Dear Savvy Senior, Does Social Security offer any special help to beneficiaries who struggle managing their benefits? My aunt, who has no children, has dementia and struggles keeping up with her bills and other financial duties. Inquiring Niece

Dear Inquiring,
Yes, Social Security actually has a little-known program known as the “representative payee program” that helps beneficiaries who need help managing their Social Security benefit payments. Here’s what you should know.
Representative Payee Program
Authorized by congress back in 1939, the Social Security representative payee program provides money management help to beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security income. Beneficiaries in need of this help are often seniors suffering from dementia, or minor children who are collecting Social Security survivors’ benefits.
Currently more than 5 million Social Security beneficiaries have representative payees.
Representative payees also handle benefits for nearly 3 million recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a Social Security administered benefit program for low-income people who are over 65, blind or disabled.
Who Are Payees?
A representative payee is typically a relative or close friend of the beneficiary needing assistance, but Social Security can also name an organization or institution for the role – like a nursing homes or social-service agency.
Some of duties of a representative payee include:
* Using the beneficiary’s Social Security or SSI payments to meet their essential needs, such as food, shelter, household bills and medical care. The money can also be used for personal needs like clothing and recreation.
* Keeping any remaining money from benefit payments in an interest-bearing bank account or savings bonds for the beneficiary’s future needs.
* Keeping records of benefit payments received and how the money was spent or saved.
* Reporting to Social Security any changes or events that could affect the beneficiary’s payments (for example, a move, marriage, divorce or death).
* Reporting any circumstances that affect the payee’s ability to serve in the role.
As a representative payee, you cannot combine the beneficiary’s Social Security payments with your own money or use them for your own needs. The bank account into which benefits are deposited should be fully owned by the beneficiary, with the payee listed as financial agent.
Some payees, generally those who do not live with the beneficiary, are required to submit annual reports to Social Security accounting for how benefits are used. For more information on the responsibilities and restrictions that come with the role, see the Social Security publication “A Guide for Representative Payees” at SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-10076.pdf.
How to Get Help
If you believe your aunt may need a representative payee, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 and make an appointment to discuss the matter at her local office. Applying to serve as a payee usually requires a face-to-face interview.
Social Security may consider other evidence in deciding if a beneficiary needs a payee and selecting the person to fill the role, including doctors’ assessments and statements from relatives, friends and others in a position to give an informed opinion about the beneficiary’s situation.
You should also know that if you become your aunt’s representative payee you cannot collect a fee for doing it. However, some organizations that serve in the role do receive fees, paid out of the beneficiary’s Social Security or SSI payments.
For more information on the program visit SSA.gov/payee.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Edna Randolph

Edna Randolph of Oklahoma City celebrated her 100th birthday this week. Our volunteer Ann Attig was there to present her with a certificate. Edna had a career as a pharmacy assistant. Her favorite holiday was Christmas because of the decorations and holiday cooking. Happy Birthday Edna!!

Georgia Camp

Georgia of Altus celebrated her 100th birthday in March. Christmas is Georgia’s favorite holiday because of the time she gets to spend with family. She loves to eat fried chicken. Her favorite song is Farewell Party. Georgia has lived in the US with seventeen Presidents from Coolidge to Biden. Her words of wisdom to us are: Smile, Be Happy and Stay Out of Trouble.

Wanda Moore

Wanda Moore of Tulsa will be 100 tomorrow, May 14th! She was born and raised in Arkansas but is now a Golden Okie! Her words of wisdom for us are: Get a Good Education, Go To Church and Honor Your Elders. Happiest of birthday wishes to Wanda!

Mary Krutsch

Tulsan Mary Krutsch celebrates her 100th Birthday today! She received her high school diploma from Central High School, Class of 1941. Mary was a hairdresser and licensed pilot. Congratulations, Mary on your 100th Birthday!!!

KNOW A CENTENARIAN? If you know of a Centenarian you would like to honor, please visit http://centenariansok.com/ and download, complete and submit our form. A team members will contact you .

