Boomers & Beyond Fairfield County October 2014 by Belsito Communications Inc.

Boomers d n o y e &B Fairﬁeld County

October 2014

The Greens at Greenwich

Uses Creative Arts Therapy to transform the conventional aspects of Assisted Living! p3

“Waveny Walkers”

Raise funds for Alzheimer’s Disease research p12

Long Ridge of Stamford Oﬀers Therapy Services 7 days a week! p15

B & M Capital

Advanced ﬁnancial advisory company for seniors p17

Synergy Home Care –

The most trusted name in home care! p20

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October, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Come see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening on Main Street.

The Village at Waveny provides a unique destination designed to stimulate and engage memory impaired seniors. The familiar, comforting environment of small town Main Street is a site for interaction among Assisted Living residents, Adult Day Program participants, volunteers, staff, family and friends. Our community dynamic, along with specialized therapeutic programs, enriches and enhances the quality of life for older adults. The Village is located in New Canaan, Connecticut, where seniors from all areas are welcome. Find out more about everything we have to offer by calling Ginny Carroll at 203.594.5331 or visiting www.waveny.org.

Preparing for long-term care without children

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County October, 2014

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THE GREENS AT GREENWICH

An AssisTed livinG CommuniTy, We offer A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR OUR RESIDENTS

The statistics are sobering: Twenty percent of baby boomers have no children and one-third of adults will enter old age single (never married, widowed, or divorced). While the overall U.S. divorce rate has declined since 1990, it has doubled for the 50-and-over set. Now, for some more concerning statistics: • 80% of eldercare is provided at home by family members • The estimated value of family caregivers’ unpaid contributions was around $450 billion in 2009 • In 2008, there were nearly twice as many women without children as in 1976 • Without kids, you’ll need to plan for your future more carefully. Here are three smart strategies: 1. Face facts Your nephew might adore you, but you can’t count on him. You should also realize that even if you’re in good health, something could still happen to you (an accident, an illness, or old age). 2. Get everything in order This starts with a will, a living will or other advance directive, a health care proxy, power of attorney and perhaps long-term care insurance. Consult with an elder law attorney and a financial planner. Living longer can mean more end-of-life decisions. So that there’s no guessing, a free document such as Five Wishes spells out what you want in terms of end-of-life medical care and is a legally recognized advance directive in 42 states. Share it with relatives and friends. While you’re at it, keep all your records, policies, documents, bills, and passwords in one safe place and tell those who need to know. Figure out what your life is lacking. Is it friends? Interests? Your housing situation? Are there amenities nearby and specialized transportation for when you can no longer drive? Want to share a home with a friend or relocate? Research options, including local senior centers, and options Fairfield County provides. 3. Create Your Own Family After you retire, day-to-day interaction and relationships may lapse. Have replacements waiting in the wings or figure out how you’re going to make them. Try church, the community center or get a group to go to dinner every other month and ask friends to bring friends. Think about who makes up your support system.

(This isn’t one of them.)

Whether it’s yoga, music, art or drama therapy, trips to cultural events or a walk in the woods, our memory support programs are tailored to meet the mind, body and spiritual needs of each resident. Call The Greens at Greenwich today to arrange a tour. Because not all assisted living communities are the same

1155 King Street Greenwich, CT 06831

(203) 531-5500 (203) 531-1224 FAX

www.thegreensatgreenwich.com

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October, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

SPECIALIZING IN CARDIOLOGY, INTERNAL MEDICINE AND GASTROENTEROLOGY

HONORED ON

‘Best Doctors’ LISTS YEAR AFTER YEAR

ROBERT BELKIN, MD GABRIELLE BOLTON, MD MARK BORKIN, MD SUSAN CAMPANILE, MD LEO CARDILLO, MD MAXWELL CHAIT, MD ALBERT DELUCA, MD JEFFREY DONIS, MD JOYDEEP GHOSH, MD LAWRENCE GLASSBERG, MD EDUARDO GRANATO, MD CRAIG HJEMDAHL-MONSEN, MD KUMAR KALAPATAPU, MD

SRIRAMA KALAPATAPU, MD RICHARD KAY, MD ANDREW CARL KONTAK, MD ANDREW KUPERSMITH, MD STEVEN LANDAU, MD YAT WA (BETTY) LI, MD SANJAY NAIK, MD DIMPLE PATEL, MD RONALD PRESTON, MD ANTHONY PUCILLO, MD TODD C. PULERWITZ, MD MONICA REYNOLDS, MD JAE RO, MD

