Encore
JUNE 2020
The Impact of Social Distancing
by Heather Wood
As it did with all of us, COVID-19 brought tremendous change
to Michelle Viera’s life. The mother of three was arguably better
prepared for lockdown than many — she worked and taught her boys
from home long before the pandemic forced everyone else to do the
same — but then the noise kicked in.
“In the beginning, I saw the ‘silver linings’ in
almost everything, like extra time for doing the
things I enjoy, movie nights with my family, a
slower pace of life,” said Ms Viera, who, be-
fore the pandemic taught water aerobics and
exercises through her company Fluid Fitness
and, with Linda Cook, who owns online retail
store Soltrino.
“I had no problem keeping myself busy be-
tween schooling my kids, teaching my fitness
classes online, studying for certifications,
coming up with new class routines for my wa-
ter aerobics classes, and re-examining a busi-
ness plan for a dying retail business. I had a
nice little routine. As time went on, two weeks
of social distancing became four weeks of not
seeing anyone and then six weeks, and now
I believe we are not going to see the end of
social distancing for some time.”
“My business partner and I decided that
our online retail store, Soltrino, which we
had run for four years, would shut down at
the end of March. The plan was to take the
remaining stock and sell it on Amazon. Retail
in Bermuda is so tricky. Add the fact that we
were online and out of people’s sight, phys-
ically, made it that much harder. People like
to shop online through stores like Amazon
etc. and ship in; they want to go on trips with
friends or family and buy their clothing and
swimwear. It is hard to compete with that.
However, as more and more businesses start
setting up online stores to pivot and keep
their businesses going, we see the opportu-
nity to turn our poor luck around and give it
another try.”
Years from now, when describing to
youngsters what it was like to live through a
pandemic, she believes that forty-somethings
will recall how they missed being surrounded
by friends, getting kisses from loved ones,
chit-chats in the office and neighbourly hugs.
And while Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp
and other social apps enabled communica-
tion, the technology simultaneously highlight-
ed that there was distance.
“I realise that we need other human inter-
action,” Ms Viera said. “Simple interactions
like a football playdate with other kids, a wine
with a girlfriend on the patio, the grocery shop
when you bump into everyone when you are
in a hurry; we need human connections just
as much as we need the air we breathe.”
Victoria Edmonds has worked from home
since her US-based (re) insurance company
ordered staff to do so in March.
The experience has shown her that it is
possible to do much of her job away from
the office but, like Ms Viera, she misses “the
human dynamics”.
“I miss simple things like human interac-
tion, whether at someone’s desk or at the
coffee machine; the general noise and chatter
BE PREPARED
THIS HURRICANE
SEASON
of the office even if I’m not directly involved
in the conversation; the ability to call out to
a cube mate and get a question answered,
or congratulate a colleague on a deal won or
commiserate on a deal lost.”
“Business is so much more than just ‘doing
the deal’. People do business with people
they like, and we get to ‘like each other’ by
getting to know each other in person through
conversations — conversations about work
and personal interests, family, spouses, chil-
dren and all the other aspects of our lives that
make us human.”
SIMPLE INTERACTIONS
LIKE A FOOTBALL PLAYDATE
WITH OTHER KIDS, A WINE
WITH A GIRLFRIEND ON THE
PATIO, THE GROCERY SHOP
WHEN YOU BUMP INTO EVERY-
ONE WHEN YOU ARE IN A HUR-
RY; WE NEED HUMAN CONNEC-
TIONS JUST AS MUCH AS WE
NEED THE AIR WE BREATHE.”
On the plus side, she loves that the pan-
demic has forced the world to slow down,
that it’s hastened an understanding that the
way we have lived for centuries might not be
great for the Earth.
“We have started to realise that the hustle
and bustle is destroying us and our planet
daily,” she said. “During strict lockdown, I
appreciated the peace and the quiet — the
stillness allowing me time to evaluate and
re-evaluate — but today and many other
days, I miss physical interaction and the
human touch. I miss hugging people outside
my immediate home — my family, friends and
loved ones.”
Her movement is particularly restricted as
she lives with a vulnerable person.
“My nephew turned four months old in
April, and all I wanted was to see him and
hold him and smush his fat little cheeks. But
that is not possible. While I appreciate some
of what COVID-19 has given us I am tired of
the sadness, the death, and the economic
damage. I am tired of all that it has taken.”
Emily Ranson-Leverock has used the
pandemic as an opportunity to reflect on the
many positives in her life. Like Ms Edmonds,
she was sent home by her (re) insurance com-
pany in March; with that came the challenge
ACCORDIAN
SHUTTERS
ROLLER
SHUTTERS
of homeschooling two children.
“It’s hard not to view this time in my life
without feeling truly thankful for what I have,”
she said. “I try and focus on that each and
every day. We’ve adjusted in a way that oth-
ers simply weren’t able to, through no fault of
their own. That has stayed with me.”
A valuable lesson for Ms Ranson-Leverock
has been learning that sometimes, “it’s OK to
say no”.
“I can’t do everything I normally would,”
she said. “When we first went into lockdown,
I found myself feeling very anxious. I experi-
enced sleepless nights, I found myself break-
ing out in a sweat and feeling nauseous when
faced with simple things like making a run to
the grocery store. I worried over how I would
juggle two kids in primary school, a full-time
job and looking after us all on the home front.
But by saying no and limiting what I take on
(we can’t always get through all the home
school activities and, surprisingly, the kids
don’t seem to be any worse off — they’re just
learning different things!), it’s been easier to
manage my anxiety as time progresses.
“I’ve been really impressed with the kind-
ness of my work colleagues and their sensi-
tivity to what we’re all juggling at home. It’s
not just about how much work you can turn
out or plough through, it’s also about a caring
mindset in the new virtual workspace.”
Also helpful is that her husband Michael
has risen to the occasion, proving himself as
“the most amazing partner” through it all.
“He handles childcare with me, often doing
more than his fair share because his work
is more flexible than mine. And his natural
tendency is to find the good in everything, so
he is upbeat and cheers me on. I’m certainly
far more appreciative of my partner now I see
how well we work together when faced with
challenges. Overall, I think we’ve learned a lot
as a family, and I know that I can cope with
far more than I ever thought.”
She’s hoping to pay her good fortune
forward by supporting “the local economy
and small businesses as Bermuda returns to
a somewhat normal way of life”.
It’s the help that entrepreneurs like Surlena
Smith, owner of natural deodorant PondaPits,
will need. After-sales tanked as a result of
COVID-19, she took out a long-term micro-
loan with the Bermuda Economic Devel-
opment Corporation, set up a website and
expanded her product range.
Without that help, she doubts her business
would have survived.
“That is basically the cheapest money you
can get on the island,” said Ms Smith, who
has four years to repay the loan. “It is a breath
of fresh air that the BEDC is able to offer a
cheap interest rate, as well as offering a grant.
“Without the BEDC’s help, I don’t think I
would be able to pivot at all or have my head
above water. I am still in a breaking even type
of place in my business. I believe with this
boost from the BEDC, I will be able to be a
profitable situation.”
The business lesson wasn’t the only thing
she learned after Bermuda shuttered shops in
a bid to limit the disease’s spread.
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GLASS COMPANY”
LEXAN PANELS
Add a touch of class. Add a touch of glass.
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Homeschooling her 12-year-old daughter
brought greater awareness of her skills in that
department. “It’s been hell,” she laughed. “I
don’t know how teachers can do it.”
However, were it not for COVID-19 her
family would have never had its own garden
and might never have realised how much
they could accomplish in a kitchen, Ms Smith
added.
“We planted our garden the first week we
got locked down, and it was wonderful. By
Week 3 we were getting salads from our yard.
“[During shelter in place you couldn’t] just
order out. You had to cook everything on your
own. That was great. I’ve been digging out
the recipe books. Some things have turned
out great, and some things have turned out
… oh my God, try again. Even the child has
gotten into cooking and is doing a good job.
So this has been a great experience for that,
of family bonding and getting the house kind
of in order.
As a family that plays well together — “my
husband and I are actually friends” — lock-
down offered the chance to explore the neigh-
bourhood and taught them to be creative in
their search for “alone time”.
“We went to places that we haven’t seen
before, we discovered new things and so for
us as a couple it’s been fantastic, but with the
child too, it gets kind of sticky. Because when
do you have alone time now? They don’t go
to school. But it’s been fantastic, it really has.
At the end of this will people really be able
to return back to normal? I really doubt that.
What is it gonna look like exactly?”
However it looks, Ms Viera is hopeful that
her businesses will continue to be a part of
the picture.
“I am doing a lot of studying to renew
certifications and adding new ones for my
business, Fluid Fitness. This business has
come to a halt due to shelter-in-place and
social distancing. I do expect to see signifi-
cant changes in how I operate my classes this
year. As a business that deals directly with
people, I am going to need to find ways to
pivot and keep reaching.”
Zoom helped her shift the focus of her
classes from water aerobics to strength
training. Mindful of what was happening with
many workplaces around her, she left it to
the people who signed up to decide what, if
anything, to pay.
“I wanted these classes to be an outlet
of stress relief, so the classes are offered on
a donation basis. If someone cannot pay, it
does not matter. However, I do have many
people who can donate, and for that, I am
incredibly grateful.
“If I were to look back on this time in my
life 10, 20, or 30 years from now, I may cry
at the lives lost, or the hardships that people
endured, I may laugh at the little inconve-
niences or annoyances that I faced, but what
I will remember is the kindness and humanity
that I saw in people, how people were willing
to lend a helping hand, or businesses offering
their services to keep people believing in the
greater good.”
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special orders
15% off stock
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 Encore
Maintaining an Emotionally Healthy
Work Environment at Home
By Latisha Lister-Burgess, EAP Bermuda