By Nick Thomas

For those of us who lived through the 70s and 80s, the comedic impressionist Rich Little was everywhere on television. While he guest-starred in many classic TV shows, Little will always be remembered for his hilarious appearances on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast TV series in the 1970s and early 80s.
“I look back on those Dean Martin Roasts – and I did 24 (about half) of them – with much affection,” said Little from Las Vegas where he has been a long-time resident. “Aside from Ruth Buzzi, I’m the only regular from the show who is still alive. I’m blessed to still be working.”
Turning 85 later this year, Little has been delighting audiences with his visual and vocal celebrity impressions for the past 7 years during his residency at the Laugh Factory comedy club on the third-floor showroom of the Las Vegas Tropicana hotel. He recently extended his autobiographical one-man show into the new year and will continue performing “Rich Little Live” four evenings a week.
“Originally, I planned to be there only a couple of weeks, but it just took off,” he said. “I’m doing shows at 6:30 pm Sundays through Wednesdays now.”
Little also recently updated his 2016 semi-autobiographical book, “Little by Little: People I’ve Known and Been” (see www.therichlittle.com).
“I added new chapters, including one on Don Rickles who passed away a few years ago, made some corrections, and gave it a new cover,” he explained. “I also mention a lot of other people I didn’t talk about the first time around. It’s not really a biography, but rather a collection of the funny things that have happened with me and the celebrities I’ve known through the years.”
Originally from Canada, Little credits Mel Tormé for helping him crack the U.S. entertainment scene when the singer secured him a spot on “The Judy Garland Show” in early 1964. Garland’s spontaneous joy at Little’s impressions of Jimmy Stewart, James Mason, and others was contagious and the rookie comedian was soon crowned the premier Hollywood impressionist. This year, he will also receive a special honor from his native home.
“I will be receiving the Order of Canada that recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to our nation throughout their lives,” said Little proudly. “I guess they found out I was still living and decided to give it to me! I have dual citizenship with Canada and America and became a U.S. citizen about 10 years ago.”
In addition to his entertainment impressions, Little is known for poking fun at presidents, particularly Reagan and Nixon. He added Biden to his current routine, but doesn’t do Trump or Obama. While his impressions have never been mean-spirited, he’s aware that contemporary political humor can be divisive.
“People are more sensitive now and everything has to be politically correct, so it’s a little tougher to imitate politicians these days compared to 30 or 40 years ago,” he says.
Nevertheless, as he heads into a new year with his updated book, recognition from his home country, and headlining at a major Las Vegas hotel, the demand for his live shows confirms that Rich Little continues to impress.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See https://www.getnickt.org/.

Join the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) and Oklahoma Humanities (OH) on Wednesday, September 22, at 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center for a live podcast crossover event. OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn of the OHS’s “A Very OK Podcast” and Dr. Sunu Kodumthara of OH’s “Brain Box” will lead a conversation about growing up in Oklahoma from multiple cultural perspectives, featuring guests Kelli Brooke Haney and Javier Hernandez. This crossover event will be recorded in front of a live audience.
Prior to the program, DJ Tangerine will perform and a bar will be available with complimentary beer and wine, sponsored by Coop Ale Works. Registration is $15 for OHS members and $25 for non-members. A charcuterie box can be purchased for an additional $7. The panelists will be available before the recording, as will related OHS resources. Registration is required, and attendees must be 21 years old or older. Please visit www.okhistory.org/crossover to register.
On the Oklahoma Humanities “Brainbox” podcast, Dr. Sunu Kodumthara and her cohost, Dr. Ben Alpers, use the humanities to discuss issues affecting American society and culture. On the OHS “A Very OK Podcast” Trait Thompson and Bob Blackburn explore the interesting stories and fascinating personalities that make up Oklahoma’s unique history.
Kelli Brooke Haney is the sixth child out of seven siblings. She was raised in Seminole and later Tahlequah. Haney graduated from the School of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma. In the 2000s she toured regionally with her Rockabilly band the “Oh Johnny! Girls” and worked in the photography, video and art industries. Haney is the daughter of retired Choctaw Native American tribal attorney L. Susan Work, who worked diligently on the McGirt v. Oklahoma case. Her father is Enoch Kelly Haney, the first full-blood Seminole and Creek Native American state legislator in Oklahoma and an artist of monumental sculptures such as “The Guardian,” which sits atop the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Born in Mexico City, Javier Hernandez’s mother moved the family to Oklahoma when he was two years old. Hernandez earned his bachelor’s degree from Mid-America Christian University and graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He has been part of the US Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and practices law with the firm Dunn and Hernandez. He has served as president of the Hispanic Law Student Association, president of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Group and vice president of the Immigration Legal Society.
Danny Eagle (DJ Tangerine) is an Oklahoma City open format DJ who performs regularly at Fassler Hall. He has been a mainstay in the area since 2016. He also performs in direct support of touring artists.
Oklahoma Humanities is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen communities by helping Oklahomans learn about the human experience, understand new perspectives, and participate knowledgeably in civic life through humanities disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OH provides a free educational magazine, Smithsonian Institution exhibits, reading and discussion groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. OH engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Story by Joyce Clark, Executive Director – Saint Ann Retirement Center

