Aging and Disability Network Meeting Minutes 6/13/17

Aging and Disability Meeting Minutes 6/13/17

Present

Mary Rickard (SCOFA), Judy Dahoda (SCOFA), Ardis Armer (SCOFA), Karin Drosdick (MACCS), Barb Dalton (SCOFA), Donna Rudzinski (Shenendehowa Village), Jane Kurr Sussman (Saratoga Senior Center), James Swanson (NY Connects-SAIL), Jess Flynn (Eddy Daybreak Adult Day Care), Shelli Cogan (Interim Healthcare), Beth Baldwin (DSS-APS), Sharon Emerson (CHOICES)

The next meeting of the Aging & Disability Group will be on July 11^{th h} at the Malta Community Center at 2.  Kym Hance of the Alzheimer’s Association will talk about “Effective Communication Strategies”.

There is not a meeting scheduled for August.  We will resume in September.

Today’s Presenter and Topic

Adam Schrom , the Director of PreNeed Trust Services talked about preplanning a funeral.

Why Pre-Plan?

·        Time of death can be highly emotional

·        Many decisions to make

·        Choose how you wish to be remembered

·        One of the greatest gifts to your family

How to Pre-Plan

Select a funeral home

Consider how you want to be remembered

·        Religious elements

·        Special Readings

·        Songs

·        Special photos and mementos

      No Payment or deposit required

Pre-funding your funeral

·        NYS Law: secure and insured depository

·        Interest earned helps to off-set inflation

·        Peace of mind. Funeral expenses are covered at time of death

NYS Pre-Need Laws

·        Strongest consumer protection in the country

·        Funds must be deposited within 10 business days

·        No fee for meeting and prearranging

·        Annual written account statement-all activity

·        Purchaser remains in control of the pre-need account until death

·        Purchaser many change arrangements or choice of funeral home at any time

NYS-Irrevocable Accounts

·        For Medicaid/SSI Applicants and recipients only

·        Used in the spend-down process

·        Not counted as an asset/resource

·        Must be used for funeral/burial only

·        No refunds

·        Choose a different funeral home at any time

·        Excess funds after funeral expenses must be returned to county

NYS-Revocable Accounts

·        Interest and principal may be withdrawn from the account at any time…without penalty

·        After funeral expenses are paid, excess funds are returned to the estate

What to Expect When Pre-Planning

·        Receive a copy of the funeral home’s General Price List

·        Explanation of Services and Funeral Merchandise offered

·        Copy of your Prearrangement

·        Monthly payment options-if you choose to pre-fund

After You Pre-Plan

·        Funds must be deposited in a bank or trust within 10 business days

·        Purchase receives account statement showing deposit within 30 days

·        Keep copy of prearrangement documents in a safe and easily accessible place

·        Tell loved ones about your prearrangements and where documents are kept

Questions

·        Visit www.nysfda.org

·        Call/visit a local funeral home

·        Call PrePlan at 1-800-577-3752