Boomers & Beyond

Boomers d n o y Westchester County

e B &

January 2013

TOP 10 Healthy

New Year’s Resolutions For Seniors p4

Attorney Bernard A. Krooks Explains the importance of Estate Planning! p9

Pelvic Trouble

Older Women and a Difficult Battle p10

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors p12

PAGE 2

January, 2013

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

SPECIALIZING IN CARDIOLOGY, INTERNAL MEDICINE AND GASTROENTEROLOGY

HONORED ON

‘Best Doctors’ LISTS YEAR AFTER YEAR

ROBERT BELKIN, MD CRAIG HJEMDAHL-MONSEN, MD GABRIELLE BOLTON, MD KUMAR KALAPATAPU, MD SRIRAMA KALAPATAPU, MD MARK BORKIN, MD SUSAN CAMPANILE, MD RICHARD KAY, MD LEO CARDILLO, MD ANDREW KUPERSMITH, MD MAXWELL CHAIT, MD STEVEN LANDAU, MD ALBERT DELUCA, MD YAT WA (BETTY) LI, MD JEFFREY DONIS, MD SANJAY NAIK, MD JOYDEEP GHOSH, MD DIMPLE PATEL, MD LAWRENCE GLASSBERG, MD RONALD PRESTON, MD EDUARDO GRANATO, MD ANTHONY PUCILLO, MD

MONICA REYNOLDS, MD JAE RO, MD WARREN ROSENBLUM, MD INDERPAL SINGH, MD SUSAN SOEIRO, MD DAVID E. SOLARZ, MD CARMINE SORBERA, 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 3 Michael Frey Drive Suite 1E Eastchester, NY 10709 Hartsdale, NY 10530 (914)337-3500 (914)725-2010

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

ATTORNEYS AT LAW Many Years of Experience Protecting the Legal Interests of the Elderly & Special Needs Populations Advising Families about: • • • • • • • •

Medicare/Medicaid Home Care Long term Care Special Needs Trusts Wills/Trusts Health Care Proxies Powers of Attorney Guardianships

See more information on page 14

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PAGE 4

January, 2013

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Later in life, New Year’s resolutions are even more important than when you were young.

After all, you have so many more years ahead of you for tennis, the grandchildren, good friends, long walks and much, much more.

Making a New Year’s resolution to eat better, exercise, watch your weight, see your healthcare provider regularly, or quit smoking once and for all, can help you get healthier and feel better for many more years to come.

Here, from the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging, are leading experts’ Top 10 healthy New Year’s resolutions for older adults.

1

Exercise

Exercise can be safe and healthy for older adults -even people with illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis! In fact, many of these conditions actually improve with mild to moderate exercise.

Exercising can also help you control your weight, build your muscles and bones, and improve your balance, posture, and mood. If you’re planning to start exercising, or to exercise more, check with your healthcare provider first to plan an excercise program that’s right for you.

2

Take a multivitamin

Check labels and choose a multivitamin that includes 100% of the “Daily Value” for most vitamins and minerals. continued on next page

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester January, 2013

3

Eat healthy: Fruits and vegetables important

In later life, you still need healthy foods, but fewer calories.

Experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, but less than a third of older adults do this.

To eat well, be sure to: – Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables.

– Go for deep colors: dark green, bright yellow and orange choices like spinach, collard greens, carrots, oranges and cantaloupe are especially nutritious.

Choose fiber-rich whole grain bread, rice and pasta.

– Pick less fatty meat, like chicken, and low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt. Have heart-healthy fish, like tuna or salmon, twice a week.

PAGE 5

– To help keep your bones strong, include sources of calcium and Vitamin D. Two daily servings of low-fat milk, yogurt, or cheese are a good way to get these nutrients. And use healthier fats, such as olive and canola oils, instead of butter or lard.

4

See your doctor regularly

You should have a complete physical at least once a year. At each visit, talk to your healthcare provider about the medications you’re taking (over-the-counter and prescription). Ask whether you should be getting any shots or screening tests for vision, hearing, and other conditions such as breast or colon cancer.

