Boomers d n o y e B & Westchester County
March 2014
Westchester Care at Home Complete and attentive home healthcare services p2 Steps in Home Care Takes care of your loved ones in a special family atmosphere! p4 Visiting Development Care Group, LLC Quality home care for the one you love p7 Dominican Sisters Family Health Services Compassionate care in the comfort of your home p11 Neighbors Home Care A helping hand to the elderly and the disabled p12 A & T Healthcare Provides a full range of home healthcare services p17 VNA of the Hudson Valley delivers quality care p20
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March, 2014
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester
Providing the Highest Quality Home Health Care in Westchester & Putnam .OW ALSO SERVING THE "RONX $UTCHESS 2OCKLAND
Our Certified Home Health Aides, supervised by Registered Nurses, can assist you or your loved one with:
s 0ERSONAL #ARE s -EAL 0REPARATION AND (OUSEKEEPING s ,AUNDRY 3HOPPING AND Errands s #OMPANIONSHIP s %SCORT 3ERVICES TO !PPOINTMENTS
Call us to learn about our affordable rates on an hourly or live-in basis. Some third party payers provide reimbursement for our services.
800-305-9224 914-997-7912 A New York State-Licensed Home Health Care Agency An Affiliate of Visiting Nurse Services In Westchester CHAP Accredited
Westchester Care at Home, 360 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605
ATTORNEYS AT LAW Many Years of Experience Protecting the Legal Interests of the Elderly & Special Needs Populations Advising Families about: • • • • • • • • •
Medicaid Asset Protection Planning Estate Planning & Administration Special Needs Home Care Long Term Care Health Care Proxies Powers of Attorney Guardianships
See more information on page 14
Client Testimonials I reached out to you during the most stressful time of life for both my loved ones and myself - horror had occurred to my dear loving mother. My mom had fractured her hip and due to her frail health and advanced age required risky hip replacement surgery. Many issues legal and otherwise arose which I could not personally resolve. You not only resolved each and every one, but you continue to do so now, over 4 years later. You always display extreme sincerity, compassion and friendship, using your vast experience and confidence in your ability, to continually bring satisfaction, positive results and a tremendous sense of relief and comfort to my loved ones and myself. You have gone out of your way to visit Mom on multiple occasions in her Nursing house and we love you for it. As an attorney, friend, and a great man, I could not possibly hope to know anyone more phenomenal. The three greatest men I have ever known are my dear departed father, my dear departed father-in-law and Ely Rosenzveig. – Jeff D. I hired Ely to assist with my parents estate planning and it was a wise decision. He is a true expert in navigating through complex elder care law and procedures. His guidance was invaluable and his communication excellent. I would strongly recommend his services.
2 Westchester Park Drive, Suite #108 White Plains, New York 10604 Email: Info@Ejrosenlaw.com
Tel: (914) 816-2900
– Tom C.
www.ejrosenlaw.com ELDER LAW
•
TRUSTS & ESTATES
Attorney advertising • Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome
•
EMPLOYMENT LAW
•
MEDIATION
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March, 2014
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester
3 Barker Avenue, 2nd Floor White Plains, NY 10601
www.stepsinhomecare.com
855.207.STEPS
Steps in home care provides special family touch Shan Wade, and his partner, also, sister-in-law, Jennifer Martire, of Steps In Home Care Inc., regularly meet with clients to have coffee or tea with them to chat and discuss how they are doing. Call this part of the Steps In Home Care Inc family touch. The caring and experienced staff delivers extraordinary care on a daily basis in a family atmosphere, helping senior clients flourish and maintain their quality of life. Steps In Home Care Inc helps clients and their families navigate the complex world of managed care, medical benefits and homecare services. The Steps In Home Care Inc mission is simple: to help an indiviual maintain quality of life, independence and dignity as well as to help their families. Steps In Home Care Inc allows clients to remain in their own homes with a comfortable surroundings. “You get that family atmosphere,” Shan said. “We’re family owned and operated. It’s not just a caregiver and your mom or dad on an island all alone. We care, we are taking care of them the same way we would want our own family member taken care of. I think that really comes across. Our clients love that.” Jennifer said, “In fact, we have taken care of my grandparents, and we cared for them in the exact same way we take care of all our of other clients.”
Steps In Home Care Inc works with dozens of senior clients in Westchester County, Fairfield County, Long Island, New York City, Palm Beach and Broward counties in Florida. Before Steps In Home Care Inc, Steps Therapy, the firm’s sister company, was founded in San Francisco in 2007 – providing consulting services to people with disabilities. With the success of Steps Therapy, Steps In Home Care Inc was born, and blossomed. Steps In Home Care Inc caregivers are trained and certified HHA’s and CNA’s, but also serve as personal assistants. Rest assured, they will help clients with a variety of daily activities, ensuring that they live a longer and healthier life. Steps In Home Care Inc’s diverse services range from help with transportation, household cleaning, and meal preparation to a 24 hour live-in to help with dressing, bed transfers, and personal hygiene. The staff is available 24 hours a day and can develop a program tailor-made for your loved one, which includes their family in the development and ongoing management of the Plan of Care. Whether that means providing care during the morning, evening, or for the entire day. Steps In Home Care Inc knows that, as a caregiver, taking care of a loved one can be stressful.
