Fairfield Boomers & Beyond November 2014 ebook

Boomers d n o y e &B Fairfield County

November 2014

ColumbiaDoctor

Joseph Lee offers tips on prevention of cardiovascular disease p7

Synergy HomeCare

is a respected AGENCYnot a registry! p8

Benchmark Senior Living at Split Rock receives National Honor for Memory Care Program p10

B & M Capital

Advanced financial advisory company for seniors p17

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November, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Come see what’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.

Alzheimer’s Disease:

AT

The warning signs

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

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County November, 2014

PAGE 3

THE GREENS AT GREENWICH

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's today, with another person developing the disease every 68 seconds. By 2050, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to triple.

As if those numbers weren't staggering enough, consider this: Alzheimer's disease is the only cause of death among the top 10 (it's currently ranked No. 6) in the United States that can't be prevented, cured or slowed down.

Ask any expert, and he or she will tell you that early diagnosis is key to helping patients live better day to day, so even though the disease is still progressing, the symptoms are less harsh.

(This isn’t one of them.)

Here are 7 Alzheimer's symptoms to look for: 1. Asking the same question over and over again.

2. Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again.

3. Forgetting how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards —activities that were previously done with ease and regularity.

4. Losing one's ability to pay bills or balance one's checkbook.

5. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects.

6. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have bathed or that their clothes are clean.

7. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves.

Rather than diagnose Alzheimer's disease at home, head to your doctor's office. You can also find more information at www.alz.org, or by calling the Alzheimer's Association's 24-hour hotline at (800) 272-3900.

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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November, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

photos prov ided

Respite Stays Benefit Everyone, Especially Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Award-winning “Main Street” at The Village at Waveny, an assisted living residence in New Canaan, Connecticut specifically designed to provide the most advanced therapeutic benefits to people with memory loss. The Village proudly offers respite services to families so that caregivers can regain some necessary personal time. Offering flexibility to meet the varying needs of caregivers, respite stays at The Village can be as short as a week, or as long as a month or more.

In the past year, 15.5 million family and friends provided 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Nearly 60 percent of these caregivers rate their emotional stress as high or very high, and more than onethird report symptoms of depression.

When a survey co-sponsored by The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP asked such caregivers what they needed most, the majority responded “free time or a break for themselves.”

Respite care, a service offered by The Village at Waveny, provides caregivers with a temporary break from caregiving by providing safe, temporary lodging and care for individuals with memory loss. It enables caregivers to rest, relax and catch up with family and friends.

“Individuals who provide care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s need to take advantage of services that allow them to step away from the caregiver role from time to time,” said Susan Klehm, RN, Director of Resident Care at The Village at Waveny – a unique residence designed to provide the most advanced therapeutic benefits for people with memory loss.

“Respite services offer adult children and spouses of people with memory loss a chance to recharge their batteries. When you are involved in 24-hour care, day-today tasks are harder to take care of and you begin to neglect your own needs. A

short placement in a safe and therapeutic environment enables caregivers to attend to themselves and other family members appropriately.”

As a group, Alzheimer caregivers are twice as likely as other caregivers to be providing the highest levels of care for more than 40 hours a week, and thus face a greater risk of developing such stress-induced conditions. Respite services can alleviate some caregiver burden and, in doing so, help to maintain personal wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle.

“Caregivers should know that we welcome short-term guests for stays as brief as a week or as long as a month or more,” said Ginny Carroll, Director of Admissions at Waveny. “Whether taking a vacation or simply enjoying some time to themselves, caregivers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe and being cared for by a highly-qualified compassionate staff.” Many caregivers find that when care is resumed at home after a respite stay, it can be a little less stressful for everyone.

There are numerous benefits offered to individuals with memory loss through a short-term stay in a therapeutic residential setting. The Village’s comprehensive program of social, recreational, cultural and memory-enhancing activities helps to enhance each respite guest’s health and wellbeing. In addition, assessments for

rehabilitation to increase strength and balance are available, as are complete medication assessments and evaluations for services that can enable a safe return home – possibly for a longer length of time. Short-term stays also enable families and seniors to gain a sense of trust and confidence in caregivers outside the home.

