Monday, April 28, 2025

Tis the season to volunteer

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A Salvation Army Volunteer puts the finishing touches on toys to be distributed last Christmas.

by Mike Lee, Staff Writer

The holidays are almost upon us. For many it’s a time of family, connections and spirit.
But some or all of that is lacking for many Oklahoma families.
That’s why Liz Banks, volunteer director at the Salvation Army, says now is the time to make your volunteer plans for the holidays.
The Salvation Army’s Central Oklahoma Area Command has a number of volunteer opportunities for the season as well as year-round.
“Volunteers are critical during the Christmas season with our Angel Tree program and Red Kettle campaign,” Banks said. “We treasure each and every individual who gives of their time throughout the year and are so grateful for their support.
Angels are also a priority as each Angel tag on the Angel Tree represents a child or senior who is in need in our community.
“Gift donations to the Angel Tree program not only provide tangible items for the Angels, they are gifts of hope, love and joy for that child or senior who otherwise would not have had a Christmas,” Banks said.
Angels can be adopted at Penn Square Mall or Quail Springs Mall beginning November 12 through December 10.
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma is hosting a Thanksgiving Day Community Meal and all are welcome to join for food and fun. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Outside, families and individuals will be welcome to enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and donuts.
Individuals who are interested in volunteering may arrive at 9 a.m. at the north entrance of The Salvation Army Chesapeake Energy Center of Hope, 1001 N. Pennsylvania. All who would like to volunteer are welcome and calling to sign up as a Thanksgiving Day Volunteer is not necessary.
Christmas is a season with lots of activities at the Salvation Army, none of which could be accomplished without an army of volunteers.
Opportunities include:
Christmas Distribution Center: Come help to prepare each Angel’s gifts at the distribution center. This is for ages 13 and up with dates running from December 2-14.
Angel Tree Family Gift Distribution: Be a guide for the Angel Tree families as they come to receive their gifts. For ages 13 and up. This is a great opportunity for corporations and businesses. Dates are December 15-18.
Ring the Bell: Invite family, friends and coworkers to adopt a red kettle location for four hours, a day or a week. This raises funds for The Salvation Army’s programs like the Client Choice Food Pantry, Senior Centers and Boys & Girls Club. Dates run from November 20 – December 24.
The Salvation Army runs on volunteers like Georgann who only knew about The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles when she first visited.
But since that visit four months ago, she has dedicated herself to serve families in need in our community, even though it means stepping out of her comfort zone.
“It really speaks to my heart. It is hard work but it’s very rewarding,” Georgann shared.
The Salvation Army food pantry has become her favorite place because of the people.
“I began helping a woman in the pantry one day and she shared with me that it was her prayer she receive leg of lamb during her visit,” she said. “As we approached the freezer to look at the meat selection, right on the bottom shelf was a leg of lamb for her to have! It was so neat!”
Though she may have been nervous as a first-time volunteer, Georgann has fallen in love with giving back to her community and sharing with others the work going on here.
“I just hope, as the opportunities come around, I can do more. The people that I visit with at church about The Salvation Army…they’re thinking it’s just the kettle or ringing bells. But, no, it’s a whole lot more than that. We’re just trying to help people.”
If individuals would like to give beyond volunteering or adopting an Angel, giving to the Red Kettle is always appreciated.
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma is meeting the needs of our community 365 days a year. Donations to the red kettle provides shelter, groceries, utility bill assistance, disaster services and dinner for our community as well as a safe place for children and seniors year round. Donations can be made by visiting www.salvationarmyokcac.org, mailing a check to The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma, Attn: Development Department, 1001 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 or dropping change in the red kettle beginning November 20.

