Seniors Eating Healthy this Summer



July 1, 2017Edition 14 Volume 7In the News2017 Elder Planning Issues Conference – Victoria, BC HYPERLINK \l "How_to_thwart" How to Thwart the Growing Threat of Financial Elder AbuseExperts Say it is the Elder’s Children who are Doing Most of the AbusingChoosing Your Power of Attorney HYPERLINK \l "Regaining_language_skills" Regaining Language Skills After a StrokeCanada Unprepared for Housing Needs of Rising Senior PopulationHYPERLINK \l "Seniors_eating_healththissummer"Seniors Eating Healthy this Summer9th Edition EPC MaterialsDid you Know that CIEPS/EPC is on LinkedINCIEPS is Looking for Articles for the PULSEPlease Keep Your Contact Information CurrentCIEPS Member BenefitsAlberta EPC Chapter InformationVancouver EPC Chapter InformationImportant Notice Regarding Your EPC Membership DuesCE Requirements When Renewing Your EPC DesignationEPC Membership Renewal ReminderContact Usinfo@EPC Member SiteIf you want to print a copy of any of the PULSE editions, you will find them on your member site.From all of us at CIEPS, we wish you a very safe and enjoyable summer2017 Elder Planning Issues Conferences (EPIC)”Redefining Retirement and Relevance" Providing more value for an Aging ConsumerIf you haven’t registered for the October 1-3, 2017 Victoria, BC conference please do so as soon as possible…limited seats availableAre you interested in finding out more about our aging society and the impact it will have on our futures? If so, this is the conference you will want to attend. Here is what a non-EPC attendee said after attending the Niagara Falls, ON EPIC in June…I wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the conference!? The speakers and their topics were fascinating. I learned a great deal and feel like I have a much better handle on the sheer depth and breadth of the topic of “elder planning”.It’s often a topic that people dread discussing, but after the conference, I came away more inspired and more hopeful of the future, not just for those fast approaching their senior years, or those fully in it now, but for someone like me in my pre-retiree years (45+), and for the millennials far off in the distance! ?We will have to move towards a more senior-focused/elder population focused society, and this will benefit everyone.I also listened to the presentations from the dual-perspective of (1) someone who works for a company that supports financial advisors, so very useful to know how these issues will affect them and their clients and (2) from my own personal perspective, as someone who is a caregiver for my 88-year old father (who just moved into a seniors’ residence) – and all the issues he has faced as he ages (loss of my mom, loss of his friends, fear of running out of money, “aging in place” and the desire to stay in his house until it no longer made sense, etc. etc.!).Congratulations to you and to everyone else at CIEPS for an informative and even “entertaining” conference!? You wouldn’t think that would be an appropriate word for this, but the speakers were all engaging and charismatic. I took copious notes…Thank you!Brenda McLaughlin, Corporate AffairsFidelity Investments CanadaView all the information here - 2017 EPIC View the Niagara Falls agenda and overviews here - 2017 Victoria, BC EPIC Agenda Register securely here - 2017 EPIC Registration CE credits are available. View CE Credits here REGISTER NOW We need your support to ensure that this conference will be successful. Register now. You will not be charged until just before the conference. How to thwart the growing threat of elder financial abuse…from an article in the Canadian Press, June 15, 2017Elder abuse expert Lynn McDonald routinely fields calls concerning financial exploitation, but none more dramatic than a recent incident involving a woman in Saskatchewan who was nearly bankrupted by one of her own adult children as she underwent hip replacement surgery.“The daughter convinced the mother to sign over everything to her while she was sick in hospital and then she’d get it back after she came out,” said McDonald, who is the director of the Institute for Human Development, Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto. “But she sold the mother’s house right under her, and took all her possessions. When the discharge went through, the mother came out of hospital with nothing but a pension.”McDonald said 2.6 per cent of Canada’s growing population of residents 55 years of age and older are financially abused, making it the second most common form of elder abuse.With the spotlight on elder abuse awareness throughout June, she said it’s critical for seniors to understand how to protect themselves from financial abuse given that the majority of cases will involve people who are close to them.Laura Watts, a Toronto lawyer who focuses on elder law issues, said the prototypical “unsuccessful son in the basement” accounts for about 75 per cent of elder financial abuse cases perpetrated by family members.“Often this person may have some type of dependency or some kind of alcohol problem or failure to launch,” she says.