“It is truly in a caregiver’s best interest to schedule respite stays into his or her loved one’s care plan, so they don’t burn themselves out physically and emotionally,” said Waveny Campus Administrator, Ron Bucci. “Unfortunately,” he added, “some caregivers feel it is selfish to focus on their own needs or believe that no one can care for their family member like they can. They end up waiting until they are overwhelmed and exhausted before getting help. Such situations are detrimental to all parties involved. Caregivers should know that they are not alone and that there are highly-qualified people and community resources available to help them.”

Bucci also emphasized that in addition to using respite services during a personal emergency or in order to regain some time for personal rejuvenation, a respite stay can serve as a helpful and convenient way for families and potential residents to “try out” assisted living before long-term decisions are made. “If an older adult needs 24-hour

assistance,” said Bucci, “short-term stays can provide a much-needed opportunity for caregivers and care recipients to ‘test the water’ in an assisted living residence. Many of our families find that their loved ones quickly take comfort in the secure, caring setting offered at The Village and enjoy the camaraderie and activities shared with their peers while they are here.”

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 1-855WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County November, 2014

PAGE 5

RVNA nurse stops a $5000 scam It’s difficult to detect a scam; it’s even more unusual to stop a scam as it is happening. On September 26, Margarita Garces- Shapiro, a visiting nurse from the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association was told by an elderly woman client who lives in Ridgefield that she needed to get to the bank as soon as possible to take out some money for a family emergency and someone was coming to pick it up. She sounded distraught and Margarita sensed something suspicious. Her client was upset and pleaded that she had to get money from the bank as soon as possible.

Just the day before, Margarita had attended a program at the Weston Senior Center, sponsored by RVNA, with Donald McGran, Security Advisor of the Fairfield County Bank. Mr. McGran, a retired Major of the Ridgefield Police Department, devotes himself to helping seniors understand and avoid scams.

His presentation: “Protecting Your Money from Scams” described the ways these scammers frighten and deceive seniors to obtain large sums of cash.

“These senior scams are happening more and more. Seniors, especially, need to know how to recognize a scam. Seniors tend to be trusting.

Scammers are relentless. They will go to people’s homes, pose as certified government couriers and take large sums of cash from unsuspecting seniors.”

Margarita says that “Don McGran’s presentation was so fresh in my mind that I decided to go to my client’s home to find out more about the urgency of getting to the bank. At first, she was reluctant to tell me and was unsure of the details. While I was talking to her, the scammer called again and I actually spoke to him. I told him I knew his story was a scam, a much-used scam. My client was told that her grandson had been in an accident and $5000 was needed for bail. “ Margarita called the family and the police and stopped the scam as it was happening. “These scammers target the older generation who would never

think that anyone could be so vile,” said Margarita. “I am going to contact banks to suggest that bank tellers should be aware that when an older person seems upset and wants to withdraw a large sum of money, the person may be the victim of a scam.”

Don McGran considers Margarita a heroine as well as a fine detective. “She not only saved her client $5000, but probably lots more, because once a scammer succeeds, it’s just the beginning of more and more demands for money.”

Presentations like the one Margarita attended alerted her to the ways scammers target older people. The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association is actively doing everything they can to inform and protect people from scams.

Donald McGran’s presentation was one of several sponsored by RVNA. They are also working with Detective Knoche of the Ridgefield Police Department to identify and avoid future scams. Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association is at 90 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Call 203-458-5555 or www.ridgefieldvna.org.

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

90 East Ridge | Ridgefield, CT | 203.438.5555 | ridgefieldvna.org Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter provided

Pictured left to right: Margarita Garces-Shapiro, RN, Paraprofessional Nurse Manager, Wendy Petty, Weston Senior Center Director and Don McGran, Security Advisor, Fairfield County Bank.

Staff Drop-in Site 250 Main Street South | Southbury, CT | 203.264.3250

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November, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Our View

Advertiser’s Index Benchmark Senior Living at Split Rock.................................11 B&M Capital.........................................................................17 ColumbiaDoctors..................................................................19 Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.................18 The Greens at Cannondale....................................................9 The Greens at Greenwich......................................................3 Long Ridge of Stamford.......................................................15 Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association.....................................5 SYNERGY HomeCare..........................................................20 The Wartburg......................................................................12 Waveny Lifecare Network......................................................2

Fairfield County

Boomers d

Thanksgiving dinner is cooking with aromas of goodness filling the house.

You feel cozy, of course, because you are with family. You gather around the dinner table or in the living room, reminiscing, telling stories.

