WHERE DOES THE SAVINGS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After you have discovered what each of the deductions stands for you can start to understand how they were deducted and why.FICA is one possible code for Social Security. It is really meant to encompass Social Security and Medicare, but most payrolls put it as the abbreviation for just the Social Security part.Both Medicare and Social Security together make up a 7.65 percent deduction in Gross pay. S.S. is 6.2 percent and Medicare is 1.45 percent.
Read more: How to Understand Payroll Deductions | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4558005_understand-payroll-deductions.html#ixzz1QJxcOsqM
Showing posts with label SENIORS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SENIORS. Show all posts
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, April 16, 2010
Unnessary Hospial Re-Adimissions
A Serious problem we've been hearing about lately is that hospitals are dicharging older patients without any followup or "transitional services.
One out of five Medicare beneficiaries is readmitted within 30 days of discharge and one out every three within 8-90 days--often because of poor communication between patients, care givers and health proveders.
We need a benefit in Medicare to help people safely transision to home or another setting to prevent costly and unecessary hospital readmissions.
One out of five Medicare beneficiaries is readmitted within 30 days of discharge and one out every three within 8-90 days--often because of poor communication between patients, care givers and health proveders.
We need a benefit in Medicare to help people safely transision to home or another setting to prevent costly and unecessary hospital readmissions.
Friday, February 26, 2010
MCfADDEN mANOR
TIME TO MAKE AMENDS AND PUT THIS SITE TO USE FOR MALDEN SENIORS
Get the Geratric Authority active on the issue for getting AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND A HEALTH CARE CLINIC(ADULT CARE CENTER) BUILT ON THE SITE.
.By Sharon Tosto Esker/malden@cnc.com
GateHouse News Service
Posted Apr 24, 2008 @ 05:49 PM
Last update Apr 24, 2008 @ 05:53 PM
Malden — Before the apartments and the
school were built off of Forest Street,
the land surrounding the McFadden Manor
was a sprawling country landscape complete
with cows, pigs, chickens, horses and a garden
to feed the people living on what was then
known as the “poor farm.”
“Where the school is now was primarily
corn fields,” said Arlene McGuire, the
granddaughter of James McFadden, the
nursing home’s namesake. “The apartments
next door were a cow pasture and horses
were there also.”
Arlene McGuire and her brother Paul McGuire
attended Monday night’s Friends of McFadden
meeting to give the nursing home’s supporters
an opportunity to hear what it was like to
live on the McFadden Manor premises during
the
late 1940s and 1950s, when they were just
children.
Built in the 1880s, the poor farm originally
housed Malden residents who were ill or in
need of a place to live.
The McGuires’ grandfather, James McFadden,
oversaw the farm from about 1922 through
1948. The McGuires’ parents, George and
Anne McGuire, took over two years after
McFadden left his post and raised their
family of six children, including Arlene
and Paul, on the farm.
It was only in 1955 that the facility was
converted to a full-time nursing home to
care for the city’s elderly population.
“If a family was burnt out [of their house],
or if children were abandoned, my father
would take them in,” said Arlene McGuire.
“There were people who really appreciated
it, especially the children.”
The McGuires recalled several holiday
memories, which were a community affair
when they were living on the property.
“My father used to decorate the pine tree
in the front with giant bulbs for Christmas
,” said Paul McGuire. “You could see all
through the neighborhood.”
And for Christmas and Halloween,
George McGuire were open the doors
to the facility and invite the neighbors
in to celebrate.
“My father believed that children should
not be going out door-to-door asking for
candy [on Halloween],” said Arlene McGuire.
“He said it wasn’t safe so he organized a
yearly Halloween party.”
Arlene McGuire brought several delicately
worn black and white photographs of her
family and past residents who had lived on
the McFadden Manor property. A few photos
showed residents getting their hair primped
and curled in the beauty parlor that still
exists at the McFadden Manor, but which
has long been out of service.
Paul McGuire even mentioned the jail cell
that remains in the basement of McFadden,
which has also been closed for decades.
“The jail downstairs was used for residents
who came home drunk until they sobered up,”
said Paul McGuire.
The McGuires felt compelled to recount
their memories to remind the Friends of
McFadden and its supporters how important
the facility was to them, and also to the
residents of Malden.
“I would hate to see this place closed down,
whether it was named for my grandfather or
not,” said Paul McGuire. “Just its reputation
is worth keeping it open.”
The most poignant moment of evening was
when Arlene McGuire read a letter to the
editor of a Malden newspaper from what she
believed was during the 1960s.
(The newspaper clipping was not dated.)
“I was surprised to read that consideration
was being given to the closing of the
McFadden Memorial Home by the city,”
wrote Ethel S. Greene, who lived on
90 Maple St. in Malden. “Having
first-hand knowledge of the care given
patients there, I have felt that it was
one thing of which the city of Malden
could well be proud.”
Greene’s words were reminiscent of
similar words being used by the
Friends of McFadden to save the
nursing home today.
“I believe that even if it should
cost a little more to care for patients
at McFadden Memorial Home, the
expenditure is justified, in view of
the homelike atmosphere and the
tender, loving care given the patients,
” Greene wrote.
When the McGuires had finished their
walk down memory lane, several meeting
attendees gathered around looking at the
photographs of the garden, the farmhouse
and Molly, their most favorite black and
white cow, as well as yellowed newspaper
clipping that detailed happenings like
the annual McFadden Manor Christmas party
sponsored by the Elks.
The McGuire family left the McFadden Manor
property in the late 1950s, but for both
Arlene and Paul McGuire, the farm will
always hold a special spot in their memories.
“I’ve always been sad that they closed
the farm,” said Paul McGuire. “Imagine
if it were still open? All of the
community and the children could come
to see the garden and experience a
real working farm. And all of the
residents could be occupied by taking
care of the garden and the farm.”
Meeting attendees said they were thrilled
by their special guests.
“The best part for me was taking them on
a tour (of the facility),”
said Valerie Folk,
whose brother is a McFadden Manor
resident. “Every corner we turned,
they’d say, nothing’s changed.
I don’t know how they remember everything.
It must have meant a lot to them.”
Friends of McFadden continue progress
Valerie Folk once again led the Friends
of McFadden meeting and provided the
group of approximately 30 attendees with
update on their progress to keep the
city-run nursing home open.
Since the last meeting, hundreds of flyers
and postcards have been distributed to
Malden residents across the city at
church services, community meetings
and even supermarket parking lots.
Folk is still trying to negotiate a
time for Mayor Richard Howard to give
the Friends of McFadden and their
supporters an update on where the
city stands on funding and the
future of the nursing home.
Howard had hoped to meet with
the group in April.
The Friends of McFadden are still
seeking potential members of a
board of directors to establish
a geriatric authority.
A geriatric authority would oversee
the daily administration of the facility,
as well as manage its own budget.
To establish a geriatric authority,
the board of directors would be
responsible for the day-to-day
management of the nursing home
such as dealing with federal and
state requirements for nursing homes,
medical updates, resident enrollment,
Medicare reimbursement and the budget.
The geriatric authority would be set up
similarly to the Malden Housing Authority,
which also runs independently from the
city’s budget.
“We’re looking for other members of the
community,” said Folk. “We’d like a grant
writer and a certified public accountant.
We’d also like people from the business
community.”
Folk told the group they need to move
quickly. Howard has committed to funding
the nursing home for the first six months
of fiscal 2009, which begins on July 1, 2008.
