June 1, 2019 Edition 16 Volume 6

In the News

EPC Designation program now IIROC/CECAP Approved

2019 Vancouver & Edmonton EPICs. Check out the Agenda

CIEPS Member Code of Professional Conduct # 1

Long Distance Caregiving

Elder Orphans: Living Alone

Why Frailty Needs to be Included in 2019 Election Platforms

The Healing Powers of Pets for Seniors

Why Transportation Mobility Matters to Seniors

Seniors Eating Healthy this Summer

10 th Edition EPC Updated Materials are Available

Did you Know that CIEPS/EPC is on LinkedIn

CIEPS is Looking for Articles for the PULSE

Please Keep Your

To all the Fathers for 2019

We would like to wish you and yours a very safe and enjoyable summer!

Did you know that the EPC Designation program is now IIROC/CECAP Approved!

Successful completion of the EPC Designation Program qualifies for 20 Professional Development CE credits, CECAP # 009618 & 5 Compliance CE credits CECAP # 009619 for Cycle 7 beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2019.

Please tell your associates about this new approval if they are licensed by IIROC.

 

2019 Elder Planning Issues Regional Conferences (EPIC). Still a few seats available for Vancouver, BC & Edmonton, AB. Register today!

Contact Information Current

CIEPS Member Benefits

Alberta EPC Chapter Information

Vancouver EPC Chapter Information

Important Notice Regarding Your EPC Membership Dues

CE Requirements When Renewing Your EPC Designation

EPC Membership Renewal Reminder

Contact Us

info@cieps.com

www.cieps.com

EPC Member Site

If you want to print a copy of any of the PULSE editions, you will find them on your member site.

www.epcmember.org

The theme for 2019 is “Holistic Planning for Aging Canadians”

Find out all the information here - 2019 EPIC Registration

Register here - 2019 EPIC Registration .

Here are what two attendees had to say about the 2018 conferences…

"The conference was informative and fun too. The presentations were transferable and support resources already inserted into several of our client processes. Result ...Value added! Thank you for a job well done." Richard McKenster CFP, CLU, ChFC, CHS, CEA, EPC - Victoria, BC

“I wanted to tell you what a super, well organized, and very educational conference it was this year… It was well worth the effort to attend this conference…I hope this conference will continue for many years to come…the education you obtain from this conference is so diversified and so top notch with all the great speakers that are contributing to our well being and our businesses...keep them coming. Sincerely Dave Franklin CFP, CLU, CHFC, EPC. – Concord, ON

To hold these conferences, we need your support and promotion of the conferences to your associates, clients, family members and anyone else who you feel could benefit from the information that you will hear.

These conferences are for you. Please support them in 2019. Register here - 2019 EPIC Registration

Please schedule the time to attend your 2019 Elder Planning Issues Conference.

Our CIEPS Member Code of Professional Conduct. Have You Read It Lately?

Like any professional organization or association, CIEPS has a Member Code of Professional Conduct that all EPC designees are expected to follow, to the letter. This Code provides creditability to those we serve, so that they can expect the best from a person who holds their EPC Designation.

All EPCs have signed the Code prior to writing their final EPC Qualification examination.

The CIEPS Code of Professional Conduct is fundamentally based on seven tenets. These "Tenets"  serve as model standards of exemplary professional conduct.  They express the general concepts and approaches from which more specific rules (the principles) are derived.

View the Member Code of Professional Conduct

As a result of this code, CIEPS has taken steps in the past to censure EPC members who are in violation of it.

We wanted to revisit our Code of Professional Conduct, as to the part that is violated most often.

# 1 Place the needs, objectives and interests of their clients, customers, patients and prospects above their own at all times.

This part of the code is based on Tenet 1:

Tenet 1

The member should endeavour as a professional to place the public interest above his or her own.

The member has a duty to understand and abide by all principles of professional conduct. These are prescribed in the Code of Conduct.

The member shall not directly or indirectly condone any act that the member is prohibited from performing by the principles of this Code of Conduct.

