JUNE 2026 SENIOR SAVERS NEWSLETTER
Did you know you can get unbiased reports on the quality of care you would receive at a rehab facility or a nursing home? It is probably a very difficult decision so having this information can help you or your family make an informed decision.
Go to https://www.nj.gov/health/ltc/nursing-homes/ You can select 4 and 5 star rated facilities and Monmouth county for high quality and close facilities . You can also customize by type of care needed and financial programs that are accepted. Then select some to review. At the top there are 5 tabs : Overview, Quality of care, Staffing , Infections and complaints and FAQs for each facility.
After doing this it is still advisable to have a tour of the facility. Do not judge by the lobby. Ask to see the rehab area, dining room, nursing units, resident rooms and activity areas. Check for cleanliness, resident appearance, noise level and how the staff responds to the residents.
Ask questions about your particular needs like rehab, memory care, cardiac or stroke rehab. Finally you should already have checked the financing accepted on the website but it’s always good to double check in person as things change and the internet may be behind.
Did you know that you can complete a program called FIVE WISHES, thru www.fivewishes.org ? This program assists you to communicate in writing how you wish to be treated if you become unable to care for yourself. The five wishes are
1. Who you want to make healthcare decisions if you can’t
2. What treatment you would want or not want
3.How comfortable you would like to feel
4.How you want people to treat you
5. How you want your loved ones to remember you
Five Wishes is user-friendly, easy to understand, legally valid in all fifty states, and available in 32 languages plus Braille.
An individual copy costs the same as 25 years ago – just $5. It can be done online for $7.50 which comes with an ID card that your doctor or medical facility can access your wishes online.
After you complete the five wishes you need 2 witnesses to see you sign it. They don’t have to see the wishes, just see you signing the booklet. The witnesses should not be your family or person you named for your healthcare representative. They should be able to say that you knew what you were doing when you signed. You should give a copy to your healthcare representative and keep a copy handy for others that may be caring for you.
That is all you need to do! No lawyers fees, no notary needed.
SIDE NOTE FOR PARENTS OF 18 YEAR OLD AND UP
Also this is available and I highly recommend it for parents of children who have turned 18.
Since I was a pediatrician I can tell you of the nightmare parents go through without this document. The doctors and hospitals will not speak to parents without it. And unfortunately there is nothing you can do after your child is unconscious and can not speak for himself. Or also if they are admitted to a psychiatric facility, you, as a parent of a legal adult, have no rights to speak with the doctors about treatment.
You can find a similar form but less complicated and detailed for your teen at https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/documents/proxy_directive.pdf Your 18 year old or older must sign and it must also be witnessed by 2 people.
Did you know there is a new scam which targets older individuals whose homes are paid off?
It’s called Property Fraud. It involves forging a new Deed on your home and then obtaining a new mortgage on your house or even selling your home. Of course this takes time to obtain the loan or sell the home so to get time on your side you can sign up to be notified whenever there is a change on your deed. This service is available from the Monmouth County Clerk's office and there is no cost to do this. You may sign up online at https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/about or call for help signing up at 800-728-3858
Did you know about the discount beach badges you can get for the summer?
Avon-by-the-Sea $65 per senior at avonbytheseanj.com
Manasquan is only $35 per senior at manasquan-nj.com
Handicapped at half price
Veterans are free and active military and their family are free.
Belmar badges are $32 per senior at belmarbeachbadges.com
Military is the same as Manasquan but also is free to Gold Star families
Did you know the IRS may have made a mistake? If you had problems with your taxes during Covid and you were fined and/or charged interest a new lawsuit may save you some money. BUT you have to act fast. Please speak with a professional CPA or tax preparer because you need to file your claim by July 10 2026. There is no guarantee you will get back any of your money but it seems like you may so it may be worthwhile to file your claim.
Did you know there is a new program to assist with senior loneliness? See below
Have questions on how to stretch your money? Or suggestions to help others? Or to suggest topics that might be of interest to you or others.
Email seniorsaversofacce@gmail.com or call or text 856-441-2447