“We have to move quickly to establish a
geriatric authority before any moves are
made to privatize McFadden,” said Folk.
“We’ve made it clear that privatization
is not what we want. It’s also important
for us to keep the community informed
and involved.”
The Friends of McFadden are continuing
their efforts to stay in the forefront
of Malden’s residents’ minds.
“Looking at things since last November
when we started meeting regularly,
we’ve come a long way,” said Folk.
“But, in some respects, I’m a little
dismayed. I knew that there would be
some hurdles, but I would have thought
that by now we’d be sitting down with
the mayor to discuss the geriatric authority.
At the same time, though, I’m energized.
We had some new faces at the meeting
tonight and we continue to build support.”
The next Friends of McFadden meeting
will take place on Monday, May 5, at
6:30 p.m. at McFadden Manor on Forest Street.
All members of the community are invited
to attend.
— The Friends of McFadden have established
a Web site, which posts information about
upcoming meetings, at
www.FriendsofMcFadden.com.
The group can also be reached
by calling the McFadden Manor
at 781-322-1700. Staff members
will pass along messages
to the Friends of McFadden.
Copyright 2008 Malden Observer.
Some rights reserved
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Comments (5).Thank you for the abuse
report. We will review the report
and take appropriate action.
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Nice Photo..but2 years agoReport Abuse
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.....Make way for the new 'Howard Estates'
A Plush, High End Residence for the
affluent community, Units starting
at just under $599.000.
Cape Codder2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I grew up on Gilbert Street not far
from McFadden Manor . I do remember
the farm and where the playground is,
I'm guessing because it's been a
long time since I have been back
to the old neighborhood. I remember
there was this nasty bull in the
field and he didn't like anyone
coming near the fence. He got loose
one day and razed havoc in the street.
I remember when the school was built
and many days of playing baseball and
football in the park. There is nothing
wrong in preserving the past.
The City of Malden should keep
McFadden Manor.
big jim2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
You must be logged in to report abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The more you learn the more sorry
this situation is. The poor farm
was closed and a school was built
along with some elderly housing
on the land. Now a second school
was built and a Nursing Home for
the Elderly which was converted
in 1955 to 'care for the cities
elderly population' was begun.
Now the Mayor for Life wants to
make sure that the city does not
live up to its obligations from
the past. Shame Richie Shame.
The best part of the article is
from Cape Codder who wrote of a
distant relative of the Mayor for
Life, a nasty bull that would not
let people too near. The Mayor won't
let people there live in peace just
like his ancestor the bull. Richie
your just like that old bull nasty
and full of .... Tell the truth for
a change and let the people that live
and work there what their future is and when.
Stop being a coward, it's not getting
you votes when you mistreat the old folks.
To: Big Jim2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
You must be logged in to report abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nobody told you? The mayor doesn't care
about your vote anymore--he's not running
again. He's setting it up for his puppet,
Neil, to take his place. Notice how Neil
is playing like he's his own man now and
not going along with the mayor? Notice how
many articles have his name all over them?
Notice how he's got the kids from the
charter school doing his cleanup work?
Notice how he's got cameras up in
Maplewood the charter school paid for?
Get ready--the mayor is going to give
it to the McFadden people good!
The first poster is right on--
'Howard Estates' coming up!
Big Black BullSh**2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
You must be logged in to report abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Their all cutting and running,
their folding up, their getting
out- the damage is done, and
they made their monies, now we
sit there with dumb looks on our
faces at what they've done- and wonder
about what they first said to us in
their attempt to represent- it was all lies.
and look at my city...look for
our elderly....what now?...
what now.....can I get a witness..?.
.does the statute of limitations
effect local politicians? can we sue?
Leave a Comment:
Before diving in to post a comment,
be sure to read and follow the pool rules.
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2.Stay on topic.
3.Be honest and accurate.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get the Geratric Authority active on the issue for getting AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND A HEALTH CARE CLINIC(ADULT CARE CENTER) BUILT ON THE SITE.
.By Sharon Tosto Esker/malden@cnc.com
GateHouse News Service
Posted Apr 24, 2008 @ 05:49 PM
Last update Apr 24, 2008 @ 05:53 PM
Malden — Before the apartments and the
school were built off of Forest Street,
the land surrounding the McFadden Manor
was a sprawling country landscape complete
with cows, pigs, chickens, horses and a garden
to feed the people living on what was then
known as the “poor farm.”
“Where the school is now was primarily
corn fields,” said Arlene McGuire, the
granddaughter of James McFadden, the
nursing home’s namesake. “The apartments
next door were a cow pasture and horses
were there also.”
Arlene McGuire and her brother Paul McGuire
attended Monday night’s Friends of McFadden
meeting to give the nursing home’s supporters
an opportunity to hear what it was like to
live on the McFadden Manor premises during
the
late 1940s and 1950s, when they were just
children.
Built in the 1880s, the poor farm originally
housed Malden residents who were ill or in
need of a place to live.
The McGuires’ grandfather, James McFadden,
oversaw the farm from about 1922 through
1948. The McGuires’ parents, George and
Anne McGuire, took over two years after
McFadden left his post and raised their
family of six children, including Arlene
and Paul, on the farm.
It was only in 1955 that the facility was
converted to a full-time nursing home to
care for the city’s elderly population.
“If a family was burnt out [of their house],
or if children were abandoned, my father
would take them in,” said Arlene McGuire.
“There were people who really appreciated
it, especially the children.”
The McGuires recalled several holiday
memories, which were a community affair
when they were living on the property.
“My father used to decorate the pine tree
in the front with giant bulbs for Christmas
,” said Paul McGuire. “You could see all
through the neighborhood.”
And for Christmas and Halloween,
George McGuire were open the doors
to the facility and invite the neighbors
in to celebrate.
“My father believed that children should
not be going out door-to-door asking for
candy [on Halloween],” said Arlene McGuire.
“He said it wasn’t safe so he organized a
yearly Halloween party.”
Arlene McGuire brought several delicately
worn black and white photographs of her
family and past residents who had lived on
the McFadden Manor property. A few photos
showed residents getting their hair primped
and curled in the beauty parlor that still
exists at the McFadden Manor, but which
has long been out of service.
Paul McGuire even mentioned the jail cell
that remains in the basement of McFadden,
which has also been closed for decades.
“The jail downstairs was used for residents
who came home drunk until they sobered up,”
said Paul McGuire.
The McGuires felt compelled to recount
their memories to remind the Friends of
McFadden and its supporters how important
the facility was to them, and also to the
residents of Malden.
“I would hate to see this place closed down,
whether it was named for my grandfather or
not,” said Paul McGuire. “Just its reputation
is worth keeping it open.”
The most poignant moment of evening was
when Arlene McGuire read a letter to the
editor of a Malden newspaper from what she
believed was during the 1960s.
(The newspaper clipping was not dated.)
“I was surprised to read that consideration
was being given to the closing of the
McFadden Memorial Home by the city,”
wrote Ethel S. Greene, who lived on
90 Maple St. in Malden. “Having
first-hand knowledge of the care given
patients there, I have felt that it was
one thing of which the city of Malden
could well be proud.”
Greene’s words were reminiscent of
similar words being used by the
Friends of McFadden to save the
nursing home today.