WARREN ROSENBLUM, MD ABDOLLAH SEDIGHI, MD INDERPAL SINGH, MD SUSAN SOEIRO, MD DAVID E. SOLARZ, MD CARMINE SORBERA, MD ELENA L. TSAI, MD STEVEN L. VALENSTEIN, MD MELVIN WEISS, MD RONALD WEISSMAN, MD PRESTON WINTERS, MD

Visit us at one of our locations: 19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 700 Hawthorne, NY 10532 (914)593-7800

15 North Broadway 2nd Floor White Plains, NY 10601 (914)428-6000

5 Coates Drive Suite 2 Goshen, NY 10924 (845)294-1234

30 Greenridge Avenue Suite 207 White Plains, NY 10605 (914)328-8555

180 East Hartsdale Avenue Suite 1E Hartsdale, NY 10530 (914)725-2010

3 Michael Frey Drive Eastchester, NY 10709 (914)337-3500

688 White Plains Road Suite 210 Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914)723-3322

334 Route 202 Bailey Court Somers, NY 10589 (914)277-4367

154 Pike Street Port Jervis, NY 12771 (845) 858-4444

105 Stevens Avenue Suite 101 Mount Vernon, NY 10550 (914)667-8777

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County October, 2014

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2014 marks 100 years for RVNA On October 15, Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) celebrates 100 years serving the healthcare needs of 26 Towns in Western Connecticut. Since 1914 RVNA has evolved into as one of the finest home healthcare organizations in the area. In October 1914, a group of civic minded women met at the Main Street home of Mrs. Ebenezer W. Keeler and resolved to bring homecare nursing to Ridgefield. From its inception, RVNA has always served three important roles in the community: providing home health care, public health advocacy, and stewardship for those who cannot afford to pay for health services. Early on a tradition of community financial support was begun -- based firmly upon the generosity of others -- that remains fundamental to RVNA's growth and success. Today RVNA provides home and community health care services, supports public health and safety and promotes the highest quality of life in Western Connecticut 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include home

health care, senior care, disease management, an “aging-in-place” program called “Quality Living at Home”, maternal and child health care, education and wellness programs and an Immunization Resource Center that provides flu, well child and travel immunizations. In the past year, RVNA provided 42,167 visits to more than 1,170 patients, administered nearly 3,800 flu shots, provided 540 immunizations to clients traveling abroad, and provided free or reduced fee Well Child Clinic physical exams or immunizations to 29 children. In addition RVNA has conducted an annual Community Health Fair for the past 40 years. In 2014, 546 participants collectively receive more than 1,300 medical screenings at no cost. RVNA also has over 100 Lifeline subscribers using its personal emergency response system. RVNA gives back to the communities it serves by offering a robust community education schedule which is conducted in numerous towns covering a variety of topics.

Remember, RVNA is your VNA. Ask for us by name. Our exceptional and compassionate staff is here to serve your home health care needs. Here’s to another 100 years! About RVNA Founded in 1914, RVNA provides home and community care services, supports public health and safety and promotes the highest quality of life in Western Connecticut 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. RVNA has developed a patient-centered model of

services in which individuals and communities are educated in health and wellness practices, patients with acute and chronic conditions are provided vital care in their homes and community outreach programs are in place to help individuals remain healthy over the long term. Services include home health care, senior care solutions, disease management, an “aging-in-place” program called “Quality Living at Home”, maternal and child health care, immunization and vaccination clinics as well as educational and wellness programs.

ESTABLISHED 1914

We’ve come a long way...

Registered Nurses s Physical Therapists s Occupational &

celebrating 100 years of exceptional care!

Speech Therapists s Home Health Aides s Homemakers s Live-ins & Companions s Transitional Care Services s Lifeline Medical Alert s Quality Living at Home s

Whether you are returning home from the hospital, traveling to a foreign country or needing to update your vaccinations, you can receive comprehensive care with RVNA’s extraordinary and professional staff. One call will provide all the support you need. Your time is valuable. RVNA’s care is remarkable.

