New Jersey Foundation for Aging Blog

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) recently released their analysis of survey data collected in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.  In the breakdown of state data, the survey reveals that the highest rates of “food hardship” happen to be in the Southern parts of our country. When it comes to New Jersey’s congressional districts, the 10th district comes in at number 9 out of 436 districts. This was the highest by far compared to all other New Jersey congressional districts. The 10^th district consists of towns in Essex, Hudson and Union county. Mostly, the 10^th District is made up of Essex county towns such as Orange, West Orange, East Orange, South Orange, parts of Newark and parts of Montclair. The representative for NJ’s 10^th Congressional District is Donald Payne.

With the New Jersey Elder Economic Security Index, we found that food was 11% of an elder’s budget. What that breaks down to is a monthly average of $234 spent of food for a single elder and $430 for a couple. Housing and healthcare are the highest costs for those 65 and over in NJ. However, programs like SNAP (Food Stamps) and Farmers Market Coupons, can help to save seniors a little money in one area (food costs) so that they aren’t deciding between paying their rent or mortgage versus eating. The FRAC study really highlights what we already now, many people in New Jersey (and throughout the country) don’t have a sufficient income to cover the necessities.

If you or someone you know need assistance, please contact your County Office on Aging, you can find a list at http://www.njfoundationforaging.org/services.html  or call the Food Stamp Hotline at 1-800-687-9512 or on the web at  http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/foodstamps/ .

To view the entire FRAC report visit: http://www.frac.org/pdf/food_hardship_report_2010.pdf but here are some more national highlights and figures from the report:

The survey asked more than 530,000 people if in the past 12 months they were unable to buy enough food for themselves or their families. FRAC’s analysis provides a percentage of “food hardship” for the nation, states, Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA’s) and congressional districts. The data is from 2008 and 2009. Nationally, the survey shows that many people began having difficulty purchasing food for themselves and their families in mid-2008. The number of respondents that stated they did not have enough food jumped from 16.3% in the first quarter of 2008 to 19.5% in the last quarter of 2008. This coincides with the rise of the unemployment rate nationally, which was 6.9% in November of 2008. At that time food prices were also on the rise. By the fourth quarter of 2009 the rate of “food hardship” dropped to 18.5%, the report suggests this was due to falling food prices and by an increase in support programs such as SNAP (food stamps) which received a boost to match the increased enrollment as well as an additional boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Despite the drop, the reports writers caution the reader that this is not the best news; it still means that 1 out of 5 Americans does not have enough food.

When it came to ranking the 436 congressional districts in the US, a rank  of #1 means the highest food hardship rate, but again the report warns us that a ranking of 300th or 400th is still not good news, because the data really shows that food hardship is an overwhelming problem in our great nation. The writers go a step further to challenge congress to act on this national problem, stating it is a problem that is “demanding a solution”.

The 2010 Census is Coming

What you need to know and Why you should care

 The 2010 Census questionnaires, a 10 question form, will be mailed to all households in the United States in March. By constitutional mandate, the Census is done every 10 years and has been done that way since 1790. The questionnaires are meant to capture data on all persons living in the United States, regardless of citizenship or documentation. The Census Bureau does not share the data collected with law enforcement, immigration, or other agency. Your privacy is important. By law they cannot make the data public for 72 years and they will never ask for your social security number. All census employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn to protect your confidentiality. Violating this oath means a $250,000 fine or 5 years in prison, or both.

To preview the forms visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/interactive-form.php

It is crucial that everyone is counted. Municipalities want to know who is living in their community, how many seniors, and how many children? It is important for several reasons; the census data serves as a basis for congressional districting and the distribution of federal money to the state, county and local governments. It is estimated that this data is responsible for approximately $400 Billion in Federal Aid annually. Congressional districting affects the number of seats NJ will have in the House of Representatives. Federal funding in New Jersey would benefit programs such as, hospitals, senior centers, job training, road, transportation and schools.

The Census Bureau wants to ensure participation by as many people as possible. The questionnaires will be mailed to all households beginning in March. However, it is estimated that as much as 38% of people will not fill them out. In an effort to increase participation, the Census Bureau is looking to hire 1.5 million people at $17.75 an hour, to go those residences that have not responded. These temporary employees called, Enumerators, will try to ensure that forms are being completed. April 1, 2010 is the target date that the Bureau will be looking to receive responses. If you’ve not sent yours in, you can expect to see a census worker at your door starting April 1^st through July 2010.

