This entry is from Tracy Straub, new Housing and Services Project Leader for the Milwaukee Aging Consortium. The Housing and Service Project is a multi-faceted effort to promote housing and service options that result in livable communities for older adults.
Today, Tracy shares information about the Milwaukee Housing Trust Fund, which was created but then only partially funded.
In November 2006, the Milwaukee Common Council created and Mayor Barrett signed legislation creating the Milwaukee Housing Trust Fund (HTF). Under the trust fund guidelines, 25% of the trust fund's dollars will be used to develop housing and provide services for people who are homeless, 35% will be used to develop or rehabilitate rental housing, 25% will be used to create and maintain home ownership, and the remaining 15% of the fund will be "flexible" and used for other housing needs.
For 2007, the city committed $2.5 million to the HTF to be raised by issuance of a general obligation bond. The response by housing developers has surpassed all expectations. The HTF has received 21 funding requests totaling more than $5.6 million. More importantly, the applicants would bring to the table $85 million dollars in matching funds.
In other words, for every $1 the city funds an additional $15 is invested from other sources.
As proposed in the original legislation, it was anticipated that the city would contribute an additional $1 million to the HTF in 2008. Unfortunately, the Mayor’s 2008 budget reduces funding for the HTF to $400,000. After making the bond payment, this will leave $160,000 available to fund projects in 2008. Clearly, the proposed funding is not anywhere near the originally anticipated amount and woefully inadequate to support affordable housing development in the city.
If you would like to weigh in on this issue, you can contact your alderman at 414-286-2221 or write to him/her at 200 E. Wells, Milwaukee WI 53202. If you are not sure who your alderman is, you can find out here.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Clarifying Quinn: women and Social Security benefits
An article by Jane Bryant Quinn in the current AARP Bulletin is causing a bit of a buzz. Quinn wrote:
There's an exception for married people in good health when one of them has a small Social Security benefit. Typically, that's the wife. If she retires first, she should start her individual benefit at 62. When her husband retires, she'll switch to the spousal benefit. By using her own account first, she taps a benefit that otherwise would have gone to waste.
But Mary Jane Yarrington, senior policy analyst for the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare, says that Quinn’s information is misleading.
. . .a wife cannot "switch." When a wage earner applies first for his or her own benefit, it stays in effect. A wife who takes her own benefit early does never receives the full 50 percent spouse benefit when the husband begins his benefit. The difference between her full-retirement-age benefit and 50 percent of his gets added on to her monthly benefit amount. This factors in the fact that she has been receiving months of early benefit. JBQ does not make that clear.
By taking the benefit early, does the wife "tap into a benefit that otherwise might go to waste?" Probably. Depends on how long the husband lives. When he dies, if she is full retirement age or more when widow benefits begin, she receives 100 percent of the benefit he would receive if still alive. Her own early retirement is ignored in determining her widow entitlement.
If you have questions about Social Security, you can “Ask Mary Jane.”
Thanks to Glenna Schumann, Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, for passing this along.
There's an exception for married people in good health when one of them has a small Social Security benefit. Typically, that's the wife. If she retires first, she should start her individual benefit at 62. When her husband retires, she'll switch to the spousal benefit. By using her own account first, she taps a benefit that otherwise would have gone to waste.
But Mary Jane Yarrington, senior policy analyst for the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare, says that Quinn’s information is misleading.
. . .a wife cannot "switch." When a wage earner applies first for his or her own benefit, it stays in effect. A wife who takes her own benefit early does never receives the full 50 percent spouse benefit when the husband begins his benefit. The difference between her full-retirement-age benefit and 50 percent of his gets added on to her monthly benefit amount. This factors in the fact that she has been receiving months of early benefit. JBQ does not make that clear.
By taking the benefit early, does the wife "tap into a benefit that otherwise might go to waste?" Probably. Depends on how long the husband lives. When he dies, if she is full retirement age or more when widow benefits begin, she receives 100 percent of the benefit he would receive if still alive. Her own early retirement is ignored in determining her widow entitlement.