5

Limit alcohol

Try to limit your alcohol consumption to a safe amount for older adults. Excessive drinking can make you feel depressed and can contribute to other health problems. One drink = 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or one ounce of hard liquor. The recommended limit for older men is 14 drinks per week and for older women, 7 per week. continued on page 7

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Health Tips for Staying Well Sarah Neuman Center offers: Staying Fit healthy lifting and kickboxing may not be For most seniors, jogging, weight ember rem se plea but ss, fitne to boost your options. Try these simple, fun tasks en. regim cise exer re starting a new to first check with your doctor befo Be Active your usual stop and walk the Step off the bus two blocks before rest of the way. on the joints, improves your Take a Tai Chi or Yoga class. It’s easy balance and makes you stronger.

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PAGE 6

January, 2013

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Advertiser’s Index

From the General Manager

A&J Home Care, Inc............................................................ 13

There you are, standing in front of the mirror, promising yourself you will stick to your New Year’s resolution.

Audio Help Hearing Centers.................................................16 ColumbiaDoctors....................................................................2 DRS2HEALTH®..................................................................7 Jewish Home Lifecare.............................................................5 Littman Krooks, LLP..............................................................9 MedExcel................................................................................8 New York Life..........................................................................7 Premiere Audiology................................................................15 Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, PC...................................3,14 Sprain Brook Audiology........................................................10 Victoria Home.......................................................................13 Willow Towers.......................................................................11

Boomers d

Westchester County

& Beyon

You will eat healthier. You will exercise more. You will spend more time with family.

However, this year is different. This year, you will stick to your resolution.

Boomers N Beyond has come up with five resolutions for seniors: – Exercise your body and your mind: Research shows numerous physical and psychological benefits; plus, this is great preventative care.

– Eat nutritious meals: This is the fuel that gets your body through the day; make it count! Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

– Fall-proof your home: Be proactive about your living situation and make it a safer place.

– Get your affairs in order: Gather and organize important documents such as insurance, will, financial information, auto & home.

– Increase your social activities and engagement with others: Visit a senior center or religious group; connect with others and make new friends.

Happy New Year! Have a safe 2013!

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

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 ASSOcIATE Katie Rider (Katie@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• ADvERTISING-PUBLIc RELATIONS Ellie K. Ellis (elliekellis@gmail.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. 6 No. 1 - 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.

Display Ad deadline January 4, 2013 Print Date January 11, 2013 Online edition January 18, 2013

Next Month in Boomers & Beyond…

Senior Residences

The right Retirement communities for your loved ones

Heart Health The top cardiac care in the region

Top 10 Healthy Resolutions continued from page 5

6

Get enough sleep

Older adults need less sleep than younger people, right?

Wrong! Older people need just as much - at least seven to eight hours a night. Avoid daytime naps, which can keep you up in the evening. Visit the National Sleep Foundation) for more tips on how to sleep better.

7

Guard against falls and accidents

One in every three older adults fall each year -and falls are a leading cause of injuries and death among older adults. Exercises such as walking or working out with an elastic exercise band can boost your strength, balance, and flexibility, and help you avoid falls. You should also bring all of your medications to your healthcare provider so he or she can make sure you’re not taking any pills that can make you more likely to fall. Eliminate items in your home that are easy to trip over, like throw rugs. Insert “grab bars” in your bathtub or shower, and install night lights so it’s easier to walk around at night.

8

Speak up when you feel anxious

About one in five older adults suffer from depression or anxiety. Lingering sadness, tiredness, a loss of appetite or pleasure in doing things you once enjoyed, difficultly sleeping, worry, irritability, and wanting to be alone can be signs of depression.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these signs for more than two weeks, and reach out to friends and family.

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9

PAGE 7

Give your brain a workout

The more you use your mind, the better it will work. Read. Do crossword puzzles. Try Suduko.

Socializing also gives your brain a boost, so join a bridge club or a discussion group at your local library or senior center. Or take a course at your local community college. Some offer free classes for adults 65 and older.

10

Quit

Smoking

Did you know that cigarette smokers have approximately one-and-a-half to two times the risk of developing heart disease? You can reduce your risks of many health problems, breathe easier, have more energy, and sleep better if you quit smoking– no matter how long ago you started. To make quitting easier, the National Cancer Institute has a special website (www.smokefree.gov).