If you want to know more about the 2010 Census visit www.census.gov

If you are interested in one of the temporary, part time positions available visit http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/

New Jersey Foundation for Aging Announces Two Grantees to increase services to NJ Elderly 

Trenton- The New Jersey Foundation for Aging (NJFA) is pleased to announce that grants have been awarded to two exceptional organizations in New Jersey, Greater Mercer TMA’s Travel Training Program and Camden City Garden Club.

The program at Greater Mercer TMA will provide training to seniors that will allow them to access public transportation. Transportation is a vital resource for older adults living in the community. Without access to transportation, seniors are unable to make medical appointments or maintain contact with the community, leading to poor health and isolation. In addition to getting to medical appointments, seniors often also need access to transportation for grocery shopping and social interaction. Through Travel Training, which will instruct seniors how to use public transportation, NJFA and Greater Mercer TMA hope to make a difference for seniors who find themselves without transportation. NJFA is proud to support a program that will be so beneficial to the senior population of Mercer County.

NJFA grant award to the Camden City Garden Club will help raise awareness about food insecurity among the aging population in New Jersey. Many residents in urban areas have little or no access to affordable, healthy food options. These urban areas also often have many vacant lots. NJFA hopes that by supporting the outreach efforts of the Camden City Garden Club some of these issues can be alleviated. The Camden City Garden Club will help seniors in the community to create gardens throughout the city of Camden, as well as educate them about growing and preparing healthy foods. Access to affordable and healthy food is key to aging well.

NJFA believes strongly in working toward making New Jersey a great place to age well and believes these two programs will help older adults do that. The Foundation is pleased to continue its Community Grant Program, through which $340,000 has been awarded over the past nine years, serving more than 25,000 NJ residents. NJFA congratulates this year’s grantees and wishes them much success with their programs.

NJFA releases an RFP once a year, we will be releasing the RFP again in June 2010. For more information please visit: http://www.njfoundationforaging.org/funding.html 

or contact us at 609-421-0206!

Are you prepared?

What is an Advance Directive? Why would you need one? Where do you get a form? These are all important questions for anyone, but especially for older adults. You know your rights as a patient and that you can make your own decision about medical treatments, you discuss them with your physician. But what if you were not able to discuss them with your doctor? What if you became incapacitated and were incapable of conversation or comprehension?

That’s where an Advance Directive can help you. They have many other names and come in various types. Some people refer to them as Living Wills, or Instruction Directive, this type of Advance Directive allows for you to make a statement about your treatment preferences. Another type, Proxy Directive or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, allows you to name a proxy, someone you trust to make decisions for you if you are not able. There is also a Combined Directive, in which you may give instructions as to your care if you are incapacitated but also name a proxy to care out those wishes and make decisions based on your treatment preferences.

An Advance Directive can be as simple or specific as you wish. In New Jersey there is no specific form that must be followed for an Advanced Directive and you do not need a lawyer to prepare one. It is suggested that if you have questions you could consult a lawyer or medical professional. There are many models available for Advance Directives and there will be links at the end of this blog. An Advance Directive can simply be a letter stating your health care wishes or it can be a detailed list of treatments that you would or would not want. It is important to remember that an Advance Directive can be used to request treatment not just withhold or withdraw treatment. It is a legally recognized document that can make your wishes know to your family in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. It only requires your signature and two adults to witness your signature. You can have it notarized or signed by a legal authority but this is not necessary to make it a legal document.

You should share copies of your Advance Directive with your doctor, with family members and if you name a proxy or healthcare representative, you should share a copy with that person as well. Under New Jersey Law, medical staff must honor any written Advance Directive, they are only in effect when you are not capable of making your own decision. It is recommended that you review your Advance Directive every 5 years, you should initial it and have a witness if you make any changes.

The time to think about an Advance Directive is when you are healthy and able to make clear decisions. This way you can make your own decisions and/or appoint someone you trust to make those decisions.