Home Repairs and Renovations Many of us may now be work-

ing from home and juggling the
competing pressures of parenting
4. Let’s take this time to delib-
erately choose what we want
this “new normal” to look like.
and employment. Here are 6 tips to Is it starting our day off with a
THE ONES TO AVOID AND THE ONES TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE navigate during this time provided
by Latisha Lister-Burgess, Execu-
leisurely breakfast and allow-
ing ourselves to sit for a little
tive Director, Employee Assistance longer and absorb the mo-
In a quest to keep busy while you are social how the home would func- changing.
Programme (EAP) Bermuda: ment? Balancing parenting and
distancing and spending a great deal of time tion for them,” she added. If you have a sufficient
working may mean getting up
at home, many property owners are tempted There is nothing wrong budget, it’s a great idea 1. Accept that you will constant- earlier to answer emails while
to embark on home improvement projects. with installing high-end to figure out how to add ly be readjusting and finding they are asleep or scheduling
appliances and lighting a home office onto your a new balance. Since March,
But choosing the right repairs and upgrades meetings while they are in their
fixtures if they are solely dwelling, and even building our household has managed
to ensure that your efforts increase your for your own enjoyment, a small workspace into an
virtual classrooms. My day now
property value requires some careful thought. the delicate balance of work- includes the benefit of extended
but bear in mind that once alcove or a converting a ing while parenting two small
I sat down with Coldwell Banker Bermuda lunch breaks with my children,
something is attached (or large closet can generate a children. While my husband
Realty Agency Manager Susan Thompson or even cuddling up for an
fixed) to the wall or ceiling, good return on your invest- was at home, he handled the
and Sales Representatives Karen Brine and afternoon nap. Figure out the
it becomes a “fixture” and ment down the road. day-to-day management of our balance that works for your
Rochelle Swan to discuss the ins and outs of is considered to be part of For the more ambitious, children, as I focused more on household.
making upgrades. the property if you sub- try to figure out how to work. Once he returned to work,
sequently put your house convert part of your current however, we had to readjust yet 5. Try something new! Since April,
on the market, unless it is space into a self-contained again, and are already discuss- EAP Bermuda has transitioned
As you might expect, kitch- family space when people specifically listed as an ex- apartment with a separate ing new adjustments for Phase to online training, and we are
en upgrades top the list come over. clusion in the terms of sale. entrance. “Not only could 3 and 4 of Bermuda’s re-open- now teaching literally hundreds
when it comes to adding However, be aware that Painting over dark or this be used by an elderly ing. of people each week. Our ability
value to your property. not all embellishments dated wall colours is an- relative; given the high to deliver timely and relevant
“Your kitchen is the heart of increase property value, other great way to update a cost of real estate, it would 2. See the positives in this situ- content in a manner that is
your home,” explained Ms and if you are a tenant, you space if you want to make increase the desirably of ation. As a working mother, I easily accessible to people has
Swan, “when you entertain most likely will need your improvements on a really your property to a potential often felt that I did not spend been well received by the com-
these days, people always landlord’s permission be- tight budget, and even sim- buyer if you decide to sell enough time at home. My pre- munity. What new idea are you
flock to the kitchen”. So fore making any changes. ply rearranging the furniture at some point in the future”, COVID daily routine consisted of sitting on that could revolution-
it’s little wonder that a “It’s important to keep in and opening the blinds can explained Mrs Thompson. spending at least eight hours at ize your business? Now is the
large kitchen island which mind that there is a signifi- make a space seem bigger “Purchasers are always work, then having less than two time to test it out, fine-tune it,
enables you to cook and cant difference between re- and more attractive. There looking for properties with hours with my children before and try something new.
entertain all in the same decorating or renovating to is also a lot that can be a unit attached that they their bedtime. Now, I can create
space is a highly desirable satisfy “personal taste” and achieved simply by groom- could rent out to defray a workday that includes quality 6. Take care of your emotional
feature to add to any home, making improvements that ing your garden, planting a the cost of the mortgage time playing outside or actually health. The reality is we are
particularly if the structure increase property value,” few flowers, and defining a payment”. sitting down and having lunch all more stressed in light of
has an open floor plan in said Mrs. Brine “Closing space for outdoor enter- As with any investment, with them. COVID-19. Our worries about
which the kitchen area off doorways or removing taining. the key to successful our health, our finances, our
flows directly into the living walls in the wrong places Curb appeal still counts upgrading is to do your re- 3. Set yourself up for success. It employment, and our families
room. can deter would-be pur- for a lot to potential home search first. Establish what is important that we continue can all raise our anxiety lev-
Equally, given that many chasers and negatively im- buyers. “You only get one your intended alterations to figure out how to be effec- els. Now is the time to make a
older Bermuda houses pact your property value.” chance to make a good will cost and consult a real tive and efficient while working deliberate choice to work on
were constructed with Extreme colours might impression, so it’s worth estate professional regard- from home. Get your day off to ourselves. Be deliberate about
only one bathroom, you suit your personal taste, taking the time to do the ing the sort of return that the right start with exercise, a self-care: talk to a therapist,
really can’t go wrong by but they can be very small things like putting a you can expect to achieve quick shower and dress appro- try meditation or yoga, or take
figuring out how to add a off-putting to potential coat of paint on the front with your contemplated priately for the day. Once you nature walks.
second bathroom to your buyers and even negatively door, or updating the nobs alterations. are at your desk, show up ready
home. Particularly if your impact your home’s salabil- and drawer pulls in the to work. Make a to-do list and Latisha Lister-Burgess is encourag-
one existing bathroom is ity. “I always recommend kitchens and bathrooms,” For professional recom- tackle each item with discipline ing us all to be gentle with our-
on the second floor, Ms that people express their explained Ms Swan. mendations on how to and remember to maintain good selves during this time of change
Swan recommends trying personal taste in their When considering po- make the most of your lines of communication with and transition. For support in
to work out how to add at furniture but use a neutral tential upgrades, it is also renovation budget contact your co-workers. Remember, managing your work/life balance,
least a half bathroom to the palette for the house itself important to keep in mind Coldwell Banker via Susan now is not the time to slack off contact EAP Bermuda at info@eap.
main level of your house, to – this makes it easier for a that the way people use Thompson at 247-1802. or shirk your responsibilities: the bm or call 292-9000.
protect the privacy of our potential buyer to visualize space within their home is work still has to get done.
 Encore

