Our historyIn 1979, Jerome H. Stone and representatives from support groups met with the National Institute on Aging to explore the value of an independent, nonprofit organization to complement federal efforts on Alzheimer's disease (AD). That meeting resulted in the April 10, 1980, formation of the Alzheimer's Association. Today, the Association reaches millions affected by AD across the globe. As the largest donor-supported, voluntary health organization for AD, we are a catalyst for advancements in Alzheimer's care, research and advocacy. We enhance care and supportThe Alzheimer's Association works to enhance care and support for all those affected by AD and related dementias. Our Helpline offers information, counseling and advice 24/7. We offer support groups that meet right here in the Treasure Valley. Our online resources provide families with information through our Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Center, which features sections on early, middle, and late-stage caregiving and local education programs. Trial Match makes it easy for people to enroll in clinical trials, while Comfort Zone and Medic Alert+ Alzheimer's Association Safe Return provide location management to keep people safe and give caregivers peace of mind. Walk to End Alzheimer's is held annually in Idaho to raise awareness and funds.We advance research. As the largest non-profit funder of AD research, the Association is committed to accelerating progress of new treatments, preventions and ultimately, a cure. We have been a part of every major research advancement over the past 30 years. We advance the understanding of AD through our research grant program, which has awarded over $315 million to scientists since 1982 and, also publish a scientific journal, Alzheimer's & Dementia, which provides a single publication for the scientific community to share its knowledge.We advocateThe Association is the leading voice for AD advocacy, fighting for research, prevention and care initiatives at the state and federal level. We worked with a state-wide task-force to ensure that Idaho's state legislature approved a plan for addressing AD and continue to work on the implementing it to make certain that Idahoans have the best possible resources available.Take a little step today to have a big impact on AD tomorrow. Join a support group. Attend an educational seminar. Advocate for research funding. Start a team and Walk to End Alzheimer's. Do a little, big thing to end Alzheimer's call 1-800-272-3900 or go to www.alz.org/Idaho.

Reverse Mortgages Offer FreedomYou deserve to enjoy your retirement years. A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)also known as a reverse mortgagecan help you find the financial freedom you need.Well cover the basics to help you decide if its right for you.What is a HECM and how does it work?A HECM is a federally insured reverse mortgage that offers borrowers more protection than non-HECM loans. HECMs use home equity to pay your outstanding mortgage while eliminating your monthly mortgage payments.* Depending on how much equity you have, a HECM can also provide extra funds as a lump sum or line of credit. Available to borrowers 62 and older (non-borrowing spouses may be younger) Available for primary residences Borrower retains full ownership Doesnt prevent the home from being passed to heirsLoan repayment is never more than the value of the property*Borrower must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance costs.Will HECM income affect my retirement benefits? HECM funds are considered loan proceeds, not income, so they wont affect Social Security payments. However, needs-based programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income may be affected.How can you use a HECM? A HECM isnt just for those experiencing financial hardshipalthough it can certainly help in those situations. These loans can also help those doing well achieve more.You can use a HECM to:Pay off existing mortgage and eliminate monthly mortgage payments*Pay for everyday living expenses and orPay for a home remodelCover health care costs and/or provide for in-home carePay for the trip of a lifetime Fund a grandchilds school tuitionFund investments and/or long term care policyThere are no restrictions on how you can use the fundsSilver divorceFund the purchase of a new homeWhat if Im ready for a new home?We also offer a HECM for Purchase loan that lets you buy a new home without incurring monthly mortgage payments. This is a great option if you need to move to a smaller home, find one that is single-level or upgrade to a home with room for family.Who repays a HECM loan? A HECM doesnt need to be repaid until the borrower (and non-borrowing spouse) permanently leave the home. In most cases, HECMs are repaid by selling the home once the borrowers no longer live there. Neither you nor your heirs will be responsible for repaying more than the value of the home. We now have new proprietary (non-government) reverse mortgage options (minimum home value $400K) available to borrowers age of 55+ with some very exciting new benefits!A reverse Mortgage can improve your life, but there are many considerations.  If youd like to learn more about how a reverse mortgage can help you or a loved one meet financial goals, contact us today. **This ad is not from HUD or FHA and was not approved by HUD or any government agency.**The loan is subject to foreclosure for failure to pay taxes and insurance to maintain the property and insurance and to comply with the terms of the loan.**Consumers remain responsible for property taxes, homeowners insurance, and home maintenance.

Throughout the years that I have been in healthcare I have learned many things by observing the families that I am serving. One of the most important lessons that I have learned is to have conversations that count before a crisis. I have tried to live that out. I vividly remember at the age of 30 before I had my first child completing my advanced directives. Having children made certain things real for me. I didnt want my husband or my children to ever have to make difficult choices for me if I was facing a life threatening condition. I didnt want them to feel guilty or scared that they may have made the wrong decisions on my behalf. Every adult should have an advanced directive (also known as a living will and durable power of attorney for health care). An advanced directive is simply your written instructions about your future medical care. I have found over the years many people do not have an advanced directive because they are fearful about having honest conversations about both their desires and fears regarding end of life issues. It is also especially hard for adult children to sit down with their aging parents to encourage them to put their wishes in writing. Remember, you cannot assume that you know what someone else needs or wants. So before you start any conversation keep in mind that the purpose of the conversation is not to impose your ideas on others but to learn what your family members think about their own end of life choices. There are many things that occur in daily life that can give you an opportunity to start conversations within your family. Conversation triggers can include the death of a friend or colleague, movies, sermons, annual medical checkups, and, of course, funerals. You can obtain a living will and durable power of attorney for health care from your local hospital, an attorney, or from the Idaho Secretary of State. Once your advanced directive is complete and you have discussed it with your family, be sure to share this information with your physician. This will increase the likelihood that your advanced directive is honored. Ultimately, this process is about more than completing the advanced directive. That matters, because it will guide final actions. However, what matters most is the actual conversation with the people you love so you can honor their wishes, come to terms with inevitable loss, and honor the cycle of life. Article by Honey Goodman, Community Relations Director for Treasure Valley Hospice. For more information or for speaking opportunities please call 467-7423

Did you know that 96% of retirees leave money on the table when filing for their Social Security benefit?  There is someone who can help you make a wise and fully informed decision when filing for benefits.  A Social Security Analyst is a certified, trained professional with a singular mission.  Helping you make the most of your personal options.  Sit down with one of our team, help them understand your unique situation and lay out the possibilities open to you as you contemplate your filing decision.The Social Security Office cannot do this for you, by law. But we can!If you are married, widowed, divorced, single, not yet 65, 65 or older you may be eligible for benefits. Call us right now at (986) 200-4444 and speak with a Social Security Analyst to make sure you do not miss anything you may be entitled to.Provided by Health Insurance Associates Inc. Nampa, ID 83687