Speak-Up, Dad!

Dads have too much pressure yet keep quiet about their needs

Father’s Day traditionally takes a backseat to Mother’s Day but a new national survey reveals we owe Dad special attention on his big day this year. The survey reveals that more than half of adult children (52%) sometimes feel they take their dads for granted! Why?
1) Families expect so much from Dad (be the breadwinner, romantic husband, caretaker for children, athletic supporter, handy man,)
2) Dads aren’t as vocal about their needs and accomplishments
3) Mom seems to get all the attention!
The national survey of 300 men and women was commissioned by Visiting Angels, one of our nation’s largest in-home senior care companies with more than 500 offices throughout the country.
DADS GET SLIGHTED ON FATHER’S DAY
Nearly ½ of those surveyed (44%) say they have felt dads get slighted on Father’s Day because…
1) Moms get more attention on Mother’s Day
2) Dads don’t expect as much on Father’s Day so they can get overlooked
3) It can be hard to find a good gift for Dad
ARE WE GIVING GIFTS DAD WANTS?
Americans spend half as much on gifts for Father’s Day than they do on Mother’s Day, according to the National Retail Federation. While Mother’s Day is the third largest spending-holiday in America, Father’s Day ranks number six on that list, behind Valentine’s Day and Easter.
What gifts do adult children plan to give Dad this year?
• Top gift: a card
• Second: quality time with the kids and family
• Third: gift cards
When Dads were asked what they REALLY want for Father’s Day, they said:
• Top gift: quality time with the kids and family
• Second: gift cards
• Equally tied for third: retreat to the man cave and a card
Turns out, we are giving Dad gifts he really wants! By the way, only 10% of dads say they really want a new tie for Father’s Day! And, only 13% say they want those “world’s greatest dad” gifts.
WHY VISIT DAD ON FATHER’S DAY?
Three out of four (76%) adult children say they plan visit their dad on his special day because…
• 86% say they love him and want to spend time with him.
• More than ½ (58%) say they want to set a good example for their kids.
• 1 in 5 (20%) say it’s one of the few times they get to see him each year because they’re so busy.
“It’s no surprise the survey reveals adult children adore their dads and want to visit them in-person on Father’s Day because they don’t get as much time with their aging parents as they would like,” said Larry Meigs, CEO of Visiting Angels, one of our nation’s largest in home senior care companies, with an office in our area. “On Father’s Day and every day, our caregivers go into seniors’ homes to provide companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation. When you can’t be there for Dad, we’re here to help.”
Visiting Angels is the source for this survey and this online survey was done by a third party and commissioned by Visiting Angels.
Survey participants (150 men, 150 women) have no affiliation with Visiting Angels.

Areawide Aging Agency Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is committed to working with residents, families and facility staff to improve the quality of life of residents in long-term care. Volunteers are an integral part of our mission. We are looking for volunteers who would like to make a difference in the life of a resident.
What are Ombudsmen?
Ombudsmen are advocates who identify, investigate and resolve individual and system level complaints that affect residents in long term care settings.
What does an Ombudsman Do?
• Visit residents weekly for two hours • Help residents articulate needs •Investigate and resolve complaints • Advocate for system and legislative changes • Educate residents of their rights
• Monitor conditions and care • Provide a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves
Who can be a Volunteer?
You Can! Volunteers need to be over 18 years old. We provide the training and any support you might need after you become certified. Areawide Aging Agency’s next scheduled training for new volunteers will be July 29th and 30th 2015. The training will be held at Areawide Aging Agency located at 4101 Perimeter Center Drive Ste. 310, Oklahoma City, OK. The training will begin at 9:30 AM and last until 3:30 PM on both days. Training is free and the public is invited to attend. Attending the training is the first step towards becoming a certified volunteer; however, attending the training in no way obligates you to become a volunteer. If you would like more information or would like to attend the training, please contact Erin Davis, Ombudsman Supervisor at 405-942-8500.

Governor Mary Fallin has signed a proclamation declaring June 15, 2015 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Oklahoma. In conjunction with the proclamation, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) is urging Oklahomans to report elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“When you see something, say something,” said Gail Wettstein, DHS Director of Adult Protective Services (APS). “In Oklahoma, a startling number of our older citizens and neighbors are victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation – regardless of culture, race or income level.”
Elder abuse has become a significant public health and human rights issue in all fifty states. More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and that trend will continue for the next two decades. Most vulnerable Oklahomans who are victims of abuse and neglect are women over the age of 60 and most of the maltreatment occurs in the victim’s own home.
In 2014, Adult Protective Services conducted more than 15,000 investigations into elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and more than 7,000 of the cases were confirmed. 65 percent of the cases were self-neglect and 12.5 percent were caretaker neglect. Abused and neglected older Oklahomans are somebody’s mom or dad, sister or brother, grandmother or grandfather.
If you suspect an older adult is in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation, call your local DHS office during regular business hours or the statewide Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-522-3511.
Visit the DHS website to learn more about prevention and maltreatment of older adults, terminology about vulnerable adults and adult maltreatment, and warning signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Every vulnerable older adult in Oklahoma deserves a safe environment. DHS, its partner agencies, stakeholders, volunteers and advocates are working to help end elder abuse.