RVNA Care Solutions s Maternal Child Health s Well Child Clinics s Flu & Shingles Vaccine s HPV Vaccine s

For a century, our exceptional home and community health care services have been available throughout Western Connecticut. Ask for us by name, RVNA is your VNA

Travel Vaccines s

Theresa Santoro, President & CEO

provided

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October, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Advertiser’s Index

Our View

B&M Capital.........................................................................17

This one is for all of our readers: Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! The staff at Boomers & Beyond: Fairfield has been humbled by your response to our first editions last month. In a few words, you loved it! How do we know? We received phone calls, emails and even some good old-fashioned letters from you, our loyal readers. We were excited about the launch of the magazine, but we never expected this type of reaction. The dedicated staff at Boomers & Beyond: Fairfield will continue to keep you interested and engaged with innovative and interesting stories. We promise you that! The inspiration for Healthcare News: Fairfield was our sister publication, Healthcare News: Westchester County, started four years ago. The Westchester edition has been a success and we look forward to having the same impact here in beautiful Fairfield. We encourage you to send story ideas to info@healthcarenews.com. Our editorial team looks forward to hearing from you. Until then, thank you again for your support.

ColumbiaDoctors....................................................................4 Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.................18 The Greens at Cannondale....................................................9 The Greens at Greenwich......................................................3 Jewish Senior Services.........................................................11 Long Ridge of Stamford.......................................................15 Ridgeﬁeld Visiting Nurse Association.....................................5 SYNERGY HomeCare..........................................................20 VNA of Hudson Valley...........................................................19 The Wartburg......................................................................16 Waveny Lifecare Network......................................................2

Fairﬁeld County

Boomers d

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

& Beyon

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com PUBLISHER Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER James Stankiewicz (Jim@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR Cathryn Burak (Cathy@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net) ••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE Anthony Mairo (Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• CIRCULATION Michelle Belsito (Michelle@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Brendan Coyne John Jordan

Corporate Information Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 1 No. 2 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Next Month in Boomers & Beyond… Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Top Alzheimer's facilities in the area Warning signs Caregivers support services

November Holidays edition

Financial planning, Estate Planning and Life Insurance

Special Feature:

Long-term care aims to help people of any age with their medical needs or daily activities over a long period of time. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, or in various types of facilities. When you look for long-term care, it is important to remember that quality varies from one place or caregiver to another. It is also important to think about long-term care before a crisis occurs. Making long-term care decisions can be hard even when planned well in advance. Here is the Boomers & Beyond expert guide to long-term healthcare: You should use for long-term care that: • Has been found by State agencies or others to provide quality care. • Has the services you need. • Has staff that meet your needs. • Meets your budget. To make the best choices, you need to think about: • What your options are. • Whether they meet your or your family member's needs (physical, medical, emotional, ﬁnancial, etc.). • How to ﬁnd the highest quality care. Types of long-term care

Boomers nd & Beyo

Guide to Long-Term Healthcare

Home care can be given in your own home by family members, friends, volunteers, and/or paid professionals. This type of care can range from help with shopping to nursing care. Some short-term, skilled home care (provided by a nurse or therapist) is covered by Medicare and is called “home health care.” Another type of care that can be given at home is hospice care for terminally ill people. Community services are support services that can include adult day care, meal programs, senior centers, transportation, and other services. These can help people who are cared for at home-and their families. For example, adult day care services provide a variety of health, social, and related support services in a protective setting during the day. This can help adults with impairments— such as Alzheimer's disease—continue to live in the community. And it can give family or friend caregivers a needed “break.”

continued on page 8

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October, 2014

Boomers d & Beyon

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Guide to Long-Term Healthcare

Supportive housing programs offer low-cost housing to older people with low to moderate incomes. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and State or local governments often develop such housing programs. A number of these facilities offer help with meals and tasks such as housekeeping, shopping, and laundry. Residents generally live in their own apartments. Assisted living provides 24-hour supervision, assistance, meals, and health care services in a home-like setting. Services include help with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, taking medicine, transportation, laundry, and housekeeping. Social and recreational activities also are provided. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) provide a full range of services and care based on what each resident needs over time. Care usually is provided in one of three main stages: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Nursing homes offer care to people who cannot be cared for at home or in the community. They provide skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, meals, activities, help with daily living, and supervision. Many nursing homes also offer temporary or periodic care. This can be instead of hospital care, after hospital care, or to give family or friend caregivers some time off ("respite care"). What kinds of services do I need? Think of long-term care as a menu of services. A person may need only one or a few kinds of services. Or, several kinds may be needed over the course of a person's older years. To help ﬁnd out what kind of services you or a loved one need, check the items below that apply. Keep in mind that these needs may change over time. Do you or your loved one need help with daily activities? Health care needs? Both? You can use the following chart to help you identify the type(s) of long-term care that meet your needs. This chart shows which types of long-term care services offer which kinds of help. The “Relative Costs” information shows how costly the settings can be when compared with each other.

