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It’s That Time of Year Again, Tax Season!
Posted on February 20, 2012 by jplitman@lutheranhomecare.org

 

While tax season is a time of year some people look forward to, many of us find it to be more of a burden than a benefit.  Sure, we might get a tax return that we can spend on something frivolous (or put into savings), but that also requires the completion of all of those complicated tax forms.  Fortunately, there are some resources available to provide assistance.

One of these resources is VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.  Eligibility for this program is based on financial need and qualifying individuals or families are provided with IRS-certified volunteers who provide free income tax return preparation.  VITA sites are generally conveniently located in the community at places such as libraries or schools and many sites offer free electronic filing.  To find a VITA site near you, simply call 1-800-906-9887.

Another helpful resource is the TCE Program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly.  This program offers free help with priority given to those aged 60 or older and it specializes in pension and retirement issues unique to seniors.   This assistance is again facilitated by IRS-certified volunteers.  For more information on this program, please contact 1-800-227-7669.

These programs will also help you identify special tax credits for which you may be eligible, including Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.  Each of these credits have certain eligibility requirements such as income or age, and the above mentioned programs can help determine if you are eligible based on the appropriate criteria.  Even if you do not legally need to file your taxes based on your income, it is recommended that you do file them, as you may qualify for the above mentioned or additional credits or refunds.

Don’t forget, your federal return is due by April 17th 2012, and most state returns are due around that time as well!  It’s never too soon to start getting your taxes together, especially with all of the help that is available.

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Am I prepared to date again?
Posted on February 8, 2012 by apickel@lutheranhomecare.org

Surviving the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas is one thing when you are grieving a partner; surviving the love holiday of Valentine’s Day can be another.

February 14th is the day that couple-hood is celebrated…the card and floral industries thrive on this day.  When you are single this day can be a reminder of a life you once had with that special someone who is no longer here.

Dr. Pepper Schwartz has 8 ways to know if you’re emotionally prepared to begin to date again.  Dr. Schwartz writes, “Read the following statements.  If you agree with all of them, go forth and conquer. If not, pay attention to those area you need to work on.”

  1. “I’m totally over my previous relationship.”
  2. “I am not bitter about the past.”
  3. “I don’t want to divulge everything about myself right away.”
  4. “I know how to listen.”
  5. “I’m in good shape, and I look my best.”
  6. “I’m ready to have a good time.”
  7. “I don’t expect instant success.”
  8. “I’m not looking for Mr. or Ms. Perfect.”

To enter the world of dating you must be prepared.  Couple-hood is not an easy fix for your loneliness and couple-hood shouldn’t be a band-aid for your grieving heart.

When you are single, reach out to family and friends who are also single and do something together on this holiday.  Whether it is an activity of dinner and a movie or just going out for some coffee and shopping, get out and be with others! 

Doing things with a group is sometimes easier than trying to go out on your own.  Celebrate the love that friends and family bring to your life not ony at Valentine’s but everyday.

Remember there are blessings both in singlehood and couple-hood.

May you find treasures in loves both past and present this Valentine’s Day!

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And the next thing I knew, I was on the floor….
Posted on January 30, 2012 by ciacona@lutheranhomecare.org

 

It happens fast! You get up during the night to get to the bathroom and the next thing you know, you have had a fall. The floor was slippery, the lighting was poor and you were in a hurry. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. If a fracture occurs, it can lead to a lack of mobility, disability and a loss of independence. A fall prevention program is an important step in preventing a fall and something that should be thought about ahead of time. Here are some helpful tips to start with.

  1. First, talk with your doctor. You may be on some medications that could affect your stability. Sedatives and antidepressants as well as side effects from some medications can have an impact on your stability. If you have had a previous fall, remembering the details may help you and your doctor develop some strategies to prevent future falls.
  2. Secondly, keep yourself active. Walking and gentle exercise programs help to decrease your risk by increasing your strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.
  3. Sensible footwear is another factor. Sloppy slippers or stocking feet, high heels, and extra thick soles are not good options. Non skid soles and lace up or fabric fasteners are better than slip on styles.
  4. Adequate lighting is a must. Replace any burned out bulbs right away and use night lights in hallways and in the bathroom. Placing a flashlight near your bed is another tip if lighting to your bathroom is not ideal. 
  5. Remove throw rugs or secure them with double sided tape and move any obstacles that might cause you to trip. 