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester January, 2013

PAGE 9

Attorney Bernard A. Krooks explains the importance of Estate Planning!

Estate planning is one of the most important steps any person can take to make sure that their final property and health care wishes are honored, and that loved ones are provided for in their absence. A comprehensive estate plan can resolve a number of legal questions that arise whenever anyone dies.

As respected attorney Bernard A. Krooks point out, that’s why many people put off estate planning.

“We don’t want to think of our own mortality,” said Krooks, founding partner of Littman Krooks LLP, with offices in White Plains, Manhattan and Fishkill, and past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

“What happens if you end up in a nursing home or if you have a stroke? People don’t want to think about that. They want to think about vacations and new cars. You need to have that planning and security in place.

You have to think about it sooner than later.”

Krooks has an impressive resume. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 in the field of Elder Law and Trusts and Estates. Only a select group of lawyers are chosen for this distinction; Krooks has been included among this elite group for each of the last six years.

His selection results from an exhaustive peer-review survey comprising nearly four million confidential evaluations by fellow attorneys. The survey is conducted by Best Lawyers, which has been considered a definitive guide to legal excellence in the U.S. for a quarter century.

The annual Best Lawyers publication has been described by the national magazine, The American Lawyer, as “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Still, Krooks and his staff pride themselves on working with each client individually, catering to each one’s diverse needs. According to Krooks, estate planning should begin when you are 18 with his “Fab Four”: A will, health care proxy, living will and durable power of attorney.

However, as you get older, you should speak with an attorney about estate planning. It can be in

you 50s, 60’s or 70s, depending on your health and living situation.

Elder law is about more than money. When viewed properly, elder law is about two major things: First, ensuring that your personal wishes—financial, medical, and legal—are carried out; and second, understanding that elder law is a family matter affecting an intricate web of individual relationships. Krooks

points out that crisis-motivated legal action is usually more costly, but appropriate professional planning can be extremely liberating.

Knowing that your potential long-term care needs have already been addressed frees you and your family from needless worry.

Littman Krooks LLP can present your options and ensure that the proper plan is in place, ensur-

ing that your family doesn’t suffer a financial crisis stemming from a lack of preparation for long-term care.

“We have been in the community for more than two decades,” Krooks said. “Our firm has the skill and we care about people, we care about giving them individualized attention. We have the experience and resources to help them meet all of their goals.”

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PAGE 10

January, 2013

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Pelvic Trouble:

Older Women and a Difficult Battle

By Dr. Michael Wald & Elizabeth Carrollton – Director of Nutrition at Integrated Medicine of Mount Kisco, P.C. and Elizabeth Carrollton (www.drugwatch.com)

Women who are going through the changes that come with menopause can face some challenging symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, depression, fatigue and sleeplessness, among many others. Adding to that challenge for many is the fact that pelvic organ prolapse (POP) often occurs with menopause. In 2010, 75,000 women had transvaginal mesh procedures to repair POP. Unfortunately, for as many as one of every 10 of these women, these surgeries resulted in serious complications, causing symptoms more painful and debilitating than the ones they were meant to correct.

Menopause and Prolapse Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the pelvic floor isn't strong enough to support the organs in the pelvic region effectively, allowing them to slip away from their normal position. The pelvic floor damage that causes POP often begins with changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, with other factors that stress the pelvic floor contributing over a woman's lifetime, such as obesity, heavy lifting, and chronic coughing or constipation. Although POP can appear at any age, for most women symptoms appear after the age of 50, when the estrogen loss that comes with menopause causes pelvic floor tissues to lose elasticity, further weakening pelvic support and allowing organs to prolapse.

Transvaginal Mesh Surgeries About 11 percent of women with pelvic organ prolapse will need reconstructive surgery to address severe symptoms of the disorder. Over the last decade, a large portion of those surgeries has included the use of trans-

vaginal mesh implants to reinforce weakened pelvic tissues, devices that have proven problematic for many women.

Since these devices were approved through the Food and Drug Administration's 510(k) fast-track program, clinical evidence of safety and effectiveness was not required prior to approval. However, as use of these devices grew, a rising number of adverse events reported to the FDA began to raise concern, prompting safety warnings and regulatory action by the FDA. Several transvaginal mesh products have been recalled by manufacturers due to high rates of serious complications, including products made by Boston Scientific Corp., Mentor Worldwide and Johnson & Johnson, and thousands of lawsuits have been filed by women injured by these devices.

