Cambridge Times Fall 2021 Newsletter!

More documents

Recommendations

Info

VA BENEFITS What are they, am I eligible, and how can I apply? EDUCATION ARTICLES What are they? The Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements, and who have income and net worth within certain limits. Maximum Monthly Aid & Attendance Pension: Surviving Spouse: $1,209 Single Veteran: $1,881 Married Veteran (spouse needs care) Married Veteran (with care needs): $2,230 Eligibility Requirements? Military History: Service in a combat zone is not a requirement. Veteran’s must have served 90 days active duty with 1 day during a period of war: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or Gulf. An honorable, general, or medical military discharge is required. The VA defines this as follows: • WWII: December 7, 1941--December 31,1946 • Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950--January 31, 1955 • Vietnam War: February 28, 1961--May 7, 1975 for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam; otherwise August 5, 1964-- May 7,1975 • Gulf War: August 2, 1990--a future date set (For VA Benefits purposes, this time of war is still in effect) Medical Needs: The Veteran or spouse must have physical or mental conditions that require the assistance of another individual on a regular basis. Income Considerations: If care expenses exceed income, the maximum benefit is awarded; most meet this qualification. Net Worth: The VA considers net worth in making its determination; with proper planning most can become eligible. Surviving Spouse: A spouse must have been married to the Veteran until death and never remarried. How can I apply? You can apply by phone, mail, in person or online. For more information about pension information or to find your local specialist scan the QR code to visit VA.GOV! Call <strong>Cambridge</strong> at 814-205-0948 to learn more about how the Aid and Attendance Pension may help you pay for your veteran’s care. For more information on income considerations and net worth speak with your local VA specialist to learn more! 10
"but...what do i say?" When it's time for your loved one to move into a retirement living situation, how do you bring it up? What do you say? We've been asked this question often, so we decided to compile all of the helpful tips and suggestions we've learned along the way... do your research. Before you begin to plant the seed or have the conversation, first educate yourself about local retirement communities so you’ll have a better understanding of the right fit for your elderly loved one. Their needs may be much higher than you’re willing to admit, and that’s okay. You’ll help yourself stay objective with the following step. create a list. Jot down your concerns and needs for your aging loved one. Have you noticed the signs of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases? Are you concerned about health problems? Or daily activities such as grooming, medication management, or cooking? Compare this with your research to find the best unique care for your parent. Plant the seed first before your extended conversation. Mention that there are options that could make their life easier, happier, and safer. Don’t push it. If they are resistant, it’s okay to tackle it another day. but when is it time? There are pros and cons to “not hesitating vs. waiting for a ‘teachable moment’.” Your situation is unique. If Mom falls, you can use this as a springboard to present a better way of living. But you may find the conversation more difficult to have in a time of crisis should a medical emergency arise. having the conversation If you’re not sure where to start, try these conversation starters: • How is it living at home? Do you still feel safe? (If there has been a crisis or ‘teachable moment’ now is the time to mention it) • Do you have any plans for long term care, if you got sick or fell at home alone? • Do you feel lonely sometimes? Would you like to spend more time with folks your age? • Would you feel less stress if you didn’t have to worry about this house? • Have you thought about having an extra hand around to help with laundry, housekeeping, or cooking? Once you’ve begun, remember these tips for a healthier conversation: have it in person if possible. Block out a time where you’re both rested and relaxed. Be present so they know you care. lead with empathy. You may be struggling with a case of dementia, or confusion with age. Providing empathy will help you maintain patience through a difficult conversation and help you to avoid minimizing their feelings or making them feel like you’re “sorry for them”. focus on the positives. Instead of leading the conversation with all of their limitations, express how much easier life could be if they had qualified assistance. let them know you love them. If you approach the conversation with love and concern for their wellbeing as your top priority, you may find it much easier to have a productive dialogue. let them decide. Give them us much control in the situation as possible. If they feel as if they are making the decision for themselves, it can help secure their autonomy and dignity, while still granting them a safer environment. You can arrange a visit with them to a community, or plan to talk again when they feel more ready. Hopefully there is no need to rush, and with time you can come to an unpressured mutual agreement. 11
Page 1 and 2: GRACIOUS COUNTRY RETIREMENT LIVING
Page 3 and 4: our staff CAMBRIDGE RETIREMENT LIVI
Page 5 and 6: COVID-19 UPDATE Cambridge Retiremen
Page 7 and 8: CAMBRIDGE HILLSIDE LEAVE UNCERTAINT
Page 9: M y mom loves to decorate. She’s
Page 13 and 14: Ivan and parents, Ivan Sr. and Ther
Page 15 and 16: SCOTLAND EDITION Scan the QR code w
Page 17 and 18: BONUS! If you're feeling particular
Page 19 and 20: Riverview Renovation! Cambridge Riv
Page 21 and 22: Deep Sea DIY Grab some bubble wrap,
Page 23 and 24: WINTER 2021 UPCOMING EVENTS DONATE

Cambridge Times Fall 2021 Newsletter!

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?