If you have questions about Social Security, you can “Ask Mary Jane.”
Thanks to Glenna Schumann, Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, for passing this along.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Collaborative care for people with dementia
According to blogger Jeff Muise (Caregiver Notes), it’s about time that the medical community is discovering what most people in the caregiving and service sectors have understood for a long time. An article in the November issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine posits the need, Muise said, for “a system that fosters collaboaration among healthcare providers, community service organizations, and caregivers.”
To which Muise, a caregiver for his 90-year-old father, says, “well, duh.”
Again relying on Muise (I don’t have the journal), researchers at the Indiana University Center for Aging found that “most people with dementia only get care from their primary care doctor, and in the words of study co-author Malaz Boustani, MD, MPH, neither the primary care system nor primary physicians have the time or resources to meet the biopsychosocial needs of individuals with dementia.
In other words, it takes a village to support the whole lives of vulnerable people and those who care for them. But right now, that village doesn’t have enough money to sustain it.
Muise says the article’s vague endorsement of the right combination of critical components of dementia care to the right patient and the right caregiver at the right time really boils down to this: “each primary care practice should have a dedicated professional caseworker to follow up patient needs that extend beyond the practice walls.”
Muise lives in Woodstock, New York. I think things are a little better here in the Milwaukee area, in part because we have an amazing collaborative community, as we just witnessed at our Annual Networking Conference for Professionals in Aging last Friday. There, people not only collected business cards, pens, candy, and information; they discussed solutions to problems and shared dreams.
As Stephanie Sue Stein (director of the Milwaukee County Department on Aging) has said, what we have in Milwaukee is unique and advanced beyond the professional collaborations in aging services anywhere else.
But there’s still so very far to go. Please share your experiences in collaborative care. We’d be especially interested in hearing about successful collaborations with physicians.
To which Muise, a caregiver for his 90-year-old father, says, “well, duh.”
Again relying on Muise (I don’t have the journal), researchers at the Indiana University Center for Aging found that “most people with dementia only get care from their primary care doctor, and in the words of study co-author Malaz Boustani, MD, MPH, neither the primary care system nor primary physicians have the time or resources to meet the biopsychosocial needs of individuals with dementia.
In other words, it takes a village to support the whole lives of vulnerable people and those who care for them. But right now, that village doesn’t have enough money to sustain it.
Muise says the article’s vague endorsement of the right combination of critical components of dementia care to the right patient and the right caregiver at the right time really boils down to this: “each primary care practice should have a dedicated professional caseworker to follow up patient needs that extend beyond the practice walls.”
Muise lives in Woodstock, New York. I think things are a little better here in the Milwaukee area, in part because we have an amazing collaborative community, as we just witnessed at our Annual Networking Conference for Professionals in Aging last Friday. There, people not only collected business cards, pens, candy, and information; they discussed solutions to problems and shared dreams.
As Stephanie Sue Stein (director of the Milwaukee County Department on Aging) has said, what we have in Milwaukee is unique and advanced beyond the professional collaborations in aging services anywhere else.
But there’s still so very far to go. Please share your experiences in collaborative care. We’d be especially interested in hearing about successful collaborations with physicians.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Depression and stress: how can we help caregivers?
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health includes some concerning evidence about depression among caregivers--and people in social services. One way to help caregivers: a local event for the mind, body, and spirit.
The Problem
People employed in personal care and service have the highest rate of major depression, with nearly 11% reporting episodes in the last year, according to a report released last week by the Office of Applied Studies, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (Depression among adults employed full-time, by occupational category)
A “major depressive episode” lasts two weeks or longer. The overall rate of worker depression is about 7%, and it leads to $30-40 billion in lost revenue. It’s a huge cause of absenteeism and low morale.