Steps In Home Care Inc can help independent individuals or couples. The staff regularly works with adult children taking care of their parents, helping them enjoy their lives. The patient-centered approach addresses the specific needs of each patient and Steps In Home Care Inc provides regular visits to insure that the Plan of Care that has been designed for your loved one is carried out seamlessly. “We make sure that it’s always easy for the client to communicate with their caregiver,” Shan said. “We love to talk with them, interact with them, it’s like they have another son or daughter. That’s the No. 1 thing that our clients tell us about, they love the personality of our caregivers. We want to make sure that our staff has that skill set and to engage our clients on a high level, get out of the house if possible, read the newspaper, and discuss current events. Families really enjoy that.” The firm’s clients and their families are what matter most to Shan, Jennifer, and the Steps In Home Care Inc staff. The personal touch comes from, among other things, Shan’s own experience. Two years ago, he needed to find home health care services for his mom. Through that process he determined there was a better way. It’s no wonder that the Steps In Home Care Inc’s staff treats every client like they were their own mom or dad.
3 Barker Avenue, 2nd Floor White Plains, NY 10601
www.stepsinhomecare.com
855.207.STEPS
You Are Not Alone. We Can Help. Helping Your Family One Step at a Time Steps is Licensed Home Care Services Agency (License # 1996-L001). We are a locally, family, and woman owned company with offices in several states, including CT and NY.
Our Goal Our Goal is to help Seniors maintain their health and control over their living situation by staying in a comfortable, safe environment… whether in a Nursing Home or their own home. • • • •
We provide our patients the help they need to maintain their emotional and physical well-being. Steps not only serves the well-being of the patient, but also that of their family. We partner with the entire family. The care our company provides is the same level of care we would want our parents to receive.
Our Philosophy Our Philosophy consists of 3 key principles: Passion, Excellence, and Family. • Passion: This isn’t just our business…it’s our passion. We have passion and pride in everything we do. • Excellence: We hold ourselves to a higher “Standard of Excellence.” We don’t just do the bare minimum…we go above and beyond. • Family: This is a family owned business. Our family is here to help you take care of yours. We will take care of your Mom or Dad just as we would take care of our own.
Call 855.207.STEPS before 3/31/2014 for a FREE RN Assessment.
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March, 2014
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester
Advertiser’s Index
From the General Manager
A Healthier You.......................................................................13
In only a couple of weeks, spring will be in the air, believe it or not!
A&J Home Care, Inc...............................................................10
Say so long to the winter doldrums: It’s time to lace up the running shoes and get moving. While many older people tend to slow down in winter, keeping active all year is a key to good health, particularly for senior citizens. Exercise’s proven benefits — lower blood pressure and blood glucose; improved sleep and mood; less fatigue, joint pain and constipation, and better weight control — are good reasons for older Americans to keep moving during colder months.
A&T Healthcare.......................................................................17 Burke Rehabilitation Hospital...............................................15 Concept: CARE, Inc.............................................................16 ColumbiaDoctors..................................................................19 Dominican Sisters Family Health Service..............................11 Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, PC...................................3,14 Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation..................9 Neighbors Home Care Services.............................................12 Margeliz Center.......................................................................18
So, if you aren’t already up and moving, Boomers and Beyond has a message for you – our faithful readers: Let’s get a move on it! Hopefully, you are already active. If you aren’t spring is a great time to get moving – and healthy. Keep in mind, you should check with your doctor before starting any exercise program if you do not exercise regularly, are significantly overweight, or have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Need some suggestions for your spring exercise routine?
VNA of Hudson Valley...........................................................20
How about finding a walking partner, joining a yoga class, or maybe a dance class. Find a workout DVD that might be fun for you. Spring is almost here, now is the time to get going. And, most importantly, put your snow boots away.
Victoria Home.........................................................................8
Happy spring! For it has almost sprung.
