Driving Safety Tips

What safety tips can you recommend for older drivers? My elderly parent had a fender bender last month and I worry about their safety.

As the number of Americans driving past their 70s increases, there are a variety of things to do to help maintain or improve your parent’s driving skills. Here are some recommendations by driving rehabilitation specialists that work with older drivers.

Get an eye exam: Since the information relevant to driving is predominantly visual, getting an eye exam is a great step towards ensuring safety while driving. Annual checkups are recommended to keep track of vision and to ensure eyewear aligns with any changes in vision over time.

Get a physical or wellness exam: It is very important to monitor changes in overall health as it relates to driving. Medical conditions like arthritis, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea and stroke can all affect driving.

Many seniors may use various medications, or combinations of medications, that can potentially lead to drowsiness or lightheadedness. Potential side effects to medications can impair judgment or reflexes and the alertness necessary for safe driving. Conducting annual physical or wellness examinations and a review of medications is a wise way to ensure safer driving.

Take a refresher course: Many organizations have mature driver improvement courses that can help refine driving skills and teach adaptations to slower reflexes, diminished vision and other age-related physical changes that can impact driving. Taking a class may also earn a discount on auto insurance. To locate a class, search online or check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Most courses cost around $20 to $30 and can be taken online.

Make some adjustments: Adjusting when and where driving occurs is another way to help stay safe. Some simple adjustments include not driving after dark or during rush hour traffic, avoiding major highways or other busy roads and not driving in poor weather conditions.

Evaluate driving: To stay on top of your parent’s driving abilities you should take a ride with your parent from time-to-time to determine problem areas. Some things to look out for include driving at inappropriate speeds, tailgating, drifting between lanes, difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes, reacting slowly, confusion or making poor driving decisions.

If your parent needs a more comprehensive evaluation, you can seek assistance from a driver rehabilitation specialist who is trained to evaluate older drivers and offer suggestions and adaptations to help keep them safe. This type of assessment can run anywhere between $100 to $500 or more. To find a specialist in your area, conduct an online search with terms like “driving practitioner directory.”

If driving is no longer safe, you should compile a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that can be called on for a ride.

To find out what transportation services are available, contact the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116), which will direct you to the area agency on aging for assistance.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Published February 23, 2024

Peak IRS Phone Support After Presidents Day

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 2024 filing season is now in full swing. The IRS encourages taxpayers to use online tools and learn about the "free help" available on IRS.gov.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stated, "We have worked hard to provide better taxpayer service for people this filing season with more options to reach the IRS in convenient ways. We want taxpayers to have access to the help they need around the clock. IRS.gov's expanded tools and information make that easier for taxpayers, especially during this peak period for IRS phone lines around Presidents Day."

The IRS reports approximately 98% of taxpayers will file electronically this year. The IRS encourages everyone to file electronically and use direct deposit for a faster refund. There also are multiple free and online tax preparation options. These include the IRS Free File, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. If taxpayers have income of $79,000 or less, the IRS Free File software can be used. Taxpayers with any level of income may use the IRS Free File Fillable Forms.

A new option for a limited number of taxpayers is the IRS Direct File program. This is available currently to federal and state employees in 12 participating states. Military members and some veterans may receive assistance from the MilTax program run by the Department of Defense.

There are multiple services on IRS.gov that also assist taxpayers.

IRS Online Account — If a taxpayer has a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), an IRS Online Account can be created. This can provide information on a balance due and payment options, allow the creation of a payment plan, access prior tax returns, locate the Adjusted Gross Income number from previous tax returns and sign tax authorizations from a professional advisor.
Where's My Refund? — If a taxpayer has a refund pending, the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov will provide useful information. This will explain refund status and the updated version uses plain language. If the taxpayer qualifies for an earned income tax credit (EITC) or additional child tax credit (ACTC) refund, those will start to be issued by February 27. The "Where's My Refund?" tool may enable taxpayers to find the projected refund date.
Interactive Tax Assistant — The IRS has updated the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) tool this year. Taxpayers can ask basic questions such as: Should I file a tax return? What is my filing status? Is this relative an eligible dependent? Is this income taxable? Am I eligible for a credit? Is this expense deductible?
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — Low and moderate-income workers and families may be eligible to receive a valuable EITC tax break. The EITC Assistant on IRS.gov will help taxpayers understand eligibility, if children or relatives are qualifying, an estimated amount of the credit and preferred filing status.
Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — An excellent way to reduce the risk of identity theft is to obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This is a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS. You can obtain an IP PIN on IRS.gov with the "Get an IP PIN" tool.

There are several other helpful sections of IRS.gov. If you want to learn more about tax preparers, you can go to the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications. A tax preparer will sign your return and include his or her preparer tax identification number (PTIN).