How will I pay for long-term care services? Long-term care can be very expensive. In general, health plans and programs do not routinely cover long-term care at home or in nursing homes. Here is some general information about long-term care coverage: • Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and for some disabled younger people. Medicare generally does not pay for long-term help with daily activities. Medicare pays for very limited skilled nursing home care after a hospital stay. If you need skilled care in your home for the treatment of an illness or injury, and you meet certain conditions, Medicare will pay for some of the costs of nursing care, home health aide services, and different types of therapy. • Medicaid is a Federal-State program that pays for health services and long-term care for low-income people of any age. The exact rules for who is covered vary by State. Medicaid covers nursing home care for people who are eligible. In some States, Medicaid also pays for some home and community services. • Private Insurance. Medicare beneﬁciaries may supplement their policy with insurance purchased from private organizations. Most of these policies—often called Medigap insurance or by a similar name—will help pay for some skilled care, but only when that care is covered by Medicare. Medigap is not long-term care insurance. Commercial insurers offer private policies called long-term care insurance. These policies may cover services such as care at home, in adult day care, in assisted living facilities, and in nursing homes. But plans vary widely. If you have such a policy, ask your insurer what it covers. If you think you may need long-term care insurance, start shopping while you are relatively young and healthy, and shop carefully. • Personal Resources. You may need to use resources such as savings or life insurance to pay for long-term care. Most people who enter nursing homes begin by paying out of their own pockets. As their personal resources are spent, many people who stay in nursing homes for a long time eventually become eligible for Medicaid.

How you can learn about long-term care options in your area: • The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116, weekdays, 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., EST). This service can refer you to your Area Agency on Aging. • Area Agencies on Aging provide information on a wide variety of community-based services. Examples are meals, home care, adult day care, transportation, housing, home repair, and legal services. • Your State or local Long-term Care Ombudsman (call the Eldercare Locator for the number). Ombudsmen visit nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to check on and resolve complaints, protect residents' rights, and give emotional support to lonely older people. A call to your area Ombudsman can give you information on: the most recent State survey (inspection) report of the facility; the number of outstanding complaints; the number and nature of complaints lodged in the last year; and the results of recent complaint investigations. • “Nursing Home Compare” http://www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp —a Web site created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which runs Medicare and Medicaid. This site helps you locate nursing homes in your area. It also has inspection records for nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid funds. • Hospital discharge planners. • Social workers (some can be “case managers” or “care managers,” who can help you coordinate long-term care services). • Doctors and other health care professionals. • Local nursing facilities. • Volunteer groups that work with older people. • Clergy or religious groups. • Family and friends.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County October, 2014

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“Customized Care” for every stage of Alzheimer’s, every symptom. The Evergreen program at The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, Connecticut, has always been at the forefront of care for those with memory and sensory loss. Activities and techniques are designed for every stage of impairment: from early onset Alzheimer’s to advanced dementia. The underlying goal is to make daily life more enjoyable, less isolated and to achieve positive reactions. Our program for the most functionally aware residents includes brain games, with the use of our smart board, verbal and physical exercises and a variety of social interactions. Another care program is tailored for smaller groups and features music, one-on-one companionship, being read to, and engaging residents with recollections of the past. For our residents who have reached the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, our innovative sensory programs help residents to enhance the quality of their life. One of the most successful innovations utilized at Evergreen is “Touch Therapy.” Matthew Tomasino, a licensed massage therapist could be called “Mr. Touch” by grateful residents. “Though I’m a licensed, experienced massage therapist,” he says,” I don’t like to think of what I do as ‘massage.’ It is more and less than that. I’ve observed, through my work, that one of the most effective ways to help men and women in various stages of Alzheimer’s is to engage them by filling their need for physical touch. This has to be achieved very gently, in no way to be perceived as threatening or abrasive. Just good, solid touch. My entire life’s work is to relieve touch deprivation for those challenged with brain disease.” Matthew utilizes principles of shiatsu and energy work. “Over time, there have been very positive results, “ says Sue Herbst, Evergreen Director of Operations. “I’ve seen residents respond, become calm, and seem to have a

better disposition and attitude after being touched.” Matthew starts by introducing himself, then very gently, asks for permission to hold the resident’s hand. “Soon, they accept being touched on the forehead. In many cases, with future visits, residents will welcome me and want me to touch their ears and feet. I don’t consider myself a healer. I am a conduit to feelings for Alzheimer’s patients. Touch can bring about more alertness, a feeling of contentment, quieting agitated feelings and confusion.”