Steps in Home Care................................................................5
Visiting Development Care Group, LLC................................7
Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager
Westchester Care at Home....................................................2
Westchester County
Boomers d & 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) ••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE Anthony Mairo (Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• CIRCULATION Michelle Belsito (Michelle@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Brendan Coyne John Jordan
Corporate Information Healthcare News - Westchester, New York edition - Vol. 7 No. 3 - 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… Retirement Communities
Finding the right place for your loved ones
Senior Advocacy Week Ensuring seniors receive the highest quality healthcare
Rehabilitation
Overcoming health setbacks on the road to recovery
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester March, 2014
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There is No Place Like Home A Healthier Happier You Viviana DeCohen, Family Caregiver Advocate loved one, bringing proper information that allows the senior an opportunity to maintain their independence by having an active and hands on approach to their own care that can include someone to engage them in their favorite activity or discussion. Visiting Development Care Group LLC was designed with you and your loved one in mind. We are a family of Professionals who have been on the other side of the industry having cared for our loved ones in the home with
various diagnosis to include Alzheimer’s/Dementia. Our qualified Companions and Homemakers take the sting out of awkward introductions. Suitably matched with similar interests to provide in home activities that will engage the senior and make them feel as though they are spending time with a helpful friend, our services makes the most apprehensive senior smile. An array of Referral services are available to include the wander guard for seniors at risk for
wandering, a certified fitness instructor who specializes in exercises for seniors to improve strength and mobility, and a dentist who services clients in the privacy of their own home, we are your source for much needed information for your seniors. Take a little time to gather information, present it and allow the senior to be a part of the process for their Home Care. A stress free discussion that leads to a companion who can play canasta can truly lead to a healthier happier you.
Visiting Development Care Group, LLC Qualified Companions & Homemakers Let Us Care For the One you Love Family Respite Services
We have heard the adage and it rings true to the core, there really is no place like home. For seniors this is especially true. Many well meaning adult children, nieces and nephews often offer to move the senior closer to where they reside in order to assist more effectively. While this is an admirable gesture, The American Association of Retired persons ( AARP) revealed that 90 percent of seniors prefer and perform better in their homes and communities. There really is no place like home.
For today’s savy senior who may just need minimal assistance, the idea of a stranger in their home may not be palatable. Many seniors experience fear and trepidation for several reasons, one of which is a loss of their independence. No one wants to feel helpless and trade in their independence for dependency on anyone, let alone a stranger coming into their home. This is a discussion that the family caregiver, who may already be experiencing “burnout” can have with their
• • • • •
Private care in Home Hospital or Rehab Short Term (Min. 4 hrs.) Overnight and Weekends Specializing in Dementia Care Extended Care Helping Care for those who have cared for you! Troy DeCohen President/C.E.O., M.A., M.S.
Viviana DeCohen Caregiver Advocate V.P. Operations/Provider Relations Danna Wood Elder Care Attorney at Law
Contact us Visiting Development Care Group, LLC 419 Union Avenue Mount Vernon, New York 10550
Phone: 914-619-4515 www.visitingcaregroup.com
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March, 2014
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester
Should you worry about your senior parent driving a car? At age 76, Lily thinks she’s a good driver, and she would like to stay that way. But lately, she has been in minor accidents. Lily wonders how she can stay safe behind the wheel. Will taking a class for older drivers help? You may have asked yourself this question about your aging parent. Getting older doesn’t make your senior parent a bad driver. But there are changes that may affect driving skills over time. The Elderly Body As we age, the joints get stiff, and muscles may weaken. This can make it harder for an elderly person to turn their head to look back, turn the steering wheel quickly, or brake safely.
– If you need glasses to see far away while driving, make sure your prescription is correct. And always wear them when you are driving. – Cut back on night driving if you are having trouble seeing in the dark.
What a senior can do: – See their doctor if you think that arthritis or stiffness gets in the way of your driving. – If possible, drive a car with automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and large mirrors. – Be physically active or exercise to keep and even improve your strength and flexibility.
Hearing Hearing may also change, making it harder to notice horns, sirens, or noises from a senior’s own car. That can be a problem because these sounds warn seniors when they may need to pull over or get out of the way.
Vision Eyesight often changes as we get older. At night, seniors may have trouble seeing things clearly. Glare can also be a problem—from oncoming headlights, street lights, or the sun. It might be harder to see people, things, and movements outside the direct line of sight. It may take longer to read street or traffic signs or even recognize familiar places. Eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as some medicines, may also change a person’s vision. What a senior can do: – Have your vision checked every 2 to 4 years if you are age 40 to 64 and every 1 to 2 years if you are 65 or older, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. There are many vision problems your doctor can treat. – Talk to your eye doctor if you can’t see well enough to drive because you have a cataract. You might need surgery to remove the cataract.
What seniors can do: – Have your hearing checked. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends doing this every 3 years after age 50. Your doctor can treat some hearing problems. – Get a hearing aid to help—don’t forget to use it when you drive. – Try to keep the inside of the car as quiet as possible while driving. – Pay attention to the warning lights on the dashboard. They may let you know when something is wrong with your car. Medications Does your aging parent take any medicines that make them feel drowsy, lightheaded, or less alert than usual? Medications can have side effects. People tend to take more medicines as they age, so pay attention to how these drugs may affect your parent’s driving. What seniors can do: – Read the medicine labels carefully, and pay attention to any warnings. – Make a list of all your medicines, and talk to a doctor or pharmacist about how they may affect your driving. – Don’t drive if you feel lightheaded or drowsy.