The member shall place the needs and best interest of the client above the needs and interests of the member, member’s employees and/or business associates in all cases and shall not allow the pursuit of financial gain or other personal benefit to interfere with the exercise of sound professional judgment and skill.

Long-Distance Caregiving: How to Ensure Your Loved Ones are Safe at Home…from an article submitted by Millie Jones, SeniorWellness, Wheaton, IL

When it is time to take care of an aging loved one, managing the overall and day-to-day tasks can be especially difficult for a caregiver who lives far away. You don’t get that same sense of reassurance as you would seeing your loved one face to face.

Long-distance caregivers place a lot of trust in doctors, nurses and other aides. Since they are your boots on the ground, you want to make sure that your loved one’s health — physical, mental and emotional — is as much of a priority to them as it is to you. That can be hard, but it is not impossible.

An aging loved one requires a lot of attention — you’ll be the one making decisions, solving problems and making them comfortable. How can you make sure to take care of all of that when you live in a different state, across the country or even internationally?

Communicating with providers

Your loved one’s care staff, from their primary care physician to their nursing assistants, are your eyes and ears when you live far away. You want to build a positive, personal relationship with doctors, aides, nurses, physical therapists, drivers and companions.

Weekly, if not daily, communication is crucial in helping you monitor your senior’s health and well-being. Talking to each one regularly will not only help paint a holistic picture of your loved one’s well-being but will also give you strong allies in their care.

If you want to build rapport and ensure they will advocate on your behalf, take the time to:

Get to know the individual roles they play in your loved one’s care. For instance, if they are in a nursing home or assisted living facility, understand the difference in the job duties of a nurse and a certified nursing assistant.

Understand and empathize with any challenges they face with your loved one, such as if their doctor has a hard time getting them to manage their diabetes or their in-home caregiver struggles to get them to go out for walks.

Find out how much they know about your loved one outside of conversations related to their duties. For example, ask the driver what kinds of conversations he or she has with your aging senior when driving around.

Know the primary contacts. For example, perhaps the nurse is a more reliable point of contact that the doctor.

Be an active listener. Ask questions that require more than one-word answers and summarize back to the speaker the information they have shared so you are confident you understand correctly.

Show gratitude for their help. Yes, you are paying them for their services, but they are more likely to take their job to the next level and go above and beyond for you and your loved one if you regularly show appreciation for all they do.

Chances are that you’ll have a variety of people to communicate with. These basic techniques can go along way with communication, but there will be other decisions you have to make as well.

Choosing in-home caregivers

Hiring in-home caregivers to assist may be a long-distance caregiver’s best option for ensuring the safety and well-being of a loved one. Some seniors struggle with this idea in the beginning, but if you empower them to be an active partner in the process, you can work through their resistance.

The idea is to get them involved — maybe even excited — to welcome a new caregiver into the home. When it comes to looking for an in-home aide,

there is no shortage of options. You may need someone to help with medical needs, housework, yard work, maintenance or simply to serve as a social companion.

Encourage your loved one to work with you on the decision by:

Asking them to make a pros and cons list to help prioritize their needs and wants and act as a roadmap for the decision-making process.

Interviewing candidates together and encouraging them to ask their own questions, share a meal together, go on a walk together, or participate in an activity together.

Searching for a balance between the independence they want and the care they need.

Ensuring the in-home aide gives them a sense of safety and security. Making sure the caregiver has access to transportation so your loved

one can get out into the community and maintain a sense of freedom.

Considering the distance, your concern for your senior loved one’s care might motivate you to move through the search quickly. However, if your loved one feels rushed, they may feel as if this isn’t their decision after all. Don’t let their resistance turn into procrastination.

Managing the house for in-home care

Most seniors are more comfortable in their homes. There are a lot of contingencies to consider with in-home care, including if your loved one needs round-the-clock care and making sure their home is accessible. With in-home care, you’ll want to take charge of:

Protecting your senior from slips and falls by installing handrails and no-slip flooring.