Some resources:

Advance Directive Forms from Legal Services NJ

Brochure from New Jersey Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly for more information call 1-877-582-6995 or 609-943-4023

New Jersey Hospital Association

Medical Society of NJ

Healthcare Reform and New Jersey

As you may know, the Senate is currently debating healthcare reform.  The many amendments that are pending each require 60 votes to pass. We’ve all witnessed much debate and questioning on this topic, what we aim to do here is breakdown some of the key issues as well as, discuss what reform would mean in New Jersey.

First, a new report from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) shows that healthcare reform bill could be a cost savings for many. According to a recent White House Blog, the bill could add years to the life of Medicare, lower costs for seniors and slow the rate of healthcare cost growth. Specifically, the report speculates that it can extend the life of the Medicare trust fund by nine years. In regard to their statement about saving seniors money, CMS reports that by 2019, the bill would save seniors nearly $700 per couple, reducing premiums by more than $300 per year and out of pocket costs by another $370 per year. CMS also predicts that as savings from reform kick in national health expenditures are projected to increase at a slower annual rate.

Some of the other areas that experts have indicated additional cost savings in are injecting accountability, competition and choice into the system through the insurance exchange; giving providers incentives to coordinate care; and transforming Medicare payment policies to reward quality of care (not quantity).

That leads us to the “exchange”, otherwise known as the public option. Some say the insurance exchange is a key element in providing coverage to the currently uninsured and making insurance more affordable for those who buy coverage on their own. Simply stated the exchange would be an entity that offers a choice of plan in an organized and competitive market. The exchange could also establish some common rules regarding offering and pricing of insurance coverage and provide the consumer with information to help them understand what is available. Much controversy surrounds the idea of a public, government-run plan being included in the exchange, as amendments are made and voted on, only time will tell if this will be an option or not. A hope expressed by many, including New Jersey Representative Rush Holt, is that the exchange, with or without a government-run plan, will allow more Americans to access coverage that currently is not available to them. That may mean including income-based plans other than Medicaid for those that find themselves above the income guideline for that program, but still can’t afford commercial insurance coverage.

So, you may be wondering, what does that mean for New Jersey? According to the Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ), 95% of the state’s businesses employ 50 or fewer employees; this represents nearly 1.36 million people. Many uninsured adults are employed by small businesses that find healthcare too costly. Healthcare reform, specifically the “exchange”, would allow for those individuals to obtain affordable healthcare coverage.  EANJ also reports that healthcare premiums in New Jersey rose almost 5 times faster than wages in the past decade. If healthcare reform is able to create some rules and standards regarding the cost of coverage and companies abilities to deny coverage, perhaps this disparity would not be so great.

Lastly, Representative Rush Holt has done much to educate his constituents about healthcare reform; his website contains many links with information about the bills. Some of the statements regarding how New Jersey could benefit from the passing of healthcare reform are: improving employer based coverage, credits to help pay for coverage for households that are uninsured, allowing small businesses to obtain affordable health care coverage and providing tax credits to help reduce health insurance costs, improving Medicare, including closing the prescription drug donut hole and reducing the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers by $38 million.

Want more information? Have something to add or a question to ask? Please contact your Senator!

Frank Lautenberg

Robert Menendez

Please share your thoughts with us via the comment option below!

SNAP to it! Food Stamps can help if you’ve got a limited income.

Many Americans are feeling the effects of the economy, some are applying for public benefits they never thought they’d need. One such benefit, the former Food Stamp program, now called, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps to feed 1 in 8 Americans. An article in the New York Times on November 29^th, stated that SNAP reaches two thirds of those eligible and that another 15 to 16 million people could benefit nationwide. All across America the use of the program has increased due to job loss, reduced hours and increased expenses.

Last year, approximately 64,000 seniors in New Jersey benefited from SNAP (food stamps), knowing that 1 out of 4 NJ elders is living solely on Social Security ($14,285 per year) and that even a median retirement income of $19,565 for a elder man in NJ still leaves a gap between income and expenses, there are probably many more NJ seniors that are eligible for this program. The New Jersey Elder Index tells us that a single elder renter needs $25,941 to cover basic expenses. Applying for SNAP could ease the worry of trying to make ends meet.