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester March, 2014
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Closeness between grandparents, adult grandkids may ease depression A good relationship between grandparents and their adult grandchildren can provide a psychological boost for both generations, according to a new study. Researchers from Boston College found this type of close-knit bond was linked to fewer symptoms of depression for both the seniors and the young adults. And the closer the emotional ties, the bigger the benefit, they found. In conducting the study, Sara Moorman, an assistant professor in the sociology department, and Jeffrey Stokes, a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at Boston College, examined survey data involving 376 grandparents and 340 grandchildren collected between 1985 and 2004. The grandparents were born on average in 1917, and the grandchildren on average in 1963. The study also showed the grandparents who provided their grandchildren with tangible support -- which included performing a household chore, giving advice, or
offering some pocket money -- and received similar support from their grandchildren in return had the fewest symptoms of depression. This type of support, however, did not affect the psychological wellbeing of grandchildren, the researchers noted. On the other hand, the grandparents with the most significant increase in symptoms of depression received tangible support but did not give it, the researchers pointed out. The authors suggested that grandparents who receive help but can’t return the favor may feel bad or frustrated about having to depend on their grandchildren. The study authors concluded that strengthening family bonds should go beyond the nuclear family and young children. They added that adult grandchildren who offer tangible support to their grandparents, and allow their grandparents to give them something in return could help reduce their symptoms of depression.
5-STAR Government Rated Four Consecutive Years
★★★★★ Skilled Nursing Care on Beautiful Long Island Sound • Short Term Rehabilitation • Subacute Care • Long Term Care • Alzheimer/Dementia Care • Respite Services We invite you to join us for lunch and take a tour of our facility
490 Pelham Road • New Rochelle, NY, 10805 www.gicnr.com • email: info@gicnr.com
(914) 636-2800
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March, 2014
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester
Travel tips for seniors looking for a hassle-free vacation Statistics are proving that age 70 really is the new 50. According to the U.S. Travel Association, mature travelers ages 65 or older represented 21 percent of all leisure travelers in 2012. From taking a trip with their grandchildren across country, to living out dreams in far, exotic destinations, today’s seniors are choosing to enjoy their golden years traveling. Staying safe and being prepared when traveling is more important than ever for this age group. Here are some special considerations for senior travelers looking for a hassle-free travel experience.
Pack carefully When packing for a trip, it’s important to be prepared. Some packing essentials include a comfortable pair of shoes, a hat and sunglasses to protect the face, clothing that you can wear in layers and any necessary personal items. Multi-purpose items, such as a scarf, which can also be used as a makeshift beach blanket, are always smart to pack and limit the weight of your suitcase. If you are taking an extended vacation, inquire about laundry options close to where you’ll be staying. Visit your doctor As a senior, your health is very important and no one ever wants to get sick or injured on vacation. Schedule a checkup with your doctor before any major trip to discuss the activities you plan to do, and get written prescriptions for any medications you may need. Keep your prescriptions in their original containers so that they can be identified properly. If you plan to travel out of the country, contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for required immunizations. Get protection Whether traveling 50 miles or 5,000, prepare for the unexpected by purchasing a membership from a travel and medical assistance company before you leave. These companies provide services like emergency medical transportation to the hospital of their choice, transportation home, worldwide physician referrals, a 24-hour nurse helpline and emergency travel assistance. Plan carefully When planning your trip, stay organized and compile any contact information and travel reservations to keep in a folder to ensure you don’t have any problems. You might also include emergency numbers and family contact information in this folder as well. Whether driving or flying, it’s smart to gather maps ahead of time so you don’t get lost. If you are traveling out of the country, make sure your passport is up to date several months ahead of time as getting a new passport takes time to process.
A&J Home Care, Inc. A name that families have learned to trust with the care of their loved ones.
A Licensed Home Care Agency 359 East Main St. Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 When temporary or long term Nursing or personal care is needed, let our professional staff assist you to plan for your individual needs.
,ŽŵĞ ĂƌĞ ^ƚĂĨĨ͙ Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides, Companions, PRI Certified R.N. & Geriatric Care Assessments. Please call for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Medicaid approved - CHAP accredited Tel 914.244.9570 Fax 914.242.0389 ʹ Ajhomecare.com
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester March, 2014
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Elderly pedestrians face a much higher risk of being killed in a traffic accident than the young do, a government report finds. The analysis of 2001-2010 U.S. data showed that traffic-related death rates for men and women aged 75 and older were more than double those of people aged 34 and younger. Overall, pedestrians make up 4,000 of the nearly 34,000 traffic-related deaths occurring in the United States each year, according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of elderly killed while walking on America’s road could even increase given the aging of the U.S. population, said CDC experts commenting on the finding. They noted that older adults actually take fewer walks than younger people, “however, when struck, older adult pedestrians are more likely to die from their injuries.” Increasing frailty may leave the elderly more vulnerable to being hit by traffic, as well. Age-linked declines in mental function, vision and physical disabilities “might place older adult pedestrians at greater risk for being struck by a vehicle,” the CDC added. Between 2001 and 2010, more than 47,000 Americans died in traffic-related pedestrian deaths, with males having more than double the risk of being hit and killed versus females. It’s been suggested that this may be because males tend to walk in more dangerous settings or take more chances when walking. About three-fourths of pedestrian deaths occurred in cities, the researchers said. Pedestrian fatalities can be prevented, the CDC said, and efforts to do so should include installing speed bumps on certain roadways, enforcing speeding and distracted driving laws, and “creating pedestrian safety zones and streets designated for walking.”