That’s what the Holidays are all about.

Of course, you know who has the best stories, right? Your grandmother, your grandfather, you parents, the AARP set, have some of the best stories to tell.

So cherish them. Pass them down through generations. And, if you are a senior citizen, make sure you share those tales. Thanks to you, memories are created, lasting for years.

The number one thing to remember is that age is really irrelevant. Everyone enjoys Thanksgiving because it means good food and excellent company.

Those are the two most successful things to any holiday celebration.

So make sure that you decorate your house nicely. Have holiday scented candles laid out. Decorate the dining room table with a lovely fall centerpiece.

Have snack foods to adorn the table with until the main meal is served.

Make sure to have plenty of drink choices on hand.

This, indeed, is a special day.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

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. 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…

Homecare for the Holidays

How home care can make your holiday stay safe and special

Retirement Communities

Finding the best for your loved ones

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County November, 2014

PAGE 7

ColumbiaDoctors of the Hudson Valley Cardiologist Dr. Joseph Lee offers tips on prevention of cardiovascular disease Dr. Lee speaks before AARP Rockland at monthly luncheon At a recent meeting of the Rockland chapter of AARP, held at the JCC in West Nyack, ColumbiaDoctors of the Hudson Valley (CDHV) cardiologist Dr. Joseph M. Lee, M.D., M.S., R.P.V.I, presented to more than 75 community members about prevention of major cardiovascular diseases.

During his presentation, Dr. Lee addressed early identification of life-threatening conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, aortic dissection, acute limb loss, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism beyond managing the traditional risk factors of high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and smoking. “Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death here in the United States and globally,” said Dr. Lee. “I’m here today to help bring awareness to “vascular” disease, which is often underdiagnosed and undertreated before it is too late.”

Dr. Lee shared the tools he uses to detect a wide range of cardiovascular disease conditions, identify high-risk patients and provide treatment options that reduce the patient’s overall cardiovascular risk. In addition to reducing traditional risk factors, Dr. Lee explained the importance of a systematic approach tailored to the individual patient for prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

“We value Dr. Lee’s key insights on this critical health issue,” said Ted Arin, AARP Rockland chapter president. “Our meetings are designed to inform and entertain our members on a variety of subjects, with health and wellness being of high importance.”

Based out of CDHV’s Suffern office, Dr. Lee is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Vascular Ultrasound, Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography and Internal Medicine and is board eligible in Nuclear Cardiology. In

Pictured (l-r) Dr. Joseph Lee, M.D., M.S., R.P.V.I, of ColumbiaDoctors of the Hudson Valley, with AARP Rockland Chapter President Ted Arin at a presentation held at JCC Rockland.

addition to his position at CDHV, Dr. Lee is an Assistant Attending Physician at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Lee earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Biological Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He went on to complete medical school at Temple University School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Dr. Lee completed his internship, residency and fellowships in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease,

Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Imaging all at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Dr. Lee also has achieved Level III proficiency in Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography and Cardiac Electrophysiology.

About ColumbiaDoctors of the Hudson Valley With offices in Suffern and Monroe, NY, ColumbiaDoctors of the Hudson Valley provides quality cardiovascular and general medical services to residents of the lower Hudson Valley, with a focus

on prevention, diagnostic testing, and treatment. Its physicians and nurses, who have special expertise in women’s heart health and older adults, are committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care at every step of a patient’s treatment. CDHV physicians are faculty members of the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and affiliated with New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, one of the nation’s top academic medical centers.

The affiliation with New YorkPresbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center brings the vast resources of one of the nation’s top heart care hospitals close to home. ColumbiaDoctors of the Hudson Valley was founded in 1979 as Ramapo Cardiologists and later renamed Hudson Heart Associates.

ColumbiaDoctors of the Hudson Valley is located at 222 Route 59, Suite 302, Suffern, NY, Phone: 845.368.0100,with offices also at 745 State Route 17M, Suite 203, Monroe, NY, Phone: 845.774.1403.

Please visit www.ColumbiaDoctorsHudsonValley.com for more information.

photos provided

Dr. Joseph Lee, M.D., M.S., R.P.V.I, of ColumbiaDoctors of the Hudson Valley, spoke before more than 75 members of the Rockland chapter of AARP at JCC Rockland. Dr. Lee’s presentation focused on the risks, symptoms, and conditions associated with cardiovascular diseases.

