Social Security Tips To Avoid Income Tax Surprises

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


Many seniors are surprised to find out that their Social Security benefits are taxable, and the bill can be significant.  The amount that is taxable for an individual earning $25K to $34K is 50%, while if you make more than $34K then 85% of your benefits are probably taxable.  What to do when you don’t want a surprise come April 15 is to fill out Form W-4V with The Social Security Administration requesting an amount to be withheld for taxes.  The choices are 7%, 10%, 12% and 22%.  These percentages apply to the full income, not the 50% or 85% that is taxable.    Most states, including California, do not tax Social Security income.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/powell/2021/03/17/2021-tax-season-are-social-security-benefits-considered-taxable-income/4717044001/

 

Carmel, CA Tips For Seniors With Balance Issues—Particularly If You Have Diabetes

Three older women are holding pink dumbbells.


An article in Diabetes Forecast (September/October 2020, page 40), had a top for seniors who have balance issues—brush your teeth on one leg.  You would be surprised how a series of very short, but powerful exercises throughout the day can help your balance, tight muscles, and soothe aches and pains.  The article says this is particularly important if you have type 2 Diabetes.  To get more information on diabetes, visit Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP’s, Diabetes and Nutrition website.  You will find useful information about support groups, classes and more.

https://www.chomp.org/locations/location-profile/diabetes-and-nutrition-therapy/#.X9F3p9hKjcs

Another useful resource is Community Health Innovations.  A full 45% of Monterey County residents have Diabetes or pre-Diabetes!

https://communityhealthinnovations.org/what-we-do/diabetes-prevention-management/

Carmel, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available

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Carmel, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral-de-Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside and Soledad

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.

Centenarian Beats COVID-19 Twice

Two people in a hospital room with masks on


It never amazes me that when seniors have the will to live, they can surmount many health hurdles.  Those with little social interaction and regular hobbies and activities often quickly fade away.  Congratulations go out to Carmen Hernandez who, at 104 years old, who survived COVID-19 not once, but twice.  She was first diagnosed last June and then again on March 8, and was discharged after spending 21 days in the hospital.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2021/04/07/104-year-old-woman-beats-covid-19-twice-colombia/7123189002/

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

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There were 34 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 43,260 cases, with four new deaths reported.  Nationwide, cases rose by 71,374 for a cume total of 31.5 million.  Deaths rose by 912 to 565,926.  Please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.

Pacific Grove, CA Seniors Need A Solid Exercise Routine

Three older women are holding pink dumbbells.


At Family inHome Caregiving we emphasize to our clients the importance of a healthy diet, the proper amount of social interaction—difficult during the pandemic—and the right amount of exercise.  Most seniors put walking into their routine but experts say they need to add strength training.  As you age, loss of muscle strength and power leads to declining activity, increased frailty and functional dependence, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.  Resistance training is an easy way to add strength training to a daily regimen.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that seniors participate in activities at least two weeks that strengthen muscles along with a minimum of 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking.  We enjoy taking our clients for a walk on Carmel Beach or downtown Pacific Grove, which is not very crowded with very few tourists in town.

Monterey, CA Bereavement Class For Those Close To Losing A Loved One

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


For those fearful a loved one may soon pass away, there will be an Anticipatory Grief and Bereavement class on April 22 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JiYWSBw3R323FtoEGJMvKQ

Carmel, CA Feeling Depressed? Try A Senior Geropsychologist

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If you are feeling down and depressed, you should see a counselor and, in particular, one that specializes in treating seniors.  Called a Geropsychologist, this specialty first arose in 2010, according to the American Psychological Association.  There are few of them around, unfortunately, with only 3% of licensed psychologists cite this as their primary or secondary specialty.  The nearest one is in Santa Cruz, Lily Rich, although she does do both in-home visits and video calls.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/elderly-persons-disorders/california/246342?sid=6002314487532&ref=10&tr=ResultsProfileBtn

Pacific Grove, CA Guide To Social Security Survivor’s Benefits

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After the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to deal with bills, insurance, and Social Security.  Of the

5.7 million people awarded Social Security benefits in 2019, 886K were survivors of deceased workers.  In total there were 3.9 million widows and widowers receiving benefits in 2019.  You should report to the Monterey County Social Security office when a spouse dies.  Their number is 1-800-772-1213.  Unfortunately, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.  The calculation is that if your deceased spouse was taking Social Security, your benefit will be the greater of your benefit or your spouse’s benefit.  If you are not yet collecting Social Security and you’re at least 60, the best way to maximize your benefits are to collect the survivors benefit at your current age and then switch to retirement benefits starting at age 70.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2021/01/20/social-security-covid-understanding-how-survivors-benefits-work/4221795001/

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

A close up of a cell with viruses inside


There were 69 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 43,226 cases, with one new death reported.  Nationwide, cases rose by 77,312 for a cume total of 31.377 million.  Deaths rose by 987 to 562,994.  In California, there were 993 new cases, for a total of 3.707 million while deaths rose by 7 to 60,507.  Please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.