Odds Of dying in traffic accident increase with
AGE
Dominican Sisters Family Health Service Compassionate care in the privacy and comfort of your own home Services Include: UÊ- i`Ê ÕÀà }Ê UÊ iÊ i> Ì Ê `iÃÊ Ê UÊ* Þà V> ]Ê-«iiV Ê> `ÊÊ Ê "VVÕ«>Ì > Ê/ iÀ>« ià UÊ >ÃiÊ > >}i i Ì UÊ À VÊ >ÀiÊ > >}i i Ì Ê Õ`à Ê6> iÞ\Ê £{ {£ £Èx{Ê Ê iÜÊ9 À Ê ÌÞ\ÊÓ£Ó ÓÎ ÈxnÈÊ
www.dsfhs.org
Specialty Services: UÊ >À` >VÊ >ÀiÊ > >}i i ÌÊ UÊ >LiÌiÃÊ >ÀiÊ > >}i i Ì UÊ >ÌiÀ > Ê `Ê-iÀÛ ViÃÊ UÊ- V > Ê7 À Ê-iÀÛ Vià UÊ7 Õ `ÊEÊ"ÃÌ ÞÊ > >}i i Ì UÊ*>ÃÌ À> Ê >Ài }Ê Ã > `\ÊÈΣ ÇÓn ä£n£ À Ý\ÊÇ£n ÈÈx ÈxxÇ
10 phrases for seniors to live by Life isn't easy for most people and it's not perfect for anybody. Sometimes, as we trudge through the days providing help for our care receivers, it's nice to retrieve a thought or two that can encourage us to keep on doing what we do.
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March, 2014
5. Apologizing takes courage. If you have behaved in a fashion that is hurtful to your care receiver or others, an apology is in order. Strong people can admit when they're wrong. An apology should be followed by an attempt to mend the behavior that brought about the problem. If there's no attempt to improve, then "I'm sorry" has little meaning. 6. Our parents are always our parents. No matter how helpless our parents become, they are not our children. Bodies may fail. Minds may deteriorate. Neither of these conditions erases the legacy of the elder's life. Treating an elder with dignity will, in the end, help the caregiver as well as the care receiver if only because the elder will likely sense the respect and try to live up to it. 7. Express your feelings appropriately. Ignoring your feelings is an unhealthy coping mechanism. You have a right to set boundaries. You have a right to refuse to accept abuse. You have a right to time for yourself. There are ways to appropriately make these rights known if you feel that others have lost sight of your rights. If you need help with this, a social worker, a spiritual leader, a counselor or a family mediator can be called upon.
1. here is no such thing as a perfect caregiver. First of all, we are flawed human beings. Our care receivers are also flawed human beings who are likely unhappy about life events that have put them in a vulnerable position. Their wants and needs are everchanging. We can't be expected to know what to do at every turn to make their lives better when often they don't know themselves
8. Accept what you can't change. Your parent's dementia, your husband's stroke, your own diabetes – you can't change the fact that these illnesses are real. Once you accept that basic fact progress can be made in learning how to cope. Acceptance of what has happened or is happening doesn't mean that you like it. It simple means that you acknowledge your situation. Acceptance allows you to move forward. 9. Self-pity can be healed by gratitude. Yes, caregivers often have legitimate reasons to feel sorry for themselves and some self-pity can be okay for a limited time. One way to pull out of self-pity is to write a list of everything you have to feel grateful for. Once you begin to see what you have to be grateful for, you will likely find yourself slowly becoming happier. That, in turn, could make your care receiver happier, which will continue to cycle back to you. 10. Seek education. You can learn more about your care receiver's main issues, such as Alzheimer's disease or diabetes, though organizations devoted to those diseases. There are rich resources online and many communities have local organizations that can help.
Caregivers are licensed & bonded • Home Health Aides • Personal Care Aides • 24 hour Live-In Aides • RNs & LPNs
2. When we forgive, we heal. Often, it's ourselves we need to forgive – for thinking we should be perfect when we're not. However, even if our care receiver or a friend is basically at fault, we are still the biggest beneficiary of our forgiveness. Doing so frees us from building up resentment about others which is basically selfpunishment. We obsess about the negative rather than move forward with a positive attitude.