Moving all essential rooms and belongings down to the ground floor, if the home has more than one level.

Build a relationship with reliable contractors to help with:1. House cleaning,2. Yard work, or3. Handyman repairs or maintenance.

Considering downsizing to a smaller place that is easier to manage and costs less for utilities.

Explore the cost of installing chair lifts or building ramps for seniors with mobility issues in homes with stairs.

Painting walls, floors and countertops contrasting colors for those with vision impairments.

Making sure all alarms — from fire to security — are working and regularly tested. Be sure the alarm company knows you are the point of contact.

Living arrangements are important conversations to have with your loved one, and you should make decisions about them together. Knowing they are

safe, secure and well-cared for makes living at a distance less stressful.

Other decisions, including those that are much more difficult to discuss, need to be shared if you want to be on the same page about all your loved one’s options.

Making final arrangements and end-of-life decisions

Talking about end-of-life decisions is an uncomfortable conversation to have. In many ways, you are holding the mirror of mortality to a senior’s face and asking them to take a long, hard look. It’s not always easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard.

Explain to your aging friend or family member that making hospice decisions and final arrangements now can ensure they are remembered the way they want to be. Also, since you live at a distance, it will help you make decisions and arrangements quickly, instead of having to navigate the situation blindly and in grief.

Some topics you need to be sure you touch on include:

What they want done with their remains — burial, cremation, donation to medicine or another option.

Charities they would like their furniture and other belongings donated to.

Preparing wills, endowments, finances and estates. Their preferred style of funeral and/or memorial service. Pre-paying for final arrangements. Their understanding of a do not resuscitate (DNR) directive, and their

wishes surrounding one if they were to go into hospice or emergency care.

Discussing final arrangements is hard, especially if finances are a concern. Remember to be compassionate and take your time. These decisions don’t have to happen all at once.

The long-distance caregiver is a role that many adult children, close friends and family members face. Some days, this role is more taxing than rewarding, but don’t feel guilty or inadequate. Long-distance caregiving can go smoothly for both of you if you connect with caregivers, plan for final arrangements, and choose the right retirement facility or closely manage in-home care.

Elder Orphans: Aging Alone…an article found on the internet written by Susan Hyatt, CEO of Silver Sherpa Inc.

New trends generate new terms and one you are going to hear a lot more about is elder orphans.

They are Baby Boomers who are childless or estranged from their families and living without a partner to care for them. There is little research on them in Canada or elsewhere, but we do know from the 2016 Canadian census that 33 per cent of seniors aged 65 and older are women who live alone, and 17.5 per cent are men who live alone.

Also, there is a growing number of ‘grey divorces’ in Canada or, as the Vanier Institute calls them, ‘silver separations.’ These are divorces among elderly couples. Data for the period 1985 to 2005 shows a gradual increase in divorce rates for men aged 50-54 years from 7.2 to 11 per cent, and for women, from 5.4 to 8.9 per cent.

The Vanier Institute cites the work of U.S. sociologist Susan Brown of Bowling Green State University who sees an emerging trend among divorced couples aged 40-69, with women initiating the divorce 66 per cent of the time. A late-in-life divorce can have significant financial impact, and the changes in economic security can be difficult for women, especially if they live alone. Her research focuses on family events and the transitions made throughout life with an emphasis on the implications of the rapid transformation of family life for the health and well-being of adults and children.

Why should we be concerned about elder orphans? These people can become socially and/or physically isolated without any family member or caregiver around to help them. They may be reluctant to appoint Power(s) of Attorney to help them if they are incapacitated and cannot speak for themselves. And with no family or partner they may not have told anyone about their express wishes or choices known where it concerns making decisions about future care or future living accommodations.

Today church congregations and healthcare providers are talking about elder orphans. There is worry in the community that this group is vulnerable, and as they reach their later years, they are susceptible to all kinds of scams and elder abuse. Even identity theft. Planning is crucial at all stages of life and especially crucial for people in this group. Here are some important questions to ask:

How should elder orphans start to plan? Who can help them should they have serious surgery or a terminal

illness? What happens to their assets after they die if they don’t have a will?