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November, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

SYNERGY the smart choice for families seeking care for loved ones First, comes the shock. Then the relief, when Jay Kiley tells clients that SYNERGY HomeCare is a respected agency – not a registry.

The difference? Choosing SYNERGY can save families thousands of dollars and a variety of headaches when taking care of their loved ones.

Registries provide independent contractors, meaning that families, often without knowledge, must provide – among other things – various types of insurance and workers compensation for caregivers.

SYNERGY is more cost-effective and covers all insurances, so clients can concentrate on the health of their loved one.

“It makes a big difference,” said Kiley, a SYNERGY owner. “We take care of all of that and it’s great to bring that relief to our clients. It’s a very rewarding business, it really is. Like all of our SYNERGY

owners, I take a lot of pride in what I do.”

SYNERGY has become the local leader in serving people of all ages with companionship, personal care and homemaking help – with locations in Fairfield, Danbury, Stamford and Bristol – making it the fastest growing regional group in the country.

SYNERGY provides 24-hour care to residents with a clientele ranging from elderly persons who want to age independently at home, to those recovering from surgery and chemotherapy, to new mothers, the company will be able to help many local individuals and families.

Providing care for specific needs is also part of SYNERGY’s service list. Memory Care is available for people with Alzheimer’s disease and SYNERGY also offers respite care for the sick and aging.

One of the many things that set SYNERGY apart in a crowded field is that it is an agency, not a registry. Agencies offer so much more than registries, including a selection of caregivers trained to provide a wide range of services. Agencies hire their own employees, who are scheduled to care for clients, under the management and supervision agency staff, including Registered Nurses and physicians.

SYNERGY is responsible for workers compensation insurance, the employer portion of FICA (social security taxes), Federal Withholding taxes, and unemployment taxes. Agencies also carry general liability insurance and a dishonesty bond, which afford additional coverage for employees and clients.

Registries arrange for the services of home care workers, on an independent contractor basis. These workers are di-

rected to care for clients – they are not employed by the company. This means the registry is not responsible for workers compensation insurance, FICA and Federal Withholding taxes, and unemployment taxes; either the client or the independent contractor worker is responsible for these items. Workers must maintain their own employment benefits/taxes. There is no company insurance coverage for liability or theft in the home.

Sounds overwhelming, doesn’t it? But that and so much more is taken care of when you are a SYNERGY client.

“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Kiley said. “Our clients have enough on their minds. They don’t have to worry about all of that type of stuff. We take care of everything for the patient and their family. We wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Boomers Healthcare eyond news Fairfield County

Fairfield County

&B

Healthcare News and Boomers & Beyond comes to Fairfield County Connecticut!

The area’s only Health & Wellness publication to reach over 83,000 in Fairfield County Connecticut!

For more information contact: Jim Stankiewicz General Manager

Anthony Mairo Marketing Executive

Maureen Rafferty Linell Senior Sales Consultant

Jim@healthcarenewspaper.com www.healthcarenewspaper.com

Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com www.healthcarenewspaper.com

MRLinell@charter.net www.healthcarenewspaper.com

(P) 845-534-7500 Ext. 219

(P) 845-534-7500 Ext. 215

(P) 508.869.6201

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County November, 2014

PAGE 9

Boomers & Beyond Advice: Choose your advisors carefully Unfortunately, there are unsavory people out there ready to profit and prey on the vulnerable, including senior citizens. The people we love so much, such as grandma and grandpa or mom and dad, have always been a prime target for those looking to exploit someone for financial gain. Even more troubling, the numbers are on the rise. New York has one of the highest numbers of elder financial exploitation in the U.S. Sometimes the perpetrator claims to be a “professional” providing a “service.” The key is determining who is truly qualified and providing the service with honesty and integrity.

Here are some important indicators to put your advisors to the test: References: Can the professional service provider give you names and phone numbers of satisfied clients who will provide a reference? If they don’t have several clients willing to give a positive reference, they may not have the experience or integrity to handle your issues.

Personal Attention: Investments, insurance, and legal documents all require a qualified professional to prepare and review with you, to ensure your unique circumstances are considered. Never give your information to someone you have not consulted in person, preferably at their office. Also, ask if anyone outside of their business will be handling any of your needs.