Compassionate, comprehensive & customized services • Medication Management • Escort to and from Appointments • Bathing Services • Companions/Sitters • Grocery Shopping/Errands
3. Guilt is counterproductive. Yes, occasionally there's a valid reason to feel guilty. If so, do what you need to do to make amends for what was done. However, most of the time the guilt is unearned. Carrying around unearned guilt can make us cranky – or worse. This, in turn, can't help but affect our caregiving. Do your best to stop feeling guilty. It won't help a thing. 4. Cheating ourselves hurts the care receiver. Caregivers, being human, can go only so long without at least some self-fulfillment and quality of life. Otherwise resentment is bound to set in. Once a caregiver resents the care receiver, the care receiver will nearly always sense the discontent and may feel that he or she is to blame. Therefore, for the sake of the caregiver and the care receiver, caregivers must find ways to take care of some of their own needs. Yes, it's hard to find the time, but it's important.
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester
24 Hour Emergency On-Call Service Private pay, Medicaid & Most Long Term Care insurance accepted
Serving Westchester County since 1983
914-949-3112 148 Hamilton Ave., White Plains, NY 10601 www.neighborshomecareservices.com
A Program of
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester March, 2014
PAGE 13
HOME SAFE HOME FALL. I am not speaking of
that beautiful time of year when the air is crisp and the leaves are full of vibrant colors. I am speaking of the fear many older adults face on a daily basis. Experiencing a fall can be a life altering event changing your ability to remain independent at home. The following simple actions can go a long way toward reducing falls and making your home a safer place. Home modifications can increase home safety and reduce falls. Easy solutions can make a big difference in your level of comfort and safety at home. For example: • Place fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every floor • Install rails in hallways and stairways to make movement easier • Place non-slip mats where water may accumulate; bathrooms, kitchen, entryways • Use non-glare or fluorescent bulbs to minimize glare inside. Do you take four or more medications? Taking multiple medications can put you at risk for falls due to side effects of dizziness and sleepiness. Do not stop taking your medication for these reasons. Instead speak to your healthcare professional and review your medication list for side effects and possible drug interactions. Don’t forget to mention any over the counter and supplements you may be taking. An annual eye exam is a must to detect things like glaucoma, cataracts and vision changes. Wearing lenses that are too strong or too weak can cause symptoms such as blurred vision and a sense of imbalance which can lead to falls. If you wear glasses, take the time to inspect and clean your lenses. Dirty or scratched lenses can affect your vision and ultimately your safety.
Using an assistive device can keep you safer. True, but just like your car, you must inspect and maintain the device you are using. Walker, cane and crutch tips should be checked on a regular basis for damage, dust/dirt, cracks and wear. If you use a wheelchair the brakes and tires should be checked for wear. It is also important that your assistive device fits you properly and that you are using it correctly. A professional such as a physical therapist has the expertise to recommend a device, instruct on proper use, and adjust the device that is right for you. Staying fit and active reduces risk of falls. Regular physical activity can make you stronger, can improve your balance and coordination and give you the endurance you need to safely get through your day. Physical therapists help you keep active as you age by maintaining your flexibility,
strength, and balance. Consulting with a physical therapist is a great way to learn how to safely increase your physical activity levels. It is also good idea to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. By making some simple changes around your home, consulting with your healthcare providers, and increasing your physical activity you can improve your quality of life and remain safe at home. Visit us on-line at www.AHealthierYouPT.com or call (914) 458-2249 to find out how A Healthier You Physical Therapy can help you move better, feel better, and live better today! By Dr. Stacey Rittenberg, PT, DPT, NCS Co-owner of A Healthier You Physical Therapy, LLP, a personalized home physical therapy and wellness company.
Personalized Home Physical Therapy & Wellness Services For All Abilities
• • • •
www.AHealthierYouPT.com
(914) 458-2249
ATTORNEYS AT LAW Many Years of Experience Protecting the Legal Interests of the Elderly & Special Needs Populations
Why should I spend money hiring attorneys to do asset protection planning for me and my loved ones? Currently, the monthly cost for nursing home care in New York ranges between $10,000-$15,000, and properly certified home health attendants (nurse aides) can cost as much or more for round- the-clock home care. Statistically, it is likely that most people will need either or both of these care options as they grow older. It is critical that you plan appropriately to best minimize the strain that elder care costs may have on your estate, and to help put you in the best position possible to qualify for benefits that are largely covered by the government, under Medicare or Medicaid. Our firm has attorneys with extensive experience in developing tax-effective action plans for our clients that help protect their assets from government imposition. We have also been very successful in negotiating the complex bureaucratic minefield in which Medicaid is now mired. We have achieved remarkable results for our clients on a host of Medicaid related issues, from obtaining Medicaid approvals for coverage of home care and institutional care benefits, to very accommodative resolutions of Medicaid spousal recovery claims, where the office of Medicaid aggressively pursues the non-institutionalized (i.e., or “community”) spouse for Medicaid benefits provided.