SNAP eligibility is based on income, most guidelines apply to all age groups, however, seniors do have a few separate guidelines. SNAP defines a senior or elderly person as anyone age 60 years or older. In New Jersey, the gross income eligibility is 130% of FPL (Federal Poverty Level) and the net income eligibility is 100% of FPL. The2009 Federal Poverty Level for one individual is $10,830. Most households are limited to $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account, or $3,000 for those 60 years of age or older. Certain resources are not counted, such as a home and lot, the resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the resources of people who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Those 60 years of age or older can also deduct medical and shelter expenses, hence the net income level. To see if you are eligible you can answer a few questions at http://www.mynjhelps.com/ or call your local Board of Social Services click here for a list of phone numbers.

To apply click the link below for information on how to obtain an application, where to go to apply and what you need to submit with your application. In some counties you may apply online, the link below will instruct you on this as well.

 http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/foodstamps/

SNAP is an important resource which may give you nutritional support while allowing you to cover your other basic expenses. Find out if you are eligible today. SNAP to it!

Senior Safety

Emergency Preparedness is often talked about in relation to terrorist attacks or natural disasters, but there are many other emergencies that we should be prepared for, such as a medical emergency, power outage or a fire.

There are some simple things we can do to make sure our home and family are ready for any emergency. For the aging community there may be some extra steps to take regarding medical issues or staying safe in your home as well. Each County Office on Aging in New Jersey has participated in their counties Emergency Preparedness Plan. If you have questions, please contact your local County Office on Aging, click here for a listing.

Keep a list of Emergency Phone Numbers. This list should include, police, fire, doctors, poison   Control, and a family member or neighbors phone number.

An Emergency Supply Kit is also a good idea. It should contain things you need on a daily basis, such as; water, food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, moist towelettes and or hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items, garbage bags, radio, important documents, blanket, change of clothes,   and anything else you think you would need if you had to leave your house or if you were trapped in your house. Be sure to keep your cell phone and charger nearby.

Consider switching any Federal benefit payments, such as Social Security, to direct deposit to  avoid any financial issues should your mail be disrupted in an emergency.

Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors are essential for preventing a fire, as well as, alerting you to danger so you can get out of the home quickly. Be sure to check that they are in working order and change the batteries twice a year. You should also have a qualified technician inspect any fuel-burning appliances or chimneys to make sure they are in working order.

Fire Extinguishers are a necessity in every home. Class ABC (multipurpose dry chemical) are  recommended for home use. Everyone in your home should know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them.

Fire Prevention:

Limit use of space heaters, and use with caution. Be sure all electrical cords and light bulbs are in good condition and being utilized properly. Avoid kitchen fires by cleaning your stove and exhaust hood, be sure to use caution near a hot burner.

 An Emergency Exit Plan is something important to have in case of a fire or other emergency.

Make sure everyone in the home knows the plan, including a meeting place outside of the home, if you live alone; share your plan with a family member, friend or neighbor. It is good to make a plan in regard to temporary shelter in an emergency, such as with a family or friend or a public shelter.

Fall safety:

Good lighting on stairs and in hallways can reduce your risk of falling. Nightlights and flashlights are an effective way to keep safe in an emergency.

Cords should be kept out of the flow of traffic.

Make sure all area rugs, runner or mats are slip-resistant.

Grab bars and handrails can help prevent falls in the bath or shower.

There are many resources from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) online at www.state.nj.us/njoem, such as NJ ALERT, which is a service you can register with that will send alerts via cell phones in case of an emergency.  At NJOEM’s website people with special needs can also register with the Special Needs Disaster Registry so they know that you may need extra help in an emergency. 

You can also contact the following sources for more information:

New Jersey Office of Emergency Management- www.state.nj.us/njoem

Department of Homeland Security – www.ready.gov

Poison Control National Hotline- 800-222-1222

Division of Consumer Affairs- 800-242-5846 or www.njconsumeraffairs.gov

US Dept. of Treasury, Direct Deposit information- 800-333-1795 or www.godirect.org

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – www.fema.gov or (202) 646-2500

Red Cross – www.redcross.org or 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767)

For those of you who read our Summer 2009 issue of Renaissance/Aging Insights, we’ve received confirmation in regard to the revision of the Property Tax Reimbursement Program (Senior Freeze).  Governor Corzine signed the bill on October 1, 2009, changing the eligibility requirement for owning a property from 3 years to 1 year.