“I believe that even if it should
cost a little more to care for patients
at McFadden Memorial Home, the
expenditure is justified, in view of
the homelike atmosphere and the
tender, loving care given the patients,
” Greene wrote.
When the McGuires had finished their
walk down memory lane, several meeting
attendees gathered around looking at the
photographs of the garden, the farmhouse
and Molly, their most favorite black and
white cow, as well as yellowed newspaper
clipping that detailed happenings like
the annual McFadden Manor Christmas party
sponsored by the Elks.
The McGuire family left the McFadden Manor
property in the late 1950s, but for both
Arlene and Paul McGuire, the farm will
always hold a special spot in their memories.
“I’ve always been sad that they closed
the farm,” said Paul McGuire. “Imagine
if it were still open? All of the
community and the children could come
to see the garden and experience a
real working farm. And all of the
residents could be occupied by taking
care of the garden and the farm.”
Meeting attendees said they were thrilled
by their special guests.
“The best part for me was taking them on
a tour (of the facility),”
said Valerie Folk,
whose brother is a McFadden Manor
resident. “Every corner we turned,
they’d say, nothing’s changed.
I don’t know how they remember everything.
It must have meant a lot to them.”
Friends of McFadden continue progress
Valerie Folk once again led the Friends
of McFadden meeting and provided the
group of approximately 30 attendees with
update on their progress to keep the
city-run nursing home open.
Since the last meeting, hundreds of flyers
and postcards have been distributed to
Malden residents across the city at
church services, community meetings
and even supermarket parking lots.
Folk is still trying to negotiate a
time for Mayor Richard Howard to give
the Friends of McFadden and their
supporters an update on where the
city stands on funding and the
future of the nursing home.
Howard had hoped to meet with
the group in April.
The Friends of McFadden are still
seeking potential members of a
board of directors to establish
a geriatric authority.
A geriatric authority would oversee
the daily administration of the facility,
as well as manage its own budget.
To establish a geriatric authority,
the board of directors would be
responsible for the day-to-day
management of the nursing home
such as dealing with federal and
state requirements for nursing homes,
medical updates, resident enrollment,
Medicare reimbursement and the budget.
The geriatric authority would be set up
similarly to the Malden Housing Authority,
which also runs independently from the
city’s budget.
“We’re looking for other members of the
community,” said Folk. “We’d like a grant
writer and a certified public accountant.
We’d also like people from the business
community.”
Folk told the group they need to move
quickly. Howard has committed to funding
the nursing home for the first six months
of fiscal 2009, which begins on July 1, 2008.
“We have to move quickly to establish a
geriatric authority before any moves are
made to privatize McFadden,” said Folk.
“We’ve made it clear that privatization
is not what we want. It’s also important
for us to keep the community informed
and involved.”
The Friends of McFadden are continuing
their efforts to stay in the forefront
of Malden’s residents’ minds.
“Looking at things since last November
when we started meeting regularly,
we’ve come a long way,” said Folk.
“But, in some respects, I’m a little
dismayed. I knew that there would be
some hurdles, but I would have thought
that by now we’d be sitting down with
the mayor to discuss the geriatric authority.
At the same time, though, I’m energized.
We had some new faces at the meeting
tonight and we continue to build support.”
The next Friends of McFadden meeting
will take place on Monday, May 5, at
6:30 p.m. at McFadden Manor on Forest Street.
All members of the community are invited
to attend.
— The Friends of McFadden have established
a Web site, which posts information about
upcoming meetings, at
www.FriendsofMcFadden.com.
The group can also be reached
by calling the McFadden Manor
at 781-322-1700. Staff members
will pass along messages
to the Friends of McFadden.
Copyright 2008 Malden Observer.
Some rights reserved
.Loading commenting interface...
Comments (5).Thank you for the abuse
report. We will review the report
and take appropriate action.
Loading comments...
Nice Photo..but2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
You must be logged in to report abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.....Make way for the new 'Howard Estates'
A Plush, High End Residence for the
affluent community, Units starting
at just under $599.000.
Cape Codder2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
You must be logged in to report abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I grew up on Gilbert Street not far
from McFadden Manor . I do remember
the farm and where the playground is,
I'm guessing because it's been a
long time since I have been back
to the old neighborhood. I remember
there was this nasty bull in the
field and he didn't like anyone
coming near the fence. He got loose
one day and razed havoc in the street.
I remember when the school was built
and many days of playing baseball and
football in the park. There is nothing
wrong in preserving the past.
The City of Malden should keep
McFadden Manor.
big jim2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
You must be logged in to report abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The more you learn the more sorry
this situation is. The poor farm
was closed and a school was built
along with some elderly housing
on the land. Now a second school
was built and a Nursing Home for
the Elderly which was converted
in 1955 to 'care for the cities
elderly population' was begun.
Now the Mayor for Life wants to
make sure that the city does not
live up to its obligations from
the past. Shame Richie Shame.
The best part of the article is
from Cape Codder who wrote of a
distant relative of the Mayor for
Life, a nasty bull that would not
let people too near. The Mayor won't
let people there live in peace just
like his ancestor the bull. Richie
your just like that old bull nasty
and full of .... Tell the truth for
a change and let the people that live
and work there what their future is and when.
Stop being a coward, it's not getting
you votes when you mistreat the old folks.
To: Big Jim2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
You must be logged in to report abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nobody told you? The mayor doesn't care
about your vote anymore--he's not running
again. He's setting it up for his puppet,
Neil, to take his place. Notice how Neil
is playing like he's his own man now and
not going along with the mayor? Notice how
many articles have his name all over them?
Notice how he's got the kids from the
charter school doing his cleanup work?
Notice how he's got cameras up in
Maplewood the charter school paid for?
Get ready--the mayor is going to give
it to the McFadden people good!
The first poster is right on--
'Howard Estates' coming up!
Big Black BullSh**2 years agoReport Abuse
Report Abuse
You must be logged in to report abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Their all cutting and running,
their folding up, their getting
out- the damage is done, and
they made their monies, now we
sit there with dumb looks on our
faces at what they've done- and wonder
about what they first said to us in
their attempt to represent- it was all lies.
and look at my city...look for
our elderly....what now?...
what now.....can I get a witness..?.
.does the statute of limitations
effect local politicians? can we sue?
Leave a Comment:
Before diving in to post a comment,
be sure to read and follow the pool rules.
Logged in as: Maldensenior Logout
Pool Rules
1.Keep it clean.
2.Stay on topic.
3.Be honest and accurate.
4.No personal attacks. Don't bash
anyone based on their race, creed,
heritage, or orientation.
5.Don't say anything here you
wouldn't say in front of your
mother at the dinner table.
6.Use the 'Report Abuse' button
when you spot a rule violation.
(Don't report comments just because
you disagree.)
Participation in online discussion is
subject to our Terms of Use. By commenting,
you agree to be bound by these terms.
.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, January 22, 2009
TAX WORK OFF ABATEMENT PROGRAM
Many cities and towns have found this program viable. I feel the an
outreach program to adaquately staff the New Malden Senior Center is a
top priority and a great opportunity to get Seniors involved in their
programs and "aging in place"
Our newUS president and the administration are urging citizen
participation in their own destiny.volunteerism is on the adgenda as
well as home owner involvement thru this suggested program. HERE IS
WHAT ONE NEARBY TOWN IS DOING WHY NOT MALDEN IF NORTH ANDOVER CAN DO
IT
THE SLOGAN "YES WE CAN!!!