Editor's Note: The IRS has invested significant resources in upgrades to IRS.gov. The online tools assist millions of taxpayers each year and reduce the number of phone calls directed to IRS staff. Taxpayers are encouraged to learn about the many services available on IRS.gov.

Published February 16, 2024

Does Medicare Cover Weight-Loss Treatments?

Does Medicare cover weight-loss treatments for retirees?

Traditional Medicare covers some weight-loss treatments such as counseling and certain types of surgery for beneficiaries. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover weight-loss programs or medications. Here is what you should know.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for Medicare-covered weight-loss treatments, the patient's body mass index (BMI), which is an estimate of body fat based on the height and individual's weight, must be 30 or higher.

A BMI of 30 or more increases the risk for many health conditions such as certain cancers, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and sleep apnea. To calculate BMI, the National Institutes of Health has a free calculator accessible online at nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm.

What is Covered?

For individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, Medicare Part B will cover up to 12 months of weight-loss counseling conducted by a medical professional in a primary care setting such as a doctor's office. Most counseling sessions entail an initial screening, a dietary assessment and behavioral therapy designed to help you lose weight by focusing on diet and exercise.

Medicare also covers bariatric and metabolic surgery for beneficiaries who have a BMI of 35 or above who also have at least one underlying health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. To be eligible, a patient must also demonstrate prior efforts to lose weight through dieting or exercise but were unsuccessful. These procedures involve making alterations to the digestive system to help lose weight and improve metabolic health.

One common bariatric surgical procedure covered by Medicare is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, which reduces the stomach to a small pouch that induces the feeling of fullness even after eating small meals. Another procedure that may be covered is called a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, which inserts an inflatable band that creates a gastric pouch encircling the top of the stomach similarly inducing a feeling of fullness.

What is Not Covered?

Medicare does not cover weight-loss programs such as fitness or gym memberships, meal delivery services or weight-loss programs. Additionally, Medicare does not cover any weight-loss medications, but it does cover FDA-approved medications to treat diabetes, which, in some cases, have been found to help with weight loss.

Medicare Part D covers Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetes only, not for weight loss. Medicare also does not cover Wegovy or Zepbound because they are approved only for weight loss.

Do not start a weight loss prescription without first consulting your primary care physician to determine the benefits and potential risks. Without insurance, weight-loss medications are expensive, often costing $1,000 to $1,300 per month. To help curb costs, try reputable prescription discount websites or, if your income is limited, try patient assistance programs through pharmaceutical companies.

Medicare Advantage

Individuals who are enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan, may have coverage for gym memberships and some weight loss and healthy food delivery programs. These are considered expanded supplemental benefits and have gradually been added to some plans to provide coverage for nutrition, health and wellness. Contact your plan provider to see what is covered.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Published February 16, 2024

WCCF is Offering Scholarships to Non-Traditional Students

The Washington County Community Foundation is now offering scholarships to non-traditional students through its Education Matters initiative.

The following criteria have been established for this first round of scholarships:

Annual awards will not exceed $3,000 the first twelve months and $5,000 per person in any subsequent twelve-month period.
Scholarship applicants must be a minimum of 28 years old as of the date of application.
Only individuals who can demonstrate continuing legal residence in Washington County for at least the past five years are eligible. Documentation such as tax forms, housing receipts, or utility bills will be used to verify residency and/or household income.
Scholarship awards may be used for tuition, course-related fees, or books only. Checks will only be written to an educational institution or certified training provider.
The application deadline is 3:30 on April 4, 2024. No exceptions.
Adult scholarship awards may not be used to pay for college debt.
Subsequent awards will only be considered for students maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA.

Call the Washington County Community Foundation office at 883-7334 or email program.officer@wccf.biz to request an application or for more information.

Donors to the Washington County Community Foundation serve as a beacon of hope, creating a legacy of care and compassion that shines for generations to come.

Jinny Scifres Memorial Scholarship Applications Available

The Washington County Community Foundation will be accepting applications for the Jinny Scifres Scholarship. The scholarship is for any individual planning to attend a post-secondary accredited institution in the 2024-2025 school year and plans to pursue studies in the medical field. The number and dollar amount of scholarships will be determined by the committee. Preference may be given to non-traditional nursing students who may be returning to school after starting a family or career, as did Jinny.

After starting a family, Jinny made the tough decision to return to school and study nursing. After graduation, she began her nursing career at Washington County Memorial Hospital as an Emergency Room Nurse. Jinny’s love of nursing eventually led her to several promotions and back to school once again. She eventually became the Director of Patient Care Services.

Jinny died in the fall of 2000, after bravely battling bone cancer. Her family and many friends established this scholarship fund in her memory, to assist others who, like Jinny, return to school to study nursing after starting a family or career.