Other occupations that seem to put people at greater risk for depression are food preparation/serving, community and social services, and healthcare practitioners and technicians (all around 10%).
Women are at higher risk than men. The one good piece of news for people in the job market: those who work full time are significantly less likely to have had depressive episodes than people who are unemployed.
Caring for the Caregiver:
Not just a concept but an event
If you know caregivers, chances are you know people under stress. The Milwaukee Aging Consortium’s Caregiver Retention Project is one local effort to reduce caregiver stress by improving training, networking, and stress management among direct care providers.
An important free, day-long event for all types of caregivers is being offered by a number of concerned organizations including the Consortium. Please tell the caregivers you know about Caring for the Caregiver: an Event for the Mind, Body, and Spirit,Saturday, November 3, 2007, from 11 am to 5 pm, at Mount Mary College, 2900 N. Menomonee Parkway in Milwaukee.
Highlights include resources, networking, and a keynote address by Mary Marcdante (Author of My Mother, My Friend).
Perhaps most intriguing are breakout sessions include financial and legal issues, caring for difficult people, stress management, grief, faith and inspiration, laughter therapy, dementia, and activities.
At the end, caregivers will receive a certificate of attendance. Call 414-220-8600 to register.
And please let us know about your ideas, events, and experiences with caregivers and caregiving!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Older workers and the law
Is age discrimination a serious problem, and should protections be included in the Civil Rights Act?
According to the American Society on Aging July-August 2007 Aging Today (just received today), the answer to both questions is a strong yes. Stereotypes of older workers are used to discriminate in hiring. And even when people are happy with their older employees, it may not occur to them to offer them promotions or training.
The topic of age discrimination is much in the news.
Last week, an appeals court ruled that Brian Reid could proceed with his age discrimination suit against Google. Google fired the 54-year-old Stanford University professor after two years of coworkers' calling him “an 'old man,' an 'old guy,' an 'old fuddy-duddy.' They told him his knowledge was ancient, and joked that the CD jewel case office placard should be an 'LP' instead of a 'CD.'"
The same week, the Supreme Court agreed to revisit Gomez-Perez v. Potter to decide whether age discrimination provisions for federal employees include anti-retaliation protections for reporting such conduct.
Myrna Gomez filed an age discrimination suit against her employer, the US Postal Service, when she was 45. After that, she said, her employer and co-workers “retaliated” against her and cut her hours.
What’s the story in Wisconsin? I can’t say. But here’s some information about the state’s Fair Employment Law. And here’s where you go to start filing a federal complaint in Milwaukee.
It seems odd to be hearing about age discrimination while we’re also hearing about labor shortages. According to that other law, supply and demand, businesses would do well to cultivate their older workers.
Last spring, the Small Business Journal ran The Graying of Milwaukee, which reported that Wisconsin’s labor shortage will be particularly acute. It will accelerate after 2010, and “by 2015 all of the growth in the working age population will be generated by people age 55 and older.” (emphasis added)
That means finding new ways to do business and new ways to train and keep older workers.
What experiences and insights do you have about older workers -- and attitudes toward them? Should there “be a law”?
According to the American Society on Aging July-August 2007 Aging Today (just received today), the answer to both questions is a strong yes. Stereotypes of older workers are used to discriminate in hiring. And even when people are happy with their older employees, it may not occur to them to offer them promotions or training.
The topic of age discrimination is much in the news.
Last week, an appeals court ruled that Brian Reid could proceed with his age discrimination suit against Google. Google fired the 54-year-old Stanford University professor after two years of coworkers' calling him “an 'old man,' an 'old guy,' an 'old fuddy-duddy.' They told him his knowledge was ancient, and joked that the CD jewel case office placard should be an 'LP' instead of a 'CD.'"
The same week, the Supreme Court agreed to revisit Gomez-Perez v. Potter to decide whether age discrimination provisions for federal employees include anti-retaliation protections for reporting such conduct.