Tax Work-Off Abatement Program
The Council on Aging/Senior Center will be taking applications, during the
months of June and July, for the FY'09 Senior Citizens Property Tax Work-Off
Abatement Program. You must be 60 years of age or older and own and occupy
the property for which North Andover property taxes are paid. There are 30
positions funded and applicants will be chosen through a lottery. Workers must
complete 100 hours of service by May 29, 2009 with a maximum of 10 hours per
week for a $600.00 abatement on their real estate taxes. If you are interested,
please come in to the Senior Center at 120R Main Street to pick up an
application and additional instructions.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Gary Christenson
Date: Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Subject: Re: Taxpayers over 60 may be eligible for a Senior Citizen
Workoff Abatement
- Show quoted text -
To: Howard McGowan
Hi Howard,
I raised this issue with the administration last year but I think the
liability concerns outweighed the benefits of such a program. Perhaps
they may look at it more closely with the current fiscal crisis but
the council did ask about the idea last year.
Gary
________________________________
From: Howard McGowan
To: Malden City Council; Chief of Staff
Rep Fallon; Ward 1 CouncilorGary
Christenson; Malden Council of Aging Director
; Council on Aging Debbie Camarata
; Ward4 Councilor Jim Nester
; Ward8 Councillor Malden ;
Ward 6 Coucillor
Cc: MSAC OrganizerPam Edwards; Malden asst
to Mayor Debbie Burke; Oak Grove IMprovcarol
Melle; Springfield Organizer MSAC
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 5:19:06 PM
Subject: Taxpayers over 60 may be eligible for a Senior Citizen
Workoff Abatement
.WITH THE SITUATION OF ECOMOMIC DISTRESS MAYBE OUR CITY OF MALDEN
OFFICIALS SHOULD RE CONSIDER THIS PROGRAM AS LISTED AS A BENEFIT FOR
SENIORS BY THE MASS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
-- Taxpayers over 60 may be eligible for a Senior Citizen
Property Tax Work-Off Abatement. Under this program,
taxpayers volunteer their services to their municipality
in exchange for a reduction in their property tax bills —
up to $750 annually. Check with your city or town to
see if they participate in this, or any related, program
I know what will be brought up the pros and cons.. discussion may be in order.
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
--
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
outreach program to adaquately staff the New Malden Senior Center is a
top priority and a great opportunity to get Seniors involved in their
programs and "aging in place"
Our newUS president and the administration are urging citizen
participation in their own destiny.volunteerism is on the adgenda as
well as home owner involvement thru this suggested program. HERE IS
WHAT ONE NEARBY TOWN IS DOING WHY NOT MALDEN IF NORTH ANDOVER CAN DO
IT
THE SLOGAN "YES WE CAN!!!
Tax Work-Off Abatement Program
The Council on Aging/Senior Center will be taking applications, during the
months of June and July, for the FY'09 Senior Citizens Property Tax Work-Off
Abatement Program. You must be 60 years of age or older and own and occupy
the property for which North Andover property taxes are paid. There are 30
positions funded and applicants will be chosen through a lottery. Workers must
complete 100 hours of service by May 29, 2009 with a maximum of 10 hours per
week for a $600.00 abatement on their real estate taxes. If you are interested,
please come in to the Senior Center at 120R Main Street to pick up an
application and additional instructions.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Gary Christenson
Date: Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Subject: Re: Taxpayers over 60 may be eligible for a Senior Citizen
Workoff Abatement
- Show quoted text -
To: Howard McGowan
Hi Howard,
I raised this issue with the administration last year but I think the
liability concerns outweighed the benefits of such a program. Perhaps
they may look at it more closely with the current fiscal crisis but
the council did ask about the idea last year.
Gary
________________________________
From: Howard McGowan
To: Malden City Council
Rep Fallon
Christenson
Ward 6 Coucillor
Cc: MSAC OrganizerPam Edwards
to Mayor Debbie Burke
Melle
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 5:19:06 PM
Subject: Taxpayers over 60 may be eligible for a Senior Citizen
Workoff Abatement
.WITH THE SITUATION OF ECOMOMIC DISTRESS MAYBE OUR CITY OF MALDEN
OFFICIALS SHOULD RE CONSIDER THIS PROGRAM AS LISTED AS A BENEFIT FOR
SENIORS BY THE MASS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
-- Taxpayers over 60 may be eligible for a Senior Citizen
Property Tax Work-Off Abatement. Under this program,
taxpayers volunteer their services to their municipality
in exchange for a reduction in their property tax bills —
up to $750 annually. Check with your city or town to
see if they participate in this, or any related, program
I know what will be brought up the pros and cons.. discussion may be in order.
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
--
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
Saturday, October 25, 2008
VA'S Presciption Drug System
A groundbreaking study, by Frank R. Lichtenberg, Ph.D. of the Columbia School of Business, should put such comparisons to rest. In Older Drugs, Shorter Lives? An Examination of the Health Effects of the Veterans Health Administration Formulary, Dr. Lichtenberg shows the VH approach is not about prices or genuine negotiations. With the VA's tight budget, it is all about restricting veterans' access to new (and many old) medications to save dollars and hit budget targets.
The VA's highly restrictive national formulary excludes 62% of drugs approved by the FDA during the 1990's and 81% of new medications approved since 2000. Even worse, the drug benefit designed for our nation's veterans does not pay for a staggering 78% of new, high-priority prescription drugs approved by the FDA on an expedited basis since 1997 because of their life-saving impact. By comparison, commercial health plans, Medicare Part D drug plans, and state Medicaid programs cover the vast majority of new drugs and move quick to add coverage for most drugs given fast-track by the FDA.
Dr. Lichtenberg's 2005 study shows that the VA's prescription drug system - seen by many as the "model" for Medicare Part D - reduced the life span and survival rates of vets since its 1997 introduction. Note to Congress: Death is always cheaper than life but rarely preferable.
The VA's highly restrictive national formulary excludes 62% of drugs approved by the FDA during the 1990's and 81% of new medications approved since 2000. Even worse, the drug benefit designed for our nation's veterans does not pay for a staggering 78% of new, high-priority prescription drugs approved by the FDA on an expedited basis since 1997 because of their life-saving impact. By comparison, commercial health plans, Medicare Part D drug plans, and state Medicaid programs cover the vast majority of new drugs and move quick to add coverage for most drugs given fast-track by the FDA.
Dr. Lichtenberg's 2005 study shows that the VA's prescription drug system - seen by many as the "model" for Medicare Part D - reduced the life span and survival rates of vets since its 1997 introduction. Note to Congress: Death is always cheaper than life but rarely preferable.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Aging Servies THE FACTS
FOR INFORMATION AND REVIEW KEEPING OUR SENIORS SAFE IN A NEIGHBORHOOK ENVIRONMENT
Aging Services: The Facts
General Facts
Misconceptions
Workforce
Caregiving
Not-for-Profit Aging Services
Long-term Care Insurance
Global Aging
General Facts
Need
By 2026, the population of Americans ages 65 and older will double to 71.5 million.
Between 2007 and 2015, the number of Americans ages 85 and older is expected to increase by 40 percent.
Among people turning 65 today, 69 percent will need some form of long-term care, whether in the community or in a residential care facility.
By 2020, 12 million older Americans will need long-term health care. (HIAA, "A Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance", 2002)
Availability
There are 16,100 certified nursing homes in the United States.