(Today 48 per cent of Canadians do not have a will, never mind one that is up to date.)

Elder orphans are more prone to suffer from loneliness and social isolation if they have no family and are not part of a vibrant community. Therefore, they must get their legal issues cleared up, and this may require an estates attorney who is familiar with estate planning. This will involve drawing up a will and drafting Powers of Attorney if one day you are incapable of making decisions for yourself. Then there are such matters as shopping for basic

daily items, managing medical appointments, and staying active and social. The latter point can be especially daunting for an elderly person aging alone.

In the United States an Elder Orphans’ Facebook Group got started in 2016 and over the first year it gained 5,000 new members. Today it serves as a support and self-help group, and for many of these people it may be the only support they get.

“Most of the members are very grateful to have found us and realize that there are so many more like them,” says Carol Marak, who started the group. She is a recognized authority on older adults aging alone and an editor at www.seniorcare.com.

“We all share the same grievances, the same hardships and challenges,” Carol says. “We give support to people who are going into surgery or who have had an emergency or some sort of medical event, and I cannot tell you how supportive that feels for the people who are going through an incident like that.”

Looking to the future with a growing aging population, consideration will have to be given to services that elder orphans will need. Who will act as their Powers of Attorney if they have no one? There needs to be a trusted community of people to whom an elder orphan can turn when they need help. For example, churches have elder orphans in the congregation, but they may also have retired police officers, firefighters, medical specialists, not to mention lawyers, who can lend a helping hand. Why not set up a group of these people within the congregation? Another benefit of this is that such friends and trusted peers of elder orphans can serve as an oversight of the appointed Power of Attorney to ensure that the person’s best interests are addressed.

Likewise, for the healthcare system. It is a prime time to be considering what the options are for smart aging. The fact is that many Canadians will age alone as elder orphans. Professional associations of healthcare workers could start addressing these concerns through regular education sessions and include eldercare issues in all their discussions that involve preparation for retirement.

Canada has a greying workforce. We need to think about elder orphans and plan. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention and early discussion is worth a pound of cure.

Canadian Frailty Network and Why Frailty Needs to be Included in the 2019 Election Platforms

Canadian Frailty Network Scientific Director Dr. John Muscedere and Board Chair Russell Williams were back on Parliament Hill April 29th to meet with the Liberal Seniors’ Caucus, co-chaired by Jean Yip, MP for Scarborough Agincourt (Ontario), and Churence Rogers, MP for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity

(Newfoundland and Labrador).

This follows meetings between Canadian Frailty Network board members and management and Ministers, MPs, staff and Senators from all Parties. These meetings on Parliament Hill April 8th and 9th offered a great opportunity to discuss key areas regarding seniors and frailty that could be covered in 2019 election platforms.

Canadians are living longer than ever, and our population is aging rapidly. Over 25 per cent of Canadians between the ages of 65-84 years, and over 50 per cent over the age of 85 — more than one million Canadians — are medically frail.

As the number of seniors continues to grow, the lack of effective resources and support for adequately managing this condition is increasingly urgent. In fact, in just six years, it is projected that over two million Canadians will be living with frailty.

The bottom line is that our health and social care systems are going to be continually challenged to improve the quality and quantity of care delivered to older Canadians living with frailty — including those from particularly vulnerable populations like Indigenous people, veterans and women. And there will be increasing pressure from the baby boomer generation who are now caregivers and, in some cases, becoming frail themselves.

CFN is uniquely positioned to help, and these meetings on the Hill are an opportunity for parliamentarians to hear about the issues around frailty and older Canadians, and to discuss innovative approaches for improving health and social care.

The Healing Power of Pets for Seniors…from an article found on the internet written by Barbara Ballinger from August 2018

Let’s face it. Getting older can be very lonely. Loved ones and friends move or pass away, and it becomes increasingly difficult to leave the house and participate in once-loved activities. But there is once source of comfort and companionship that benefits seniors in countless ways: pets.