For questions or an application, please contact Judy or Lindsey at 812-883-7334 or program.officer@wccf.biz. More information regarding the scholarship as well as the application can be found at https://www.wccfapplyonline.biz/index.php/scholarship-application/28-jinny-scifres-memorial-scholarship. Applications are due by April 4, 2024 at 3:30.

Donors to the Washington County Community Foundation serve as a beacon of hope, creating a legacy of care and compassion that shines for generations to come.

WCCF offering $55,000.00 in Spring Grant Cycle

WCCF has opened their Spring Grant Cycle. Funds for the $55,000 grant cycle are made possible through our generous donors and the Foundation’s Touch Tomorrow Funds.

Grant applications for the spring grant cycle are available by calling the WCCF office or visiting our website at https://wccfapplyonline.biz/index.php/view-grant-application/40-semi-annual-cycle to download an application. The application deadline will be 3:30pm, April 4, 2024.

For more information or to request an application, you may call Judy Johnson or Lindsey Wade-Swift at the Foundation office. The number is (812) 883-7334.

Donors to the Washington County Community Foundation serve as a beacon of hope, creating a legacy of care and compassion that shines for generations to come.

Do I Need to File a Tax Return This Year?

What are the income tax filing requirements for this tax season? I have not filed a tax return for the past two years because my income was below the filing threshold. I got a part-time job late last year, so I am wondering if I am required to file this year.

The requirement to file a federal income tax return this year will depend on how much you earned last year (in 2023), the source of the income, your age and filing status. Here is a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax filing requirement thresholds.

If your 2023 gross income, which includes all taxable income but excludes Social Security benefits (unless you are married and filing separately), was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you likely will not have to file. If it exceeds this threshold, you will be required to file.

• Single: $13,850 ($15,700 if you are 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2023).
• Married filing jointly: $27,700 ($29,200 if you or your spouse is 65 or older or $30,700 if you are both over 65).
• Married filing separately: $5 at any age.
• Head of household: $20,800 ($22,650 if you are 65 or older).
• Qualifying surviving spouse: $27,700 ($29,200 if you are 65 or older).

To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2023.” You can also find information online at IRS.gov/instructions/i1040gi.

Other Financial Situations

Other financial situations can require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2023, owe any taxes on an IRA, Health Savings Account or an alternative minimum tax or receive premium tax credits due to enrollment by you, your spouse or a dependent in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you must file.

You will also need to file if you are receiving Social Security benefits and one-half of your benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you are married and filing jointly.

The IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you are required to file or if you should file because you are due a refund. This process typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete. You can access this tool at IRS.gov/Help/ITA and click on “Do I Need to File a Tax Return?” You can also get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.

Check Your State

Even if you are not required to file a federal tax return this year, do not assume that you are exempt from filing state income taxes. State law can vary significantly so the rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency to determine if you are required to file a state tax return this year.

Tax Preparation Help

If you do need to file a tax return this year, you can file for free through the IRS at apps.IRS.gov/app/freeFile if your 2023 adjusted gross income was below $79,000.

For middle and low-income taxpayers who are 60 or older, contact the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program for free tax preparation and counseling. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you. You can also check online to find nonprofits that provide tax return preparation assistance free of charge for qualified individuals.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Published February 9, 2024

User-Friendly Dental Care Products

I have arthritis and experience hand tremors that make brushing my teeth difficult. I have read that electric toothbrushes can help. What should I consider before buying one?

An electric toothbrush can be a practical choice to maintain oral hygiene for individuals who suffer from arthritis or have other hand weaknesses or tremors. At the push of a button, an electric toothbrush takes care of the cleaning for you. Most electric toothbrushes come with a wide, slightly weighted handle and rubberized grip that make them easier and more comfortable to hold.

How to Choose

With dozens of different electric toothbrushes on the market today, here are some points to consider before making a choice:

Cost: The cost of electric toothbrushes range from approximately $10 for a basic model with replaceable AA batteries to more than $200 for models with numerous features including rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, multiple brushing modes, smartphone integrations and more.

Brushing action: Brush heads tend to be either "oscillating" or "sonic." Oscillating brushes are commonly a circle that rotate back and forth. Bristles may also pulsate in and out. Sonic means the brush heads vibrate side to side or rotate but at much faster speeds. Both methods are effective and a matter of personal preference.

Electric versus battery: A brush with a built-in rechargeable battery and an electric charging station may be preferable since they are more convenient and cost effective than toothbrushes with replaceable batteries. For toothbrushes with replaceable batteries, rechargeable options may be a helpful long-term swap for disposable batteries.

Brushing timer: Since most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes (most adults average about 45 to 70 seconds), consider opting for an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer, a feature found in most models. Some brushes will even split the two minutes into four 30-second intervals and will notify you when it is time to switch to a different quadrant of your mouth.

