Preventative Health Screenings:

Vision, Cholesterol, Bood Pressure, Posture

Vaccines:

Flu, Tetanus, Pneumonia

Health & Wellness Information:

Alzheimer's

Living Arrangements

Disaster Preparedness

Nutrition

Social Services

Safetly

Home Health

Medical Equipment

Library Services

Pet Therapy

Massage Therapy

Social and Recreational

CALL 757-259-4181 for more information.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, Senior Real Estate Specialist® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williasmburg VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

2009 is a GREAT time to be a SENIOR because Social Security benefits will increase 5.8%!! Courtesy of Uncle Sam, in January over 50 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits will benefit from this 5.8% raise, which is the largest since 1982. So, way overdue! Medicare also announced that for the first time in eight years, your Part B monthly premium (which covers doctors & outpatient services) will NOT GO UP next year.

Every year since 1975, Social Security has given automatic cost-of-living adjustments to keep up with inflation. For 2009 the adjustment is a 5.8% increase. This means that the "average" monthly Social Security check for an individual will go from $1,090 to $1,153 - an increase of about $63.

The average retired couple, both receiving benefits, will enjoy a monthly increase of about $100. The maximum Social Security benefit any worker can get at full retirement age in 2009 will be $2,323 per month.

The average disabled worker's benefit will increase $58 per month to $1,064. The federal monthly payment for an individual will go from $637 a month for an individual to $674, and from $956 to $1,011 for a couple. The maximum amount of earning subject to the Social Security tax will increase from $102,000 to $106,800.

Retirees who work and receive benefits but are under full retirement age will see their 2009 earnings limit increased to $14,160 (it was $13,560 in 2008). That limit jumps to $37,680 (up from $36,120 in 2008) the year a worker reaches full retirement age.

On the flip side, for those wealthier Seniors, the news isn't as good. Their premiums will increase based on their income level. For individuals with incomes of $85,000-$107,000, or married couples filing joint tax returns with incomes of $170,000-$214,000, their Part B premium will be increased to $134.90 per month in 2009. Individuals earning $107,000-$160,000 (couples $214,000-$320,000) will pay $192.70. Individuals with incomes of $160,000-$213,000 (couples $320,000-$426,000) will pay $250.50. Individuals who make over $213,000 or couples over $426,000 will pay $308.30.

Other notable Medicare announcements youshould know include your Part B deductible, which will not change in 2009. It will remain $135. But, your Part A (hospital insurance) annual deductible will go up $44 in 2009 to $1,068 for hospital stays up to 60 days. That increases to $267 per day for days 61-90 and to $534 a day for days 91-150.

For more information on the 2009 Social Security cost-of-living adjustments, visit www.socialsecurity.gov

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, Senior Real Estate Specialist® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg Virginia 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

One of the most important days in America happens every four years in November. It's a presidential election, with Election Day occurring TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4. Later this month is Thanksgiving, another great American tradition and an oh-so-yummy day!

According to Brownielocks.com, November is designated as Family Stories Month, National Georgia Pecan Month, I Am So Thankful Month, National Peanut Butter Lovers Month and Vegan Month.

There are also many special weeks. They include Pursuit of Happiness Week (8-14), World Kindness Week (10-17), National Game and Puzzle Week (23-30), and Better Conversation Week (24-30).

Here are some more special days in November:

2 Cookie Monster Day

It is nationally estimated that one in every four persons is providing or has provided care for a relative or friend age 50 or older. Williamsburg Landing is offering free seminars on important topics for adult children and their aging parents.

HEALTHY LIVING
November 6, 2008
Helps family members understand the importance of good nutrtion, physical activity and socialization for the aging.

HOUSING & SAFETY
November 20, 2008
Provides an overview of housing options and terms for aging parents as well as safety issues in the homes of aging.

FINANCIAL & LEGAL PLANNING
January 15, 2009
Assists family members in financial planning, long-term care needs and organizing important family documents and financial records.

PULLING IT TOGETHER
January 29, 2009
Focuses on the importance of and ways that family members can take care themselves.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg Virginia 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com