There are 39,500 assisted living facilities in the United States.
There are 1,900 continuing care retirement communities in the United States.
There are more than 300,000 units of Section 202 affordable senior housing available in the United States.
For each Section 202 affordable senior housing unit that is available, there are ten eligible seniors on waiting lists for it. The average time an eligible senior is on the waiting list is 13.4 months.
Cost
The average daily cost for a private room in a nursing home is $213, or $77,745 annually.
The average daily cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $189, or $68,985 annually.
The average monthly cost of living in an assisted living facility is $2,969, or $35,628 annually.
The average monthly cost of living in a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community is $2,672, or $32,064 annually.
The average monthly rate for assisted living facilities that charge additional fees for Alzheimer’s and dementia care is $4,270, or $51,240 annually.
To move into a community, individuals must also pay an entry fee ranging from $60,000 to $120,000.
The average hourly rate for a certified home health aide is $32.37.
The average hourly rate for a uncertified home health aide is $19.00.
The national average daily rate for adult day centers is $61. (2007 MetLife Market Survey of Adult Day Services & Home Care Costs)
The national average hourly rate for homemakers/companions is $18. (2007 MetLife Market Survey of Adult Day Services & Home Care Costs)
Who Pays
Nearly 40 percent of long-term care spending is paid for by private funds.
Medicare, which covers rehabilitation services after an individual is discharged from a hospital, pays for 19 percent of all long-term care spending.
Medicaid, which covers health care costs for low-income individuals, pays for 49 percent of all long-term care spending.
Accounting for about 40 percent of total expenditures on nursing facilities, Medicaid's payments cover the care of more than half of all nursing home residents.
Use
There are more than 1.4 million nursing home residents in the United States.
An individual's average age when he or she moves into a nursing home is 79.
Women are almost three times as likely to live in nursing homes than men.
More than 900,000 individuals live in assisted living residences.
More than 150,000 individuals receive care and services at an adult day center.
There are more than 1.1 million seniors in some type of senior housing community in the United States.
There are approximately 745,000 older adults who live in continuing care retirement communities in the United States.
The average age of an individual moving into a continuing care retirement community is 78.
Nearly 1.4 million individuals receive home health services.
The average lifetime nursing home use per individual is one year, and the average home care use is a little over 200 visits.
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Misconceptions
Cost:
Only 8 percent of Americans over 45 can estimate the average monthly cost of a nursing homes within 20 percent of its actual cost.
Less than a quarter (23%) of Americans over 45 can estimate the monthly cost of an assisted living facility within 20 percent of its actual cost.
One in five (20%) Americans over 45 say they don't know the cost of an in-home visit from an aide.
Nearly 20 percent of Americans over 45 said that their estimates of long-term costs were "just a hunch."
Cost Coverage:
Close to one fifth of Americans over 45 (18%) responded that they "don't know" what funds will cover their long-term care costs.
More than 55 percent (59%) of Americans over 45 incorrectly believe that Medicare will pay for extended nursing home stay.
Fifty-two percent of Americans over 45 incorrectly believe Medicare covers assisted living costs.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Workforce
Size:
Approximately 21% of all individuals working in health services are employed by nursing and residential care facilities.
There are approximately 1.39 million nursing assistants, orderlies and attendants, working in the United States today.
There are approximately 663,000 home health aides working in the United States today.
There are approximately 566,000 personal care and home care aides working in the United States today. Two-thirds of them work for home-based service providers.
There are approximately 16,000 licensed nursing home administrators working in the United States today.
Demographics:
On average, registered nurses working in long-term care are older than those in other health care settings. More than a third (36%) are over 50 and one in ten are over 60.
Women make up approximately 90 percent of the direct care workforce.
About half of direct care workers are racial or ethnic minorities. A third are African-American while 15 percent are Hispanic or other persons of color.
With a mean age of 46, home care workers are older than direct care workers in nursing homes, where the median worker age is 36. Additionally, the percentage of home care workers over 65 is three times that of direct care workers in nursing homes.
Twenty percent of certified nursing assistants and home health aides have not graduated from high school. More than 30 percent, however, have attended some college.
Approximately 50 percent of direct care workers are employed full-time, while only about a third of home care workers are full-time employees.
Need:
Overall, nearly 96,000 full-time equivalent nurses and other health care professionals are now needed to fill vacant positions in America's nursing homes.
In 2002, 15 percent registered nurses (RNs), 13 percent of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and 8.5 percent of certified nurse aide (CNA) positions in America's nursing homes were vacant.
By 2010, the number of vacant positions in nursing homes is expected reach 810,000.
The average annual turnover rate for licensed nursing home administrators is 43 percent.
The average national turnover rate for nurses working in aging services is 49 percent.
The average national turnover rate for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is 71 percent.
The total cost of CNA turnover is more than $4 billion each year.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caregiving
An estimated 34 million Americans provide some care for a family member, age 50 or older. And as the baby boomers begin to retire, that number is going to climb even higher.
Ninety percent of individuals receive care at home get help from family and friends, and 80% rely solely on these individuals for assistance.
Informal caregivers are general between 45 and 64, and two-thirds are women.
A study from the National Association of Caregivers says the costs of home care average more than $5,500 a year — $400 more than the average household spends on health care and entertainment combined.
When the aging relative lives in another city, the costs run even higher. On average, long-distance caregivers spend nearly $9,000 a year.
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Not-for-Profit Aging Services
Not-for-profit organizations manage 31% of all nursing homes in the United States.
Not-for-profit organizations manage approximately 80% of all continuing care retirement communities in the United States.
Not-for-profit organizations manage 78% of all adult day centers in the United States.
Not-for-profit organizations manage 45% of home health agencies in the United States.
There are 1,520 not-for-profit retirement communities in the United States.
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Long-term Care Insurance
The average annual long-term care premium for individuals under 65 is $1,337.
The average premium for individuals over 65 is $2,862.
The average long-term care insurance policy purchased by a 65-year-old and held until death pays out 82 cents for every dollar.
Since 1987, fewer than 10 million Americans have bought long-term care insurance, and only about 7 million of those policies remain in force today.
Almost 30 percent of Americans over 45 have purchased a long-term care insurance policy.
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Global Aging
Each month, the world's elderly population of people increases by 795,000.
China's population includes 88 million elderly individuals, making it the world's "oldest" country.
The elderly population in Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan and Spain outnumbers that of children.
Last Updated : 4/16/2008 9:55:43 AM
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
http://www.aahsa.org/aging_services/default.asp#5
Aging Services: The Facts
General Facts
Misconceptions
Workforce
Caregiving
Not-for-Profit Aging Services
Long-term Care Insurance
Global Aging
General Facts
Need
By 2026, the population of Americans ages 65 and older will double to 71.5 million.
Between 2007 and 2015, the number of Americans ages 85 and older is expected to increase by 40 percent.
Among people turning 65 today, 69 percent will need some form of long-term care, whether in the community or in a residential care facility.
By 2020, 12 million older Americans will need long-term health care. (HIAA, "A Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance", 2002)
Availability
There are 16,100 certified nursing homes in the United States.
There are 39,500 assisted living facilities in the United States.
There are 1,900 continuing care retirement communities in the United States.
There are more than 300,000 units of Section 202 affordable senior housing available in the United States.