COSTS FOR ALZHEIMER’S CARE TO INCREASE

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The Alzheimer’s Association’s new report, The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Medicaid Costs: A Growing Burden for States, released today, found that between 2015 and 2025, Medicaid costs for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will increase in every state in the U.S. and the District of Columbia.
In Oklahoma, Medicaid spending on people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will increase by more than 40 percent over the next 10 years. This year, spending will total $437 million, increasing to $613 million in 2025.
“With the quickly rising Medicaid costs for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Oklahoma needs to continue to refine The State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease in Oklahoma, enhance standards of quality care, as well as attack the disease through research,” said Mark Fried, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias rely on Medicaid, which is funded by state and federal governments, at a rate nearly three times greater than other seniors due to the long duration of the disease, the intense personal care needs and the high cost of long-term care services. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, by the age of 80, 75 percent of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will be admitted to a nursing home, compared with just four percent of the general population.
Alzheimer’s is a triple threat, with soaring prevalence, lack of treatment and enormous costs that no one can afford, but we are here to help. Beyond funding vital research, the Alzheimer’s Association offers free resources to guide the over 60,000 Oklahomans living with Alzheimer’s and their more than 220,000 unpaid family caregivers, including:
Alzheimer’s Association Helpline (1-800-272-3900): This toll-free 24/7 Helpline is the one of its kind; the Helpline is staffed by masters-level counselors and provides information and guidance in more than 170 languages and dialects.
Support Groups: Connect with others going through the same journey and get support through the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Education Programs: Attend caregiver education classes and workshops to learn about connecting with and caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
To find a local list of education programs and support groups, visit alz.org/CRF
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

The Social Security Dilemma: Draw Now Or Draw Later?

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by Reid Abedeen

The temptation is great.
Maybe too great for some.
The federal government allows retirees to start drawing Social Security as early as age 62, a feature that more than 40 percent of Americans take advantage of as they gladly draw from the system they spent a lifetime paying into.
But many of those people may be making a mistake, says Reid Abedeen, a partner at Safeguard Investment Advisory Group, LLC (www.safeguardinvestment.com).
“While you’re allowed to start drawing Social Security when you are 62, your monthly benefit will be reduced,” Abedeen says. “Although there might be personal reasons why someone needs to apply early, for most people it’s probably better to wait at least until their full retirement age.”
Full retirement age is between 66 and 67 for most people in the workforce right now. Wait until you are 70, and the amount of your monthly check goes up even more.
When it comes to Social Security, though, there’s a financial monkey wrench that can complicate sorting out your plan. Social Security rules can be complicated and even your spouse’s income and decisions can affect when the most opportune time is for you to draw benefits.
“You really are going to want to coordinate what you do with what your spouse does, to make sure you are getting the highest amount possible,” Abedeen says.
Here are a few points to remember if you’re considering claiming your Social Security at 62:
• Reduction of benefit. Depending when your full retirement age is, you would see about a 25 to 30 percent reduction in your benefit if you retire at 62. On the other hand, if you delay collecting past full retirement age, you can increase your benefit by 8 percent a year up until you are 70.
• Life expectancy. One reason many people opt to draw the money early is they fear they will die before they get a chance to receive anything at all from Social Security. After a lifetime of paying into the system, they won’t get a penny out of it. They don’t want to feel cheated out of what they have coming to them.
That’s certainly a concern, Abedeen says. But there’s an even greater concern than dying early, and that’s living too long. “Life expectancies are growing, but many people have not saved enough to see them through a retirement that could last two or three decades or longer,” he says. “If you live a long life, it could be crucial to you that the monthly Social Security payment be as large as possible.”
• Continuing to work. You could be in for a surprise if you plan to continue working after you begin drawing Social Security. If you haven’t waited until your full retirement age, there’s a limit on how much you can make. In 2015, that limit is $15,720, according to the Social Security Administration. If you go over that, you would be deducted $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn over the limits. (That changes in the year you reach full retirement age, and beginning with the month you are at full retirement age there is no limit on your earnings.)
“A lot of factors come into play when you’re trying to decide when to begin drawing Social Security,” Abedeen says. “That’s especially true if you have a spouse and need to factor them into the equation. It’s worthwhile to seek professional advice so you can get the most favorable result.”
Reid Abedeen is a partner at Safeguard Investment Advisory Group, LLC. As an investment advisor, Abedeen has helped retirees for nearly two decades with issues such as insurance, long-term care planning, financial services, asset protection and many other areas. He holds California Life-Only and Accident and Health licenses (#0C78700), and holds a Series 65 license, and is registered through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Abedeen is a family man who owes much of his fulfillment in life to his wife, Smyrna, and his three children, Yusef, Leena and Adam.