The Benefits of Pet Ownership for the Elderly

Animals can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity. Pets provide other intangibles, too. “Dogs and cats live very much in the present,” says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist. “They don’t worry about tomorrow, which can be a very scary concept for an older person. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it tends to rub off on people.”

Pets can also have an astounding effect on symptoms of depression and

feelings of loneliness. “Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pets’ companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet,” says Linda Anderson, who founded the Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis with her husband, Allen, to spread awareness of the benefits of pet ownership.

Marjorie and Richard Douse couldn’t agree more. Soon after the Douses retired, they adopted Bonnie, a golden retriever puppy who quickly became an indispensable member of the family. “We never felt alone when Bonnie was in the house. As we aged and tended to go out less, she provided us with loving companionship,” say her owners. Bonnie’s outgoing personality enhanced the lives of other seniors as well. The Douses took her to visit aging relatives in a nearby nursing home, and she was a hit with the residents and staff alike.

Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld, who brings her own golden retriever mix, Sandee, to her New York City office, has even witnessed animals’ ability to prompt better memory recall in their elderly owners. “I’ve seen those with memory loss interact with an animal and regain access to memories from long ago,” she explains. “Having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than their physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging.”

Animals benefit from adoption, too, particularly when seniors adopt older pets. “These lucky animals go from the pound to paradise. Retired adopters tend to have lots of time to devote to a previously unwanted pet, forming a lasting bond,” says Chicago veterinarian Dr. Tony Kremer, who operates Help Save Pets, a nonprofit rescue organization, with his wife Meg.

How to Find the Right Pet for a Senior

While the advantages of pet ownership are undeniable, there are some drawbacks and consequences to be aware of before going out to adopt a furry friend for an aging loved one. Dr. Donnenfeld encourages seniors and caregivers to work through the following questions before welcoming a pet into the family.

Is the senior set in their ways? “If change isn’t your loved one’s cup of tea, then they may not be a good candidate,” say the Andersons. Adopting an animal usually affects a person’s whole daily routine.

Have they had a pet before? Amy Sherman, licensed therapist and author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer’s Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life, thinks it’s best if the elderly person is an experienced owner. However, if they are open to a new and rewarding commitment, then first-timers can still make great owners.

Does the senior have any disabilities or functional limitations? “Dogs can be wonderful companions who encourage a senior to exercise,” Dr. Donnenfeld says. But dogs can be a challenge for individuals with limited mobility. If taking a dog outside and walking it is too trying, lower-maintenance animals like cats and birds may be

preferable. Would a therapeutic or emotional support animal be beneficial?

If a person is very infirm or impaired, they may be a candidate for a specially trained therapy dog to help them function both at home and while on outings.

What age pet would be best? A puppy or kitten may not be ideal for elderly owners because of the intensive care and training they require. Furthermore, young pets may outlive their owners. It’s important to consider that some animals like birds have especially long-life spans. On the other hand, a senior pet may have its own physical limitations and illnesses, but they are usually well trained already.

What temperament would be a good fit for the senior? It is very important to research different breeds’ characteristics and interact with prospective adoptees to get a feel for their energy levels and personality. “Many older people might think they’d do better with a Jack Russell Terrier because it’s a small breed, but they are very, very, very high energy and require a great deal of effort and commitment,” says Susan Daffron, author of Happy Hound: Develop a Great Relationship with Your Adopted Dog or Puppy. While there are some general truths about specific breeds, every animal is unique.

Is the pet healthy? It’s important that any pet be examined by a professional prior to adoption. “You don’t want to compromise an older person’s immune system since some pets carry diseases,” says Dr. Katharine Hillestad, a veterinarian based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Unhealthy pets can be difficult for seniors to handle both emotionally and financially.

One pet or two? While multiple pets can keep each other company, that may not be a good idea for an older person. “Two animals may bond with each other rather than with their owner,” Dr. Hillestad explains.