“They’ll start isolating the mom or older person and start cutting off social relationships.”It’s at that point that the adult child may pressure their elderly parent to sign a power of attorney or put assets into joint accounts.While Watts noted that lots of people will have good experiences with such financial arrangements, that doesn’t mean they should automatically select one of their children when they’re going through a planning process.“There’s a lot that goes into it and you could be asking that person to make decisions for you for up to 20 or 30 years,” she said.“If you’re a person, for instance, that’s 70 years old who gets dementia and cognitive impairment you may live until 90 or 95, so it could be a very long-term job.”Picking someone with budgeting acumen and who isn’t in financial stress themselves is critical.“You should always pick someone who doesn’t need money,” Watts said.“It’s very easy to slide your hand into that cookie jar.”Financial arrangements can also be made at arm’s length through a trust company, which can provide additional access to services including tax preparation, investment management, banking services and more.“That makes things very safe,” Watts said. “They will take a percentage, which is small, but what you’re buying is comfort and safety that something would be done to a fiduciary standard.”Older people who already have financial arrangements in place with a family member or acquaintance should also be vigilant for red flags such as new bills suddenly being paid or an inordinate or unusual number of financial transactions, said Leanne Kaufman, head of RBC estate and trust services.“Watch for changes in financial spending patterns or the types of places where money is spent,” she said.“Also bear in mind that this doesn’t just affect the ultra-wealthy. Everyone who is potentially vulnerable to elder abuse is potentially at risk for financial abuse.”Experts say it’s the elder’s children who are doing most of the abusing…The sensitive topic of elder abuse is being brought to the forefront in West Kelowna where a group of experts say it happens on a regular basis. They say that in most cases, it’s the elder’s children who are doing the abusing — whether it be financial, verbal and sometimes physical.Micki Materi is a community response worker and deals with elder abuse all the time. She says people might be surprised to learn that most of the abuse cases she deals with happens from within the family.“Certainly the majority of the elder abuse situations that I’ve seen is perpetuated by their adult children,” said Materi.She says sometimes the abuse is verbal, sometimes physical.“I also deal with the Vernon Women’s Transition House and I can certainly tell you that we’ve seen more older women coming into the transition house who are being physically assaulted by their adult children,” she said.Gord Milsom is a certified financial advisor. He says the most common type of elder abuse is financial — again — mostly from adult children who feel they’re entitled to their parent’s money. But he says strangers are also preying on vulnerable seniors.“I know of a situation that occurred here in Kelowna where a businessman befriended a senior and asked for some monies — a substantial amount of money — well over $100,000 to invest in his business,” said Milsom. “Unfortunately, there was no collateral, no document signed. The business owner had some cash-flow problems, went bankrupt and unfortunately the senior lost all of that money.”In an effort to counter elder abuse, the Interior Health Authority created a help-line for seniors. IHA says some seniors alleging abuse have reached out.“The most common type of report that we’re seeing tends to be neglect from family members. And during the investigation from our staff, we find that verbal and financial abuse is often occurring,” said Brett Butchart of IHA.But the phones lines are certainly not burning up. IHA says that only 40 people have used the hotline since its launch in May. It speculates that’s because seniors who are being abused are afraid to speak out for fear of reprisal.Interior Health admits it’s disappointed with the number of tips it has received from its elder abuse hotline since its launch in May. It says it plans on ramping up awareness about the service in the near future. Choosing your Power of Attorney wisely…written by Brian A. McMillan CFP, CLU, CH.F.C, EPCI attended the National Elders Planning Issues Conference in Niagara Falls recently. The attendees were made up of health care providers, legal professionals, financial, estate planning advisors and other guests. The conference looked at a number of issues with a variety of speakers. One session topic Title: “A Different Kind of Peace of Mind” was presented by Jennifer Moir, BA (Hons) CHS, CRTS, EPC, owner of Age Well Solutions, a company based in Ottawa. Jennifer discussed the need for owners and staff of businesses, to become dementia ready for clients who are experiencing cognitive change. Given the longevity we are experiencing today, some of our clients and their families will be affected. Jennifer recommends we have a well thought out approach to deal with clients who may be experiencing cognitive change. She recommended that we develop a plan with policy and procedures and review it with each of our clients. We