Sandwich Outdoor Upgrades

Generation
Issues
How to help older parents
manage their finances and
daily needs when you are
struggling too.
By Robin Trimingham
Even in the most communicative of families, money seems to be
the one topic that almost no one is comfortable talking about. But
ironically, due to the high cost of living in Bermuda, it is a subject
that is on just about everyone’s mind.
Seniors living on fixed pension incomes
are particularly vulnerable to financial
instability. Yet they are also the least
likely to admit when they are beginning
to struggle because they are fearful of
losing their independence, making it
very difficult for adult children to know
when or how to offer assistance. Dianne
Blais, Vice President of Private Banking
and Financial Planning for Butterfield
says it’s time for more open dialogue.
But how do you begin a conversation
regarding financial competence with
the elderly parent that you have always
looked to for advice when you are
struggling to manage your own finances
and meet all the demands of your own
family?
There is no simple answer to this situ-
ation, and even in affluent families, there
is frequently no seamless communica-
tion between the generations regarding
financial matters.
The key thing for members of the
Sandwich Generation (those people who
simultaneously have elderly parents and
children of their own) to understand is
that “their elderly parents were just not
raised to discuss their finances with
anyone,” says Ms Blais. “Money was
pretty much a taboo subject that you did
not talk about regardless of whether you
had a little or a lot. It takes time to build
trust with your adult parents so that
they begin to feel comfortable sharing
information.”
When seeking to assist a parent in
manage their finances, it’s important to
discuss their situation with any and all
siblings to get everyone’s agreement
on the approach that will be used from
the outset. “Family discussions about
50 •
money are never easy. It might be best
for the sibling with the most financial ex-
pertise, or the one who is closest to the
elderly parent, to take this on,” advises
Ms Blais.
As a Certified Financial Planner, Ms
Blais frequently works with both elderly
high net worth clients and individuals
seeking to make a financial plan to
transition from the work world to retired
life. She recommends that everyone
begin by coming to grips with where
their money is actually going, by analys-
ing their expenses, and then using what
they learn to make a budget to maxi-
mise savings and uncover opportunities
for investment. This same advice applies
to assisting elderly parents.
One of the key things to consider is
whether the current categories of ex-
penses are likely to decrease or increase
over time. “Travel, for example, might
well increase during the first phase of
retirement and decrease over time, but
conversely, healthcare costs will most
likely continue to rise throughout the
remainder of a person’s life”, Ms Blais
explains.
To effectively assist an elderly rela-
tive, family members really need to start
discussing financial matters before any
real problems arise and get into the
habit of framing these discussions as
part of a larger, broad-based conver-
sation regarding all aspects of ageing
ranging from diminishing health, and
ability to drive a vehicle safely, to the
pros and cons of downsizing or making
adjustments to an older person’s home
to enable them to live independently.
Similarly, Ms Blais also recommends
discussing the many ways that seniors
can be open to exploitation and over-
charging by unscrupulous vendors.
“Starting the conversation by explaining
the steps that you have taken personally
to improve your own record-keeping
and financial security by using cards to
make purchases instead of cash, and
setting up automatic payments online,
often resonates better with older parents
than simply lecturing them regarding
what they should be doing.”
Certainly, the advent of COVID-19
has highlighted the importance of peo-
ple of all ages (and particularly seniors)
making the most of the online banking
and permanent record of transaction
functions that institutions such as But-
terfield offer, and provides every family
with a justifiable opportunity to start
holding these difficult conversations.
Currently, persons aged 60+ com-
prise about 25% of Butterfield’s total
number of online users, but as the
percentage of island residents in this
age bracket is quickly increasing, Ms
Blais anticipates that this figure is likely
to rise.
While the notion of switching to on-
line banking can be intimidating at first,
if you have always paid for things with
cash, Butterfield’s Relationship Manag-
ers can arrange for seniors to get assis-
tance in learning to navigate Butterfield
Online over the phone, or in-person at a
Banking Centre when the current restric-
tions are eased.
While social distancing measures
are in place, Butterfield is offering se-
niors-only banking services at the tem-
porary Banking Centre at its Rosebank
building (11 Bermudiana Road) and will
continue to reassess the situation as the
economy restarts.
For further information regarding Butter-
field’s Wealth Advisory Group or to sign
up for Butterfield Online, please contact
295-1111.
That Add Value
Landscaping projects to increase
property value
By Vicki Abraham
There are many reasons for homeowners to
embark on new landscaping projects, not the
least being that it can increase the value of your
property, while also enhancing your lifestyle.
These exterior upgrades will
increase property value and
make your home irresistible to
a buyer.
AESTHETIC UPGRADES
The front of your house and
street view is important –
first impressions can be the
“make or break” factor of
your negotiations.
Realtor, Hilary Haldeman
of Keller Williams Bermuda
suggests; “Upgrade your
front door area with a hedge
or well-maintained plants, a
garden bed or large outdoor
pot with a manicured tree for
a decorative statement.”
Look around at the trees
on your property, are they
healthy and well cared for?
While it may not be the
most exciting project, it’s
worth doing. In a recent
report from the U.S. National
Association of Realtors, tree
care ranked in the top five
projects that increase appeal
to buyers. Mrs Haldeman
says the same is true in the
Bermuda market. “Trees can
be an asset or a liability. It’s
prudent for a seller to keep
their trees healthy, dead or
dying trees can distract from
the value of your house. And,
if placed strategically, trees
can be used to help with
privacy by shielding the yard
from neighbours.”
“An outdoor makeover
such as adding stone plant-
ers, a stone walkway, planting
a few flowering shrubs or a
sizable tree and laying mulch
or river stones in a garden
bed can see a meaningful
return on your investment
– spend a little to help the
sale.”
The same is true for a
good-looking lawn. “Put
the time and energy into
maintaining your lawn. Well
planned and healthy land-
scaping can be an indication
of the love and care the seller
has for the entire house”, said
Mrs Haldeman.
“I’m also a fan of tasteful
outdoor lighting. The ambi-
ence it creates can trigger a
sense of luxurious outdoor
living and a relaxed lifestyle.
There are many options for
subtle outdoor lighting and
décor that increase appeal.”
LIFESTYLE UPGRADES
If you’re looking to up-level
your landscaping for your
own enjoyment, consider
these features that will also
likely add value to your home.
FIREPIT
Who doesn’t love to sit
around a fire watching the
stars, sharing stories and
melting marshmallows?
Good in Bermuda year-round,
an outdoor fire pit, gas or
wood-burning, is an asset to
your living space.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
If you have the space for it,
take your yard up a notch and
install a patio area or decking
to expand your living space or
even consider a built-in out-
door kitchen for the ultimate
outdoor lifestyle.
Doing even one of these
outdoor projects can posi-
tively impact the value of your
home and the quality of your
family time for as long as you
live there.