Are finances an issue? Pets are a significant long-term financial commitment. A small puppy can rack up more than $810 for food, medical care, toys and grooming just in its first year. A low-maintenance animal like a fish is less expensive, coming in at about $235, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Be sure to carefully consider a senior’s current budget before taking home any animal.

Is there a backup plan in place for the pet? It isn’t pleasant to think about, but owners must plan for the unexpected for their pets, too. If a senior had to go to the hospital, spend time in a short-term rehabilitation facility, move to a long-term care community or even passes away, what would happen to their animal(s)? Our golden years can be very unpredictable, so it’s important to have a contingency plan in place for our furry and feathered friends before an emergency strikes. Without one, beloved animals may wind up back in a shelter.

Where to Find a New Pet for a Senior

While breeders are a good source, adopting from shelters is usually much less expensive and comes with the added benefits of giving an unwanted animal a home and possibly saving it from euthanasia. Some shelters even offer reduced adoption fees for older pets and adopters age 55 and up.

Why Transportation Mobility Matters to Seniors…from the McMaster University Aging Portal

Take a moment and consider the ways in which you get around your community. In a typical day or week, where are places you want or need to go? The grocery store. A doctor’s appointment? Meeting friends for coffee? Many of us have multiple places we go in any given day, and we will often plan accordingly; a process referred to as ‘trip chaining.’ Now, consider the mode of transportation you use most often to get from one place to another. If you are like most Canadians, you are dependent on a personal vehicle to travel from A to B, as either a driver or a passenger. In fact, Stats Canada has reported that over 70% of people aged 18 and older rely exclusively on a car to get around their community. Research shows our reliance on this form of transportation is not only influenced by where we live (neighbourhood density) but also our age.   Now imagine if you couldn’t use your preferred mode of transportation.   Mobility is often taken for granted until ‘something’ happens. That ‘something’ can range from a subway, bus, or a train breaking down during a morning commute to a car not starting on a frosty winter morning. Of course, a slip, a fall, or other health and age-related challenges can impact our independence. As we grow older, we are more likely to experience health-related changes that can influence our ability to move around our home and community. Almost a quarter of all Canadians aged 65 and older report difficulties with bending or walking a kilometre or more. As such, access to transit becomes critical in our later years. In this regard, transportation mobility reflects not only whether one has a driver’s license or not, but also the complex interplay between individual and environmental factors, such as one’s health or the availability of social support, which can affect how and why certain forms of transportation are accessed. Knowing the transportation options available in your neighbourhood is important to prepare for the day when that ‘something’ could happen.  For older adults, access to a car is not only convenient but also offers the most viable means to maintain independence and social engagement, particularly if they have difficulty with walking. Losing the ability to drive, whether voluntary or otherwise, reduces out-of-home activity levels, decreases health status, increases chances of experiencing depression, and can even begin the move to a long-term care facility; all of which have enormous societal and individual costs. Given most of us will live longer than we can drive safely, 7 years for men and 10 years for women, addressing the issue of transportation mobility is an increasingly important issue in our aging society. 

  Making a mobility plan is important for people of all ages. At McMaster, we are investigating the linkages between aging, health, social participation, neighbourhood design, and sustainable transportation options, including driving, to determine the most effective ways to keep Canadians healthy and mobile for as long as possible. Self-driving cars for all cannot be a solution…there would simply be too much congestion.

Eating Healthy this Summer!

Summer is fast approaching, and with it, a bounty of fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables. As they age, many adults begin to eat foods that are less healthy. Deteriorating taste buds and the loss of our sense of smell can make many older adults reach for processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Limited incomes can cause older adults to make judgements about whether to buy less expensive, high calorie foods or their medications. Chronic health conditions may make shopping a hardship.  A poor diet can worsen an older adult’s existing health problems, or make them vulnerable to new ones, such as diabetes, and heart disease.

Make it your personal goal this summer to find affordable, convenient ways to get your diet back on track for the better. Summer is a great time to reintroduce yourself to the healthy and delicious fruits and vegetables, because they’re at their peak of freshness. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals, and naturally low in fat, sugar and sodium.

