-training websites may be good mind exercising tools because they continually adapt to your skill level to keep you challenged.

Socializing and interacting with other people is another important way to stimulate the brain. So make a point to reach out and stay connected to friends, family and neighbors. Join a club, take a class or even volunteer — anything that enhances your social life.

Do not smoke or drink excessively: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption affect the brain in a negative way. It is recommended that you kick the habit if you smoke and, if you drink, do so only in moderation.

Reduce stress: Some stress is good for the brain, but too much can be toxic. There is growing evidence that things like mindfulness meditation, yoga and tai chi are all good ways to help reduce stress.

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 1, 2019

Could You Have Glaucoma?

What are the warning signs for glaucoma? My 65-year-old brother lost some of his vision because of this disease but never had a clue anything was wrong. Could I be at risk too?

It is called the "silent thief of sight" for a reason. With no early warning signs or pain, most people that have glaucoma do not realize it until their vision begins to deteriorate. Here is what you should know.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated. This typically happens because the fluids in the eye do not drain properly, causing increased pressure in the eyeball.

There are two main types of glaucoma, but the most common form that typically affects older individuals is called open-angle glaucoma. This disease develops very slowly when the eye's drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to blind spots in the peripheral or side vision. By the time it is noticeable, permanent damage is already done.

Are You at Risk?

It is estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma today, but that number is expected to surge to more than 4 million by 2030. If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you may have an increased risk of developing it.

Are you African American, Hispanic/Latino American or Asian American?
Are you over age 60?
Do you have an immediate family member with glaucoma?
Do you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraines or extreme nearsightedness?
Have you had a past eye injury?
Have you used corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers or creams) for long periods of time?

What to Do

Early detection is the key to treating glaucoma. If you are age 40 or older and have any of the previously listed risk factors, you should get a comprehensive eye examination every year or two. If you notice some loss of peripheral vision, go to the eye doctor right away.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, annual eye examinations are covered for those at high risk of being diagnosed with glaucoma. If you do not have vision coverage, check into EyeCare America, a national program that provides free glaucoma eye exams without income requirements. Visit EyeCareAmerica.org or call 877-887-6327 to learn more.

While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, most cases can be treated with prescription eye drops, which reduce eye pressure and can prevent further vision loss. It cannot, however, restore vision that has already been lost from glaucoma. If eye drops do not work, your doctor may recommend oral medication, laser treatments, incisional surgery or a combination of these methods.

For more information about glaucoma, visit the National Eye Institute at NEI.nih.gov, or the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Salem Community Schools Employees Give Back

Not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something and those somethings add up. In this case, the somethings are a couple of dollars out of each paycheck for Salem Community Schools employees that choose to give to the Salem Community Schools Giving Tree Fund.

This year, seven Salem Community Schools employees were awarded grants from the fund.

Third grade teacher, Emily Johnson, custodian, Matt Gorman, IT specialist Don Stinnette, and Aaron Pickett, fifth grade teacher have joined forces to bring a makerspace to Bradie Shrum Elementary School. The space will be available for any classroom in grades K-5 and has the capability to be utilized by after-school programs as well. The space will consist of both consumable and non-consumable items such as sewing machines, K’nex, building bricks, robots, and microbits.

Pam Barry’s Kindergarten class will be continuing to build their “Kinder Garden” with the purchase of a new Lego wall.

Students in Jenisa Collier’s Kindergarten class will start their training to be engineers. She was awarded a grant to purchase materials for STEM education to design, build, and test one-of-a-kind creations.

Kindergarten students will also be learning to code. Materials will be shared in all Kindergarten classrooms to promote critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will code Botley robots which will open the door to the world or robotics and coding.

Allison Brown’s second grade classroom will be improving mindfulness and movement through literacy with the addition of yoga mats, mediation cushions, and books to support learning in a wide variety of skill areas such as movement patters, spatial concepts, social interactions, emotional regulation, and language and literacy skills to develop self-awareness.

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

End

Ways to Save

Types of Lifts

Purchasing Tips

Are there any proven strategies for preventing cognitive decline? I have a family history of dementia and worry about my own memory and cognitive abilities as I grow older. What can you tell me?

Are You at Risk?

What to Do

More Articles ...