Ensuring a Passion for Life

Robin Trimingham significantly improves and get will need the coverage - and
your premium lowered”. pays out to your declared
Although end-of-life planning might not be Mrs. Maiato, who is very (in advance) beneficiary if
everyone’s favourite subject, making sure that passionate about helping you die within this coverage
your life insurance coverage is aligned with your educate people regarding the period. Term life policies are
life goals has many advantages says Jessica positive aspects of future life available in ten, twenty, and
Maiato of Freisenbruch Meyer. planning wants to change the thirty-year increments, or until
conversation. She believes the age of sixty-five. They are
that there is a lot to be gained the least expensive option.
As a young individual, she re- out on death of the insured by encouraging people to Conversely, a whole life in-
ally never gave much thought is probably the stumbling think very carefully about surance policy provides cov-
to planning for her future until block,” she says. what they want to accom- erage for your entire life up to
she herself was married with Fear of undergoing plish in life overall. the age of 105 years and in-
a small child. Suddenly she medical exams and rumours Planning to start a busi- cludes a savings component
understood what it was like of high monthly premiums ness, or purchase a rental known as a “cash value”.
to want to protect the people have done little to help island property or help send your The premiums for whole life two types of life insurance Not surprisingly, policies
she loved, but unsure how residents gain access to the children or grandchildren to policies are typically paid for policies: (insert diagram here) are typically the least expen-
best to go about this - or how information that they real- college? The right form of ten or twenty-year terms, but “As a rule, Mrs. Maiato sive if purchased when you
to accomplish this financially. ly need to make informed life insurance can help make they are an investment that recommends that everyone are in your twenties and in
And her personal experience decisions. this happen. Planning to live will continue to earn interest should review their level of in- good health. If you are over
has made her very keen to “While the results of the alone? It’s still important to as long as you live. surance coverage at every life the age of fifty, it is still quite
help others get the facts. mandatory medical exam do ensure that a relative won’t Because you “own” the milestone such as: starting a possible to get coverage and
“On average, only three influence the cost of cov- be burdened with the cost policy, it can also be re- new job, marriage, the birth talking to a life insurance
out of ten Bermudians cur- erage, people don’t really of your final expenses if you deemed while you are still of a child, divorce, retirement, specialist can help identify a
rently have life insurance and think about the fact that it pass away. living to help pay for medi- or when adult children leave plan for meeting your specific
many of those are underin- can also uncover a lurking There are two main types cal treatment, unexpected home. Other life events that coverage needs.
sured,” says Mrs. Maiato. condition while treatment is of life insurance: term of life expenses, or even as an can affect your coverage
“Most people just shy away still quite possible,” Maiato coverage and whole of life (or alternate form of retirement needs include: purchasing Jessica Maiato is a Life
from the subject altogeth- explains. “It’s also possible permanent) coverage. Term savings. a high-end vehicle or boat, Insurance Sales Agent at
er because of the negative to undergo another exam at of life covers you only for a The following diagram taking out a business loan, Freisenbruch-Meyer. Contact
connotations associated with some point in the future if you specified number of years – provides a more detailed end-of-life planning and in- her at 294-4618 for a free
it. The fact that it only pays quit smoking or your health for the years you believe you comparison between these heritance considerations, etc. consultation.

