Spring 2021 -- in HTML / in PDF

The Spring 2021 edition of the College and University Retiree Associations of Canada (CURAC) Newsletter is now available on the CURAC/ARUCC website  at https://curac.ca/newsletters/curacarucc-nl/nl-spring2021/.

You can read or print the articles in either French or English.

This edition includes:

• a summary of the results of an important survey on loneliness among retirees conducted by the Association des professeures et professeurs retraités de l’UQAM (with English translation by André Lapierre)
• an article reprinted from University Affairs urging academic administrators to pay attention to retirees
• a report on the CURAC Later Life Learning project
• updates from the President and Treasurer of CURAC/ARUCC
• reminders of important upcoming events and other information that might interest retiree association members
  

A free, online, self-paced course in Infection Prevention and Control for Caregivers and Families is being offered by McMaster Continuing Education.

COVID-19 has shown us how quickly infection can spread and the importance of keeping ourselves and loved ones safe.

Further information can be found in a CCE press release https://mcmastercce.ca/news/1084/new-infection-prevention-and-control-for-caregivers-and-families-course-offered-by-mce.

The direct link to the course and to register is: https://mcmastercce.ca/infection-prevention-and-control

This information is being forwarded on behalf of Gail Elliot, a McMaster retiree.
 
I retired from McMaster University, as the Assistant Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, in 2012. Since retiring, I launched a new business - DementiAbility Enterprises Inc. I chose this name because my ultimate goal is to expose the abilities of those living with dementia. The mission of DementiAbility Enterprises is to move research into action through education, and provision of related resources that are designed for professionals, care partners and those living with dementia.
 
COVID-19 has added a new level of stress for those who are supporting individuals living with dementia. In an effort to help care partners (families, friends and/or neighbours), I have written a new book for caregivers that clearly discusses important connections between the brain, their loved one's life story, the environment and behaviours. The book helps the reader to better understand behaviours and learn how to address the needs of the person in his/her care. The book is filled with practical tools and common-sense approaches that can be used to enable the abilities of their loved one, and, overall, encourages the reader to think differently about dementia. Thus, the title of the book is "Thinking Differently About Dementia: Tips and Tools for Care Partners".  Since writing the book I have been told, "Everyone who is caring for a loved one with dementia needs to read this book".  
 
If people are interested in learning more about DementiAbility's educational events and resources for care partners, professionals and the person living with dementia, visit my website at www.dementiability.com.  (Note:  There are a variety of free downloads - some related to helping individuals living with dementia to understand COVID-19 - as well as other resources such as large print books, bathing guidelines and a book that helps children to understand frontotemporal dementia.)
 
Gail Elliot, BASc, MA
Gerontologist, Educator, Author & Dementia Specialist
Founder, DementiAbility Enterprises Inc.
Website:  www.dementiability.com

Greetings fellow McMaster Retirees,

We are pleased to inform you that the Board of Governors has approved the following increases to pensions effective January 2021:

For retirees of the Salaried Pension Plan, there will be a regular pension increase as outlined below:

Members must have been receiving a pension on June 30, 2019 to receive the full pension increase. Those who retired between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 will receive a pro-rated increase. There will be no supplementary increase this year. Details can be found at: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/pensioner-increase-calculation-salaried-pension-plans/
 
For retirees of the Hourly Pension Plan, unfortunately, there will be no increase.  Details can be found at: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/pensioner-increase-hourly-pension-plan/
 
-  your MURA Council

Canadians are reporting increased stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Hamilton Public Health Services has launched a campaign to support the mental health and well-being of Hamilton residents.
 
Take it one step at a time. Check in with yourself. Take care of yourself. Support your mental health.

• COAST Hamilton: 905-972-8338
• www.hamilton.ca/covidmentalhealth#COVID19

MURA Members and Friends –

The Hamilton Council on Aging has released its April 27 version of:

‘Staying Connected! Information & Resources for Older Adults to Stay Connected, Safe & Healthy at a Distance’

This is a useful summary of resources for older adults in Hamilton. Much of the information is also relevant to those living in other communities.

The resources you'll find there cover these topics:

• sources of online news & information

• St. Matthew’s House Seniors First Response Team

• Healthcare

• Housing insecurity

• Transportation

• Shopping

• Meals on Wheels

• Education & support

• Seniors’ abuse & neglect

• Financial

• Maintaining social connections

• Other useful resources for older adults in Hamilton during COVID-19

Greetings Retirees, 

MURA Council has received a reassuring response from the University to the question “Could there be a disruption or decrease to McMaster retiree defined pension benefit payments as a result of the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on the economy?” The main take away from the response is as follows:

“Benefits payable from the [Defined Benefit] pension plans are not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on financial markets. The plan assets are held in trust, separate from the University’s general revenues. The plans are, and will continue to be, funded in accordance with applicable legislation. The University’s pensioner payroll, delivered by CIBC Mellon Trust Company, remains fully functional and the University does not anticipate payment delays at this time.”

The full response from the University, including contact information, is below.
 
Take good care.
       - your MURA Council
 
Full University response:

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on financial markets, it is understandable that those in receipt of a pension benefit may have questions about what effect the present situation will have on their pension. The University continues to closely monitor the current economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any impact that this will have on the University and its pension plans.

McMaster has three defined benefit (DB) pension arrangements:

Under a DB pension plan, pension benefits are based on a member’s years of service in the pension plan and pensionable earnings, as defined within the applicable pension plan text.

Benefits payable from the DB pension plans are not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on financial markets. The plan assets are held in trust, separate from the University’s general revenues.  The plans are, and will continue to be, funded in accordance with applicable legislation. The University’s pensioner payroll, delivered by CIBC Mellon Trust Company, remains fully functional and the University does not anticipate payment delays at this time.

Questions about your pension benefit can be directed to hr.mcmaster@mcmaster.ca.