Seniors have financial questions to answer

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Robin Byford, CPA, 56, helps seniors manage their finances before and during retirement.

by Mike Lee
Staff Writer

At 56, Robin L. Byford, CPA, CFP, is senior vice president – wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. in Oklahoma City.
She works with clients of all ages but seniors come to her with a variety of questions. She counsels seniors on making their resources last as long as possible and helps them decide what’s best for them.
A CPA for 34 years, Byford says her No. 1 piece of advice she would give to seniors is to be in the house they want and to have it paid off or almost paid off before going into retirement.
“What we have found just by observation in our practice is that you need to … start landing the plane at age 60,” Byford said. “Because every day after that is almost a gift.”
Byford said by this time the odds of either you or your spouse having a health event are drastically increasing. The odds increase exponentially if you are fortunate enough to have a living parent.
“All of those things will keep you from working full-time,” Byford said.”
About 90 percent of seniors plan to continue living in their own homes for the next five to 10 years, according to an AARP survey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define “aging in place” as being able to live in one’s home and community safely, independently and comfortably – regardless of age, income or ability level.
The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants recommends addressing four questions to make independent living a more workable reality.
Question No. 1: What really matters to you?
Don’t get hung up on the term “aging in place.” If you want to continue enjoying the people and activities you love, it may not be necessary to remain in the same residence. As a first step in your planning, list what’s important to you in your current lifestyle and the things you wouldn’t mind changing. While selling the family home can be an emotional decision, it may be the best choice if a smaller place is easier to maintain, closer to family and a money saver that could allow you to travel.
Question No. 2: Will your current home accommodate your needs?
It’s important to determine if your current home will still be a good fit if you have problems with mobility or health as you get older. Features that make homes more comfortable for older people include bedrooms and bathrooms that are located on the entry level; few, if any, steps in the doorways or throughout the home; and entryways that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Conduct an informal assessment of your home to decide if it’s accessible now or if some remodeling projects could be in order.
Question No. 3: What would renovation cost?
If you don’t think your home will remain easily accessible as you age, consider potential renovation expenses. A MetLife study cited renovation costs at $800 to $1,200 for widening a doorway; roughly $500 for the installation of two bathroom grab bars; and $3,500 to $35,000 for a variety of bathroom improvements – including better lighting and handicap accessible showers, tub seats and sinks. If remodeling seems too costly or complicated, you can downsize homes or change to a location that’s easier to navigate and still remain independent. There may even be other benefits to moving into a different home or neighborhood. For example, a new place in a populous area may give you easier access to social activities.
Question No. 4: Do I have a good support system?
Either now or later, you may need to rely on others to care for you or help with everyday tasks. It will be easier to remain relatively independent if you live near family or friends, home health care providers, doctors and medical facilities. Your planning should include a local support system that meets your changing needs. As part of this effort, investigate local community and government resources, in addition to geriatric care managers. For more eldercare tips and locations, visit www.eldercare.gov and read “Your 1st Step to Finding Resources for Older Adults.”

NOMINATIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR ASPIRE AWARD

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The nomination deadline for the 2016 Sunbeam Family Services Aspire Award has been extended to November 20 at 5 p.m.
To be selected for this prestigious award, the recipient must contribute remarkable community or humanitarian service that has made a difference to the well-being of children, families or seniors; have a positive impact on the community and model a life that others “aspire” to; and currently or previously support the work of Sunbeam Family Services through time or financial contributions OR life’s work mirrors the mission of Sunbeam Family Services. The nominee cannot be a current Sunbeam Family Services board member.
“Every day, individuals in our community are making a significant difference in the lives of children, families and seniors, whether through their personal or professional pursuits,” said Erin Engelke, chief external relations officer, Sunbeam Family Services. “We all have people in our lives we aspire to model and this award allows us as an organization to do just that – shine a light on those change-makers.”
Nominations can be made online at www.sunbeamfamilyservices.org under the “Aspire Award Nominations” tab. Or visit www.AspireAwardOKC.org to submit your nomination.
The Aspire Award will be presented at the 2016 Shine a Light fundraising gala April 7 at the Chevy Bricktown Events Center.
The winner of the award will be selected by a committee based on their level of service to the community, alignment with the mission of Sunbeam Family Services, and their impact on children, families or senior citizens.
Last year, former Sunbeam Family Services CEO Ray Bitsche was recognized as the first recipient of the Aspire Award for his more than 15 years of hard work and dedication to the organization. Bitsche retired as CEO of Sunbeam Family Services in November 2014.

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