For each Section 202 affordable senior housing unit that is available, there are ten eligible seniors on waiting lists for it. The average time an eligible senior is on the waiting list is 13.4 months.
Cost
The average daily cost for a private room in a nursing home is $213, or $77,745 annually.
The average daily cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $189, or $68,985 annually.
The average monthly cost of living in an assisted living facility is $2,969, or $35,628 annually.
The average monthly cost of living in a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community is $2,672, or $32,064 annually.
The average monthly rate for assisted living facilities that charge additional fees for Alzheimer’s and dementia care is $4,270, or $51,240 annually.
To move into a community, individuals must also pay an entry fee ranging from $60,000 to $120,000.
The average hourly rate for a certified home health aide is $32.37.
The average hourly rate for a uncertified home health aide is $19.00.
The national average daily rate for adult day centers is $61. (2007 MetLife Market Survey of Adult Day Services & Home Care Costs)
The national average hourly rate for homemakers/companions is $18. (2007 MetLife Market Survey of Adult Day Services & Home Care Costs)
Who Pays
Nearly 40 percent of long-term care spending is paid for by private funds.
Medicare, which covers rehabilitation services after an individual is discharged from a hospital, pays for 19 percent of all long-term care spending.
Medicaid, which covers health care costs for low-income individuals, pays for 49 percent of all long-term care spending.
Accounting for about 40 percent of total expenditures on nursing facilities, Medicaid's payments cover the care of more than half of all nursing home residents.
Use
There are more than 1.4 million nursing home residents in the United States.
An individual's average age when he or she moves into a nursing home is 79.
Women are almost three times as likely to live in nursing homes than men.
More than 900,000 individuals live in assisted living residences.
More than 150,000 individuals receive care and services at an adult day center.
There are more than 1.1 million seniors in some type of senior housing community in the United States.
There are approximately 745,000 older adults who live in continuing care retirement communities in the United States.
The average age of an individual moving into a continuing care retirement community is 78.
Nearly 1.4 million individuals receive home health services.
The average lifetime nursing home use per individual is one year, and the average home care use is a little over 200 visits.
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Misconceptions
Cost:
Only 8 percent of Americans over 45 can estimate the average monthly cost of a nursing homes within 20 percent of its actual cost.
Less than a quarter (23%) of Americans over 45 can estimate the monthly cost of an assisted living facility within 20 percent of its actual cost.
One in five (20%) Americans over 45 say they don't know the cost of an in-home visit from an aide.
Nearly 20 percent of Americans over 45 said that their estimates of long-term costs were "just a hunch."
Cost Coverage:
Close to one fifth of Americans over 45 (18%) responded that they "don't know" what funds will cover their long-term care costs.
More than 55 percent (59%) of Americans over 45 incorrectly believe that Medicare will pay for extended nursing home stay.
Fifty-two percent of Americans over 45 incorrectly believe Medicare covers assisted living costs.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Workforce
Size:
Approximately 21% of all individuals working in health services are employed by nursing and residential care facilities.
There are approximately 1.39 million nursing assistants, orderlies and attendants, working in the United States today.
There are approximately 663,000 home health aides working in the United States today.
There are approximately 566,000 personal care and home care aides working in the United States today. Two-thirds of them work for home-based service providers.
There are approximately 16,000 licensed nursing home administrators working in the United States today.
Demographics:
On average, registered nurses working in long-term care are older than those in other health care settings. More than a third (36%) are over 50 and one in ten are over 60.
Women make up approximately 90 percent of the direct care workforce.
About half of direct care workers are racial or ethnic minorities. A third are African-American while 15 percent are Hispanic or other persons of color.
With a mean age of 46, home care workers are older than direct care workers in nursing homes, where the median worker age is 36. Additionally, the percentage of home care workers over 65 is three times that of direct care workers in nursing homes.
Twenty percent of certified nursing assistants and home health aides have not graduated from high school. More than 30 percent, however, have attended some college.
Approximately 50 percent of direct care workers are employed full-time, while only about a third of home care workers are full-time employees.
Need:
Overall, nearly 96,000 full-time equivalent nurses and other health care professionals are now needed to fill vacant positions in America's nursing homes.
In 2002, 15 percent registered nurses (RNs), 13 percent of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and 8.5 percent of certified nurse aide (CNA) positions in America's nursing homes were vacant.
By 2010, the number of vacant positions in nursing homes is expected reach 810,000.
The average annual turnover rate for licensed nursing home administrators is 43 percent.
The average national turnover rate for nurses working in aging services is 49 percent.
The average national turnover rate for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is 71 percent.
The total cost of CNA turnover is more than $4 billion each year.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caregiving
An estimated 34 million Americans provide some care for a family member, age 50 or older. And as the baby boomers begin to retire, that number is going to climb even higher.
Ninety percent of individuals receive care at home get help from family and friends, and 80% rely solely on these individuals for assistance.
Informal caregivers are general between 45 and 64, and two-thirds are women.
A study from the National Association of Caregivers says the costs of home care average more than $5,500 a year — $400 more than the average household spends on health care and entertainment combined.
When the aging relative lives in another city, the costs run even higher. On average, long-distance caregivers spend nearly $9,000 a year.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not-for-Profit Aging Services
Not-for-profit organizations manage 31% of all nursing homes in the United States.
Not-for-profit organizations manage approximately 80% of all continuing care retirement communities in the United States.
Not-for-profit organizations manage 78% of all adult day centers in the United States.
Not-for-profit organizations manage 45% of home health agencies in the United States.
There are 1,520 not-for-profit retirement communities in the United States.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term Care Insurance
The average annual long-term care premium for individuals under 65 is $1,337.
The average premium for individuals over 65 is $2,862.
The average long-term care insurance policy purchased by a 65-year-old and held until death pays out 82 cents for every dollar.
Since 1987, fewer than 10 million Americans have bought long-term care insurance, and only about 7 million of those policies remain in force today.
Almost 30 percent of Americans over 45 have purchased a long-term care insurance policy.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Aging
Each month, the world's elderly population of people increases by 795,000.
China's population includes 88 million elderly individuals, making it the world's "oldest" country.
The elderly population in Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan and Spain outnumbers that of children.
Last Updated : 4/16/2008 9:55:43 AM
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
http://www.aahsa.org/aging_services/default.asp#5
Monday, September 8, 2008
WHEN DOCTORS DO THEIR JOB ELDERLY FALL LESS
Yuk. A study in today’s NY Times reports that percentage of elderly people who fall drops by 11% if the doctor actually asks them if they are prone to falls — then takes their blood pressure lying down and standing, treats it properly, and then reduces their other medication. How ironic that the doctor who did the study notes she can’t estimate the cost of this ‘prevention’ program because it ought to be part of standard care. Exactly.
So — in the absence of standard care, falls among the elderly account for 10% of emergency room visits and 6% of hospitalizations for those 65 and older.
Thus is born the market for fall detection offerings — like Intel’s research and future product offering.
Where there’s a lack of will, there’s a way.
Entry Filed under:
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Caring for your aging parents.
We live in a very mobile society where family members don’t always live in the same town or even the same state. In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging, approximately seven million Americans are long-distance caregivers, mostly caring for aging parents who live more than an hour away.
“It’s only natural that adult children of seniors will have some concerns about how their aging parents are doing, especially if they are apart during the holiday season,” said a member of the Right at Home office. “Identifying strategies for long-distance caregiving will make the challenges of caring for aging parents or loved ones more manageable.”
