Trinity Elder Law - January 2022

Trinity Elder Law - January 2022

Peace of Mind Post

JANUARY 2022

If you’re a big Elvis fan, then January is a monumental month. On Jan. 8, the King would have celebrated his 87th birthday, and I know there are many Elvis fans out there who will likely honor him this month. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Amy here in the office, who is quite the Elvis fan and even gave her daughter the middle name “Aron,” which was Elvis’ middle name. That’s a fun connection! Personally, I’m not a big Elvis fan, but I do understand why there are people who still adore Elvis and the music he made to this day. For me, that connection can be found in classical music. When I was growing up, my grandmother would have classical and piano music playing in her home and in her car. Whenever I would go to visit her, I would hear the soothing sounds of great composers in the background, planting the seed that would become my love for classical music. Today, I find comfort in the stylings of traditional composers like Mozart and Tchaikovsky and modern composers such as George Gershwin and Aaron Copland. I love the way a fast tempo or melodic soundtrack can set the mood for the world around me. If I need to focus, I simply turn on some classical music — and sometimes opera — and let the melody drown out the world. But I’m not just a classical music listener! I enjoy a great bluegrass or jazz melody. I always find myself tapping my feet to classic country songs and Frank Sinatra, or attempting to sing along with Dolly Parton. I even really enjoy The Grateful Dead! If it’s good music that’s been created with thoughtful purpose, then I’m probably going to enjoy it. For me, the marker of a great song is in the way it tells a story. Anyone can write a song that outlines facts, but the ones that tell about great heartbreak or evoke nostalgia are the songs that I enjoy the most. That’s the music that sticks with you and has the greatest impact. WHY MUSIC CAN TRANSCEND TIME THE POWER OF SOUND

Many aging and health experts use that very idea to help patients with dementia or the families of those who are dying. Many studies have shown that music therapy can improve a person’s quality of life when they are living with a dementia diagnosis. Some have even found that music therapy can prevent depression in these patients, prompting a healthier, happier life in spite of their dementia. It’s not uncommon to see those with dementia humming or singing along to a song they once loved, evoking strong memories and an escape. Hearing is also believed to be the last sense to stop working while a person is dying. Studies have shown that the brain responds to noises and conversation even while in an active state of passing away. This is why we always encourage our clients to talk to their loved ones in these final moments, even if they believe they cannot understand them. The person you are speaking to may not be able to converse in the traditional sense, but your message will be heard. That impact is great. It’s truly powerful what music and sound can do. So, whether you celebrate Elvis’ life, prefer classical music, or enjoy something else entirely different, I hope you appreciate the gift music gives us. Find the connection it fosters for you, and take time to listen.

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Prevent Falls During th

DON’T SPEND ANOTHER YEAR LONELY! 5 WAYS TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS IN RETIREMENT Friendship just might be the fourth secret to longevity, right behind eating well, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, making friends can reduce stress, improve your self- confidence, and give you purpose in life! People with good friends are also more likely to exercise and less likely to drink to excess. But making friends is tough, especially in your golden years. To finally kick loneliness to the curb in 2022, try these five tips. 1. Get a dog. Adopting a dog (assuming you truly want one) will incentivize you to leave the house for walks, vet visits, and more. You’ll likely attract new friends in the neighborhood when they stop to pet your pup, and you can also meet people at the dog park or obedience classes. If nothing else, you’ll have your dogs in common! 2. Join a hobby group. The easiest way to find friends with similar interests is to pursue those interests. If you like to quilt, join a quilting group, and if you kayak, look for an outdoors club near you. Facebook is a great resource for finding online hobby groups, too! Just type your interest into the search bar and select “Groups” on the left-hand side of the screen. 3. Volunteer. Volunteering has similar benefits to joining a hobby group with the added benefit of giving back to the community! There’s likely a cause for whatever you’re interested in, whether that’s food, animals, or sports. Visit VolunteerMatch.org to find opportunities in your area sorted by organization type. 4. Move to a 55-plus community. Also called retirement communities or active adult communities, these neighborhoods are known for their low-maintenance housing, amenities, and group activity options — and they’re all over the U.S. If you want to find friends in your age group to swim and play tennis with, a local real estate agent can help you find them. 5. Become a mentor. Mentorship is a valuable way to form friendships across generations. You can sign up for an existing program in the field you retired from or reach out to a local college or high school career center and offer your services. They’ll likely have graduates who’d love to meet you!

The winter season is full of fun times to celebrate and create memories with your loved ones. Unfortunately, the colder seasons also can cause more injuries among older adults.

One study found a direct correlation between cold weather and falls among the elderly. Falls are

responsible for over 85% of all injury- related hospitalizations, too. This can lead to injuries that cause chronic

pain, loss of functionality, and a decrease in independence among seniors. Here are some tips for how to avoid slips and falls during the Pennsylvania winter.

1. Add physical activity to

your daily routine. There are tons of indoor activities such as chair yoga, sit-to-stand exercises, and single-leg standing exercises that can help improve your balance and strength, which lowers your risk of accidents.

2. Plan your trips around the weather. It’s best to plan ahead because you can prepare for any weather conditions. If you need to run some errands, check the forecast in advance so you can determine whether you

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he Pennsylvania Winter!

EXERCISE YOUR FINANCES 3 Ways to Boost Your Knowledge of Money as You Age They say wisdom comes with age, and at Trinity Elder Law, we have witnessed generations of wisdom. However, as you age, the kind of wisdom you need evolves. What was necessary for you to understand in your 20s may be vastly different than the knowledge you need to navigate everyday life in your 80s. In no other area will this be more apparent than with your finances. In honor of Financial Wellness Month, spend time examining the ways in which you or your older loved ones can improve your financial well-being. Plan proper care for yourself. How you care for yourself and how you choose to treat certain ailments will have a great impact on your finances. It’s imperative to plan for long-term care and health before these are needed to ensure you have ways to fund your care and that your wishes can be met should you become incapacitated. Start your journey toward better financial well-being by examining your options and your plan for long-term care to avoid costly surprises. Out-scam the scammers. Older adults are more susceptible to scams merely because hackers and thieves are banking on diminished cognitive abilities and lack of knowledge. But you can prove them wrong! Review common scamming practices and learn to identify when you may be the potential victim of a scammer. It’s also vital to learn what steps to take if you fall into a scammer’s trap. These thieves do their research. Outwit them by doing your own! Be smart with government offers. As you age, you’re afforded certain protections through Medicare and Social Security. But as beneficial as these programs are, they can leave enrollees vulnerable to scams — and they have strict rules. For instance, as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) explains, some programs may offer to “advance” Social Security benefits. However, much like any other payday loan, you have to pay this back — with interest. It’s a dangerous road to go down, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. Do your own research or seek professional guidance before making any moves within these government programs. At Trinity Elder Law, your financial wellness is a large part of what we protect with your estate plan. If this journey prompts questions about your estate plan, please call us.

need to leave earlier or later in the day. Allow yourself enough time to reach your destination; don’t rush. 3. Be careful getting in and out of your vehicle. Trying to enter or exit your car can be difficult. If it’s icy out, the chances of slipping and falling are higher. Lifting one leg, then the other, in or out of a car can be a slippery slope during the colder months. Always be sure to have a secure hold on your door, the car handles, or another person to safely enter and exit your car. 4. Take your time while walking. Hold onto any handrails that are available and focus on placing each foot flat on the ground with each step. Make sure you’re wearing proper footwear that provides a nice grip, and clean your shoes off after going inside. Residual snow or ice left on your shoes can still cause you to lose your balance. Unfortunately, we cannot change the weather. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and take precautions during the winter season. If you or a loved one needs help updating or creating an estate planning document during this time, allow your friends at Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning to help! It’s important to be prepared for anything that comes your way.

CHICKEN WITH LEMON HERB SAUCE

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland with this citrusy chicken!

Ingredients

•

1/3 cup and 2 tbsp olive oil, divided 4 boneless chicken breasts 1 clove of garlic, minced

• • • • •

1/2 cup parsley, chopped 1/3 cup mint, chopped

• • •

1 1/2 tsp pepper

1 lemon, for juice and zest

1/4 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. 2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil.

3. Season chicken with salt and pepper if desired and sear it in the skillet for 3 minutes on each side. Bake chicken until its internal temperature is 165 F. 4. In a blender, add 1/3 cup olive oil, garlic, salt, parsley, mint, pepper, and lemon zest and juice and blend ingredients until coarsely mixed. 5. Top chicken with sauce and serve!

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340 N. Main St., Suite 103 Butler, PA 16001 724.256.8850 www.TrinityElderLaw.com

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INSIDE This Issue

1

Music Is Our Greatest Tool

2

How to Make 2021 Your Last Lonely Year 4 Ways to Prevent Winter Falls

3

Chicken With Lemon Herb Sauce Flex Your Financial Strength

4

The Street Vet

BY DIALING 911 The Street Vet Veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Kwane Stewart, known in his docuseries as “The Street Vet,” has his own veterinary practice

SAVING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS’ PETS

Now, Dr. Stewart has the ability to step in and save the day for both the pet and owner at no cost. Dr. Stewart has found that the bond between homeless individuals and their pets is unlike any that he sees in his office. “Keep in mind that they are with their pet every minute of every day,” he says. “That’s not the case with most of us.” He notes that seeing these special pet patients makes him feel as if he has a superpower. Dr. Stewart recalls that growing up, he wanted to be either a vet or Batman, and now, he gets the best of both worlds! Dr. Stewart often spends his spare time wandering the streets in search of pets that need his help, offering free vaccinations and medical care. He notes that the homeless population is just like us, but they have fallen on hard times, and their pets are their companions and lifelines. In helping the pets, Dr. Stewart builds a special bond with their owners. To be able to make a difference in the lives of sweet, innocent animals and their owners is the most rewarding type of work — the dream job Dr. Stewart could have never even conjured up before he selflessly started living it.

in Modesto, California, but still makes a point to help the pets of the homeless population in town for free. He began this selfless act of heroism in 2011 after the Great Recession hit and has since helped well over 400 animals, even tending to a Burmese python at one point!

About 25% of Modesto’s homeless population own a pet, and back in 2011, Dr. Stewart noticed that many needed medical attention. This tugged at his heart strings. Knowing that many would come for free pet medical attention if he set up a table near a soup kitchen, Dr. Stewart jumped at the opportunity. What he thought would be a one-time event eventually turned into a regular act of heroism.

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