Some providers may subcontract legal issues to an attorney, and you should be aware of everyone who may access your file.

Complexity: Financial and legal matters are complex and require specific detail. Anyone who offers you a “quick fix” or a “one size fits all” solution is probably not meeting your needs. Be wary of anything that seems too good to be true––it probably is.

Compensation: Make sure you know the full range of compensation to be received by the service provider. Rarely does anyone provide professional advice or assistance for free. If they offer something to you for free, find out how they are really getting paid.

In particular, if the transaction involves the purchase of annuities,

find out who is receiving a commission and the amount they are receiving. Annuities are often

not the right option, but are pushed strongly by someone who is receiving a commission.

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

PAGE 10

November, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

New Memory Care Program Receives National Honor Benchmark Senior Living at Split Rock, Shelton’s new assisted living and memory care community, has many reasons to celebrate this fall.

The community is home to Benchmark Senior Living’s Live Now, Live Engaged memory care program, re-

Now, Live Well assisted living, we’re helping to make each day fulfilling.”

On a given day, you might find Benchmark at Split Rock residents learning about Connecticut’s rich history during a lecture. Some may

share our talents. Instead of just passing the time, our residents are learning about and exploring the world around them,” says Miller.

The residents at Benchmark at Split Rock are a spirited group, and they definitely have a sense of

be seeing a new great-grandchild for the first time during a video call, while others are lending their green thumbs to the community’s gardens.

“We encourage all of our residents, in both our assisted living and our memory care neighborhoods, to return to their passions and their roots.

People who love baking, for example, can bake treats for local animal shelters. And we introduce all of our residents to new adventures as well.

We have tai chi classes, we write, we

humor, as evidenced by the lunch bunch known as the ROMEO Club (Real Old Men Eating Out).

As Benchmark Senior Living’s 50th community, Benchmark at Split Rock benefits from tried-and-true programs already in place at its 49 sister communities throughout New England. Residents with early stage memory loss and those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can benefit from the community’s Live Now, Live Engaged program.

provided

cently honored with the 2014 OPTIMA Award for best practices by LongTerm Living Magazine. Benchmark at Split Rock is also celebrating the many positive reviews it has received since opening in May. “Our programming makes the difference,” says Johanna Miller of Benchmark at Split Rock. “Our Live Now, Live Engaged memory care teaches residents new ways to connect with family, share their talents, and be social. Together with our Live

Led by a Certified Dementia Specialist, this program focuses on the Six Dimensions of Wellness— physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health—as well as creating a renewed sense of purpose.

“Everyone wants to have a purpose in the world, and that doesn’t change with memory loss. Our residents are able to teach each other new games; they’re sharing their cooking talents, and sending care packages to soldiers. Most of all, they’re a part of an entire community of people encouraging them to pursue their passions,” says Miller.

Safety is also a top priority in memory care, and Benchmark at Split Rock is proud to be a pilot community for some of the industry’s most advanced safety systems.

“With the behavioral changes that accompany Alzheimer’s, every day presents new challenges. We know that safety is the first concern families have, and our real-time locating technology makes safety a priority, without sacrificing independence.

We also offer on-site Doctor Suites, meaning our residents can schedule check-ups and health screenings with a variety of providers right here at home,” says Miller.

Dining is also an important part of the community’s memory care program.

“Dining with Dignity is a hallmark of the Live Now, Live Engaged lifestyle. We create an encouraging, distraction-free setting and offer visual, plated options. Our residents still enjoy the freedom of choice, as the assistance of our team makes mealtime more enjoyable and successful,” says Miller.

Benchmark at Split Rock welcomes tours 7 days a week and also hosts Open Houses every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County November, 2014

PAGE 11

Memory Care that remembers what’s important Benchmark at Split Rock FA I R F I E L D C O U N T Y ’ S N E W E S T S E N I O R L I V I N G C O M M U N I T Y

W

hether you’ve just started noticing memory changes, or are looking for expert Alzheimer’s care, our award-winning lifestyle is here for you. Discover the community where meaningful days help seniors reconnect with the people they love most. Let our team bring you peace of mind.

Visit and learn about our: • Live Now, Live Engaged memory care – 2014 OPTIMA Award winner • Live Now, Live Well assisted living

• Award-winning Dining • Doctor Suites, Concierge Service, and Advanced Safety Technology

Open Houses every Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm or call to schedule a tour 7 days a week.

ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

708A Bridgeport Avenue • Shelton, CT 06484

203-929-1111 2014 Optima Award presented to Benchmark Senior Living by Long-term Living Magazine for best practices in memory care.

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November, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

• Sub-Acute Rehabilitation • Skilled Nursing Facility • Adult Day Services • Home Health Care • Independent Living • Affordable Housing for Seniors • Assisted Living • Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care • Respite/Short-Term Stay • Hospice Care • Caregiver Support • Spiritual Care

wartburg.org

914-699-0800 One Wartburg Place Mount Vernon, NY 10552

IINDEPENDENT NDEPENDENT LIVING LIVING | AASSISTED SSIS TED LIVING LIVING | AALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA LZZHEIMERwartburgny ’S / DEMENTIA thewartburg NURSING NURSING HHOME OME | AADULT DULT DDAY AY CCARE ARE | HHOME OME CCARE ARRE | RREHABILITATION EHABILITATION

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County November, 2014

PAGE 13

4 ways to reduce your risk for stroke Every year, nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke. That's one stroke every 45 seconds.

Of these, about 137,000 people die each year making it the third leading cause of death in the country--and a major contributor to adult disability.

Strokes do not discriminate based on age, sex or race, though more women have strokes than men. And African Americans are at twice the risk for stroke compared to whites.

However, even with these dark statistics, 80 percent of strokes are preventable.

Here are four ways to lower your risk for stroke.

1. Avoid excess sodium High blood pressure is a major risk. Eat too much salt and you increase your blood pressure and your risk for stroke. The USDA recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day. One teaspoon of table salt has 2,325 mg of salt. The American Heart Association is more cautious. It recommends 1,500 mg, particularly for those over 51 and those with hypertension.

Beware of packaged snacks, baked goods, frozen entrees, condiments, fried foods and canned soups. Chicken noodle soup has 1,106 mg. Spaghetti sauce (1 cup) has 1,206 mg. Read the labels for sodium (per serving) and look for other sources of sodium including monosodium glutamate and sodium nitrate. Look for low sodium products, reduced sodium. Eating fresh, homemade foods will also reduce your sodium intake.

2. Ease up on the diet soda In a study conducted by the University of Miami, researchers found that “those who drank diet soda every day had a 61 percent higher risk of vascular events (strokes) than those who did no soda drinking.” The researchers suggested one or two sodas a week is fine. If you have a habit of drinking diet soda daily, replace it with a seltzer, tea or water.

3. Lower your fatty food intake The worst fat offender and the one to lower in your life is trans fat. This is primarily a man-made concoction (some trans fat occurs naturally) that companies use in their foods to keep them fresher longer. It’s also a major contributing culprit to heart disease, cancer, obesity, and of course, stroke.

The Women’s Health Initiative, a major study of women over 50 found that eating a lot of trans fat put them at a 44% higher risk for stroke compared to those who ate the least.

The American Heart Association recommends fat be 25 to 35 percent of total calories and trans fat to less than one percent. So if you need 2,000 calories a day, your trans fat should be no more than two grams. On food labels, trans fat is listed as “partially hydrogenated” vegetable oil. The “good” fats are monounsaturated (olive, peanut, and canola oils) and polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, and fish. Foods high in trans fat include margarine, packaged foods, soups, fast food, frozen food, cookies, crackers, baked goods, and breakfast cereal. Basically, most foods that are processed and put on the shelf in the supermarket.

4. Exercise, exercise, exercise!

Feel better. Look better. Live longer. On top of all this, you’ll lower your risk for stroke. One recent Columbia University study “found that moderate-to-heavy exercisers were 40% less likely to have suffered a silent stroke than the non-exercisers.” Silent strokes often go unnoticed and symptoms can include memory loss, mobility problems, and greater risk for future strokes.

Your exercise doesn’t have to involve gym membership or any special gadgets or equipment. The American Stroke Association recommends going “on a brisk walk, take the stairs and do whatever you can to make your life more active. Get at least 30 minutes of activity on most of all days.”

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

provided

A Stair Dedication Ceremony was recently held at The Inn, Waveny LifeCare Network’s independent living residence. The new stairs were made possible by a generous donation from Thomas Gillespie in memory and celebration of his mother, former Inn resident, Florence Gillespie.