reviewed the relationship between cognitive change and financial management capacity. We looked at ways to proactively address our professional obligation to act in our client’s best interests should concerns about capacity arise without compromising privacy. Your Power of Attorney for property and personal care can be different people. You can name more than one. It is hoped and expected that they will always act in your best interest. Unfortunately, I have seen that this this is not always the case. One of my clients lost her mental capacity permanently. Despite reviewing with the attorney all the benefits of planning we had completed over several years, the plan was changed for convenience… of the attorney. The Power of Attorney chose to transfer all of the client’s investments, loosing the beneficiary designations of the children. The planning we did, would have allowed the investments to transfer to children on their mother’s death, outside of her estate without estate fees, including probate. Having a properly prepared Power of Attorney for property and personal care is a necessary part of planning for everyone. Despite this, there are an alarming number of people who have never appointed anyone to be their attorney. I guess even a bad attorney is better than no attorney, unless you want the Public Trustees Office of the Province of Ontario to handle your money? OOOOPs better speak to a lawyer or financial professional to help you better understand how to choose a Power of Attorney wisely. Brian A. McMillan, is a life transition advisor and principle of Team Approach Planning. Regaining language skills after a stroke. Will speech therapy help?...from an article found on the McMaster Aging Portal June 2017The Bottom LineApproximately?one third of people who have?a stroke develop aphasia: difficulties with language and communication that can include speaking, understanding, reading and writing.Speech language therapy can help speed up the process of recovery.‘Higher intensity’ speech language therapy (more and longer sessions) are more likely to lead to greater and faster improvements.Be proactive with the details of your recovery plan: find out if speech language therapy is available to you and options for financial assistance.Having a stroke can be a traumatic experience. We know that time is of the essence when it comes to getting to the hospital for treatment. But for many people, recovery from the initial event is just the beginning of a longer period of recovery and rehabilitation to restore lost function caused by the stroke. For at least?one third of all people who suffer a stroke, recovery includes problems with communication (1). “Aphasia” is the term for language difficulties – including trouble speaking, listening and understanding, reading and writing – that often result from a stroke. Some or all communication skills may be affected and to varying degrees (2). For patients and their loved ones, it can add another layer of frustration and anxiety to an already difficult situation. Fortunately, most people recover language and communication skills, though the rate at which they regain abilities – and whether they make a full recovery – varies depending on the individual. For some, it’s a slow and uncertain climb and anything that might help the process is welcome. Speech language therapy is a recommended option.“If any stroke patient is showing signs of aphasia, speech language therapy should be included in their recovery plan according to the Canadian Stroke Best Practices,” says Dr. Patrice Lindsay, Director of Stroke, Heart & Stroke. “If not treated properly, aphasia can have a negative impact on a patient’s overall recovery, for example, they may become socially isolated. This may affect their desire and ability to actively participate in the rehabilitation process.”But what does the research say about speech language therapy. Does it really work?One recent systematic review?examined the results of 57 randomized controlled trials involving more than 3,000 people with aphasia (3). In about half of the studies, participants who were offered speech language therapy were compared with control groups who received no specialized or formal language assistance. Other studies compared speech language therapy with social support or stimulation (i.e. opportunities to practice communication skills but not in a structured, standardized way) or compared different types and intensities of speech language therapy.What the research tells usResearch evidence shows that speech language therapy is an effective way to improve language and communication skills after a stroke (3). It’s clearly better than no therapy at all but comparisons to other approaches like social support and stimulation were hard to make since many study participants withdrew early from the less structured programs. The evidence also suggested that “higher intensity” speech language therapy, for example more sessions and/or for a longer duration, can contribute to greater and/or faster improvements.While speech language therapy is a valuable part of stroke recovery, some people may not have easy access to Speech Language Pathologists, particularly outside urban areas and – depending