Date/ Day/ Location/ Time/ Registration #/ Instructor
June 16/ Tuesday/ Edmond/ 1:30 -3:00 pm/ 210-6798/ Palinsky
AARP State Office – 126 N. Bryant Ave. “WNTT (We Need To Talk) Seminar Free”
Jun 27/ Saturday/ Moore/ 9 am – 3;30 pm/ 735-9638/ Palinsky
1st Methodist Church – 201 W. Main
July 2/ Thursday/ Okla. City/ 9:30 am – 4 pm/ 951-2277/ Palinsky
Intergis 3rd Age Center – 5100 N. Brookline
July 10/ Friday/ Okla. City/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 951-2277/ Edwards
S.W. Medical Center – 4200 S. Douglas, Suite B-10
July 10/ Friday/ Okla. City/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ / Palinsky
Brand Senior Center – 501 E. Main
Aug 6/ Thursday/ Okla. City/ 9:30 am – 4 pm/ 951-2277/ Palinsky
Intergis 3rd Age Center – 5100 N. Brookline
Aug 8/ Saturday/ Moore/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 799-3130/ Palinsky
Brand Center – 501 E. Main St.
Aug 13/ Thursday/ Norman/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 440-8802/ Palinsky
Norman Regional Hospital – 901 N. Porter Ave.
Aug 14/ Friday/ Okla. City/ 9 am – 3:30 pm/ 951-2277/ Edwards
S.W. Medical Center – 4200 S. Douglas, Suite B-10
Aug 18/ Tuesday/ Yukon/ 9 am – 3;30 pm/ 350-7680/ Edwards
Dale Robertson Center – 1200 Lakeshore Dr.
The prices for the classes are: $15 for AARP members and $20 for Non-AARP. Call John Palinsky, zone coordinator for the Oklahoma City area at 405-691-4091 or send mail to: johnpalinsky@sbcglobal.net

Are you experiencing pain and stiffness in your shoulder? Have movements such as reaching and throwing become more difficult? Join us for a FREE Shoulder Pain Lunch-and-Learn Thursday, June 25, at noon, with Zak Knutson, M.D.
Dr. Knutson is an orthopedic surgeon on staff at Bone and Joint Hospital at St. Anthony. He received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and his fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery, Department of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery in New York.
The lunch-and-learn will be held in the Education Center at Bone and Joint Hospital at St. Anthony, 1111 N. Dewey Ave., Oklahoma City. The luncheon is FREE, but space is limited. Please call (405) 979-7814 to register.

Now through August 7, the Oklahoma Arts Council is inviting Oklahomans statewide to submit nominations for the 40th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards. Each fall, the Governor presents the awards during a special ceremony at the State Capitol, recognizing individuals and organizations whose efforts in the arts have made an impact in communities, schools, or across the state.
The 2015 Governor’s Arts Awards marks a banner year for the event.
“This year, we celebrate not only the 40th anniversary of the Governor’s Arts Awards, but the 50th anniversary of the Oklahoma Arts Council,” Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said. “Ten years into our existence, in 1975, we recognized a need to honor individual Oklahomans and specific organizations that play invaluable roles in making the arts flourish across our state. Forty years later, we proudly carry on the tradition. The nomination process allows us to learn about those whose contributions, sacrifice, and dedication merit recognition by the Governor and the Council.”
Awards are presented in several categories:
Governor’s Award – recognizes individuals for longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts across Oklahoma.
Arts in Education Award – recognizes an individual, organization, school, educator or group for their outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefitting youth and/or arts in education.
Business in the Arts Award – recognizes businesses/corporations who exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. This award was created in memory of Earl Sneed, prominent arts advocate.
Community Service Award – recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.
Media in the Arts Award – recognizes an individual member in the media who demonstrates commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness support and fairness, initiative, creativity and professionalism in reporting. This award was created in memory of Bill Crawford, veteran professional journalist.
George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award – recognizes an Oklahoma government official for outstanding support of the arts. The category was named in honor of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh.
Nominees must be current residents of the State of Oklahoma and living in Oklahoma full time, or organizations/businesses that work in and for the benefit of Oklahoma. Previous recipients of the Governor’s Award are not eligible. Honorees will be selected by the Governor’s Arts Awards Selection Committee, which is comprised of members of the Governor-appointed Oklahoma Arts Council board and may include past Governor’s Award recipients.
An online nomination form and a downloadable nomination form are available at arts.ok.gov. Deadline for submissions is Friday, August 7.
For more information, contact Joel Gavin, Oklahoma Arts Council director of marketing and communications, at (405) 521-2037 or joel.gavin@arts.ok.gov.

