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A speech-language pathologist can help individuals with dysarthria communicate more clearly. Some techniques that may be beneficial include using a slower rate of speech and exaggerating the movements of the lips and tongue. Some people may need other forms of communication, such as gestures, writing, or using phones or computers with text-to-speech capabilities. ...

If you're a caregiver or know a caregiver, the day-to-day workload can be overwhelming and isolating. Head into the new year with a resolution to get the help you need. The American Society on Aging has put together this list of 25 websites that can give caregivers a much-needed boost. ...

As long as the beneficiary never receives cash directly from the trust, his eligibility for government benefits will not be compromised. The funds from the trust can be used for services and programs that government benefits don’t pay for but that enhance the loved one’s quality of life, such as transportation, classes, hobbies, and vacations. ...

While the house may not need to be sold in order to qualify for Medicaid, state Medicaid agencies will likely place a lien on any real estate owned by a Medicaid beneficiary during his or her life. The state cannot impose a lien if a spouse, a disabled or blind child, a child under age 21, or a sibling with an equity interest in the house is living in the house. ...

By Traci McBride

Everything in life comes with its own inventory of pros and cons, especially how you decide to spend your time and efforts in volunteerism. Creating your own list of positives and negatives is good advice before starting any long- or short-term commitments.  

Strike up a conversation with someone who volunteers on a regular basis and ask about their experience. It can give you a good perspective and direction on organizations that match your belief system and interests. Your time is priceless; giving it with joy is selfless and satisfying.

 

Let’s Start with the Cons of Volunteering

Time commitment

Costs of travel/food

Unappreciative recipients of your efforts

Personality conflicts

Personal energy expenditure

Potential of choosing the wrong organization

Emotional drain when engaging with those in difficult life situations

 

And Now the Pros…

Staying active & engaged extends to graceful aging

Influencing another human being can be life-saving

Practicing or elevating your skill set

Mastering time management

Experiencing an organization from the inside

Socializing while creating new friendships with like-minded people

Increasing self-esteem & confidence

Creating the ripple effect in your community & in other people

Inspiring friends and family to get involved

Rewarding effect of aligning with a non-profit that touches you on a personal level

Spearheading ideas inside the organization                     

Source: CharityNavigator.org 

 

Traci McBride of TeeMcBee.com has passionately been a volunteer with Dress for Success – Cleveland since 2008.

 

Our Volunteer Salute

Meet NEO’s Givers

What better way to kick off the season of giving than recognizing some of our region’s most impressive volunteers? No other age group gives as much of its time, talent and energy as Boomers. We want to introduce you to a few outstanding givers recognized by our readers and provided by Greater Cleveland Volunteers (greaterclevelandvolunteers.org). 

 

Meet: Gail Tichy 

Where: Cleveland Metroparks

A retired federal worker, Tichy inherited a love of gardening from her grandmother.

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Brrrrr! Cold weather is coming and heating bills are about to go up.

Have you ever considered going solar? The Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability is sponsoring Solar Co-op information sessions on November 12 at North Olmsted Branch Library and November 14 at Cuyahoga County Solar Co-op and at Chagrin Falls Branch Library.

The co-op allows people to purchase solar as a group with other homeowners and businesses in Cuyahoga County, giving them a bulk discount. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/CuyahogaCountySolarCOOP/

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“Keeping medications past their usefulness can be dangerous because time can change how some medications work,” says Lori Criss, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “Medications that you no longer take or that have passed the expiration date on their labels should be disposed of promptly and properly.” ...

Social Security - what to get, when to get it, can be confusing for many of us. Brandon P. Smith, public affairs specialist for the Social Security Administration Cleveland office. He'll be writing columns and answering your questions about Social Security. ...