Among the most frequently reported complications is mesh erosion, where sharp mesh edges wear through vaginal and pelvic tissues, which can result in organ perforation, pain, bleeding, infection, urinary problems and sexual dysfunction. Mesh shrinkage is also common, and can cause intense pelvic and vaginal pain, vaginal scarring and shortening, and sexual dysfunction.

Revision surgeries, often several procedures, have been necessary to resolve symptoms in many women and they are not always effective.

While there are many additional risks with transvaginal mesh procedures as compared to non-mesh surgeries, the benefits are few. Many mesh products have been pulled off the market in a recent transvaginal mesh recall.

According to the FDA, mesh procedures have not proven to be more effective than traditional POP repair. The FDA has ordered further research to be done on these products due to the controversy, a move that comes too late to help many women who are struggling with mesh-related symptoms far more devastating than the prolapse problems the surgery was supposed to relieve.

Nutrition Nutrition is a neglected area for helping to effectively manage the physical, mental and emotional issues that often accompany pelvic trouble and the symptoms mentioned in this articles. Special laboratory work and other tests can be performed to determine how best to use lifestyle such as exercise, foods and nutritional supplements to enhance healing and improve quality of life.

Sources: FDA Safety Communication: UPDATE on Serious Complications Associated with Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm262435.htm FDA: Surgical placement of mesh to repair pelvic organ prolapse poses risks: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm262752.htm Harvard Medical School:What to do about pelvic organ prolapse: http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0805c.shtml OBG Management: Are new tools for correcting prolapse and incontinence better just because they’re new?: http://www.obgmanagement.com/article_pages.asp?aid=9946

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PAGE 11

New Jersey couple, 98 and 88, displaced by Sandy wed at Hudson Valley Hospital Center Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on Westchester County, but there's one thing the superstorm couldn't disconnect: This special couple's love.

Murray Silverman, 98, and Muriel Siragher, 88, tied the knot in the aftermath of the storm in a hastily planned, but lovely ceremony in the chapel at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt Manor.

Murray and Muriel who live in Manalapan, NJ fled Sandy to stay with relatives in Yorktown when Murray was suddenly taken ill and hospitalized at Hudson Valley Hospital Center.

Not knowing his chances for recovery, Murray decided to move up a planned wedding with his 88-year-old sweetheart and asked HVHC staff if they could arrange for the wedding.

"It’s been such a joy for everyone involved and such a distraction from the misery of the storm,’’ said Suzanne Mateo, administrative director of nursing at HVHC. "Our environmental staff built a Huppah for the wedding ceremony and our dietary staff has planned a reception with a wedding cake.

Our gift shop and Auxiliary donated flowers for the bride and groom. Everyone is really excited about this wedding.’’

Arthur Klein, Muriel’s son-in-law, said that Murray had asked him to make the arrangements shortly after he was admitted, saying he wanted to make sure that he and Muriel were wed in case anything should happen to him.

The Hospital’s tiny chapel was crowded with friends and family including Muriel’s grandson and his wife and great-grandchildren and Muriel’s other daughters who braved the weather traveling from New Jersey and Boston.

The ceremony was performed by Cantor Jamie Tortorelllo-Allen of Temple Beth Am in Yorktown Heights under a Huppa built by Hospital staff.

Murray, affectionately known as Muzzy to his family, and Muriel first met more than 50 years ago when Murray and his first wife, Rose, and Muriel and her first husband, Irving, met on a trip to Greece. The couples became good friends and shared a love of travel. Muriel and Murray had not seen much of each other after the deaths of their spouses, but reconnected about six years ago when Murray came to stay with Muriel in Florida during the illness of a mutual friend.

"After that I didn’t think I would see him, but he called me and asked if I wanted to go to Thailand with him. How could I say no,’’ said Muriel.

Murray added that since then the couple has traveled to Asia, Africa, Europe and South America. provided Mateo said that this is not the first time that couples have wed at HVHC. "We have done this before. We try to accommodate our patients if we can. Certainly, Murray and Muriel are a special case.’’