6x3 AD Medical House

 Encore
Tips for Starting
60 • a Business in
Retirement
By Robin Trimingham

It goes without saying that the onset

The Impact of the Pandemic on Older People

By Martha Pitman, Solstice
The COVID-19 pandemic is a transforming event for which
none of us was prepared, and which will continue to
impact us with ever-changing guidelines and unexpected
consequences. Many of the current challenges for older
people are similar to those of younger people - social
distancing, boredom, disruption of our normal routines,
and travel restrictions. However, the impact on older
people has some unique aspects.
The term “older people” is expan-
sive – covering those who are still
independent and lead very active
lives, to those who are mental-
ly or physically frail and unable
to actively engage in meaning-
ful activities. There is also the
personal range of circumstances,
finances, health, support networks
and resiliency which make each
of us unique and affects how the
pandemic will impact us.
The primary impact is the
increased vulnerability of older
people to the disease itself. Al-
though all age groups can acquire
and transmit the Coronavirus, and
some of the younger population
have become very sick, the older
population continues to be much
more susceptible. As we get older,
our immune systems get weaker,
and we are less robust in fighting
diseases. We are apt to be sicker,
take longer to recover, and are at
higher risk of death.
Because people are living lon-
ger than previous generations, we
tend to have more comorbidities
– other medical conditions which
impact our overall health. Our
medications may be immunosup-
pressants, further compromising
the immune system. In Bermuda,
there are high rates of diabetes
and obesity, two major risk factors
for Covid-19. Seniors’ nursing
homes have become particularly
vulnerable to the Coronavirus, as
well as islands of isolation be-
cause of restrictions on visitors.
Shelter-in-place and social
distancing have been particularly
onerous for some. Isolation and
loneliness have been issues facing
many older adults living on their
own even before the Coronavirus.
Research has shown that lone-
liness and isolation can impact
our health and mortality. Cardio-
vascular, inflammatory, hormon-
al, sleep-related, and emotional
factors are all relevant, and studies
suggest that the impact of iso-
lation and loneliness on health
and mortality are as significant as
high blood pressure, obesity, and
smoking.
We are a social species. Our
social networks (families, tribes,
communities, etc.) enable us to
survive and thrive, and we are
psychologically and biologically
“programmed” to need connectiv-
ity. It is logical that social isolation
may impose stress on our minds
and bodies, which has a signifi-
cant impact on health.
Many have been surprised by
the impact of losing their normal
means of interacting with people
– social get-togethers, dining out,
gym, spas, volunteering, church
services, etc. Youth is about the
world getting bigger (growth); age-
ing is a lot about loss, and a need
to explore new avenues to find
meaning and joy. Retired seniors
may find their friendships gradu-
ally fall away, and their remaining
friendships are therefore, a very
important part of their support
system.
Unlike younger adults who
often communicate through texts
and social media, older people
are usually more comfortable with
face-to-face interaction and phone
calls. However, for those who have
access to computers - internet,
email, and social media have been
wonderful for staying in touch
with friends (here and abroad) and
keeping up-to-date with the news.
iPads and Kindles are great for
downloading books.
Older couples are not immune
to the effects of social distancing.
If one of the spouses is in poor
health, the other spouse may be
burdened with more work if their
usual resources have become
unavailable. The healthy spouse
has the increased worry about the
ill partner getting the Coronavirus
and doesn’t have his/her normal
outlets to provide stress release.
There may also be more tension
between spouses when they
are together all the time, when
normally they would have outside
activities to provide balance and
variety to their days.
As we age, we learn to adapt to
losses and ever-changing circum-
stances, many of which, like the
Coronavirus, are unpredictable. As
with other life-changing events, we
go through a process of emotional
distress, acceptance, and re-ad-
justment as we find our equilibri-
um and a new normal. In a recent
article on Upworthy.com, Beirut
trauma psychologist Alaa Hijazi
refers to the psychological burden
that the pandemic is causing:
“We are going through a col-
lective trauma that is bringing up
profound grief, loss, panic over
livelihoods, panic over the loss
of loved ones. People’s nervous
systems are barely coping with the
sense of threat and vigilance for
safety or alternating with feeling
numb and frozen and shutting
down in response”.
We need “more self-compas-
sion, gentle acceptance of all the
difficult emotions (emerging), more
focus on gentler ways to soothe
ourselves and our pain and the
pain of loved ones.”
Our brains are wired to re-
act to uncertainty with fear. The
pandemic has caused our sense
of normality to be turned upside
down, instilling uncertainty and
anxiety. We feel stress because
of social distancing, the curtailing
of our regular routines, and the
uncertainty of the duration of the
Coronavirus and its full impact on
us socially, personally and eco-
nomically. Fear and uncertainty
stress everyone, but they can
have a greater impact on the more
vulnerable – such as older people
living alone and feeling isolated,
or those with pre-existing men-
tal health issues. We try to have
structure and predictability in our
ISOLATION AND LONELINESS HAVE BEEN
ISSUES FACING MANY OLDER ADULTS LIVING ON
THEIR OWN EVEN BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS
lives because then life feels more
manageable and secure, and we
don’t have to use as much energy
in figuring everything out.
In stressful situations like this,
there are physiological respons-
es taking place in our bodies as
stress hormones increase. Every
time we worry or are stressed,
the repeated “hits” accumulate.
Even when you don’t think you are
doing very much; the anxiety and
strain can be exhausting. Stress
can also make you feel over-
whelmed with decision fatigue.
As one friend succinctly told me,
she was paralyzed by the decision
of whether to watch Netflix in the
den or in bed!” Boredom can also
cause stress and lethargy. With
social distancing, we are not get-
ting our normal positive interac-
tions that boost our spirits. Anoth-
er normally very active friend said
her biggest challenges were: “lack
of structure, getting the incentive
to do anything- like get up in the
morning, and the ‘the woman in a
dressing gown’ syndrome”.
You need a lot of energy for
cognitive work, so all our worry-
ing and rumination suck up our
energy. People are thus experi-
encing more sleep disturbances,
anxiety, agitation, and depression.
Worrying binds anxiety and gives
it a focus, so it isn’t free-floating
and over-whelming. Some anxiety
is normal, as these are stressful
times, and anxiety signals that
something is awry. It becomes a
problem if it is exaggerated and
dominates our life.
We have evolved for surviv-
al, not happiness, so we have a
natural tendency to focus on the
negative. With a lot of alone time
during the pandemic, we can
spend too much time dwelling on
past problems and fretting about
future problems. The practise of
mindfulness helps us to focus on
the present, instead of the endless
chatter in our heads. Reframing
your situation by using self-talk to
minimize the awful and put it into
a more positive light helps reduce
anxiety. Instead of thinking “this is
devastating, and I won’t be able to
cope”, try “this is uncomfortable,
but it will get better, and I can
manage a day at a time”.
Older people may not have the
pressures of a job or young chil-
dren, but they may have concerns
about finances, worry about family
and their own health, and being
unable to engage in the social
interaction and activities that they
have developed post-retirement to
create a meaningful life. During the
more restrictive social distancing
phases, some older adults living
alone have been able to move in
with their adult children, to prevent
unwelcome isolation. On-line
grocery services have been a big
asset to many who find grocery
shopping onerous because of the
restrictions. Zoom exercise class-
es can also be an option for the
homebound.
It is said that the nature of
life is change, but the nature
of human beings is to resist
change. Resiliency is the ability
to adapt to change and recov-
er from misfortunes. Most older
adults have been through many
difficult and challenging times.
They have hopefully developed
resiliency, and some tolerance for
the discomforts imposed by the
pandemic.
Older people fear losing their
mobility and independence. Our
focus should be on those things
we can control (unfortunately not
the pandemic!). Eating regularly,
exercising in any way that you
are able, sleeping regular hours,
establishing some structure and
routine to your days, nurturing
friendships and family connec-
tions, cultivating activities that you
can enjoy at home. Don’t spend
your day listening to the news.
It’s nice to keep up to date, but
constantly listening to or reading
depressing news can, well, make
you depressed!
Don’t hesitate to reach out for
help and use community resourc-
es if available. It is expected that
the pandemic will cause an in-
crease in mental health problems.
If you have a concern and need
help, make an appointment to
talk to a professional therapist or
counsellor, either in person or via
tele-therapy.
Martha Pitman is a counsellor at
Solstice, who works primarily with
older adults. For more information,
contact her at info@solstice.bm or
call 292-3456.
of the global pandemic and con-
sequent shutting down of nearly
the entire Bermuda economy is an
unprecedented event in our island’s
history and will challenge many of us
to embrace a new way of life and a
new way of working like never before.
Erica Smith, the Executive Director
of the Bermuda Economic Develop-
ment Corporation (BEDC) believes
that the current crisis is the perfect
opportunity for anyone with an entre-
preneurial spirit to step forward with a
business idea. However, older work-
ers who have been used to working
for one employer doing just one form
of work for most of their lives, initially
may find it a bit of a shock that the
new “gig” economy will likely result
in them working for multiple people
doing a variety of different tasks.
Another issue to consider is that
historically, Bermuda has had a mixed
response to ecommerce as a way to
sell, or access products and services,
but as everyone appreciates the need
to remain safe, this attitude is chang-
ing rapidly.
Ms. Smith says that “Anyone
considering starting a business needs
to think carefully about how the world
will operate post Covid-19 and come
up with ways to embrace ecommerce
by providing goods and services
online”.
If possible, she recommends that
older workers start developing a re-
tirement business idea while they are
still in the employ of someone else, so
that they have time to develop their
business plan and determine if they
have enough start-up capital to see
them through the first six months of
operation.
Given that this option is not possi-
ble for people who are not working at
the moment, Ms. Smith still believes
that there are great opportunities for
anyone who has a business idea and
the drive and commitment to develop
it and make it work.
In this respect, older workers have
many things going for them says Ms.
Smith, “they have a valuable perspec-
tive on life and knowledge and expe-
rience that can serve them well when
it comes to starting a business. Older
workers also have innate patience
and perseverance which enable them
to stay the course when starting a
business in retirement – qualities that
make for a great entrepreneur”.
But as with all new ventures, Ms.
Smith also stresses that entrepreneurs
need to realize that starting a busi-
ness in the post Covid-19 world does
involve risk, and the key to mitigating
this risk is to think very strategically
about how you will leverage an online
market to match the service that you
provide to the needs of consumers.
The BEDC is working hard behind
the scenes to streamline the business
start-up process by accepting online
applications and developing a “one-
stop-shop” environment to assist
applicants in connecting with offices
of the tax commissioner, social insur-
ance, and banking requirements.
Further information on starting a
business in Bermuda can be found on
the BEDC website at: www.bedc.bm,
by emailing at info@bedc.bm, or by
calling 441-292-5570.