“Often one small touch is all I do, and once-resistant residents then may let me touch their arms and shoulders. Aromatherapy is also very effective. I use lavender for agitated residents. Lemon is always good. The aroma seems to trigger a positive response.” Matthew’s technique is as natural as possible. “Residents don’t have to move. I go to them wherever they are. The idea is to have them comfortable in their own world.” One of the most difficult aspects of Alzheimer’s Disease is

the stress, despair and exhaustion that the caregiver experiences. The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900) and support groups for patients and caregivers which make a big difference, but when Alzheimer’s symptoms become overwhelming and more than one person can handle, a program like Evergreen’s gives peace to the caregiver and professional support for the loved one. All members of the Evergreen team have received extensive

training in dementia care and are among the very few who have been trained and certified by the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Licensed therapists specializing in sensory therapy are on site regularly. Evergreen’s attentive, professional staff members go above and beyond to fulfill every individual resident’s need for security, affection and respect. The Evergreen Program at The Greens at Cannondale, 435 Danbury Rd. Wilton CT 06897 203-761-1191 www.thegreensatcannondale.com

Live Better

It’s time to…

T REAT YOURSELF TO THE BEST. ll your life you worked hard to be the best. The best parent, the best provider, and the best professional you could be. You put the needs of others before your own. Now isn’t it time to put yourself first? Why not treat yourself to the best at The Greens at Cannondale? Our assisted living community offers spacious living accommodations, filled with all the amenities you deserve; three restaurant-style meals in our elegant dining area, daily housekeeping, personal care and the opportunity to challenge yourself through one of our many daily activities and educational opportunities that will expand your interests and your mind at the same time, helping you to become the best version of yourself possible. Call today to schedule a tour so we can show you what it means to Live Better.

Located on nine lush acres, The Greens at Cannondale stands out in a class all by itself. Each day we strive to exceed our well-known reputation of excellence in senior living throughout Fairfield County.

Live Better

435 Danbury Road Wilton, CT 06897 203.761.1191 www.thegreensatcannondale.com

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Beauty Blossoms throughout Waveny LifeCare Network thanks to Dedicated Flower Volunteers arrangements,” said Debbie Perron, Director of Volunteers at Waveny. “In the summertime, most of the flowers are from the volunteers’ very own gardens. In addition, we have recycled and repurposed flowers generously donated from beautiful weddings and church services. Local stores like Trader Joes and Walter Stewart’s are very supportive in donating fresh flowers as well.” The flower volunteers – many of whom are active members of the New Canaan Garden Club, the Garden Club of Darien, Stamford Garden Club, the Gardeners of New Canaan, the Beautification League (formerly the New Canaan Garden Center), the Tuesday Ladies and the Wilton P.E.O. group – come to Waveny at the beginning of each week to create uplifting floral designs and return throughout the days to follow to change water, making sure that all flowers remain fresh. “It is a win-win,” said Katie Stewart, a member of the New Canaan Garden Club and one of Waveny’s most dedicated flower

volunteers. “One of the great joys in life is giving back to the community. It’s so very rewarding to create fresh flower arrangements that bring so much happiness to Waveny’s residents and patients – and staff, too.” In addition to the floral arrangements within the building, flower volunteers also help maintain the abundance of plants that characterize Waveny’s patios and terraces. Volunteers not only plant the flowers but also make sure that the plants are ‘healthy and happy’ by watering and cutting the plants back when needed. In short, they care for them in every way. Volunteer Sheila McMann has been taking care of the indoor plants at Waveny for over 15 years. She comes to Waveny several times a week to water and maintain the plants in addition to serving tea to Care Center residents. “The New Canaan Garden Club has been the sponsor of the indoor plants at Waveny since I approached them nearly 15 years ago,” said Sheila, a club member herself.

Mary Tanzi and Carroll Yanicelli, flower volunteers, preparing cut flowers for display in Waveny Care Center’s Main Dining room.

photos provided

With an unwavering commitment to providing quality care within a healing, soothing and therapeutic environment, Waveny LifeCare Network relies heavily upon a special group of volunteers who dedicate their horticultural talent and knack for beautification throughout the eldercare organization’s main campus in New Canaan. Known to provide therapeutic benefits, improve emotional health and enhance social interaction, flowers brighten each day at Waveny thanks to the numerous “flower volunteers” who create floral arrangements to adorn the dining rooms, reception areas, nursing stations and various common areas at Waveny. Championed and nurtured by pioneer flower volunteer Allison Caesar over a span of three decades, Waveny’s volunteer-based flower program now has more participation than ever before. “These devoted volunteers not only donate their time and energy, but also personally provide the flowers that are used in the

Sheila McMann cares for Waveny’s indoor plants.