By John D. Doak, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner

An estimated $60 billion is lost each year around the country to Medicare fraud. And whether you’re on Medicare or not, everyone pays the price for healthcare fraud, errors and abuse with higher insurance payments and costs for medical services and equipment.
Because healthcare fraud is such an important issue, the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program is hosting a series of free events to help seniors fight scams. Experts will talk about the many different types of fraud targeted at seniors.
Here are three things you can do now to prevent Medicare fraud:
1. Protect Your Information
There are numerous schemes used to steal from you and Medicare. But no crook can succeed unless he has your Medicare or Social Security number.
• NEVER give out your Medicare or Social Security number to strangers even if they claim to be with a doctor’s office, medical supply company or Medicare.
• REMOVE your Social Security number from your checks. You can replace it with a driver’s ID number.
• DO NOT CARRY your Medicare card in your purse or wallet. Carry an “In Case of Emergency” card instead.

2. Check Your Medicare Statements
Always check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSN). These statements come in the mail and are marked “This is not a bill.” This notice tells you what services were paid for by Medicare. It is your responsibility to make sure the charges are correct. Check for:
• Duplicate payments for the same service
• Dates of service on the MSN compared to the dates you received the service
• Items or services you did not receive
• Billing for medical equipment or services your doctor did not order
3. Report Any Concerns
If you find discrepancies on your MSN, or you suspect fraud when someone offers or gives your free services or equipment, report it immediately.
• Call the company or doctor first to question the charge and ask them to correct it with Medicare.
• Contact your supplemental insurance company. If Medicare overpaid, your supplemental carrier likely overpaid too.
• If you don’t feel comfortable contacting the provider, call the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program at 1-800-763-2828.
The Senior Fraud Conferences will have more information on common scams targeting seniors. We encourage you and your loved ones to attend. These free events will be held in cities around the state from May to June.
For a list of locations and to register online, visit map.oid.ok.gov or call 1-800-763-2828.

Savings Are Depleted Quickly If Not Properly Protected

There’s a tendency to give a silent cheer any time the average life expectancy grows a little longer.
But long life also has its downsides.
“Not everyone will spend all of their retirement years being active and doing all the fun things they planned,” says Mark Cardoza, author of the book “Positioning 4 Retirement.” (www.positioning4retirement.com) “Many people will end up needing long-term care, such as in nursing homes, and that can be expensive. How to pay for that care is a looming problem for a lot of people.”
Cardoza began learning about long-term care needs when his father became terminally ill about a decade ago. Much of what he learned was not reassuring.
The federal government knew as far back as the 1970s and 1980s that long-term care of aging Americans would become a growing issue, Cardoza says.
“They realized that the American public saw growing old and being cared for as an entitlement,” he says. “Instead of educating people and creating political trauma, they developed what we now know as ‘qualified retirement plans.’ ”
Such plans include the popular 401k plans that many employers offer in lieu of pensions these days. They are attractive because they allow people to defer taxes on the money placed in the account, and some employers offer matching funds.
But retirement savings can be vulnerable when a person needs long-term care, Cardoza says.
The cost of long-term care can deplete retirement savings pretty quickly. One option for offsetting some of the costs is to apply for Medicaid. But in some cases, unless retirement savings are properly protected, they can be considered an asset and must be spent first before Medicaid kicks in, Cardoza says.
He says there are several options for protecting your retirement savings and getting the most out of those dollars you so painstakingly set aside throughout your working years. A few options include:
• Long-term care insurance. A long-term care insurance policy, if properly designed, will provide your family with financial, physical, and emotional resources while protecting your assets. Financially, it is a way to self-insure, using assets to pay for coverage, entirely or while getting through the look-back period. A long-term care insurance policy is a disability plan. It doesn’t replace incomes as a typical disability plan would; instead, it provides income to pay for necessary services in the event of accident, illness, or aging and being unable to do everyday tasks.
• Fixed annuities. An annuity is an insurance product. Money is placed in the annuity with the insurance company’s promise to pay an amount in the future as a lump sum or in intervals over a decided period of time. Fixed annuities are designed to protect your retirement assets from financial catastrophe. They can also provide security and protect your retirement income by providing an income stream either for the rest of your life or for a defined period of time.
• Irrevocable trusts. An irrevocable trust is used to protect assets, minimize estate tax liability, avoid probate, and maintain privacy. These trusts are designed to protect qualified funds, in which taxes could be deferred, and non-qualified funds, for which tax deferrals were not allowed.
Ultimately, Cardoza says, before making any decisions it’s best to consult with a professional who understands the intricacies of retirement planning.
Mark Cardoza was born in Easton, Massachusetts and has lived there ever since with his wife Janice. Together they have raised three children who are now adults.
After graduating from Johnson & Wales College with a degree in Hospitality Management, Mark entered the corporate world. In 1994, he created Whistles Express Restaurant, a diversified restaurant concept. In 2002, Mark was asked to help a family member settle an estate and quickly learned about insurance and its role in estate planning.
In 2006, Mark sold his restaurant and began working full-time in the insurance industry. In 2011, he established M. Cardoza Insurance, Inc. He holds the designation of CLTC (Certified Long Term Care) specialist and is certified in the area of trusts and estate planning.
(www.positioning4retirement.com)