Myrna Gomez filed an age discrimination suit against her employer, the US Postal Service, when she was 45. After that, she said, her employer and co-workers “retaliated” against her and cut her hours.
What’s the story in Wisconsin? I can’t say. But here’s some information about the state’s Fair Employment Law. And here’s where you go to start filing a federal complaint in Milwaukee.
It seems odd to be hearing about age discrimination while we’re also hearing about labor shortages. According to that other law, supply and demand, businesses would do well to cultivate their older workers.
Last spring, the Small Business Journal ran The Graying of Milwaukee, which reported that Wisconsin’s labor shortage will be particularly acute. It will accelerate after 2010, and “by 2015 all of the growth in the working age population will be generated by people age 55 and older.” (emphasis added)
That means finding new ways to do business and new ways to train and keep older workers.
What experiences and insights do you have about older workers -- and attitudes toward them? Should there “be a law”?
Friday, October 5, 2007
The Art of Aging (Gracefully)
One of the Google Alerts I get daily on the subject “aging” offered this tasty tidbit: “The Art of Aging.”
Who could resist?
Click the link: the article was about cheese.
But might there be some lessons in aging cheese for aging people? After looking at The Nibble and Whey to Go! On The Art of Aging (Gracefully), I’m ready to say yes.
“When I mentioned to a friend that I was writing an article on aged cheeses, she shuddered, adding that she couldn’t stand 'strong, stinky, old cheeses.' Hold on, there! There are some very strong, sharp, er, particularly aromatic aged cheeses, but they’re not all like that, not by any means. . .”
“Cheeses are either fresh or aged. Fresh cheeses are generally mild and soft in texture. . . creamy and somewhat bland. . .Aged cheeses are. . . multi-textured. One of the great things about (them) is their range in flavors. . . some are sweeter. . . though beautifully complex.”
“The aging process is also known as ripening, maturing, or affinage.” (That’s French for “refining.”)
Here’s a point I can identify with:
“Without a good rind, a cheese will lose too much moisture during refining.” I don’t know about you, but my own refinement has involved a distinct loss of moisture.
The cheesemaker’s solution? Wash the exterior periodically with brine, oil, brand, whey, beer, cider, or wine. While the article didn't mention it, I've had some good cheeses that applied the wine internally as well.
The paths of people and cheese diverge when it comes to ripening, though. Cheeses do best in dark caves: people don’t.
One last lesson: You just can't judge a cheese by its appearance. Its beauty lies in its deeper essence.
Who could resist?
Click the link: the article was about cheese.
But might there be some lessons in aging cheese for aging people? After looking at The Nibble and Whey to Go! On The Art of Aging (Gracefully), I’m ready to say yes.
“When I mentioned to a friend that I was writing an article on aged cheeses, she shuddered, adding that she couldn’t stand 'strong, stinky, old cheeses.' Hold on, there! There are some very strong, sharp, er, particularly aromatic aged cheeses, but they’re not all like that, not by any means. . .”
“Cheeses are either fresh or aged. Fresh cheeses are generally mild and soft in texture. . . creamy and somewhat bland. . .Aged cheeses are. . . multi-textured. One of the great things about (them) is their range in flavors. . . some are sweeter. . . though beautifully complex.”
“The aging process is also known as ripening, maturing, or affinage.” (That’s French for “refining.”)
Here’s a point I can identify with:
“Without a good rind, a cheese will lose too much moisture during refining.” I don’t know about you, but my own refinement has involved a distinct loss of moisture.
The cheesemaker’s solution? Wash the exterior periodically with brine, oil, brand, whey, beer, cider, or wine. While the article didn't mention it, I've had some good cheeses that applied the wine internally as well.
The paths of people and cheese diverge when it comes to ripening, though. Cheeses do best in dark caves: people don’t.