The New Canaan Garden Club conducts a monthly Horticultural Therapy Program at Waveny, in which volunteers bring flowers, vases and all other materials needed for Waveny’s residents to actively participate in creating and designing their very own floral masterpieces. The completed arrangements are proudly displayed on the Care Center and Village’s dining room tables for all to enjoy. “Residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss receive important sensory and mental stimulation and use hand-eye coordination in physically putting the flowers together,” said Lauren Elker, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Waveny Care Center. “This meaningful ‘touch of home’ activity brings them down memory lane and provides new opportunities to discover and learn about flowers and plants.” To learn more about how you can brighten someone’s day at Waveny through floral arrangement

or any other type of volunteer service, contact Debbie Perron, Director of Volunteers at 203.594.5334 or DPerron@waveny.org. Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a not-for-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. It also includes Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, a Geriatric Care Management team that provides 24-hour coverage, an Adult Day Program available on weekdays with flexible hours, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services, and respite programs at The Village and Care Center. For information call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County October, 2014

by Robin Friedson

re you needing extra help at home, returning home after a hospital stay, or recovering from an illness? Finding the right agency for care, convenience and affordability is important. Agencies can offer varying services, but are usually categorized as medical or non-medical providers. Medical home health agencies are licensed providers and require a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s referral. Your care at home is provided by: nurses; physical, occupational and speech therapists;

home health aides; and case managers. The team of caregivers will work with you and your doctor to develop a recovery plan, provide support, and monitor your progress. Care is personalized and is usually covered by your Medicare plan and/or other insurance. Non-medical home care agencies provide you with home health aides and companions for assistance with tasks of daily living, such as dressing and grooming, companionship, housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, and errands. The caregivers support independent living. This assistance can reduce the stress on family members by letting them know that their loved one is safe and in good hands. Certain insurances may cover this service. There are few agencies in Connecticut that offer both medical home health and non-medical home care services. Finding an agency that provides both services is a great resource because care can be easily modiďŹ ed. If your medical condition changes, the agency will be able to monitor your condition seamlessly and provide appropriate care without changing agencies. The familiarity and convenience of having the same team can be especially reassuring in providing care and support. Jewish Senior Services (www.jseniors.org) has over 40 years of experience in caring for seniors. Their Friedman Home Care Agency provides licensed medical and non-medical home care, in-home rehab and in-home hospice care for clients in FairďŹ eld and New Haven Counties. Contact 203-396-1136 or e-mail homecare@jseniors.org for a free consultation.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Walk to End Alzheimer’s celebrates 25 years The Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s® was held from 9am until 1pm on Sunday, September 28 at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk and featured live music, children’s activities, a Zumba warm-up prior to the three-mile scenic walk and a meaningful tribute ceremony. During the Walk opening activities, participants were asked to choose a Promise Flower with a color representing their reason for walking. They wrote a personal message on the flower and raised it during the opening ceremony when their reason for walking was called. Reasons for walking include: they currently have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia (blue); they have lost someone they love to the disease (purple); they are supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s (yellow); they support the cause and a vision of a world without Alzheimer’s (orange). By the conclusion of the ceremony, all Promise Flowers were raised high in the air to represent a commitment to leading the way to a world without Alzheimer’s. Following the ceremony, flowers were placed in the Promise Garden. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. provided

“Waveny Walkers” raise funds for Alzheimer’s Disease research Waveny LifeCare Network employees, volunteers and family members helped fight Alzheimer’s disease by participating in this year’s annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk on Sunday, September 28. Waveny’s team has participated in the three-mile walk since its inception 18 years ago, raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter through donations and sponsorships. Funds collected will stay in the community to fund essential care and support services for people with the disease. The Waveny team joined scores of walkers from throughout Fairfield County at Calf Pasture Beach in support of medical research to improve treatments and find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Waveny’s team is especially passionate about this mission given the dedicated care Waveny provides to patients and residents with Alzheimer’s disease at

both the Care Center and The Village at Waveny, Waveny’s assisted living residence for people with memory loss. Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a notfor-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. It also includes Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, a Geriatric Care Management team that provides 24-hour coverage, an Adult Day Program available on weekdays with flexible hours, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services, and respite programs at The Village and Care Center. For information call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

provided

Members of Waveny LifeCare Network’s 2014 Memory Walk team, the “Waveny Walkers,” raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Association that will be used to fund essential care and support services for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Vaccines