AGEING & DISABILITY SERVICES

Ageing & Disability Services (ADS) mission
is to protect seniors and persons with
disabilities from abuse, neglect and
exploitation, with a supported vision of
protecting with passion, purpose and
perseverance.
ADS provides a diverse portfolio of services – its primary
responsibilities are:
• Managing cases related to the needs of seniors and persons
with disabilities via case management; including coordinating
services, awareness and programme delivery.
• Investigating allegations of senior abuse.
• Providing accessibility consultations.
• Providing direct support for persons with intellectual
disabilities in the community through day programme
services at the K. Margaret Carter Centre (formerly
Opportunity Workshop).
CASE MANAGEMENT
Case Managers at Ageing and Disability Services connect
seniors and persons with disabilities to the resources they
need in our community through referrals and advocacy to
ensure delivery of services.
Case Managers also work with clients and their families to
develop case plans based on assessments to aid our clients in
living a better quality of life.
The case management team is also responsible for assisting
with investigations of senior abuse.
SENIOR ABUSE REGISTRAR
The Senior Abuse Act is enforced and monitored by the
Registrar. Cases of alleged abuse are reported to the Registrar.
Investigations are coordinated with assistance from the case
management team.
GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA
Department of Health
ACCESSIBILITY
ADS Accessibility Officer monitors buildings and ensures
contractors, home owners and architects are up to date
with the approved building code and their dwellings meet
accessibility requirements.
K. MARGARET CARTER CENTRE
The K. Margaret Carter Centre is a Government- managed
training and production centre that provides vibrant, ability-
focused enrichment programmes and training. Additionally,
components of their integrated production programme are:
• Employment Training
• Functional Skills
• Production Centre
• Treatment
• Adult Day Centre
Ageing & Disability Services (ADS)
Continental Building, 25 Church Street, Hamilton HM12
T: 441-292-7802 • F: 441-292-9125 • Email: ads@gov.bm
Website: www.gov.bm

Ageing
in Place
By Annabel Cooper
As we and the people we love get older, our
homes can be more difficult to live in, particularly
in Bermuda where many involve steps just to get
to the front door, and that’s before negotiating
slippery bathroom floors, staircases, low chairs
and high beds.
We speak to some experts
about how to retrofit your
house so you can maintain
the independence and com-
fort that only your own home
will allow.
Once we enter our
twilight years, accessibility
generally can start to be-
come a problem. Common
issues people could experi-
ence “are that they become
unsteady on their feet, start
to lose peripheral vision, or
develop memory loss just to
name a few,” said Bermuda
Red Cross Executive Direc-
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS CAN
PROBLEM SOLVE CHALLENGES AND
LIMITATIONS IN AND AROUND THE HOME
tor, Ann Spencer-Arscott.
While there is a wide
range of specialised equip-
ment available to either
rent from the Bermuda Red
Cross or buy from Medical
House or Lighthouse Medi-
cal, it is useless if you can’t
get through your front door
or down your corridors.
“A lot of homes in Ber-
muda are old cottages, and
have tight and tiny entrances
into their rooms,” explained
Tinee Furbert, Occupational
Therapist at Medical House.
If you want to remain at
home, she said “you should
definitely consider widening
your doorways to at least
32-34 inches. You also want
to make sure that the most
commonly used areas are
accessible and that your
bedroom, bathroom and
kitchen (or kitchenette) are
all on one level.”
Walette Cross, BHB Allied
Health Services’ Occupa-
tional Therapist Clinical
Supervisor, added that
“significant changes and
appropriate adaptations and
modifications can be costly
and can mean major reno-
vations.” With this in mind,
she advised consulting an
Occupational Therapist be-
fore embarking on such an
endeavour:
“Occupational therapists
can problem solve challeng-
es and limitations in and
around the home,” she said.
“They can make recommen-
dations for equipment and
the most necessary home
modifications and adapta-
tions.”
According to Mike
Serebrennik, Director of
Clinical Affairs at Lighthouse
Medical Supplies Ltd., when
it comes to fixtures and
fittings, the most commonly
needed equipment for se-
niors includes bathroom and
bedroom safety equipment,
mobility aids and accessi-
bility equipment. He also
warned that “falls are most
frequent and most severe
in bathrooms, where there
are many hard and slippery
surfaces.”
He particularly recom-
mended removing tripping
hazards such as rugs, im-
proving lighting throughout
the premises and installing
accessibility aids such
as wheelchair ramps, if a
person uses a wheelchair.
Grab bars in the bathroom
and lift chairs, generally, can
help someone rise from the
sitting position more easily.
Stairlifts can make floors
more reachable, and he said
that “accessible bathtubs
can make bathing possible
again.”
Similarly, Ms Furbert
explained that it is quite
common to install bath
or shower chairs into the
bathtub or shower. “They
even make a device whereby
you sit in the tub, and it will
lower you down into it.”
Toilet and furniture height
can make a difference to
the quality of life as we age,
she continued. “Make sure
your toilet height is at least
17 inches from the floor,”
and when buying furniture,
“make sure it is not too low,
or that there is at least a bar
stool or living room set that
is up higher.” Anything that
is 15 inches from the ground
or less is usually too low.
For the bedroom, Ms
Furbert said that if she had
to get a new bed now, she
would get one where the
head or the feet rise, “so I
can put my feet up and my
head up, and that will help
me as I age, in case I expe-
rience swelling in my legs or
digestive issues. They make
beds that don’t look like
hospital beds, but still have
those features.”
Other general modifica-
tions that she recommended
for older people include
replacing knobs on cabinets,
doors, or faucets with a lever
as it is “easier to manipulate
a lever versus a knob.”
Another useful device,
particularly for seniors living
on their own, is a medical
alert system. “Person-
al alarm systems for the
elderly have their benefits,”
said Ms Cross. “Most are
activated by a push button
on a wearable device such
as a pendant or wrist band.”
She added that for those
who are able to use them
efficiently, they are good for
providing quick access to
medical help and peace of
mind.
The devices available
from Bermuda Security
Encore
Group allow the user to
communicate with their
central station, permit
caregivers to keep in touch,
can be programmed to give
automated reminders, and
include a GPS system so the
wearer can be located easily
in an emergency.
A major concern for
seniors needing to retrofit
their homes is cost.
Renovations and medical
equipment are not cheap.
One way to ease the funding
issue, said Ms Furbert, is
to think about this early on.
“When people are build-
ing their homes initially, or
buying a home, take into
consideration that we age,
and ask yourself, how are
you going to use the home
as you age?”
If renting equipment from
the Red Cross, Ms Spen-
cer-Arscott encouraged
customers “to speak to their
insurance company to find
out if rented equipment is
covered under their poli-
cy.” She added that “where
possible we do work with
MAKE A PLAN
Personalized service with
financial and tax planning
www.SeniorSolutionsBDA.com | 1 441 232-5888
SeniorSolutionsBDA@outlook.com
our customers to help them
with a planned payment
schedule.”
Certain insurance poli-
cies, such as one offered by
BF&M will cover 80 per cent
of the cost “of the necessary
medical equipment that a
senior might need.” Howev-
er, they do not cover “any
associated home renova-
tions or installation costs.”
Because of the sums
involved in necessary home
renovations for seniors to
age in place, a govern-
ment-backed loan scheme
was announced in January,
making interest free loans of
up to $15,000 available for
“family members of persons
in need of financing home
renovations, modifications
and/or goods or services
that support a safe, long-
term care setting for a loved
one living at home.” The
loan term is for a maximum
of 10 years and is provided
through the Bermuda Hous-
ing Corporation, in conjunc-
tion with Age Concern.
 Encore