Here’s how you can get started incorporating them into your daily diet:

Identify the issues and pick the easiest to change first

Changing your eating habits starts with acknowledging what behaviors could be problematic. Do you purchase sodium and preservative-laden frozen meals because your activities are restricted, or you are tired later in the day? Do you eat lots of snacks that are high in sodium?  Do you eat one large meal a day? Do you have a difficult time getting out of the house?  Make a list and pick the one issue you change more easily.  For example, try picking a time when you have more energy (such as morning) to get the shopping done and take care of the bulk of your meal preparation.  Or, talk with neighbors and carpool to the store together.

Shop at farmers’ markets

Sometimes it’s lack of inspiration that sends us reaching for the local pizza place’s take-out menu. Get fresh food on the brain by strolling through a farmer’s market. See what’s in season now, and even try taking home produce you’ve never tried before. Not only can a farmers’ market get you out of an eating rut, it’s a great way to save money and get a bit of weekly exercise!

Use herbs

Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, and rosemary are packed with flavor and highly nutritious. Try keeping herbs in a window box or garden to make sure that they’re always at your fingers and use them liberally in dishes like roasted vegetables and simple stir fry’s. Bonus: you’ll find that fresh herbs are so flavorful that you need less salt when using them.

Get grilling

Haven’t used the grill since the kids lived at home? It’s time to fire it up again. Try marinating vegetables and fish or lean meat in Ziploc bags, then tossing them on the grill for a quick summertime meal. Cleanup is a snap, and you’ll enjoy the fresh air!

Know how to portion

Years of hearing conflicting nutrition advice can make anyone want to throw up their hands in defeat when filling their plate. Luckily, experts have recently simplified things with the MyPlate system. The rule to remember. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal.

Blend it up

Have trouble eating enough fruit every day? Try blending your own morning smoothie to get your fill first thing in the morning.

Freeze fruit

Worried about overbuying produce at the farmer’s market, only to watch it spoil before you can finish it? Good news: fruit freezes beautifully! Pack Ziploc bags with fruits like strawberries and blueberries. Defrost them later for snacking or throw them into the blender as-is for a deliciously chilly breakfast smoothie.

It can be tough to eat enough fruits and vegetables for anyone. Growing older can make proper nutrition even more difficult. But summer’s bounty of fruits and vegetables isn’t only healthy, it’s delicious!

10th Edition EPC Materials are Available

The revised 10th edition of the EPC materials are available now for you to update your elder knowledge and provide the best information that you can for your clients, prospects and families.

You will receive the 4 manual 10th Edition Desk Reference Set, the 10th Edition EPC Student Workbook, and the EPC PowerPoints.

They are available for $159 + taxes and includes shipping.

If you reside in AB, BC, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT,  your cost is $166.95,  all taxes & shipping included.

If you reside in ON, your cost is $179.67, all taxes & shipping included.

If you reside in NS, NB, NL or PE your cost is $182.85,  all taxes & shipping included.

You can order them securely here - 10th Edition EPC Desk References

Did you know that CIEPS is on LinkedIn?

EPC member Paul Fawcett started a group on LinkedIn and it is now an open group. Why not join it so that you can keep up to date with trending discussions that would be of interest to the Elder Planning Counselor.

Join and share with the group here – EPC LinkedIn Group

CIEPS/EPC is always looking for interesting articles from the EPC membership for submission to the PULSE

If you have any interesting articles that you would like to have submitted into the EPC PULSE pertaining to senior issues etc., please send them to me and if suitable, we will put them into the monthly PULSE and give credit where it is due. You can send them directly to me – registrar@cieps.com

Please keep your contact information current with us

In order to help us keep your contact information up to date, so that you do not miss any timely information, renewal notifications and the PULSE monthly email newsletter, please use our Member update form if any of your information has changed. You can access the form here -EPC Member Update Form

CIEPS Member Benefits

CIEPS has recently added 2 new member benefits for those EPC members in good standing.