Why should I have a lawyer prepare my will? If you die without a Will, the law, not you, determines how your assets are divided and to whom they are given. A poorly drafted Will may result in a sizeable chunk of your assets not ending up where you want them to go. We are an experienced law firm that can expertly craft your will to address your long-term care, tax, estate planning, and asset protection planning issues. It is in your best interest that planning be done properly so as to minimize the tax burden on your estate. Our experience and skill in the fields of Trusts, Wills, and Estates enables our firm to uniquely tailor estate planning to your individual needs. We will review your entire estate and draft a personalized plan that will best direct the disposition of your assets after death, whether through your Will, or by means of testamentary substitutes (trusts, joint-asset ownership with right of survivorship, or by beneficiary designation in life insurance policies, annuities, or individual retirement accounts).
My father is having difficulty caring for himself. I am afraid he will no longer be able to live on his own. I am worried about finding the money to pay for his care, whether he stays at home or moves to an assisted living facility or nursing home. What do I do?
2 Westchester Park Drive, Suite #108 White Plains, New York 10604 Email: Info@Ejrosenlaw.com
Tel: (914) 816-2900 www.ejrosenlaw.com ELDER LAW
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Your concerns are certainly daunting, and heart-rending. Our firm offers you a caring hand, an open ear, and uncompromising professional competence, and commitment. We will help find for you solutions that best suit your needs, using the latest tax, trust, and other asset protection strategies available under the law. The law firm of Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, P.C. practices in all aspects of elder law, including trust and estate planning, administration, and litigation, tax counsel, asset protection and special needs planning, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security disability benefits, guardianships, long term care planning, spousal recovery claims, and Medicaid lien resolutions. Attorney advertising • Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome
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Boomers & Beyond - Westchester March, 2014
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What Baby Boomers need to know about making out a will Let’s face it; nobody relishes the task of making out a will. Squarely addressing the prospect of your own mortality can be upsetting enough. But the financial questions surrounding what and how to arrange for one’s heirs are disconcerting, too. Baby boomers in particular are facing this challenge. The youngest of the 76 million people born between 1946 and 1964 are now 50 years old, the age ripe for tackling long term financial planning. Why you should write a will You should prepare a will so your heirs will be taken care of in an organized, legal and efficient manner, according to your wishes. The process doesn’t have to be intimidating, even though the procedure can seem daunting. Making out a will can be straighforward: Simply write down on paper how much money – with the amount usually denoted in a percentage basis – goes to each person. You can designate, for example, 25% or 30% to go to each of your children and the remainder to a designated charity.
When you have done this part, you need to get signatures of witnesses, which amounts largely to a legal formality. The number depends on which state you live in. To fully execute a will that won’t be challenged in court, you need to hire an attorney. – Make sure he or she has experience in making out wills – Consider the price. Cost should not be prohibitive. The dollar figures varies based on factors such as the complexity of the person’s situation: Does he or she have a second marriage or complicated family structure? These situations can increase the costs of hiring a
professional to draft your will. People can spend under $100 to make out their will online, but this is like doing your own taxes - it can be risky because your expertise is not necessarily high. The big challenge, of course, can be in deciding who gets what. We must ask ourselves difficult questions: For openers, will my heirs respect my decision and continue to love me, without feeling any bitterness over who got exactly how much of the money? Am I leaving my personal fortune, everything I have worked so hard for over the course of my entire life, in the right hands? Am I being both fair and wise?
Why you should update your will every few years The reasons to review wills include a change in the amount of wealth to be passed. Perhaps you want to consider bequeaths to charities or grandchildren, a change in your comfort level of passing wealth to beneficiaries. Perhaps, a child does not appear to handle finances well or has a drug/alcohol dependency creating the need for a trust. Another example is if, you have a special needs child or grandchild (or) a child’s marriage appears to be in jeopardy.
No two patients are alike… Why should their rehabilitation be? BURKE REHABILITATION HOSPITAL offers custom-designed programs based on your individual needs. Whether you have experienced a life changing event such as a stroke, brain injury, neurological condition or joint replacement, Burke is here to help you reach your maximum recovery. You are unique. Make sure your rehabilitation journey is too. Pioneering Rehabilitation
785 MAMARONECK AVENUE WHITE PLAINS, NY 10605 888-99-BURKE WWW.BURKE.ORG
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7 super vitamins to help improve seniors memory 6. Vitamin D A lack of vitamin D has been shown to disrupt the brain’s ability to plan, process and form new memories. One study suggests that the decreased level of vitamin D in the elderly is associated with the loss of memory due to aging. Look to eating more mackerel, tuna and foods fortified with vitamin D to increase your daily intake of this vitamin.