70 • A Light, a Lock
and a Good Dog
Home and Personal Security Considerations as You Age
by Amoti K. Nyabongo

To say these are interesting times would be a
massive understatement; however embracing
change as best we can, life goes on. We must
strive to embrace what semblance of normalcy
we can grasp every day. As we move from
shelter in place to moving about our respective
community and other areas, some challenges
remain.
Our personal safety, safety
for our loved ones and for
our home still remains a
major concern. As society
and technology evolve, so
do folks who would take
advantage of us. The good
news is that through tech-
nology, planning and security
techniques, we can make it
harder for those who would
take advantage of us (if not
totally guarantee our safety).
What follows are some
ideas and suggestions
regarding personal safety in
and around the home that
have been offered by fellow
Bermudian residents.
ADD EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Lighting is probably the
easiest to install and most
cost-effective for personal
and home security. In talking
with Mr Stanley Williams,
he suggested that having all
areas around your home lit
at night can cut down on in-
truders trespassing. He also
suggested that having blinds
on your windows so people
cannot look in to see if you
are home, or what valuables
you may have.
One may say that illumi-
nating the exterior of your
house could be expensive;
however using LED lights
instead of incandescent
bulbs estimated savings are
about $150 over a 20 years.
Another cost-saving option
is to get spot lamps that are
triggered by motion sensors.
Similarly, Mr Clyde Bur-
gess has some installed on
his property and is looking
to install a few more. He
says that when he comes
in at night, his driveway is
lit when his vehicle triggers
the sensor, which gives him
a sense of security. Anoth-
er option with lighting is to
have exterior lighting on a
timer which can be adjusted
throughout the seasons or if
you are going to be away for
a time.
Another consideration is
street lighting. Advocating
for additional street lighting
with your neighbours, block
watcher group, the local
church, parish council, or
minister would be the best
way to approach this issue.
INSTALL LOCKS
Good locks are a key to
peace of mind. Mrs Lise Fox,
who says she is always on
guard, locks everything; win-
dows, screen doors, sliding
glass doors. While she does
not personally know anyone
who has suffered through a
burglary or home invasion,
she does not want to be-
come a victim.
In talking with Ms Esme
Williams, who is also a
staunch advocate for seniors
with disabilities/physical
challenges, says that people
should keep their screen
doors locked even with the
front door closed. People
may come to your house
claiming an emergency sit-
uation…having your screen
door locked just gives you
an added layer of protection
when you open your front
door.
When discussing home
security with Ms Leleath Bai-
ley, she referenced a situa-
tion where an intruder gained
access to a home through a
bathroom window that ap-
peared to be too small for an
adult to fit through. We usu-
ally think of an intruder being
of average stature, however,
this was not the case in this
instance.
Installing a deadbolt with
a key on both sides of the
lock on main and secondary
access doors is another de-
AS SOCIETY AND TECHNOLOGY
EVOLVE, SO DO FOLKS WHO WOULD
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF US.
terrent as an intruder would
have to leave the way they
came in, which limits the size
of what they can take.
Most new windows have
security tabs that limit how
high the lower pane can be
raised. For those who may
have older or wood-frame
windows, it is suggested that
you pin the window. This
can be achieved, by drilling
a hole about an inch deep
into the frame of the upper
pane and inserting a 2 ½”
nail, thus limiting the height
that the lower pane can be
raised. You can contact your
local carpenter or check You-
Tube to see how it is done.
This can be done in less than
five minutes per window.
(N.B. The diameter of the nail
should not be too snug and
hard to remove, or too loose
as to fall out.)
BE ALERT
Be on the lookout for individ-
uals posing as representa-
tives from utility companies
and service providers in an
attempt to gain access to
your home.
Ms Williams goes on to
say that most companies if
requested, will agree to pro-
vide a service representative
with a security word to en-
able you to confirm that they
are in fact, who they claim
to be. This security word is
initiated and agreed upon
by you, the consumer. She
suggests this is a necessity
for seniors who live alone
as it adds another layer of
security to mitigate risk.
It is also a good idea to
have trusted family mem-
bers or neighbours regularly
check on those living alone.
Mrs Erlor Dean says that she,
her family, and neighbours
check on each other regular-
ly. They are familiar with each
other’s routine, and if there
is a break in the routine, they
make a phone call or inves-
tigate. These trusted folks
have each other’s pertinent
phone numbers and addi-
tional information in case of
an emergency.
CONSIDER ADOPTING A DOG
Three of the interviewees
advocated for owning a dog.
Dogs can sense or detect
intruders or trespassers and
in barking scare them off or
best case…would-be intrud-
ers just pass your property
altogether. This writer has a
neighbour who has a good
dog. Depending on the tone
of his bark, I may get up and
look outside. (Maybe I should
buy him a cheeseburger for
services rendered.)
Bear in mind that while a
dog may be a good option
for some, it may not be the
best for all. Dogs require
care and training of sorts. If
you do not have the time or
patience, then this may not
be for you.
INSTALL A SECURITY SYSTEM
The next option for home
security would be an alarm
system for your home or
apartment. The market has a
wide variety of offerings and
prices ranges, from stand-
alone systems to 24-hour
7-day monitoring linked to a
network. There are systems
available that you as an in-
dividual, can install, such as
the new Ring Home Security
System. This system allows
you, through your personal
device (Cell phone, iPad, or
tablet) to visually monitor
who is on your property via
sensor alert or who rings
your doorbell. You can also
have it connected to a mon-
itoring centre for a monthly
fee. The upside is that you
can tailor this DIY system to
your budget.
Most security companies,
as well as the Bermuda
Police Service, are willing
to conduct security surveys
or audits for free to advise
you on how you can to
minimize risk in your apart-
ment, on your property, or
in the home. For seniors on
a fixed income, 24-hour
7-day monitoring may not be
an option, but it is always a
good idea to check and see
what security companies are
offering as no two individual
situations are the same.
In conducting research
for this article, I talked with
Mr Dwain Smith CEO and
founder of ICSS Bermuda.
This local based business
provides 24/7 personal moni-
toring services. Their mission
is “to provide our customers
with exemplary customer
service, by removing the
stress for those who are
concerned about the protec-
tion of their personal well-
being…” We’ve all seen the
advert on tv with an elderly
person on the floor saying,
“Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t
get up.” ICSS provides a lo-
cal version of this. His com-
pany has been in existence
for five years, and the word
has been slow to get out, but
he is persistent because he
knows what his company is
offering is needed.
Through the use of locally
available infrastructure, when
the client presses the alert
button, Mr Smith’s company
is able to provide alarm ac-
tivation to alert the Bermuda
Police Service, Bermuda
Fire and Rescue as well as
concerned family members
of the emergency. ICSS
technology also has the
capability to detect when an
individual has fallen, the de-
vice can generate an alarm/
alert. They also have the
ability to track and locate the
individuals where-abouts in
real-time. This is good news
for families or caregivers
that have relatives, friends
or clients that suffer from
Alzheimer’s or dementia and
have a history of leaving the
residence unsupervised.
In speaking with Mr
Smith, he informed me that
while the cost of his services
is reasonable, Government
Health Insurance (GHI),
Financial Assistance, Argus
and BF&M are all willing to
assist with the cost of the
service and subscription.
The website is icssbda.com,
and the phone contact is 441
295 4277. They also have a
Facebook page.
The link for the Ring Sys-
tem: https://shop.ring.com/
pages/security-system
Additional safety information
can be found on The Bermu-
da Police Service website:
http://www.bermudapolice.
bm/content/senior-citi-
zen-advice.