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County October, 2014

you need at age 50 and older

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Vaccines are not just for kids. Even adults age 50 and older need to get vaccinated against certain diseases. Always discuss any risk factors or concerns you may have with your physician before getting a vaccine. Here are some guidelines we use for vaccinations, as provided by the CDC (www.cdc.gov): Annual Flu Vaccine: Unless you have had a severe reaction from the flu shot in the past or are allergic to eggs, you should be vaccinated yearly. If you are 50 or older, we don’t recommend the nasal spray vaccine because it hasn’t proven to be especially effective. Pneumonia Vaccine: Even seniors who are diligent about getting their annual flu shot sometimes forget to get a one-time pneumonia vaccine. Both should be part of the preventive health care plan for adults 65 and older and people 50 and older with certain risk factors. Tetanus Vaccine: If you have never received a Tdap vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), you should be vaccinated once for these illnesses. The Tdap vaccine is especially crucial for people who have close contact with infants younger than 12 months of age––including grandparents. Shingles Vaccine: Some experts recommend getting the shingles vaccine only if you’ve had a prior episode of chicken pox, but the CDC recommends that everyone older than 60 get vaccinated for this painful skin rash.

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Fun Fall activities to do with your favorite senior There’s a chill in the air, nights are getting longer, and many have woken to lawns glistening with the ﬁrst frost: Fall is here. The change of seasons can offer lots of new opportunities to spend time with your favorite senior citizen. If your senior has health problems you may need to look for speciﬁc activities to involve them in a more active lifestyle. When your senior has memory problems, doing seasonal fall activities will spark their memory of time spent during their life doing that old familiar activities. But most of all, spending time engaged in some fun fall activities with your senior citizen will enrich your life and theirs, and it will be fun for both of you.

Here are some great ideas for spending time with your senior friends this fall: Fall outdoor activities

Indoor Fall activities

Pick the last of the tomatoes from the garden and have them wrap them in newspaper to ripen. Store in a cool dark place.

Buy stickers and fall cards to send to their friends. Help your senior citizen make them out and mail them.

Go for a nature walk at the local park.

Help your senior make homemade chili or a hearty fall soup.

Take your senior citizen to visit an apple orchard and pick apples.

Fall cooking with your senior could include making apple butter, apple pies, and homemade bread.

Plant some bulbs for next spring. Help your senior citizen decorate for fall by planting some pretty mums. Rake fall leaves and have an outdoor bonﬁre. Go to a fall bazaar or outdoor fall festival. Take your senior on a fall car ride to look at the beautiful fall foliage.

Help them get out their fall and winter clothing and pack away summer clothes. Bring in lots of fall and winter magazines for your senior to look at. Find some children, grandchildren, etc. to make a scarecrow. Perhaps your senior has some cool old clothes to make the scarecrow with.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County October, 2014

PAGE 15

Great ways to save money as a retiree Now that you’re retired, you have more time, which is great. So why not take the time to do things that will save you the thing you likely have less of—money. Boomers & Beyond will show you some ways you can save annually by simply taking the time to making a few changes in your life. And get this: These changes might even be self-empowering. Lose the land line and just go with the cell phone We know this one might not be easy for you, but think about it: Once you drop your land line, you’ll not only save money, you’ll stop getting those annoying recorded sales calls. Like cable, you likely won’t miss it. If you already have a cell phone plan, maybe it’s time to reevaluate it, especially if you’re getting rid of a land line. The market is very competitive and there are more providers than ever. Many provide senior discounts. These programs are great because you “pay-as-you-go” and don’t have to sign contracts. Some advantages of having only a cell phone include saving money, no more pre-recorded solicitation calls at all hours of the day, the flexibility of having a phone with you at all times and easier communication.

Unsubscribe from cable TV Depending on your cable plan, you’re likely spending $70 to $100 a month (the average is $86). Do the math: That’s $1,032 a year. Keep in mind, cable prices continue to rise, while you seem to get less of what you watch regularly. Are those few channels really worth $1,000 a year? Once you get rid of cable/satellite TV, you can still watch great shows when you want, and pay a lot less. Services such as Netflix and Amazon allow you watch instantly and rent videos depending on the plan you choose. Netflix allows you to watch unlimited online movies and have one disc out-at-a-time for $16 month. Amazon’s Prime membership ($79/year) gives you instant streaming of movies and TV shows, Kindle books access, and free two-day shipping.