1. Major Hotel Discounts – Now you can use many of our CIEPS hotels across Canada and enjoy EPC member discounts when travelling in those areas. For more information, view here - EPC MEMBER HOTEL DISCOUNTS

2. CARP – CIEPS is pleased to now offer EPC members in good

standing a special rate for a 1-year CARP Membership, including a subscription to Zoomer magazine. For more information, view here - EPC/CARP MEMBER DISCOUNTS

3. CIEPS is pleased to announce a new partnership with frames4diplomas.com. They provide professional looking customized certificate and diploma frames for your EPC suitable for framing certificate indicating that you have qualified to be an Elder Planning Counselor. These frames are very reasonably priced and can be ordered directly from Frames4diplomas.com. We will ship a certificate directly to the company after you submit your order to them.

Go here - EPC Customized Diploma Frames to find out more information and how you can order them.

Alberta EPC ChapterIf you live in Alberta and would like to be involved in starting an EPC Chapter please contact Earl Robertson - earl_robertson77@yahoo.ca

Vancouver EPC ChapterIf you live in Vancouver, BC area and would like to be involved in staring an EPC Chapter please contact Jane Chang at jchang@ashtoncollege.com

If you are interested in starting an EPC Chapter in your area, please let us know. CIEPS will be happy to provide any assistance necessary to get you started.

Important notice regarding your EPC Membership duesWhen you pay your EPC Membership Dues, please include applicable taxes (GST/HST) for your Province of residence.

If you are sending a cheque for your EPC Membership, please reference that the cheque is for.

Annual renewal fee—$150.00 + Applicable taxes for the Province you reside in. This can be paid by Cheque, Visa or MasterCard

If you reside in AB, BC, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT your yearly renewal is $157.50 all taxes included.

If you reside in ON, your yearly renewal is $169.50 all taxes included. If you reside in NS, NB, NL or PE your yearly renewal is $172.50 all

taxes included.

CE requirements when renewing your EPC Designation

CIEPS has a requirement of 30 CE credits annually when you renew your

EPC membership.

Lately we have been receiving questions about the Continuing Education requirements when renewing your EPC Designation.

The following should clarify this for you.

If you are in a profession that requires CE Credits, then we accept that number of CE hours towards your EPC Membership renewal.

If you are in a profession that does not require CE Credits, then you do not require any CE to renew your EPC membership.

EPC Membership Renewal Fee Reminder Please ensure your membership dues are up-to-date.

Annual renewal fee—$150.00 + Applicable taxes for the Province you reside in. This can be paid by Cheque, Visa, MasterCard or email transfer to alex@cieps.com and it will be processed for you.

If you reside in AB, BC, SK, MB, QC, NT, NU or YT your yearly renewal is $157.50 all taxes included.

If you reside in ON, your yearly renewal is $169.50 all taxes included. If you reside in NS, NB, NL or PE your yearly renewal is $172.50 all

taxes included.

Don’t forget to add the taxes for your Province of residence.

Not sure when your renewal is? Check the date on your EPC Certificate. The date you passed your EPC Qualification examination is your renewal date each year.

We email receipts for renewal payments at the end of the month which you paid your dues.

To renew securely online RENEW HERE

ReminderRemember, only an EPC member in good standing may use the EPC mark, the words EPC Designation, or logo on any advertising, business cards, stationery, signage, voice mail or email. This is in accordance with the CIEPS tenets and standards.

PLEASE NOTE!

Just a reminder that when you use your credit card to pay for your EPC tuition, Renewal fees, or purchase anything from the EPC Resource Library, it will show on your statement as CNDIAN INTIVE FOR ELDR ST… Beamsville, ON. With a phone number of 866 833-8606 don’t panic, as this

is the Elder Planning Counselor Designation (EPC).

If you would like to stop receiving this publication, please respond to info@cieps.com with the message “STOP MY PULSE!”

To contact CIEPS:

Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies4438 Ontario Street, Suite 203 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B5 Phone: 866.833.8606 Fax: 866.209.5111