Senior living communities are a popular choice for people with a history of falling down because typically the building has design features to help reduce fall risk. Minimum thresholds, walk-in showers, handrails, contrasting colors, low-pile flooring, and non-glare lighting are examples of some senior living building amenities that help to lower fall incidents. You can implement these and other safety enhancements in your own home.
As people age they experience physical and lifestyle changes that can also lead to falls. Health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart arrhythmias, dehydration, inner ear problems, vertigo, and urinary tract infection can increase a person’s chance of falling. Other risk factors include: * Dizziness * Foot problems like numbness, corns, bunions, ingrown nails, or ulcerations * Cataracts, glaucoma, depth perception and vision problems * Weak muscles or poor balance * Confusion or memory loss * Drinking too much alcohol * Vitamin D deficiency
It is a good idea to show a complete list of all medications, herbs, and remedies to your physician at each visit to help maintain safety and good health. Medication side effects or taking a number of medications at the same time can also increase fall risk. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and walking steadiness. Medications that most commonly cause blurred vision, dizziness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, or difficulty thinking include: * Blood pressure lowering medications * Sleep aids and sedatives * Antidepressants and psychotropics * Anticonvulsants for epilepsy
Some other general tips to reduce fall risk are: * Have your eyes and vision examined annually. * Stay physically active. Exercise helps to prevent falls, especially activities that enhance balance and coordination. A lot of exercise and stretching can be done from or using a sturdy chair for balance. * Wear shoes with non-slip soles. Socks can be a slipping risk. * Wear pants and clothing that are properly hemmed and don’t drag on the ground. * Take your time moving from a lying or sitting position to standing. * Use the arms of sturdy furniture when you sit down, reach, or stand up. * Use a reacher to retrieve items from the floor without bending over and from high shelves without using a footstool. You can use a reacher to wipe up spills while seated or standing. * Keep a mobile telephone nearby in an easy to reach location. * Wear an emergency call pendant or have “Alexa” in different rooms programmed to call for help when requested.
FLOORS AND FURNITURE
* Clean up clutter. Move newspapers, furniture, plants, and electrical cords out of traffic areas.
* Store clothing, towels, and household items where you can safely reach them.
* Eliminate uneven floor surfaces. Replace high doorway thresholds between rooms with low, beveled ones, or remove them.
* Replace thick carpets with dense, low-pile carpet or leave the floors uncovered.
* Arrange furniture to give you plenty of room to walk freely.
* Secure carpets to the floor and stairs. Remove throw rugs. Use non-slip rugs or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.
* Put non-slip tape strips on steps, bathtub, and floors.
BATHROOM
* Use a shower chair / bench.
* Rinse all soap from tub / shower before getting out.
* Install adjustable height or hand-held showerhead.
* Mount grab bars with secure reinforcement at the toilet, bath, and shower walls.
* Secure bath mats with non-slip, double-sided rug tape.
* Install a night-light to help you get to the bathroom safely. There are also motion detector versions that automatically light up as you approach the area.
BEDROOM
* Sit in a sturdy armchair to dress and undress.
* Use a long-handled shoehorn to put on shoes without bending over.
* Use a dressing stick to pull on pants or skirts, take off socks, and reach hanging clothes.
* Place a portable commode or a plastic urinal near your bed.
KITCHEN
* Keep clean pans on the stove or in a countertop rack instead of hanging or putting them in a cabinet.
* Store plates, bowls, cups, and other frequently used items in an easily accessible drawer or shelf.
* Sit in a sturdy chair when you cut vegetables or do other kitchen tasks.
* Install slide-out shelving or a lazy susan.
* Use a wheeled cart for extra storage and to help move heavy items. For example, use it to move a dish from the refrigerator to the oven.
* Keep the floor dry. Have paper towels and a reacher handy for cleanup.
STAIRWAYS
* Make sure handrails are securely fastened.
* Install handrails on both sides of steps.
* Put non-slip tape on steps.
* Turn on lights before going up or down stairs.
* Take a pause before going up or down stairs.
LIGHTING
* Place nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and stairways.
* Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
* Place a lamp near your bed. Touch on/off lamps are easier to use.
* Add lighting to dark spaces, entrances, and walkways. Motion detector lights can be a good option when they are set to stay on for a while.
* Keep a flashlight by your bed and in other easy to find locations in case the power goes out.
* Use light bulbs that have the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.
About Joyce: Joyce Clark is the Campus Director of Saint Ann Retirement Center, which offers independent and assisted living. She says watching people regain their strength, balance, and health is one of her team’s greatest rewards.
Clark encourages people to be extra careful at home getting in and out of the bathtub, where many people tend to fall. Call Lisa at Saint Ann Retirement Center, (405) 721-0747 Ext #322, if you would like more tips and helpful information.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Hunt attended Moore High School and graduated in 2016.
Hunt joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy so I could see the world,” said Hunt.
Today, Hunt serves as an electronics technician aboard USS Chief.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Oklahoma City.
“I come from a city with a small-town feel, which helped me get a sense of the Navy community,” said Hunt.
USS Chief is an amphibious warship. These types of ships embark, transport and land U.S. Marines for a variety of warfare missions. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice, according to Navy officials.
As a member of the Navy, Hunt is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because at the end of the day it’s really the Navy that will prevent our enemies from getting to the United States.,” said Hunt.
Hunt serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence,” said Adm. Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. “Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend – across all domains – any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partner’s security, freedom and well-being.”
Hunt and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being able to have the technical knowledge to solve equipment malfunctions on the ship while underway at sea,” said Hunt.
As Hunt and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means showing our allies that we’re here for them,” said Hunt. “Recently we went to Okinawa and the people of Okinawa really showed their appreciation.”
Hunt is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents,” added Hunt. “They were really supportive of me. Also, my recruiter, Toni Knight, was very helpful in navigating my way and helping me understand the process.”