Quitting Smoking: For seniors, it’s never too late If you are like most smokers 50 and older, you probably have tried to quit before. You might think that you will quit someday, or maybe you think that it is too late for you to quit. But it’s never too late to quit. Quitting has benefits at all ages.

If you have health problems, then many of your symptoms, your quality of life, and your future health will start improving almost immediately if you quit now.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a significant health problem, quitting smoking makes it more likely the treatment will be successful and that you’ll have fewer side effects.

Pictured: The Gillespie family – Thomas Gillespie, his son Douglas Gillespie and wife, Serena, and children Alexandra and Douglas Jr.

Challenges for Older Adults There are a few reasons why it can be difficult for an older person to quit. You may have tried to quit more than once before, but were not successful. If you weren’t able to quit before, you already know how hard it can be. You may feel too discouraged to try again.

Also, for someone who has been smoking a long time, smoking has become so much a part of everyday life that it is hard to let it go. It may feel like you’re saying goodbye to a friend.

Another reason is that nicotine, the main drug in cigarettes, is very addictive, and this makes it very hard for a

smoker to quit. One of the biggest challenges that most smokers face for the first couple of weeks after they quit smoking is getting through the withdrawal symptoms.

Reasons Older Smokers Have Quit Many former smokers who are 50 and older say that their main reason for quitting was for their health or due to their doctor’s advice. Another common reason smokers quit is to be in control of their lives and to be free from cigarettes. A lot of former smokers also said that pleasing or helping a loved one was a big part of their decision to quit. These all are good reasons. The most important reasons for quitting are the ones you decide on for yourself.

Life Experience May Help Older adults have strengths that can help them quit. Over their lifetimes, they have had lots of experience accomplishing difficult tasks. At this point in their lives, they are likely to be better prepared to take on the challenge of quitting smoking than when they were younger. They know quitting is tough, and they know it won’t be easy, so once they decide to try again, they may be more willing to work at it to make sure they succeed.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County November, 2014

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How to Lower Your Risk Making modest lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people who are at risk. Here are some tips.

Reach and Maintain a Reasonable Body Weight Your weight affects your health in many ways. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin properly. It can also cause high blood pressure.

Waist Measurement. In addition to weight, the location of excess fat on the body can be important. A waist measurement of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women is linked to insulin resistance and increases a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes.

This is true even if a person’s body mass index (BMI) falls within the normal range.

Seniors & Diabetes

Here are more tips for eating well with diabetes.

• Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team.

• Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.

• Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grain cereals, breads, rice, or pasta.

• Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bread and cereals, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.

• Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.

Be physically active • helps you lose weight • controls your cholesterol and blood pressure • improves your body's use of insulin.

Many people make walking part of their daily routine because it’s easy, fun and convenient. But you can choose any activity that gets you moving. It’s fine to break up your 30 minutes of exercise into smaller increments, such as three 10-minute periods. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

The risk of developing diabetes increases with age — nearly 11 million seniors in the United States have the condition.

That's more than a fourth of all people in this age group.

In comparison, just more than 8 percent of all Americans have diabetes.

Equally important, living with diabetes means facing an increased risk of complications as you grow older — complications that can affect your heart, vision, hearing, and more. However, there are steps you can take to reduce these risks and protect your health in the years ahead.

Prevention The two most common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Currently, there is no way to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes. However, research has shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in people at risk for the disease.

Preventing type 2 diabetes can mean a healthier and longer life without serious complications from the disease such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.

Benefits of Weight Loss and Exercise The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a landmark study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. DPP researchers found that adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes were able to cut their risk in half by losing a modest amount of weight and being active almost every day.

This means losing five to seven percent of body weight (that's 10 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) and getting 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

The drug metformin reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 34 percent but was more effective in younger and heavier adults.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Boomers& Beyond Guide to Estate Planning

It’s unfortunate how many people believe that estate planning is only for wealthy people. People at all economic levels benefit from an estate plan. Upon death, an estate plan legally protects and distributes property based on your wishes and the needs of your family and/or survivors with as little tax as possible.

Advance Medical Directives Everyone faces the possibility that sometime during our lifetime, we may become incapacitated. This often happens when nearing death, but it can also be the result of a temporary condition. Many people assume their spouses or children will automatically be allowed to make financial and/or medical decisions for them, but this is not necessarily true. Advance directives are written documents that tell your doctors what kind of treatment you’ll want if you become unable to make medical decisions (for example, if you’re in a coma). Forms and laws vary from state to state, so it’s a good idea to understand the laws of the state where you live as you write advance directives. It’s also a good idea to make them before you are very ill.