on where you live and your healthcare plan – costs may not be covered. Be proactive about your stroke recovery plan: find out if speech language therapy is available to you and options for financial assistance.Stroke recovery involves patience, perseverance and understanding on the part of the person affected as well as family and friends. In the meantime, it’s important to keep those lines of communication open, even if aphasia makes it more challenging. “We’re so far behind.” Canada unprepared for housing needs of the rising senior population… from an article by Mrk Gollom, CBC News, May 4, 2017As the number?of seniors?continues to grow, experts say Canada is failing?to prepare for?the?housing and home care needs of an?aging population."We're so far behind where we ought to be, given we know these trends are happening and we've known about these trends for the past 20 years," said Mark Rosenberg, geography and planning professor at Queen's University and the Canada Research Chair in development studies.Statistics Canada 2016 census figures released on Wednesday revealed?that the country recorded its?greatest increase in the?proportion of seniors. The increase in the number of seniors, who now?outnumber children, could have implications on future policy making, in particular the housing needs of the elderly.In a 2015 report, Future Care for Canadian Seniors: A Status Quo Forecast, the Conference Board of Canada estimated that by?2026?over 2.4 million Canadians age?65 and over?will require paid and unpaid continuing care support — up 71 per cent from 2011. By 2046, this number will reach nearly 3.3 million.?On average, Canadians are living to the age of 82, nine years longer than they did 50 years ago. (Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)As well, in just over a decade, the number of seniors living in a retirement home, supportive housing, or a long-term care home will grow to over 610,000, according to the report.If current patterns hold, by 2026 Canada will need an additional 131,000 spaces for Canadian seniors, growing to an additional 240,000 spaces by 2046.Demand growing faster than supply"This growth will require significant public and private sector investment in building the infrastructure to meet this demand," the report said.Currently, demand for different types of housing is growing faster than supply,?Rosenberg?said."So that's one example of how we know we're failing," he said.Provincial governments put more money every year into home care services so people can stay in their homes, he said, but "we also know that?virtually?everywhere, demand?for those?services is outstripping what the provincial?governments are prepared to supply."According to the Conference Board of Canada's report, demand for home care services will increase at a projected 3.1 per cent annual pace until 2026. But growth in home care employment is only projected at one per cent.When it comes to seniors being able to stay at home,?"the ultimate challenge?is around human resources," said?Louis Theriault, vice-president for?industry strategy and?public policy with the Conference Board of Canada and one of the authors of the 2015 report.As for long-term care facilities, many seniors are on wait?lists for years.?For example, in 2012–13 in Ontario, 34,312 individuals were on a?wait list?for their preferred choice of a long-term care residence, the Conference Board of Canada found.Too often, some of these facilities are crowded with people?who don't necessarily?need around-the-clock support?and could have remained at home, Theriault said."But there's no other place to put them, because?there are no extra resources in the?system to make sure that these people can stay home," he said.System bound upGranger Avery, president of the Canadian Medical Association, said?that?too many seniors are languishing in acute care beds in nursing homes, at vastly increased costs, preventing access to someone else who really needs that type of care."That's one of the reasons our system is bound up," he said. "Most important is?[a]?coordinated plan between home care, community care, long-term care and acute care, and in most places around the country we don't really have that and we really should."Wanda Morris, vice-president of advocacy for CARP, said the health-care system is designed?to deal with acute?disease?and fairly?quick death, instead of?individuals who are living?with one or more chronic conditions, sometimes for years?or even decades.She said there needs to be some rethinking about how long-term care facilities are constructed, with the goal of providing more private spaces that accommodate smaller groups of people."We need to get out of providing places that warehouse or institutionalize our elderly and infirm and have places where they can live their golden years with some dignity, even if they are dealing with significant health issues."Rosenberg said there?also needs to be greater thought put into rezoning?commercial property no longer in use so it can be repurposed?as residential buildings for seniors. He said that in Kingston, Ont., for example, a former shopping centre has been turned into a complex with a drug store, fast food outlet and?a set of