If you’re TV is an Internet-ready (Smart) TV, you’ll have access to these services directly once you sign up for each one. If not, you can buy (starting at $50), a streaming video player. Save money on car insurance You may be paying too much or holding on to coverage you don’t need anymore, and you may be missing out on discounts. Seniors are often entitled to senior insurance discounts. When deciding on coverage, think about you’re overall driving record. When was the last time you were in an accident? How many accidents have you been involved in, if any? According to the US Census Bureau, have far fewer accidents than any other age group per number of licensed drivers. Consider how many miles you’re driving now. Estimate the number you’ll drive in a year. Are you driving less? If so, your chance for accident is reduced. Insurance companies offer an array of discounts to their customers. Contact your agent to make sure you’re taking advantage of these discounts.

PAGE 16

October, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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RVNA named a Top Workplace, again! Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) proudly announces that it has been named a Top Workplace 2014 in southwestern Connecticut by Hearst Connecticut Media for the third time. Based on the results of a 22 question employee survey conducted by Workplace Dynamics for Hearst Media, RVNA was identified as a great place to work. Questions addressed how informed employees feel about important decisions the agency makes, their confidence in organization leaders, and other issues such as salaries, benefits and alignment with agency values, ethics and direction. RVNA is one of 30 small organizations recognized as Top Workplaces in southwestern Connecticut this year. Theresa Santoro, President & CEO, credits this distinction with recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff, year after year, and the warm, open and caring work environment RVNA enjoys. Of being named a Top Workplace, Ms. Santoro said, “It may be because we make it a priority to be a model employer and this is reflected in the tremendous feeling of pride, loyalty and ownership for RVNA among our staff.” RVNA, celebrating its centennial in 2014, serves 23 towns in southwestern Connecticut by providing home health care and community wellness services.

Why sell a life insurance policy? If you have reached the retirement age of sixty-five or older, you can benefit from the selling of your existing life insurance policy. The sale of your life insurance policy through a Life Settlement transaction eliminates premium payments and provides cash which can be used today. A Life Settlement is a better alternative than selling your home, other income producing assets or obtaining a reverse mortgage. Selling a life insurance policy provides the following benefits: 1. Pay off debts 2. Make funds available for other investments 3. Turn a lapse insurance policy into cash 4. Pay your medical care bills 5. Finance your retirement 6. Businesses can sell their Key-Man Insurance and Buy Sell Agreements to recover premiums paid on life insurance policies. 7. A nonprofit organization can sell a gifted life insurance policy which would provide funds that can be used now and eliminate any high cost premiums. 8. If you are an estate planner, Life Settlements will help manage changes in estate size, eliminate premiums, and liquidate policies that no longer are needed. The experts at http://bnmcapital.com assist in achieving the highest value for their clients life insurance policy needs. Our goal is to get you the highest price for your life insurance policy through our network of purchasers. Our mission is to serve clients with honesty, integrity and confidentiality. Don't continue to pay expensive premiums for coverage you no longer need, and don't surrender the policy or let it lapse. Life Settlements, this alternative financial solution can be a win-win for you and your family in solving your financial needs.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

October, 2014

You are never too old for Halloween Trick or treat?

Halloween is quickly approaching. Of course, children are getting anxious for costume parties, trick-or-treating, and visiting haunted houses. But get this: Seniors can enjoy Halloween, too. How? Take a look at our fun list of activities. Pumpkin carving: If you volunteer at a nursing home, working with the activities department to coordinate an afternoon of pumpkin carving is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit in the nursing home or assisted living facilities. You could award small prizes to the person who created the most creative and scariest pumpkins. Afterwards, you can decorate the nurses’ stations, the front porch, and the dining room with the carved pumpkins. Decorate: Help your favorite senior decorate their home for Halloween. Buy Halloween posters and put them on their home. Write scary stories or draw pictures that can be put up all over, celebrating the holiday.

Dress up: If you work in a nursing home, designate a day in which residents and facility staff can dress up in Halloween costumes. Awards may be given to the worker and resident with the scariest, funniest, and most creative costumes. At home, seniors can dress up and greet trick or treaters. Read a scary story or watch a scary movie: Sometimes nursing homes will have book groups for the residents who live there. Having someone read a horror novel for the month of October is a perfect way to get residents into the Halloween spirit. Taking an afternoon and watching a scary movie in the activities room is another great way to celebrate the holiday. At home, the grandchildren can come over and watch a good Halloween movie.

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October, 2014

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