Below are tips from Right at Home for long-distance caregiving:
1) Establish Support Contacts in Your Aging Parents’ Community – Make a list of family, friends and neighbors’ phone numbers and addresses. Ask if you can check in with them to find out how your loved one is doing. They may also be willing to stop by your loved one's home for regular visits.
2) Stay in Touch With Your Parents – Keep in regular touch with your loved one by phone, letters, and e-mail. Record any changes you sense in his or her personality or ability to function day by day.
3) Make Observations During Visits – When you are able to visit your parents, pay attention to any changes in grooming, eating, or social activities. Look for changes in the way he or she manages money, cleans, shops, and gets around.
4) Keep Track of Important Information – Find out where your parents keep important documents such as his or her insurance policies, bank account numbers, investments, living will and power of attorney (for legal, financial, and health care purposes). It’s also beneficial to have a list of physicians that your relative is seeing, and any hospitals or clinics that are involved in his or her medical care, and any medications he or she is taking.
5) Look into Professional Help Options – There are several options for aging parents who need additional assistance. In home caregiving agencies, such as Right at Home, provide services such as companionship, meal preparation, and light housekeeping to help seniors continue to live independently with the help of a caregiver.
6) Identify Community Resources – Research local area agencies on aging, senior centers, churches, synagogues, or other volunteer organizations about available resources for seniors. To locate the area agency on aging, individuals can call Eldercare Locator, public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, toll-free at (800) 677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov.
7) Involve Your Parent – Allow your parents to retain as much decision-making ability as possible. Remember that your primary objective is to help your loved one to fulfill his/her needs, not to take over your relative’s life. In some situations, when your loved one is unable to make decisions, you may need to do so on his/her behalf.
8) Take Time for Yourself – Caregiving can have an emotional and physical toll on caregivers, especially when done long-distance. Make sure you are eating right, getting enough rest, exercising regularly and keeping up with your own medical needs.
Remember, the holiday season is a time for family, togetherness and making memories. By taking the time to address these long-distance caregiving issues, your family will have the much-needed sense of security, comfort and hopefully the ability to create new memories with your aging loved ones for many years to come!
“It’s only natural that adult children of seniors will have some concerns about how their aging parents are doing, especially if they are apart during the holiday season,” said a member of the Right at Home office. “Identifying strategies for long-distance caregiving will make the challenges of caring for aging parents or loved ones more manageable.”
Below are tips from Right at Home for long-distance caregiving:
1) Establish Support Contacts in Your Aging Parents’ Community – Make a list of family, friends and neighbors’ phone numbers and addresses. Ask if you can check in with them to find out how your loved one is doing. They may also be willing to stop by your loved one's home for regular visits.
2) Stay in Touch With Your Parents – Keep in regular touch with your loved one by phone, letters, and e-mail. Record any changes you sense in his or her personality or ability to function day by day.
3) Make Observations During Visits – When you are able to visit your parents, pay attention to any changes in grooming, eating, or social activities. Look for changes in the way he or she manages money, cleans, shops, and gets around.
4) Keep Track of Important Information – Find out where your parents keep important documents such as his or her insurance policies, bank account numbers, investments, living will and power of attorney (for legal, financial, and health care purposes). It’s also beneficial to have a list of physicians that your relative is seeing, and any hospitals or clinics that are involved in his or her medical care, and any medications he or she is taking.
5) Look into Professional Help Options – There are several options for aging parents who need additional assistance. In home caregiving agencies, such as Right at Home, provide services such as companionship, meal preparation, and light housekeeping to help seniors continue to live independently with the help of a caregiver.
6) Identify Community Resources – Research local area agencies on aging, senior centers, churches, synagogues, or other volunteer organizations about available resources for seniors. To locate the area agency on aging, individuals can call Eldercare Locator, public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, toll-free at (800) 677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov.
7) Involve Your Parent – Allow your parents to retain as much decision-making ability as possible. Remember that your primary objective is to help your loved one to fulfill his/her needs, not to take over your relative’s life. In some situations, when your loved one is unable to make decisions, you may need to do so on his/her behalf.
8) Take Time for Yourself – Caregiving can have an emotional and physical toll on caregivers, especially when done long-distance. Make sure you are eating right, getting enough rest, exercising regularly and keeping up with your own medical needs.
Remember, the holiday season is a time for family, togetherness and making memories. By taking the time to address these long-distance caregiving issues, your family will have the much-needed sense of security, comfort and hopefully the ability to create new memories with your aging loved ones for many years to come!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Filing a bill State Legislature
Massachusetts citizens are permitted and encouraged to take an active
role in the lawmaking process of the state legislature. It is a good
idea for a person who feels strongly about an issue to present his or
her ideas to a representative or senator. That person may discover that
those concerns have already been formulated into a bill which is
awaiting legislative action. If not, the citizen is allowed to file
legislation addressing the subject. Massachusetts is one of the few
states to allow its citizens to do so. This access is called the "right
of free petition."
Although it is not mandatory that a representative or senator sponsor a
citizen's bill, the rules of the House and Senate provide that a
petition must be endorsed for presentation by a member before it can be
considered by the General Court. Obtaining the support of individual
legislators, then, is most advisable.
Howard McGowan
role in the lawmaking process of the state legislature. It is a good
idea for a person who feels strongly about an issue to present his or
her ideas to a representative or senator. That person may discover that
those concerns have already been formulated into a bill which is
awaiting legislative action. If not, the citizen is allowed to file
legislation addressing the subject. Massachusetts is one of the few
states to allow its citizens to do so. This access is called the "right
of free petition."
Although it is not mandatory that a representative or senator sponsor a
citizen's bill, the rules of the House and Senate provide that a
petition must be endorsed for presentation by a member before it can be
considered by the General Court. Obtaining the support of individual
legislators, then, is most advisable.
Howard McGowan
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Health Care
Gas prices are in the political spotlight right now; this year's spike has been painful and the calls for action — and heads — have pushed other issues to the side. But it is worth remembering that when it comes to real, sustained growth in costs, when it comes to real, sustained erosion of families' disposable income, gas still can't hold a candle to the real elephant in the room: health care.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
MIDDLE CLASS
The Middle Class in America Isn’t Happy
Posted in: individual
There has been a lot of talk about which presidential candidate has the best tax plan for “middle class” America. It’s an interesting question because I’m not sure that anyone can actually define “middle class” anymore - my readers seem to feel that it’s all over the place.
Middle class - as it’s widely defined - is generally defined as those families who are in the middle of income brackets. That can be confusing. Based on 2005 Census Bureau reports, 40% of Americans earned less than $36,000 a year (the bottom 20% earn less than $19,000). The next 40% - the so-called middle class - reported betwen $36,000 and $91,705 of earnings. The top 20% of earners, making $91,705 or more, earned 50% of the income reported in the US.
[Kelly’s geeky note: From a math perspective, that’s pretty interesting: while the richest 20% took in nearly 50% of income, the middle class (representing 40% of Americans) earned a fairly representative proportion of total income (37.5%).]
So there you have it, statistically you are middle class if you earn between $36,000 and $91,705 (adjusted for inflation since 2005) per year. Easy, right?
Not so fast.
