January's birthstone

Garnet is the birthstone for January. It is the stone of: Aquarius, Aries, Capricorn, Leo and Virgo. A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. Garnet is associated with the base charka (1^st and 2^nd) and is said to awaken the Kundalini. Garnet will stimulate the senses, and increase your vitality and stamina

Some of the metaphysical properties of garnet are; friendship, love and fellowship. This stone makes you very attractive to other people by bringing out your best qualities. Many people experience loneliness as they change jobs, relationships, and move to a new home. This stone can help attract new friends and relationships that will be attracted to you for who you really are. This stone will help to attract like-minded people to you. Stimulates life force and negates stubbornness. Garnet is the stone of passionate devotion to your family, your friends, yourself, and your purpose or goals. Many people call garnet the lucky stone: lucky for love, lucky for success, and lucky for goals.

I need to add this to my jewelry choice as I love purple and wear amethyst more than anything else.

Paying Less for Drugs in the 'Doughnut Hole,' Coverage Gap - AARP Bulletin

Paying Less for Drugs in the 'Doughnut Hole,' Coverage Gap - AARP Bulletin

To Claim VA Benefits, Veterans Told to Set Up Direct Deposit

To Claim VA Benefits, Veterans Told to Set Up Direct Deposit

Villa Home Care

About Villa Home Care
Care coordination with a difference is the hallmark of Villa Home Care. Care Management services from Geriatric Care Managers (RN's and SW's) and experienced Caregivers deliver the "gold standard" of private duty home care in both Maricopa County and Northern Pinal County. Our Caregivers assist with activities of daily living including personal care, light housekeeping and transportation, while our Care Managers accompany clients to their MD appointments, assist with medication management, and advocate for the client in the Emergency Department or hospital. Initial assessments are free and allow clients and families an opportunity to participate fully in the development of an individualized plan of care. Contact Villa Home Care at (888) 880-6588 or visit www.VillaHomeCare.com.

Little did they know

My wife & I recently saw a movie, which had the above statement in it. As I continued to watch the movie, I couldn't help but think about how many time this statement rings true in so many of the people I counsel in regards to their Estate Plans. Every week I encounter folks who have been misguided, misinformed, or just plain out right lied to for the sake of someone wanting to sell a product to them. The product may even be something that could actually enhance the estate, but if it is implemented at the wrong time, it could become a detriment to the overall estate planning process. Let me share a true story with you about a couple who really go messed up by listening to the wrong advice.

Dick & Jane (names have been changed for privacy) have been married for over 45 years, have two grown children living in other states, and have lived a very prosperous and healthy life together. Recently, Dick's health took a turn for the worse, early dementia & Alzheimer's began to set in. Jane is fulfilling her spousal commitment to her husband, many well meaning friends & relatives are all willing to offer their advice on how this is going to affect her financially. One well meaning individual said that if she would start giving away the estate, she would someday be able to qualify Dick for the State & Federal government assistance programs. But she would have to take care of him for three years before she could ever request such government assistance. Jane respected this individual very much & set off to put the plan into motion. She started gifting some of her cash assets to her children, hoping that if she ever needed funds in the future, they would be more than happy to help their loving mother. Well, one long hard year now has passed & Jane is just plain worn out from the constant 24hr supervision over Dick. He is getting too much for her to handle on a daily basis, but she has to hold on for another two more years. Jane's health is now starting to take a turn for the worse, because of the wear & tear on her own body, she says "I need help & cannot continue this way!" Little did she know that the advice she was given was incorrect!

If you have an area of concern in your life that you are either dealing with or going to be dealing with, it is beneficial to speak with someone who knows what to do about whatever the situation may be, not just listening to a well meaning friend or family member. If you need heart surgery, do you go to your brother-in-law? NO... Why?...because, little does he know! There are specialists all around us in life for many different areas of concern, we need to start listening to the right voices, now back to our story.

I had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to Jane by a concerned friend who happened to be a client of ours for several years & knew from her own personal experience, how we had helped her. After listening to Jane's situation we began to formulate the correct plan of action for her. First of all, there is no look back or waiting period for gifts between spouses. There was no need to give anything to the children. Dick could have been admitted to the nursing home right away. Jane could have been spared all the additional stress & wear & tear on her body, and yes Dick's nursing home bill would be subsidized from the State and Federal government programs, thereby allowing Jane to continue living a normal financial life. "Oh, Little did she know but..."