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PAGE 12

January, 2013

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Winter

safety tips for seniors

Believe it or not, the temperatures hit the 60s in Westchester County in early-December.

However, rather quickly, the cold air will move in.

As tough as the cold weather is on everyone, it’s particularly dangerous for senior citizens.

Winter — for many, a season of cold winds, ice, snow and isolation — is an especially important time for family, friends, neighbors and caregivers to keep a caring eye on seniors to make sure they are safe, doing well and have what they need.

Here are a few tips to help seniors get through the season: Keeping Walks Clear Falls are always a concern for seniors; about one-third of seniors fall each year in the U.S. Winter poses a special risk, so put down road salt, kitty litter or sand to keep sidewalks, steps and driveways as slip-free as possible.

Persons over age 65 — especially those with a history of high blood pressure and heart disease — should leave snow shoveling to others, such as neighbors, youth wanting to earn a little money, volunteers from churches and organizations or professional services.

The combination of strenuous work and blood vessels constricted by the cold air raises the risk of heart attack.

Falls and severe muscle strains are also risks.

For seniors who do shovel walks, however: – Dress warmly and in layers, along with a hat and gloves, to retain body heat and prevent hypothermia.

To avoid slipping, wear boots with non-skid soles.

Before starting, limber up with light warm-up exercises

– Push the snow in front of you, rather than lifting.

If you must lift, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back.

– Take frequent breaks. If you become dizzy or numb, stop immediately and go inside. Call 911 if you experience chest pain or other heart attack symptoms.

Protect Against Hypothermia Seniors generally produce less body heat. That makes them especially susceptible to hypothermia, a drop in body temperature below 96 degrees. If not detected early, it can be extremely dangerous. Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and severe arthritis, and some medications, can limit the body’s response to cold, leaving seniors even more vulnerable.

Signs include: uncontrollable shivering, numbness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of coordination, stiff muscles, slurred speech, slow and shallow breathing, slow and irregular heartbeat and weak pulse.

Hypothermia Prevention – Limit time outdoors, and stay in on windy days.

Go inside if you begin shivering.

– Wear warm, layered clothing of natural fibers. To reduce heat loss, wear a hat, gloves, warm socks and boots. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

– Indoors, keep the thermostat at a comfortable level, wear warm clothing and use enough blankets to stay warm at night.

– To keep your body temperature up, eat hot, nourishing meals and drink warm beverages.

Seek medical attention immediately for anyone you believe is suffering from hypothermia. Keep the person dry and warm with blankets. Do not rub limbs to warm them. Encourage the person to drink hot, nonalcoholic, caffeine-free beverages. continued on next page

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester January, 2013

PAGE 13

Home Heating Safety

When the Power Goes Off

People age 65 and older are three times more likely than younger people to die or be injured in a house fire.

Seniors also need to beware of the dangers of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be given off by heating devices fueled by gas, oil, kerosene or wood. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the bloodstream and can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, convulsions and death within two hours. The effects can happen even faster for someone with a respiratory or heart condition.

Make sure to check in on seniors during a winter power outage and help them get to an emergency shelter if necessary.

Seniors should have plenty of warm blankets, candles and working flashlights and batteries on hand, along with an emergency supply of canned goods and other food.

To preserve food, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full, unopened freezer will keep foods for about 48; half full, about 24 hours.

– Have all chimneys and flues inspected yearly and cleaned as needed

Winter Driving

– Before winter have the furnace inspected to make certain it is in good, safe operating condition

Avoid driving during and after winter storms, but if you must:

– Install smoke detectors on all floors and carbon monoxide detectors in areas where fuels are being burned. Replace batteries annually.

– Open a window slightly when using a kerosene stove – Place space heaters at least three feet from curtains, bedding, furniture and anything else that might burn – Keep a fire extinguisher handy, replace as needed and know how to use it

– Keep the gas tank full. Let someone know your destination, route and expected time of arrival, and bring your cell phone – Keep an emergency travel kit in the trunk, including a snow shovel, blankets, flashlight, water, first aid kit – If your car gets stuck, stay with it. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow so fumes do not back up in the car.

Keep a window open to let in air.