Should You Rent or Not to

Supplement Your Income?
A Life in Paint By Bill Storie

and their type of work.

Given the increased vulnerability of older people to COVID-19, many of
Bermuda’s seniors continue to self-isolate. They are spending more time
alone than ever before. But how do you stay positive and maintain a
passion for life during this difficult time?
For Jill Amos Raine the an-
swer is paint.
Chatting on the
web-meeting platform called
Zoom, the much-loved for-
mer schoolteacher and now
a prolific creator of greatly
admired watercolour scenes
of Bermuda, remains upbeat
about her time in isolation
and the opportunity it has
given her to focus on her art.
When asked how she is
fairing, she replied, “I think
you just have to keep your
perspective. I remember
attending a VE (Victory in Eu-
rope) Street Party in London
at the end of World War Two
as a child. So, this current
situation is easily compared
to sheltering in tunnels in the
middle of the night to avoid
warfare bombing”.
Now in her late seventies,
Mrs Amos Raine is essen-
tially a self-taught artist. She
was initially inspired during
a weekend course featuring
visiting artist Steve Schmalz
many years ago and has
worked steadily ever since
to perfect her craft. She
attributes her keen interest in
painting to the fact that “art
keeps you going because
you never arrive”. For her,
each painting is a journey,
and no two paintings are the
same.
“It’s the act of painting
itself that is important, not
whether or not anyone buys
it, because you are always
striving to be better”.
In a sense, painting is
literally the glue that keeps
her going. She has been
challenging herself to do a
painting a day during the
pandemic and is showing no
signs of slowing down.
“First you must engage
your mind to find a subject to
paint, and then you have to
concentrate so hard on what
you are doing that your mind
becomes so immersed in
the task at hand that all your
mundane problems simply
go away,” she explains. “And
once you are done, you get
to experience the satisfaction
of having produced some-
thing that you can hold in
your hand.”
When asked what she at-
tributes to her ability to lead
a thriving life, she replied
that to remain independent
you have to remain healthy
and to remain healthy you
have to keep active, and to
remain active you just have
to get yourself up every day
and do things. Among her
many interests - when the
Bermuda College is open as
normal - she is a regular at
the Senior’s Ballet class. She
is also a fan of Tai Chi and
Line Dancing.
Mrs Amos Raine is an ac-
tive member of the Bermuda
Plein Aire Painting Group,
and she also exhibits her
paintings and prints with The
Dragon’s Lair Gallery in St.
Georges, The Dockyard Art
Centre and the gift shop of
The Masterworks Museum of
Bermuda Art.
Her enthusiasm for life is a
lesson for us all.
THE ANSWER IS SIMPLY YES,
NO OR MAYBE.
The primary issue is whether you need the
money to augment your company pension
and social insurance. Ideally, in retirement,
you don’t want to be in shortfall – where your
income is less than your expenses year over
year. A temporary blip is fine if it corrects soon
thereafter. But if you are permanently in short-
fall, then your lifestyle will be impacted. So,
extra income must come from somewhere.
If you have a side apartment or even a
spare room in your house which could gen-
erate some rental income then given your
shortfall circumstances, you might very well
go ahead and rent it out. But keep in mind that
there is a great deal to consider besides just
the need for additional income.
For starters, having an extra person either
in your home or even in the apartment with a
separate entrance may be a challenge. What
if they are nocturnal and they wander around
making noise when you are trying to sleep?
What if they are party animals or smokers?
What if they have overnight guests on a reg-
ular basis. Maybe they are just noisy. Do they
make sure the place is clean and tidy? Do they
put the trash out on time?
Equally, you must check out the details of
any prospective tenant before you agree to
rent to them, and it might be wise to use a
rental agent to both find and then check out
a tenant for you. The final decision is yours
certainly, but any piece of information might
prove useful over time. Just because he or she
looks nice doesn’t automatically mean they
will be good tenants. Check their ability to pay
It is absolutely essential that you have
a watertight lease regarding rent, deposit,
damage, additional repairs during the tenancy,
termination, pets, etc. to fully protect yourself
– once again a rental agent can be immensely
helpful here. Additionally, you may well need to
amend your home insurance policy so it would
be a good idea to speak to your insurance
company before signing a lease.
KEEP IN MIND THAT
THERE IS A GREAT DEAL
TO CONSIDER BESIDES
JUST THE NEED FOR
ADDITIONAL INCOME
Regardless of the reason for choosing to
rent out part of your property, there are im-
portant pros and cons that all would-be live-in
landlords should consider before taking this
leap. You must factor in your age as well. Can
you sustain having someone around for years
to come even though you need the money?
Don’t wake up one morning and suddenly
declare you are going to rent out the apart-
ment without doing your homework and
speaking with your family, your friends, your
rental agent etc. Take your time.
Then sit back and imagine in your mind
what it would be like to have someone in the
next room or next door close by you. Imagine
various scenarios and how they would look
with another person nearby.
It’s not all about the money.
 Encore

EXPERT CANCER CARE FOR

BERMUDA PATIENTS
“I enjoyed being around the doctors at Cancer Treatment
Centers of America because, not only do they educate you,
but they give you a sense of hope. They focus on mind,
body and spirit.”

Pamela R., Breast Cancer Patient

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), we guide you and

your family every step of the way, starting with a 3-5 day initial evaluation
to develop your personalized cancer treatment plan. A team of clinicians will
work together to provide treatments combined with evidence-informed
supportive cancer care therapies designed to help manage side effects,
boost your energy and keep you strong during treatment.

If you or someone you love has cancer, please call toll-free 770-400-7178
to speak with an International Oncology Information Specialist, available 24
hours per day, or visit cancercenter.com/international for more information.

© 2020 IPB

Bermuda_11.83x10.indd 1 2/3/20 1:34 PM

Love
your life
And your plan. At BF&M, our goal is
to help you live the best life you can
with the money you have. Of course
we’re focused on making your money
work as well as it can. But we don’t
just look at your return on investment;
we look at your return on life. That
means financial planning that works
for you now and for the future,
so you can go on loving life
—the way it should be.

The BF&M difference? Financial planning the way it should be.

For more information visit www.bfm.bm or contact financialplanning@bfm.bm