Click here for a great website from the Administration on Aging related to preventing falls. Reviewing these strategies may be a saving grace to preventing an unwanted falls and all the complications that may result. Stay tuned for more infomation on fall prevention, now that winter weather is on the way.

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Happiness is a Choice in 2012
Posted on January 23, 2012 by apickel@lutheranhomecare.org

Happy 2012!

Every holiday season seems to fly by in an instant.  We focus on decorating, buying presents and enjoying the sweet treats that the season brings.  Christmas cards are delivered and we are reminded that we are thought of by friends and family both near and far.

What happens as the New Year arrives?

We put away all of our decorations, presents and start to work off those pounds gained by all the sweet treats we indulged in over the holiday season.  Cards are pushed to the side and we mentally pack away memories of the holidays for another year.

As we start the New Year, we may have a moment or two where we reflect on the gains and losses of the previous year and make resolutions accordingly.  Most resolutions are based on the needs of our health or finances.

What if our focus of 2012 was to be happy?

Bonnie Ware, author of The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, reported that one of the top regrets is that “Many patients didn’t realize that happiness is a choice, and said, ‘I wish that I had let myself be happier.’” (Inspiration and Chai, www.inspirationandchai.com/Regrets-of-the-Dying.html)

Many of us take for granted that our lives are full of choices and indeed happiness is a CHOICE.

When our lives seem mired by same stuff different day mentality, we need to take the preverbal bull-by-the-horns and make the changes we need to, to find what makes us the happiest.

Take this challenge with me.  This month make a step towards taking control of your happiness and let yourself be happy this day and every day.

You have the CHOICE to make 2012 your best year yet!

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Stress and Depression at the Holidays: Tips for Coping
Posted on December 13, 2011 by mfurlong@lutheranhomecare.org

‘Tis the season to be jolly?  Not necessarily.  The holidays can be hectic and the demands of the holiday season can often contribute to feelings of depression and stress. Many people find it hard to cope with added pressures during this busy time of year.  Even those who are not usually affected by depression may struggle during the holidays.  It is important to be aware of our stressors and to know that we can take proactive steps to keep the holidays joyful.  These tips provided by the Mayo Clinic can help combat the holiday blues and minimize stress. 

10 Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

  1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
  2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
  3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
  4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
  5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone’s name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
  6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
  7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity.
  8. Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
  9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
  10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

It is possible to experience peace and joy this holiday season.  By learning to recognize your holiday triggers such as financial pressures, family issues or personal demands, you can take steps to prevent holiday stress and depression.  Remember to seek support when necessary, try to plan ahead and focus on the positive aspects of the season.  You may end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought possible.

This post was written by Tammy Hawbaker, hospice volunteer coordinator.  For more information visit www.mayoclinic.com

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Posted in cope, coping during the holidays, depression, depression and the holidays, holiday blues, holidays, psychological well being, stress | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Posted on December 7, 2011 by jplitman@lutheranhomecare.org

An Opportunity to Reminisce with Those Who Lived Through It

Just as we remembered the 10th anniversary of September 11th 2001, we must also remember Pearl Harbor Day.  This year will be the 70th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, which happened on December 7th 1941.  On this date, Japanese forces attacked America’s naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  The day after these attacks, America declared war on Japan and entered into World War II.

Just as many of us remember where we were and what we were doing when the attacks of 9/11 happened, many of our parents and grandparents have similar memories in regards to the attacks on Pearl Harbor.  This can provide an opportunity to open up discussion with our loved ones and learn more about their past experiences. 

While reminiscing with my grandmother on the events of 9/11/01, telling her what grade I was in, what specific class I was in, what happened at school, she responded by sharing that she remembered what grade and class she was in when the attacks on Pearl Harbor happened.  She shared her story, and even though my experience was 60 years later, it was amazing to see the similarities.  This lead my grandfather to open up and share his experiences fighting in WWII, which I could relate to through my friends having fought in the Iraqi war.  Having these things in common allowed me to reminisce with my grandparents and relate to them on a whole new level.

Not only is it important to honor our veterans on days such as Pearl Harbor Day and the anniversary of 9/11, these are also wonderful opportunities for discussion and sharing with our loved ones to learn what experiences shaped them into who they are today.

Here you will find a video of two individuals sharing their stories and experiences of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and September 11th 2001

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Posted in 9/11 attacks, grandparents, Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, Reminisce, September 11, World War II | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
A Candle of Hope
Posted on December 6, 2011 by kheebner@lutheranhomecare.org

As the scent of pine and the sound of bells begin to fill the air, we can sense the feelings of anticipation and excitement.  The Christmas Season has officially begun as shoppers  hussle to find their perfect gifts and they fill their carts to over-flowing.  As the count-down to Christmas continues, days on the calendar are filled with baking, cleaning, wrapping, caroling and celebrating. You can almost feel the excitement!