There are a lot of factors that pure numbers don’t take into consideration including the size of your family and the cost of living in your geographical location. Lots of folks who make more than $75,000 per year may live comfortably in some areas of the world - but that kind of money won’t take you very far in areas like New York City or San Francisco where housing costs alone can easily reach $1 million for relatively modest homes.
The reality is that almost everyone thinks that they’re middle class, though of course, you can’t be. And realistically, you don’t want to be right now. Here’s why.
Elizabeth Warren, professor at Harvard Law School, just testified before the Joint Economic Committee in Congress that the middle class is suffering. How much so? Adjusted for inflation, median household income for middle class families has dropped by $1,175 between 2000 and 2007 - that represents a significant decline. While income is dropping, expenses are rising. The average family is spending $4,655 more each year on basic expenses, such as gas, food and health insurance.
Let’s talk the bane of my existence (as most working parents): child care costs. Families with children under the age of 5 spend $1,508 a month more on child care costs (yes, do the math, that’s more than $18,000) - older children cost about half that much. You don’t escape during the teens, either: the cost of sending a child to college has more than doubled over the last 20 years, far outpacing increases in income.
Also in the news these days are those folks who cannot afford housing. The proportion of families who spend more than 35% of income on housing has quadrupled in a single generation - a disproportionate number of middle class families spend nearly half of their income on housing. Two “middle class” Americans earning an average salary could not afford to pay the mortgage of a median-priced home in 2/3 of the nation’s metropolitan areas including my own Philadelphia (which is reasonably priced, I might add). In addition to the increased costs of housing stock, real estate taxes have also increased. Most municipalities have not tweaked their systems to account for a disproportionate increase in property “value” (albeit somewhat artificial) - this means that taxpayers are often paying too much (for reassessed properties at historic rates) or too little (for properties that have not been reassessed) in real estate tax from neighbor to neighbor. The high costs, as much as $10,000 in some middle class neighborhoods, are hitting folks in the pocketbook.
According to Warren, if you include real estate taxes, along with Medicare and other taxes, the total tax burden for a two income family today is 38% more compared to one income families a generation ago. And yes, I realize in a progressive tax system, that was bound to happen. It’s not so much that it happened that’s surprising, it’s what it means. It means less money in the pockets of middle class Americans at the end of the day.
Income is decreasing and expenses - including taxes - are increasing. So what are people doing? Charging up a storm. Credit card debt for middle-income families rose 75% between 1989 and 2001, according to Demos, a non-partisan public policy organization. Warren’s report claims that 10% of total disposable income in the United States goes to paying off credit cards. This, of course, jives with much of what you told me you would do with your economic stimulus check.
There has been a clamoring for a second stimulus package to offer some relief. Despite the rumors to the contrary, no such package has yet been seriously proposed. Jared Bernstein, senior economist with the Economic Policy Institute, has advised that a package should rely on getting funds together for the states, particularly for infrastructure projects, and not into the hands of taxpayers. Infrastructure means jobs - this was made abundantly clear when Congress thought about tinkering with the gas tax.
Second stimulus package or not, it’s clear that something needs to change. What is the breaking point before the middle class is no longer middle class?
Tags: America, cost of living, Economic Policy Institute, economic stimulus, economy, Elizabeth Warren, gas-tax, middle-class, second stimulus package
Posted in: individual
There has been a lot of talk about which presidential candidate has the best tax plan for “middle class” America. It’s an interesting question because I’m not sure that anyone can actually define “middle class” anymore - my readers seem to feel that it’s all over the place.
Middle class - as it’s widely defined - is generally defined as those families who are in the middle of income brackets. That can be confusing. Based on 2005 Census Bureau reports, 40% of Americans earned less than $36,000 a year (the bottom 20% earn less than $19,000). The next 40% - the so-called middle class - reported betwen $36,000 and $91,705 of earnings. The top 20% of earners, making $91,705 or more, earned 50% of the income reported in the US.
[Kelly’s geeky note: From a math perspective, that’s pretty interesting: while the richest 20% took in nearly 50% of income, the middle class (representing 40% of Americans) earned a fairly representative proportion of total income (37.5%).]
So there you have it, statistically you are middle class if you earn between $36,000 and $91,705 (adjusted for inflation since 2005) per year. Easy, right?
Not so fast.
There are a lot of factors that pure numbers don’t take into consideration including the size of your family and the cost of living in your geographical location. Lots of folks who make more than $75,000 per year may live comfortably in some areas of the world - but that kind of money won’t take you very far in areas like New York City or San Francisco where housing costs alone can easily reach $1 million for relatively modest homes.
The reality is that almost everyone thinks that they’re middle class, though of course, you can’t be. And realistically, you don’t want to be right now. Here’s why.
Elizabeth Warren, professor at Harvard Law School, just testified before the Joint Economic Committee in Congress that the middle class is suffering. How much so? Adjusted for inflation, median household income for middle class families has dropped by $1,175 between 2000 and 2007 - that represents a significant decline. While income is dropping, expenses are rising. The average family is spending $4,655 more each year on basic expenses, such as gas, food and health insurance.
Let’s talk the bane of my existence (as most working parents): child care costs. Families with children under the age of 5 spend $1,508 a month more on child care costs (yes, do the math, that’s more than $18,000) - older children cost about half that much. You don’t escape during the teens, either: the cost of sending a child to college has more than doubled over the last 20 years, far outpacing increases in income.
Also in the news these days are those folks who cannot afford housing. The proportion of families who spend more than 35% of income on housing has quadrupled in a single generation - a disproportionate number of middle class families spend nearly half of their income on housing. Two “middle class” Americans earning an average salary could not afford to pay the mortgage of a median-priced home in 2/3 of the nation’s metropolitan areas including my own Philadelphia (which is reasonably priced, I might add). In addition to the increased costs of housing stock, real estate taxes have also increased. Most municipalities have not tweaked their systems to account for a disproportionate increase in property “value” (albeit somewhat artificial) - this means that taxpayers are often paying too much (for reassessed properties at historic rates) or too little (for properties that have not been reassessed) in real estate tax from neighbor to neighbor. The high costs, as much as $10,000 in some middle class neighborhoods, are hitting folks in the pocketbook.
According to Warren, if you include real estate taxes, along with Medicare and other taxes, the total tax burden for a two income family today is 38% more compared to one income families a generation ago. And yes, I realize in a progressive tax system, that was bound to happen. It’s not so much that it happened that’s surprising, it’s what it means. It means less money in the pockets of middle class Americans at the end of the day.
Income is decreasing and expenses - including taxes - are increasing. So what are people doing? Charging up a storm. Credit card debt for middle-income families rose 75% between 1989 and 2001, according to Demos, a non-partisan public policy organization. Warren’s report claims that 10% of total disposable income in the United States goes to paying off credit cards. This, of course, jives with much of what you told me you would do with your economic stimulus check.
There has been a clamoring for a second stimulus package to offer some relief. Despite the rumors to the contrary, no such package has yet been seriously proposed. Jared Bernstein, senior economist with the Economic Policy Institute, has advised that a package should rely on getting funds together for the states, particularly for infrastructure projects, and not into the hands of taxpayers. Infrastructure means jobs - this was made abundantly clear when Congress thought about tinkering with the gas tax.
Second stimulus package or not, it’s clear that something needs to change. What is the breaking point before the middle class is no longer middle class?
Tags: America, cost of living, Economic Policy Institute, economic stimulus, economy, Elizabeth Warren, gas-tax, middle-class, second stimulus package
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