One last lesson: You just can't judge a cheese by its appearance. Its beauty lies in its deeper essence.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Changing the ways we do business
Nonprofits are businesses, and we have the responsibility to be financially successful so we can deliver on our missions. I believe strongly that too few nonprofits are thinking about services they need to change in response to the age wave. For me, my board members, and the people who work at Ecumen, the issue of providing services to the aging is very personal. At some point, we all will need these services — and there better be good choices.
So said Kathryn Roberts, president and CEO of Minnesota-based Ecumen, one of the country’s largest nonprofit senior housing and services companies.
In case you have any questions about why the Milwaukee Aging Consortium is growing to include housing and services, you’ll find some clues in a recent interview with Roberts in Boardmember. The article addressed how and why Roberts led her company’s way into the private sector market to create new ways to approach the organization’s mission, “to provide the poorest and the neediest with housing and nursing care.”
It’s all about imagination, partnerships, crossing boundaries, and creating new ideas in the spaces in between them.
An excerpt from the interview:
. . .In 2004, after I had been at Ecumen for about a year and was starting to put some strategies in place to ride the (aging) wave, the board went on a retreat. The members used that time to identify a vision for our future and a five-year plan. Since then, it’s been “Go, Kathryn, go. Go as fast as you can.”
I may be overstating this, but if this organization hadn’t changed, it would not be looking at its 200th anniversary. And the board knew it too. Five years ago, more than 80 percent of our revenue came from government reimbursement, primarily through our nursing home line. With set rates and declining Medicaid support, we were only going to lose money. Because the nursing home industry is so regulated, our expenses were completely out of our control as well. So our choice was to either change our product line or run through our cash and close up shop.
Facing this dilemma, we strategized with the board and came to the consensus that we would need to add services that are less regulated and generate private revenue to offset the inherent losses in the nursing home line. My leadership team and I recommended that these new services include independent housing, assisted living, and care for those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments. One of the goals we set in that first strategic plan was to reduce the percentage of our income that comes from our nursing home line from 82 percent to 52 percent — there is no question in my mind that we will achieve that goal and maybe exceed it.
You can read the rest of the article at Changing Aging.
Are you doing business in new ways to fulfill your mission? Share your stories and ideas with us!
So said Kathryn Roberts, president and CEO of Minnesota-based Ecumen, one of the country’s largest nonprofit senior housing and services companies.
In case you have any questions about why the Milwaukee Aging Consortium is growing to include housing and services, you’ll find some clues in a recent interview with Roberts in Boardmember. The article addressed how and why Roberts led her company’s way into the private sector market to create new ways to approach the organization’s mission, “to provide the poorest and the neediest with housing and nursing care.”
It’s all about imagination, partnerships, crossing boundaries, and creating new ideas in the spaces in between them.
An excerpt from the interview:
. . .In 2004, after I had been at Ecumen for about a year and was starting to put some strategies in place to ride the (aging) wave, the board went on a retreat. The members used that time to identify a vision for our future and a five-year plan. Since then, it’s been “Go, Kathryn, go. Go as fast as you can.”
I may be overstating this, but if this organization hadn’t changed, it would not be looking at its 200th anniversary. And the board knew it too. Five years ago, more than 80 percent of our revenue came from government reimbursement, primarily through our nursing home line. With set rates and declining Medicaid support, we were only going to lose money. Because the nursing home industry is so regulated, our expenses were completely out of our control as well. So our choice was to either change our product line or run through our cash and close up shop.
Facing this dilemma, we strategized with the board and came to the consensus that we would need to add services that are less regulated and generate private revenue to offset the inherent losses in the nursing home line. My leadership team and I recommended that these new services include independent housing, assisted living, and care for those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments. One of the goals we set in that first strategic plan was to reduce the percentage of our income that comes from our nursing home line from 82 percent to 52 percent — there is no question in my mind that we will achieve that goal and maybe exceed it.
You can read the rest of the article at Changing Aging.
Are you doing business in new ways to fulfill your mission? Share your stories and ideas with us!
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