1. Vitamin E Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of vitamin E can help protect nerve cells in the brain from damage. There is also evidence that vitamin E can keep nerve cells in the brain from dying after suffering a stroke. Vitamin E has also been found to improve the memory function of the elderly. Check with your physician before considering vitamin E as a memory supplement, as high doses can have an effect on blood clotting medications. 2. Vitamin B6 Aside from maintaining numerous functions of the body, vitamin B6 has been shown to improve memory retention, while supporting brain health. Research shows that a daily intake of vitamin B6 resulted in improved memory over time, and the brain’s ability to process information at a faster rate. Look to tuna, eggs, carrots and other vegetables for a good source of vitamin B6. 3. Vitamin B12 Research has shown that vitamin B12 can keep the blood levels of homocysteine at a healthy level. Homocysteine is an amino
acid associated with decreased brain function if not managed properly. This vitamin also has the ability to repair the brain’s nerve fibers, and is a great memory enhancer when paired with vitamin B6. Beef, liver, clams and trout contain significant amounts of vitamin B12. 4. Vitamin B9 Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, helps in the production of red blood cells, which allows for more oxygen to the brain. This vitamin has been shown to reduce the rate of memory loss associated with aging. If you’re looking for a good source of vitamin B9, try eating foods made from whole grains, or drinking juice made from oranges or tomatoes. 5. Vitamin C The antioxidant properties of vitamin C are so beneficial to your health, they even help with your memory. A recent study found vitamin C to have protective properties against memory problems and a loss of mental alertness. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources for vitamin C, particularly citrus fruits like grapefruit.
7. Vitamin B3 Nicotinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3, has been found, in recent studies, to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B3 also reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers LDL cholesterol. Tuna, chicken, turkey, salmon and asparagus provide a significant source of vitamin B3.
Boomers & Beyond - Westchester March, 2014
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Is your income affected by your ability to hear? Baby boomers continuing to work longer in life before retiring might notice a decrease in income - and the reason for that decrease could be caused by one of the five senses. Untreated hearing loss can decrease a person’s income by as much as $30,000 a year, according to a survey conducted by the Better Hearing Institute. Hearing is critical to effective communication in the workforce. The ability to hear and listen well enables employees to be more productive and understand the work that has been assigned. Poor communication can result in unhappy customers, missed deadlines, poor morale among co-workers and mistakes on the job. Effective hearing may also be critical to ensure safety on the job. Yet many boomers and people approaching boomer age have difficulty admitting hearing loss. Signs you may be suffering from hearing loss include: – Having others in the room complain about the volume of the radio or television. – Requesting people repeat their words on a frequent basis. – Missing out on group conversations. Not only can hearing loss affect an individual, but the individual’s lower income or unemployment status also can affect the national economy. There are more than 34 million Americans with hearing loss, and the estimated loss of income is $176 billion for those with hearing loss who are underemployed or unemployed. That cost to society is as high as $26 billion in unrealized federal taxes. Hearing aids are shown to reduce the risk of income loss by 90 to 100 percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65 to 77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss.
Hearing aids remain the optimum treatment for the vast majority of people with hearing loss. Yet only 40 percent of Americans with moderate to severe hearing loss, and only 9 percent of those with mild hearing loss, wear them. One misconception is that hearing aids are big and ugly, and could make a person appear old or disabled. But if you are in a workplace and are not hearing instructions or missing the conversation happening around the water cooler, people may wonder about your mental capacity.
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Boomers & Beyond - Westchester
2051 Baldwin Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914.276.7601 www.margelizcenter.com
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO MEMORY CARE AND PHYSICAL WELLNESS. It is common to cut back on eating out when you retire. Frugal retirees trying to stretch their fixed income are also famous for utilizing early bird specials and senior discounts. You deserve it! The typical American age 55 and older dines in a restaurant 51 times a year, or about once a week, according to one survey by the Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research. The top restaurant choices are casual dining (27 visits) and fast food chains (15 visits), but baby boomers and seniors also visit cafĂŠs and kiosks (6 visits) and fine dining restaurants (3 visits). The most popular food choices include American, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and Seafood. Here's where baby boomers and seniors are dining out: 1. Olive Garden 2. Wendy's 3. Outback 4. Red Lobster 5. Chili's 6. IHOP 7. Applebees 8. KFC 9. Burger King 10. Denny's 11. Baskin Robbins 12. Taco Bell 13. Dairy Queen 14. Macaroni Grill 15. Panda Express 16. TGI Friday 17. McDonald's 18. Boston Market 19. Lone Star 20. Fuddruckers
The Margeliz Center Social Adult Day Program was created by two passionate Occupational Therapists who bring a fresh approach to already existing ideology, making the Margeliz Center one of a kind. Our programs are developed on evidence based research and executed with love, dedication, understanding and an abundant amount of happiness. The Margeliz Center is known for providing services to individuals with conditions such as Stroke, Parkinson's, PTSD, TBI, MS, Pictured from the left, Margaret M. Dobkowski, COTA, CEO Alzheimer's and other dementia and Eliza Zelazowski, OTR/ L, CEO. related conditions. Our center includes many complementary programs: Memory Training, Wellness Center, Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation and even in-home-visits from medical specialties such as podiatry, neurologi, psychology, internal medicine and more. Make sure you will ask as how we can help you to ease your payments.
Phone: 914.276.7601 Email: info@margelizcenter.com
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Boomers & Beyond - Westchester March, 2014
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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
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Boomers & Beyond - Westchester
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