Now Jane is able to relax knowing that the financial burden has been removed & that Dick is in the right place where properly trained people are giving him the best of care. Jane has asked that I share her story, "so others will never have to go through what I did; let them know there is an answer".

Please don't wander around in life listening to well meaning people who may have incorrect advice...

Go to the expert!

Article by Bobby King Certified Estate Planner

Arizona State Veteran Home

The Arizona State Veteran Home is one of the best kept secrets in Central Phoenix. It is a 200 bed facility that offers nursing home and short term rehab in a skilled nursing facility to Veterans and their spouses. It is a thriving facility that welcomes the surrounding community into their home. The community visits through a variety of programs. For example, on Veterans Day, over 200 visitors came to the home to thank the Veterans, assist them to the parade and share a barbecue hosted by the Phoenix Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2 and the Vietnam Veterans of America. The Honorable Governor Janice Brewer was in attendance for an afternoon of entertainment and tribute to all who have served our country through the military. The home is a hub of activity thanks to the many volunteers who share their talents, kindness and gratitude. The Director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, Colonel Joey Strickland, summed it up best when he said "The Arizona State Veteran Home is a place where Veterans come to live, not to die". That statement is evident when you come to the home. At first impression you see a beautiful building with a lobby filled with veterans sitting around talking, watching TV or playing a game a pool. As you venture on you see volunteers visiting with their dogs, you may hear the birds singing from the large aviary or you may hear the caller from a game of bingo. Volunteers are the constant reminder to the Veterans who reside at the Arizona State Veteran Home that the community remembers what these elderly Vets have done for them. If you would like to thank a disabled Veteran from World War II, Korea or Vietnam please consider volunteering at the Arizona State Veteran Home. There are a variety of volunteer positions available. If you can't find one that interests you, the Volunteer Department will help create the perfect job just for you. The greatest need right now is for Volunteers to help with the Adopt A Vet program, the Family Pet Visit program and the front receptionist/greeter program. If you are available to volunteer even one day a month, please consider volunteering at the Arizona State Veteran Home. The men and women who served our Country so bravely appreciate the fact that they are not forgotten. For further information contact Candy Covarrubiaz at ccovarrubiaz@azdvs.gov or call her at 602-351-6879

Need help paying for the care? Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS) can assist with this cost.

Fall Prevention

Reduce Your Risk Of Falling
Tips For Seniors And Family Caregivers

Each year, falls involving older adults account for thousands of hip fractures and other serious injuries. In fact, injuries resulting from falls are a leading cause of death for older persons. Not all falls can be prevented, but many can! So, it is important to understand the risk, and to know what can be done to help protect yourself or your loved one.

SENIORS HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF FALLING BECAUSE OF?
Physical and mental changes - Most older persons, sooner or later, will experience problems with their eyesight, sense of balance, mobility, bone structure, and reflexes. Confusion, forgetfulness, stroke, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's are also important risk factors.

Medications - Most seniors take a variety of medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. Many medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other side effects that make it harder to keep your balance.

Environmental causes - Throw rugs, electrical cords, wet and slippery floors, rough floor surfaces, slick walkways and steps, and poor lighting are all examples of things or conditions that can trip you up.

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR PROTECTING AGAINST FALLS
Although it is unrealistic to think we can prevent all falls from happening, there are many proven ways of reducing the risk. Here are some important examples of how you can protect yourself:

• Ask your doctor about setting up a fall prevention exercise program for building up your strength and coordination. A good program will include aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises, as well as specialized balance training.
• If you have experienced episodes of dizziness, or if you think you may have a problem with balance, vision, or your medications, talk with your doctor.
• Eat right. Getting the nutrition you need is just as important as getting appropriate exercise and rest.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Give yourself time to react to your physical surroundings and the other people around you, and pay special attention any time you are in new or unfamiliar surroundings.
• Do a careful safety inspection of your living spaces. Look for anything that could make you trip, like rough floor surfaces, throw rugs, poor lighting, extension cords, or clutter. While you are at it, try to identify improvements that could make your situation even safer, such as extra grab bars in the bath or shower, a second hand railing on the stairs, and additional lighting indoors and out.

Make fall protection a topic for discussion with family and healthcare providers. Preventing falls is a topic that deserves time and attention!