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

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 Gannett Drive, Suite #108 White Plains, New York 10604 Email: Info@Ejrosenlaw.com

Tel: (914) 816-2900 www.ejrosenlaw.com

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

ELDER LAW • TRUSTS & ESTATES • EMPLOYMENT LAW • MEDIATION • PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPRESENTATION

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester January, 2013

PAGE 15

Sarah Neuman Center resident and long-time volunteer recognized at Westchester County Department’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame 2012 Cheered on by their enthusiastic supporters, two 85-year-olds, Shirley Jones, an inspirational Sarah Neuman Center volunteer resident, and Dorothy Sunshine, an 18-year volunteer with Friends at Sarah Neuman, received special recognition during an awards luncheon at the 30th Annual Westchester County Department’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. The event was held on Monday, December 3rd at the Westchester Marriot Hotel The Senior Hall of Fame was sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, Westchester County Parks and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services and co-sponsored

by Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester and Putnam.

Hall of Fame Resident Volunteer Even before being nominated

by Sarah Neuman staff and earning her Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame distinction, Shirley Jones was already winner. Shirley grew up in Tarrytown and always dreamed of having a big family. Her biggest reward? Having nine children, 27 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren…“With one more on the way!” Mrs. Jones is quick to add.

Shirley joined the workforce in 1947 as a nurse’s aid and spent the next 25 years serving others in hospitals and nursing homes.

After leaving the healthcare field, she was hired by the Westchester County Department of Social Services and worked as a valued clerk, processing checks and other finances for the County until her retirement in 1991.

Volunteering in her own Backyard, so-to-speak Staff at Sarah Neuman are delighted to have such a stalwart volunteer in its ranks and are proud to have her as a resident.

“Shirley is a role model to all of us,” says a grateful Amy Lionheart, Director of Volunteers.

“She has such great spirit and is very determined. With more than 1,200 volunteer hours logged to date, she is a star.”

The octogenarian wears many hats, serving as a receptionist one day and processing new volunteer applications the next. Shirley is an all around Gal Friday and does whatever is needed to keep the office organized.

Shirley provides wonderful advice to the high school students volunteering at SNC and has “adopted” several as their grandparent. “Shirley nurtures us,” says youth volunteer Matthew Baffuto. “She told me to make sure I get a good education and always respect my parents.”

She laughs and loves with all her heart and has helped to enhance the quality of life for all the residents, patients and staff at Sarah Neuman. Shirley is thankful for the opportunity to serve as a volunteer, “I’m so glad the Lord gave me these extra years to help people.” She adds, “It helps me sleep at night knowing I’m making a difference in the lives of others.”

Sharing her Dose of Sunshine Appropriately named, Dorothy Sunshine has contributed nearly 7000 volunteer hours of service, and is a welcomed presence on the Sarah Neuman campus. Always energetic, Dorothy really shines as the “life of the party,” often imparting some of her vaudevillian spirit when she sings and dances with the Sarah Neuman elders.

One resident said, “When she two-steps her way into a room, everyone brightens. Even if you have limited mobility, when Dorothy’s around, you want to move and shake something!”

In addition to her role as a recreational volunteer, which includes organizing resident-

provided

Pictured l to r: Sarah Neuman Center resident and volunteer, Shirley Jones and devoted volunteer, Dorothy Sunshine, proudly accept their well-deserved recognition.

centered social outings to local Westchester restaurants, Dorothy is also an avid advocate for the Sarah Neuman Center seniors and often speaks on their behalf at meetings. Her main goal is to help enhance the resident’s

social, intellectual and spiritual needs.

Volunteering has always played an important role in this charismatic woman’s life.

In 2006, Dorothy was honored with Sarah Neuman’s Ivy Voris

Award for Excellence in Volunteer Service. In 1998, she was named Volunteer of the Year by JPMorgan Chase Dorothy is a devoted Broadway theater enthusiast and a lifelong film buff. She has enjoyed a rich life of travel to many continents, but gets the greatest pleasure when spending time with her large family. The retired banker, with an impressive 47 year career with Chase Bank, is also likely to be engaged in spirited discussion about local and national politics and anything related to current events. She shares her passions with her fellow volunteers and Sarah Neuman residents, which is one of the many reasons she is so beloved.

For more information please visit www.jewishhome.org

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