When our boys were in elementary school, every December we would attend their Christmas concert. We would watch as each class sang their unique version of a list of hand-picked songs. Then at the end of the concert all the children would fill the stage and join together to sing the song, “Light The Candles”.  The children would grin from ear-to-ear as they sang about a special celebration, a time when everyone would join together and let their light shine around the world.  Then a few days later, on Christmas Eve, we would sing again only this time the song was Silent Night. With the lights off, each of us would take turns lighting our candle and passing it on.  What a difference just one candle made in the darkness! Just one candle had turned the darkness into light! We continued to light more candles and we watched our surroundings transform. The room that was once dark was now replaced with a soft, warm light that brought a change of perspective and gave us feelings of hope and peace.

For many elderly people, the Christmas Season is not filled with excitement or anticipation of Christmas Day spent with family and friends.  Their sense of loneliness becomes over-whelming and their financial burdens become more evident.  It’s not really the holiday that causes them to be depressed but the feelings that are associated with this special season.  They may appear sad, tired and fatigued as they battle this seasonal depression.  Vicki Rackner, MD, stated, “According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, about 2 million suffer from full-blown depression. Another 5 million suffer from less severe forms of the illness. This represents about 20% of the senior population — a significant proportion.”

Depression in the elderly is difficult to diagnose and is frequently untreated. The symptoms may be confused with a medical illness, dementia, or malnutrition due to a poor diet. Many older people will not accept the idea that they have depression and refuse to seek treatment.”  Click here to read full article.

As you meet with people this Christmas, keep your eyes open and your ears tuned for signs of holiday depression.  You may be the light of hope they need to get them through the Christmas Season.  A joyful smile, a gentle touch, a listening ear or an encouraging word may be the present you give this year.  Although these things seem so simple and they cost nothing, they provide hope to someone in need of that perfect gift you bring.  Your candle of hope can light up their darkness and give them the encouragement they need to keep going, to hold on and persevere for another day, knowing that there is hope and that there is a brighter tomorrow. 

As we celebrate Christmas, may the gifts you give be straight from your heart and may you be filled to over-flowing with peace and joy.

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Tips on Managing the Holidays in the Midst of Grief
Posted on December 2, 2011 by apickel@lutheranhomecare.org

On Sunday at church the minister invited the children to the front for the children’s message.  He asked them to write or draw something they are thankful for and they used the slips of paper of their thankful thoughts to “stuff” a turkey.  The minister asked the children to say aloud some of the items they wrote or drew.  Little voices said, “Jesus”, “church”, “home”, and “mommies and daddies”.  The congregation laughed and we was touched by the sweet thankful voices.

With warm thoughts still in my head, I see two little boys returning to their pew to sit with their dad and grandpa and I was quickly reminded that those boys’ Thanksgiving will be different this year. Their mother died just weeks ago of a sudden onset illness and my heart went out to them and their family.

The thought of the holiday season can stir many emotions, both negative and positive, when it is a “good” year but when you are dealing with emotions of grief the stress of the holiday can increase.

When we consider the holidays and grief, the most important tip to remember is to slow down our approach to this hectic time of the year and plan ahead for the hard emotions that it can trigger.

Some other tips to consider are:

  • Don’t pretend this holiday season- Your emotions may be on a rollercoaster.  Express them. Share them. Don’t hold them back.  Don’t try to pretend that this year is like every other year.  It isn’t. Acknowledge that this year is different and plan to allow yourself some emotional down days.
  • Put away your cape- Try not to be a super hero by doing everything you did prior to your loss if you don’t have the energy.  Grieving is hard work.  Energy levels may be low.  Plan out your holiday and this may mean for this year you are scaling back one or more parts of your holiday traditions.
  • Reach out to others- It is okay to ask for help.  Maybe the holiday baking and decorating are activities that you refuse to let grief interrupt, but ask others to help you accomplish them.  You may find that you will start a new tradition in the process plus the support of others can help with your emotional well being.
  • Give of yourself- If you are going to be alone this holiday season, this is a perfect time of the year to pursue volunteer opportunities.  Serving at a homeless shelter, nursing home or hospital offers an opportunity for you to comfort someone else who is facing the holiday alone.
  • You will make it- You will survive this holiday season.  There will be tough times but they will pass and when the holidays are packed away, you will have a new found strength that you may not have expected of yourself.