Let me explain:

The Property Tax Reimbursement Program, is for seniors or disabled persons who meet all eligibility requirements, the program refunds the difference between the amount of property taxes that were due and paid for the “base year” (the first year that you met all the eligibility requirements) and the amount due and paid for the current year for which you are applying for the reimbursement, provided the amount paid for the current year was greater.

Example:

*Example does not reflect actual payments

The eligibility requirements are that you must be age 65 or older or receiving Federal Social Security disability benefits, you have lived in New Jersey continuously for at least the last 10 years, as either a homeowner or a renter, you have owned and lived in your home (or have leased a site in a mobile home park on which you have placed a manufactured or mobile home that you own) for at least the last  year and you have paid the full amount of property taxes (or site fees if you are a mobile home owner) that were due on your home for the base year and for each succeeding year, up to and including the year for which you are claiming the reimbursement. You must also meet the income limits for the base year and for each succeeding year, up to and including the year for which you are claiming the reimbursement. Residents applying for the 2008 reimbursement must have total income for 2007 that is $60,000 or less and for 2008 that is $70,000 or less. These limits apply regardless of marital/civil union status. Residents applying for the 2009 reimbursement must have total income for 2008 that is $70,000 or less and for 2009 that is $80,000 or less. 2008 applications are due by November 2, 2009. Applications for 2009 will not be available until February 2010.

NJFA is very pleased to hear that this legislation, A2195 or S661, revising the eligibility for Senior Freeze has been signed. Many people and groups were advocating for this change, as it now provides the opportunity for seniors to downsize or move out of older, bigger homes without losing the ability to apply for this beneficial program. Thanks to all those who supported this legislation.

If you have questions or want more information call: 1-800-882-6597 or visit http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.shtml

With the release of the New Jersey Elder Economic Security Initiative, we’ve learned that 1 out of 4 New Jersey seniors is living solely on Social Security, which makes it difficult to afford their basic expenses. Information in the Elder Index, indicates that it’s not your fault. If you or a loved one find yourself having a widening gap between your income and your expenses, we’d like to know about it.

The average Social Security benefit is $14,285 per year, while the average expense in New Jersey for a single elder renter is $25,941. 25 % of NJ seniors are renters, here at the Foundation we’ve heard from some of those seniors and the difficulties they face, but we’d like to know more so we can get the word out about this problem.

Please feel free to submit a comment below, or contact us at office@njfoundationforaging.org, so we can help you tell your story. There are public supports that can make a difference, telling your story can help others.

Swine Flu- What you need to know.

In the Spring of 2009 the swine flu, also known as H1N1, was reported in the United States, including in New Jersey. The symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some who were affected were seriously ill and just as with the seasonal flu. Swine Flu is different from the seasonal flu. It has been reported that people over age 65 are least likely to get sick with H1N1 (Swine flu). However, seniors are encouraged to get their annual Seasonal flu vaccine.

What can you do to protect yourself and others?

• Stay informed- check the internet for up to date information on the swine flu:

New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services at http://www.state.nj.us/health/flu/h1n1.shtml

Or the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/ or call (800)-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

• Take actions to stay healthy: Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and cough, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizers, stay home if you are sick
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures and avoiding crowds

The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that a vaccine for H1N1 will be available by October 2009. Any vaccines ordered on by September 30, 2009, should be delivered by Tuesday, October 06, 2009. The vaccine will continue to be produced and available to order on a regular basis. Please visit http://www.flu.gov/ for more information.

There is a concern that when the vaccine becomes available, there will be a limited supply available, therefore 5 categories of “high- risk” individuals have been targeted, they include: pregnant women, persons who live with or care for infants < 6 months, healthcare and emergencies services workers, children and young adults aged 6 months to 24 years and persons aged 25 to 64 who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk. People age 65 and older are not included in the groups recommended to get the initial doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine because they are least likely to get sick with this virus, and, there will be limited amounts of vaccine available at first, so the first doses are recommended to go to those who are most likely to get infected and become very ill.

The CDC states that most people how become ill with H1N1 will recover without medical care, however, if you are severely ill or you are at high-risk for complications due to another condition, contact your doctor or seek medical care. Anti-viral drugs are available through your doctor if you become seriously ill from the swine flu.

 Warning signs that you may need to seek medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

 It is still important to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu as well, contact your doctor for information about the seasonal flu vaccine.