residential buildings and apartments for seniors."It's being marketed to relatively wealthy and healthy older people, but there are lots?of cities that won't do this kind of rezoning," he said."There are some private sector firms who see this as?an opportunity. How do we find other groups who can do the same sorts of things for the part of?the older population?that aren't healthy and wealthy," Rosenberg said.Role for technologyBut to keep seniors in their homes, technology, including robotics and artificial?intelligence that can aid?senior residents,?will need to play a significant?role, said?Theriault.?"Technology matters very much. Over time technology can be … the deciding factor whether you stay at home."Seniors Eating Healthy this SummerSummer is fast approaching, and with it, a bounty of fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables. As they age, many adults begin to eat foods that are less healthy. Deteriorating taste buds and the loss of our sense of smell can make many older adults reach for processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Limited incomes can cause older adults to make judgements about whether to buy less expensive, high calorie foods or their medications. ?Chronic health conditions may make shopping a hardship. ?A poor diet can worsen an older adult’s existing health problems, or make them vulnerable to new ones, such as diabetes, and heart disease.Make it your personal goal this summer to find affordable, convenient ways to get your diet back on track for the better. Summer is a great time to reintroduce yourself to the healthy and delicious fruits and vegetables, because they’re at their peak of freshness. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals, and naturally low in fat, sugar and sodium. Here’s how you can get started incorporating them into your daily diet:Identify the issues and pick the easiest to change first: Changing your eating habits starts with acknowledging what behaviors could be problematic. Do you purchase sodium and preservative-laden frozen meals because your activities are restricted or you are tired later in the day? Do you eat lots of snacks that are high in sodium? ?Do you eat one large meal a day? Do you have a difficult time getting out of the house? ?Make a list and pick the one issue you change more easily. ?For example, try picking ?a time when you have more energy (such as morning) to get the shopping done and take care of the bulk of your meal preparation. ?Or, talk with neighbors and carpool to the store together.Shop at farmers’ markets: Sometimes it’s lack of inspiration that sends us reaching for the local pizza place’s take-out menu. Get fresh food on the brain by strolling through a farmer’s market. See what’s in season at the moment, and even try taking home produce you’ve never tried before. Not only can a farmers’ market get you out of an eating rut, it’s a great way to save money and get a bit of weekly exercise!Use herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, and rosemary are packed with flavor and highly nutritious. Try keeping herbs in a windowbox or garden to make sure that they’re always at your fingers, and use them liberally in dishes like roasted vegetables and simple stir frys. Bonus: you’ll find that fresh herbs are so flavorful that you need less salt when using them.Get grilling: Haven’t used the grill since the kids lived at home? It’s time to fire it up again. Try marinating vegetables and fish or lean meat in Ziploc bags, then tossing them on the grill for a quick summertime meal. Cleanup is a snap, and you’ll enjoy the fresh air!Know how to portion: Years of hearing conflicting nutrition advice can make anyone want to throw up their hands in defeat when filling their plate. Luckily, experts have recently simplified things with the MyPlate system. The rule to remember? Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal.Blend it up: Have trouble eating enough fruit every day? Try blending your own morning smoothie to get your fill first thing in the morning.Freeze fruit: Worried about overbuying produce at the farmer’s market, only to watch it spoil before you can finish it? Good news: fruit freezes beautifully! Pack Ziploc bags with fruits like strawberries and blueberries. Defrost them later for snacking, or throw them into the blender as-is for a deliciously chilly breakfast smoothie.It can be tough to eat enough fruits and vegetables for anyone. Growing older can make proper nutrition even more difficult. But summer’s bounty of fruits and vegetables isn’t only healthy, it’s delicious!9th Edition EPC Desk Reference materials releasedThe 9th edition of the EPC materials have been released and reflect the most up to date facts and figures pertaining to our aging society as of the time of writing. This is your opportunity to purchase the complete 4 manual 2015 EPC Desk References, EPC Student Workbook & USB of scripted PowerPoints for only $139 plus GST/HST shipping included. Please order the 9th edition here - Desk Reference Order FormAlternatively, you can download the 9th Edition free of charge on the EPC members site - Download EPC Desk References HerePlease contact me if you are interested in the 9th edition EPC