The final thought comes from Angela Morrow, RN, former About.com Guide:  “You don’t have to enjoy the holidays.  You don’t even have to go through the motions pretending to enjoy the festivities.  But, it’s also just fine to have a good time in spite of your grief.  If happiness slips through your window of grief, allow it to happen and enjoy it.  You won’t be doing your loved one any injustice by feeling joyous.  The best gift you can give anyone you love, even someone you have lost, is being true to yourself and living your life to the fullest.”

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Leaving Your Money to Your Uncle Sam
Posted on November 30, 2011 by vthompson@lutheranscp.org

     

Even though most people don’t currently have to worry about federal estate taxes, most Pennsylvania residents will pay STATE estate taxes.  In Pennsylvania, only spouses are exempt from paying taxes on inheritances.  Children and parents must pay 4.5% tax, siblings pay 12% and everyone else pays 15%.  In 2010 the state of Pennsylvania received $759,171,305 in inheritance taxes from its 67 counties. This is what residents of our local counties paid:

 2010 Inheritance Tax Sent to Harrisburg   

  • York County            $21,060,409  
  • Franklin County      $  7,510,158  
  • Adams County        $  4,447,935

Just imagine if an additional 1% of the gross assets of the estates that passed through each county Register of Wills Office went to charity?  In York County alone, residents could provide almost $3 million to work in that community for future generations.

 How can I disinherit my Uncle Sam?    That’s easy.  You can designate in your will that a portion of your estate go to a charity whose work you support. Charities pay no inheritance tax, so every dollar left to a charity in someone’s will goes to support the good works of that charity. 

You have to do two things to include the charities you have supported and loved throughout your life in your will.

  • First, you have to have a will – and over half of the people in America do not.
  • Second, you simply need to include the charity or nonprofit and the amount you are comfortable with in your will.

Your attorney can help with both of these things, in addition to helping organize your estate planning to leave a lasting impact on the people most dear to you and the community in which you live.  You can make a difference for future generations by continuing your support of the charity you love with a gift in your will.

Thanks to Brad Jacobs, York County Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court, for some of the information in this article.

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Posted in End -of-life decisions, Estate Planning, Estate taxes, Last Will and Testament, Wills | Tagged | Leave a comment
Let’s Talk Turkey!
Posted on November 21, 2011 by mfurlong@lutheranhomecare.org

If something happened to you where you could not make life sustaining decisions for yourself, are you confident that your loved ones would make the right decisions for you?  Do they know what kind of care you would want? 

When you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, give your family one more – knowledge of your wishes.   While it might not seem like the most fun kind of conversation to have over the holidays, this is the perfect time – when families are together – to talk about these things.  It is so important that your loved ones know what kind of treatment you want – and don’t want.  It’s also important for them to know what other end-of-life wishes you have. 

If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones. Life threatening accidents and medical emergencies don’t usually give you advanced warning to plan for them, nor do they come with instructions.   Imagine the shock and surprise of such an event occurring and your loved one having to make difficult decisions for you but not knowing what you’d want.  It can be a very difficult and agonizing place to be.  Making and sharing your own advance directives now can save your family from the anguish of having to make them for you and also help to ensure that you receive the type of care that you would want.

Be prepared and prepare them. Start the conversation. Think about opportunities you may have as you gather with loved ones during the holiday. Will you have the chance to talk about health care preferences with your parents, adult children, siblings, in-laws, extended family or close friends?

To make all of this an easy process and to encourage you to make your advance directives, Lutheran Home Care & Hospice recommends using “Five Wishes”, a legal advance care planning document that is easy to use and understand and is written in everyday language that speaks to what matters most to you and me.   You can access a copy of Five Wishes through our website at www.lutheranhomecare.org.   Look for “Let’s Talk Turkey” on our home page.

Once you complete it, distribute copies to your physicians and family members and keep extra copies for the future. Review it periodically to update it with changes in your wishes or decision makers.  You may change or cancel an advance directive at any time by executing a new document and destroying prior copies.

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Posted in Advance Directives, advocate, DNR, Do Not Resuscitate, Durable Power of Attorney, End -of-life decisions, End-of-life, Five Wishes, Healthcare Decisions, holidays, Last Will and Testament, Life Sustaining Treatment, Living Trust, Living Will, Long-term care, Talk turkey, turkey | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment