Category Archives: General

Are you going on a big trip over spring break or over the summer? Everyone knows that they need to pack, find a place for the dogs to stay, and get to the airport two hours early. But here are a few things you might not have thought about:

1. Turn your water off. If it’s going to be cold, consider turning the main water valve in your house off. This will help keep your pipes from freezing. The last thing you want to come home to is a pool in the basement!

2. Let the police department know you’re going to be gone. If you live in Columbia, you can fill out this form online and the police will increase their trips past your house for the time that you’re gone.

3. Execute a power of attorney for child care. If you are going on that elusive child-free vacation, you should consider executing a special power of attorney for your kids’ care. These documents give someone of your choice the power to make medical decisions for your kids while you’re gone. These only last for one year, so if you’ve done one in the past, you may need to do it again. Call our office if you want more information about this.

4. Update or do your wills and/or trust. Going on a big trip or family vacation is one of the most popular reasons that clients contact us to do their planning. Getting your will or trust in place before you leave will give you immense peace of mind.

Many people, as they approach retirement, begin thinking about how hard they have worked to build their nest egg.  The thought of using the money they worked so hard to save to pay for their future care is not a pleasant one.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 7 in 10 people over the age of 65 will require long-term care.  Therefore, it is incredibly important for those approaching retirement to consider how they will pay for this care.

Did you know that Medicare doesn’t pay for assisted living or nursing home costs?  Fortunately, there are many products on the market to assist with paying for long-term care.  You should speak with your attorney and your financial advisor to determine what options are best for you.  Our office can help you review your estate and finances and determine the best course of action.  Remember, the key is to plan– the longer you wait, the more limited your options.  Call us today.

For Missouri residents, businesses or organizations, if you purchased an LCD flat screen television, computer monitor or notebook computer (laptop) between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2006, you are eligible to file a claim and receive a $25 cash payment per item.   The claim forms are on the Missouri Attorney General’s website and can be completed online.  The process is very simple and only consists of a few questions about the number of purchases.  Missouri residents, Missouri business and non-profit organizations are eligible under the national LCD settlement. Businesses and organizations with large purchases could recoup thousands of dollars.  No actual receipts are required.  The deadline for submission is December 6, 2012.

The Missouri Court of Appeals bars a former State employee from benefits due to improper personal use of the State computers.  The “everyone does it” defense was completely rejected by the court, as was the “I didn’t know it was wrong” defense.  You can read the opinion here: http://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=56432.

USA Today reported in an article today that Columbia has been named the 4th best small city (out of 259) for senior living!  Excellent access to health care, a vibrant culture, and a strong local economy all contributed to Columbia’s high ranking.  In fact, Columbia’s health care was ranked 3rd in the U.S.

The rankings were compiled by the Milken Institute.  Click here for a detailed report.

The American Heart Association refers to it as “the movie heart attack”: an overweight man starts panting, grabs his chest and then collapses. In this situation, it is clear a heart attack has occurred.

Most heart attacks do not follow the script. The majority of heart attacks begin gradually with mild pain and discomfort. This can make it much less obvious that a heart attack is happening. For this reason, many people wait several hours before seeking treatment. This could be a fatal mistake.

According to the American Heart Association, some signs that a heart attack is happening are:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Although the most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain, many heart attacks involve no chest pain at all. In fact, according to an article from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, one study found that one-third of patients who had heart attacks had no chest pain.

The biggest lesson, then, is this—if you think you might be experiencing a heart attack, don’t wait.  Call 911 for help immediately.

For more information regarding heart attacks, including risk factors and prevention, see the Heart Attack section at the American Heart Association website.

Seniors Matter is a new charitable fund that will support local agencies that provide services for seniors.  These services include providing seniors with meals, independent living services, adult day services and caregiver support.  The fund was started in response to a combination of funding cuts and a growing senior population that needs assistance.  The Community Foundation of Central Missouri will administer the Seniors Matter fund which will officially launch on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the Columbia Area Senior Center.

In January, the Heart of Missouri United Way announced a major shift in their operations to the “Community Impact” model.  The new model focuses on supporting agencies that work with impoverished children and families.  Seniors Matter, established in association with the Boone County Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels, and MU Adult Day Connection, is meant to close the funding gap created by the new model.

Join us to help John Baker from the Community Foundation of Central Missouri, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, the Boone County Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels, and the Adult Day Connection, at the official kickoff on Wednesday July 18th at 10:00 am at the Senior Center in Columbia, 1121 Business Loop 70 East, Columbia, MO 65201.  Click here for a flyer that you can use as a reminder and to help spread the word!

The summer months are a great time to enjoy the outdoors.  However, they also can mean days of sweltering heat.  Today is a testament to that.   Today the thermometer reads nearly 100 degrees (again).

While everyone should take care to protect themselves from the heat, seniors should take extra precaution.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

According to the CDC, the following are signs of heat exhaustion: muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, nausea or vomiting, pulse rate that is fast and weak, and rapid and shallow breathing. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a life-threatening illness.  Signs of heat stroke include a high body temperature, red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating), rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness.

Older adults can prevent these heat-related illnesses by drinking plenty of water, avoiding consuming alcoholic beverages, and staying in the air conditioning.  Family members, friends, and care-givers should check in with seniors regularly to check for signs of heat-related illnesses.

Each summer, KOMU TV8 partners with the Voluntary Action Center and the United Way of Mid Missouri to distribute fans to help people beat the heat.  For information about donating a fan to this program, visit KOMU’s Fan Club website.

If you are in need of a fan, please contact relevant agency below:

Voluntary Action Center (Boone County) – 573-874-2273
United Way of Central Missouri (Cole, Miller, Monteau, Osage, and parts of Boone and Callaway Counties) – 573-636-4100
Serve, Inc. (Callaway County) – 573-642-6388