Yes it is February and the days are getting longer. Nice to have daylight earlier in the day. We also get a holiday on February 18th. Won't that be great!

What did you plan for your club for Febuary 14th…Valentine's Day? Did you use the USCO colours and 50th anniversary theme? Take pictures and send them in for our picture album at the convention.

Do you know any Canadian Seniors who are not receiving their CPP retirement benefits despite having paid in and being eligible for benefits? If you applied late (after age 70) and as a result received retroactive payments for only 11 months please fax, phone or email:

Telephone: 613.943.0686 or 1.800.267.7363
Fax: 613.943.0693
Email: nichom@sen.parl.gc.ca

The government is looking into this situation so you may be eligible for more money. It is worth the effort to at least phone.

We have just received word from ING Direct that Reverse Mortgages are not ideal solutions for seniors who are trying to cope with ever increasing bills on a fixed income. Reverse mortgages may carry many risks. First, with higher upfront costs, the borrower is given an amount either in a lump sum payment or a monthly payment or a combination of the two. But as with any loan there are still costs associated with taking out the loan - including a closing cost.

Upfront costs may be higher than with other types of loans. In fact, they can be as much as the average senior borrower's entire annual income. Sudden illness - or a desire to no longer rake leaves can alter an older person's ability or desire to "age in place." Terminating the loan earlier than anticipated can result in higher up-front costs. Mortgage insurance premiums can equal 2% of the value of the home.

When the borrower moves or passes away the company may demand the amount of the lump sum plus all the peripheral costs associated with the loan - the principle, the interest and the mortgage insurance premium.

One's heirs are required to put the home on the market at once to repay the company; therefore they stand to lose out of the money they would have made if they had been able to wait for an upturn in the market. Before signing any loan, or any type of loan for that matter, it's important to get all the facts. There may be better alternatives available.

When you need help getting dressed or making meals, the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) is the place to look. They bring community services and long term care facilities under one roof. The goal is to keep people in their homes as long as possible, but when this is no longer possible, you can go to the CCAC who coordinate your admission. Most homes have long waiting lists thus there are a few things to know before you can get on one of the lists. First you must meet with a CCAC case manager to determine your degree of needs. You can't get on a waiting list today and expect you will need a bed in a year or two.

Once you've been accepted, you can choose up to three nursing homes before making a selection. A long term facility is just that; it now becomes your home. Regardless of who owns the home each must meet provincial criteria to ensure proper care. The province pays for the services within the home; the client must pay for the accommodations. Also realize that placement is often based on who needs the bed the most, not first come, first served.

Retirement homes are another option, but remember they are privately run and currently have no legislation mandating standards except the Landlord/Tenant Act. Anyone 1 years and older can access these homes providing they meet the requirements for care.

Crisis clients are often placed in the first available bed, regardless of where it is located. Clients can apply for a bed in another part of the province by going through their local CCAC. Each area has its own CCAC or you can find their telephone number in your phone book.

Have a great Valentine's Day and enjoy your Family Day holiday.