Desk Reference Materials.Did you know that CIEPS is on LinkedIn?EPC member Paul Fawcett started a group on LinkedIn and it is now an open group. Why not join it so that you can keep up to date with trending discussions that would be of interest to the Elder Planning Counselor.Join and share with the group here - Elder Planning Counselor's Group CIEPS/EPC is always looking for interesting articles from the EPC membership for submission to the PULSEIf you have any interesting articles that you would like to have submitted into the EPC PULSE pertaining to senior issues etc., please send them to me and if suitable, we will put them into the monthly PULSE and give credit where it is due. You can send them directly to me – registrar@Please keep your contact information current with usIn order to help us keep your contact information up to date, so that you do not miss any timely information, renewal notifications and the PULSE monthly email newsletter, please use our Member update form if any of your information has changed. You can access the form here -EPC Member Update FormCIEPS Member BenefitsCIEPS has recently added 2 new member benefits for those EPC members in good standing.Major Hotel Discounts – Now you can use many of our CIEPS hotels across Canada and enjoy EPC member discounts when travelling in those areas. For more information, view here - EPC MEMBER HOTEL DISCOUNTSCARP – CIEPS is pleased to now offer EPC members in good standing a special rate for a 1-year CARP Membership, including a subscription to Zoomer magazine. For more information, view here - EPC/CARP MEMBER DISCOUNTSCIEPS is pleased to announce a new partnership with . They provide professional looking customized certificate and diploma frames for your EPC suitable for framing certificate indicating that you have qualified to be an Elder Planning Counselor. These frames are very reasonably priced and can be ordered directly from . We will ship a certificate directly to the company after you submit your order to them.Go here - EPC Customized Diploma Frames to find out more information and how you can order them.Alberta EPC ChapterIf you live in Alberta and would like to be involved in starting an EPC Chapter please contact Earl Robertson - earl_robertson77@yahoo.ca Vancouver EPC ChapterIf you live in Vancouver, BC area and would like to be involved in staring an EPC Chapter please contact Jane Chang at jchang@If you are interested in starting an EPC Chapter in your area, please let us know. CIEPS will be happy to provide any assistance necessary to get you started.Important notice regarding your EPC Membership duesWhen you pay your EPC Membership Dues, please include applicable taxes (GST/HST) for your Province of residence.If you are sending a cheque for your EPC Membership, please reference that the cheque is for.Annual renewal fee—$150.00 + Applicable taxes for the Province you reside in. This can be paid by Cheque, Visa or MasterCard? If you reside in BC, AB, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT your yearly renewal is $157.50 all taxes included.? If you reside in ON, NL or NB your yearly renewal is $169.50 all taxes included.? If you reside in PE your yearly renewal is $171.00 all taxes included.? If you reside in NS your yearly renewal is $172.50 all taxes included.CE requirements when renewing your EPC DesignationCIEPS has a requirement of 30 CE credits annually when you renew your EPC membership.Lately we have been receiving questions about the Continuing Education requirements when renewing your EPC Designation.The following should clarify this for you.If you are in a profession that requires CE Credits, then we accept that number of CE hours towards your EPC Membership renewal.If you are in a profession that does not require CE Credits, then you do not require any CE to renew your EPC membership.EPC Membership Renewal Fee Reminder Please ensure your membership dues are up-to-date. Don’t forget to add the taxes for your Province of residence.Not sure when your renewal is? Check the date on your EPC Certificate. The date you passed your EPC Qualification examination is your renewal date each year.We email receipts for renewal payments at the end of the month which you paid your dues.To renew securely online RENEW HEREReminderRemember, only an EPC member in good standing may use the EPC mark, the words EPC Designation, or logo on any advertising, business cards, stationery, signage, voice mail or email. This is in accordance with the CIEPS tenets and standards.PLEASE NOTE!Just a reminder that when you use your credit card to pay for your EPC tuition, Renewal fees, or purchase anything from the EPC Resource Library, it will show on your statement as CNDIAN INTIVE FOR ELDR ST… Beamsville, ON. With a phone number of 866 833-8606 don’t panic, as this is the Elder Planning Counselor Designation (EPC).If you would like to stop receiving this publication, please respond to info@ with the message “STOP MY PULSE!”To contact CIEPS:Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies4438 Ontario Street, Suite 203 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B5 Phone: 866.833.8606 Fax: 866.209.5111 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download