Extra features: Higher-priced electric brushes come with extra features like cleaning modes, pressure sensors, a charge-level display and more. There are even "smart" toothbrushes that connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to track brushing habits.

Easier Flossing Tools

If traditional flossing has become a challenge, floss picks serve as a convenient alternative. Floss picks are disposable plastic-handle tools that have floss threaded onto them, which makes them easier to hold and use. Several brands offer packs of floss picks at an affordable price, and many come with the option of toothbrush-like handle for better reach.

Another flossing product that is user-friendly is the water flosser, which uses high-pressured pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque and will stimulate your gums in the process. There are a variety of water flossing products at prices ranging between $50 and $300. These dental care products can be found at your local pharmacy or retailer that sells personal care items or online.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Published February 2, 2024

Managing Social Media Accounts After a Passing

How do I cancel an individual's social media accounts after they pass? My spouse passed away a few months ago and their social media accounts are still active.

Deactivating social media accounts of a loved one after their passing is a thoughtful measure that may often be overlooked. Social media plays a large role for many individuals, but when an individual passes away, their dormant accounts can become vulnerable to scammers who can hack into them and steal the deceased individual's identity.

Here is a breakdown of how you can cancel or modify various social media accounts after a loved one passes away.

Facebook: If your spouse used Facebook, you can either "memorialize" or "delete" the account. A memorialized account serves as a place where family and friends can share memories to celebrate the deceased person's life, with the word "Remembering" shown next to the deceased person's name. Once an account is memorialized, the account's postings are still visible on Facebook to the original audience. The user's profile, however, will not show up in public spaces such as people you may know, ads or birthday reminders.

Memorializing an account requires proof of death via death certificate, obituary or memorial card. If, however, you wish to delete the account, you will also need to verify that you are an immediate family member, legal representative or executor, unless you are the legacy contact on the deceased's account.

Instagram: The policy for deceased users' Instagram accounts is similar to Facebook's policy, since Meta owns both Facebook and Instagram. Your options are to either memorialize or remove the account on their website. But just like with Facebook, you will need to provide proof of death and your relationship to the deceased.

X (formerly Twitter): To deactivate an X account, search online for "How to contact X about a deceased family member's account" and follow the prompts to fill out a request. After you submit your request, X will email you with instructions for providing more details, including information about the deceased, a copy of your ID, and a copy of the deceased's death certificate.

YouTube and/or Google: Google and YouTube are owned by the same parent company. To close a Google or YouTube account, visit Google's support page and fill out their form and upload scans of the death certificate and your ID.

Pinterest: To remove a Pinterest account, email the site with the deceased user's account username, proof of death and proof of relationship to the deceased. If the account is connected to other accounts at Google, Facebook, or X, it is best to delete the Pinterest account before deleting the other accounts.

LinkedIn: To remove a deceased person's LinkedIn profile, submit a request with LinkedIn's Help center. You will need to provide the name and URL to the profile being deactivated, the relationship you have to the deceased, the email address, the date of passing and a link to an obituary.

Snapchat: To delete this account, access "Contact Us" on the company's support page and choose the option for "A person has passed away." From there, follow the prompts for submitting a request. If you do not have the login information, submit a request using their Contact Us form. You will need to submit information to locate the account, such as the username and proof such as a death certificate.

Tumblr: Send an email to Tumblr's Support page requesting removal of the account with the deceased person's Tumblr username, proof of their death and proof of your relationship to the deceased.

If your spouse had social media through a company not listed here, go to that company's website for information on how to delete the account. If they do not have easy to find information, submit a request through a contact page, help page or customer support request.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Published January 26, 2024

Salem Community Schools Employees Give Back

Not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something and those somethings add up. In this case, the somethings are a couple of dollars out of each paycheck for Salem Community Schools employees that choose to give to the Salem Community Schools Giving Tree Fund.

Crystal Mikels and Emily Johnson’s STEAM classes for Kindergarten through Fifth Grade will be putting their imaginations to work with the purchase of Makedo Tools as well as a cardboard saw to enhance opportunities for student creativity.

Students in Lesle Leis and Jessica Morgan’s classes will have the opportunity to harvest their own food while working together to build an outdoor garden of vegetables that will be grown in pots and bags that will not only provide the science of plant life, but encourage special education students and Project Based Learning students to educate and mentor each other.

Donors to the Washington County Community Foundation serve as a beacon of hope, creating a legacy of care and compassion that shines for generations to come.

End

Who is Eligible?

What is Covered?

What is Not Covered?

Medicare Advantage

Other Financial Situations

Check Your State

Tax Preparation Help

How to Choose

Easier Flossing Tools

More Articles ...