Federal law requires hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions that receive Medicare or Medicaid funds to provide written information regarding advanced care directives to all patients upon admission.

A living will is one type of advance directive that comes into effect when a person is terminally ill. A living will does not give you the opportunity to select someone to make decisions for you, but allows you to specify the kind of treatment you want in specific situations. For example, you might choose to specify that you do not want to be treated with antibiotics if death is imminent. You can, if you choose, include an advance directive that you do not wish to be resuscitated if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. In this case, a Do Not Resucscitate (DNR) order would be entered on your medical chart.

Wills A will is the most practical first step in estate planning; it makes clear how you want your property to be distributed after you die.

Writing a will can be as simple as typing out how you want your assets to be transferred to loved ones or charitable organizations after your death. If you don’t have a will when you die, your estate will be handled in probate, and your property could be distributed differently than what you would like.

It may help to get legal advice when writing a will, particularly when it comes to understanding all the rules of the estate disposition process in your state. Some states, for instance, have community-property laws that entitle your surviving spouse to keep half of your wealth after you die no matter what percentage you leave him or her.

Fees for the execution of a will vary according to its complexity.

Rules When Writing A Will • In most states, you must be 18 years of age or older.

• A will must be written in sound judgment and mental capacity to be valid.

• The document must clearly state that it is your will.

• An executor of your will, who ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes, must be named.

• It is not necessary to notarize or record your will but these can safeguard against any claims that your will is invalid. To be valid, you must sign a will in the presence of at least two witnesses.

Choose an Executor An executor is the person who is responsible for settling the estate after death.

Duties of an executor include: • • • •

Taking inventory of property and belongings Appraising and distributing assets Paying taxes Settling debts owed by the deceased

Most important, the executor is legally obligated to act in the interests of the deceased, following the wishes provided by the will. Here again, it could be helpful to consult an attorney to help with the probate process or offer legal guidance. Any person over the age of 18, who hasn’t been convicted of a felony, can be named executor of a will. Some people choose a lawyer, accountant or financial consultant based on their experience.

Others choose a spouse, adult child, relative or friend. Since the role of executor can be demanding, it’s often a good idea to ask the person being named in a will if he or she is willing to serve.

If you’ve been named executor in someone’s will but are not able or do not want to serve, you need to file a declination, which is a legal document that declines your designation as an executor. The contingent executor named in the will then assumes responsibility. If no contingent executor is named, the court will appoint one. continued on next page

Guide to Estate Planning Who qualifies for a Life Insurance Settlements or an Advanced Benefit Loan?

At B & M Capital Inc., we advise on the various financial benefits of selling or taking a loan against your life insurance policy either through a life settlement or an advanced benefit loan. When we speak to individuals or professionals at seminars and conferences, they are amazed to learn how old the life settlement industry, about 100 years, and how many financial institution own or invest in this type of business.

continued from previous page

Write a Social Media Will Social media is a part of daily life, so what happens to the online content that you created once you die? If you are active online you should consider creating a statement of how you would like your online identity to be handled, like a social media will. You should appoint someone you trust as an online executor. This person will be responsible for the closure of your email addresses, social media profiles, and blogs after you are deceased. Take these steps to help you write a social media will: • Review the privacy policies and the terms and conditions of each website where you have a presence.

• State how you would like your profiles to be handled.

You may want to completely cancel your profile or keep it up for friends and family to visit. Some sites allow users to create a memorial profile where other users can still see your profile but can’t post anything new.

• Give the social media executor a document that lists all the websites where you have a profile, along with your usernames and passwords.

• Stipulate in your will that the online executor should have a copy of your death certificate. The online executor may need this as proof in order for websites to take any actions on your behalf.

Review Your Estate Plan Once you’ve completed a will, it’s a good idea to review it from time to time, and consider changes if: • • • • •

The value of your assets change You marry, divorce or remarry You have a child You move to a different state The executor of your will dies or becomes incapacitated or your relationship changes • One of your heirs dies • The laws affecting your estate change

Yet, the greatest misconception in educating potential clients and professionals is, who are the people that qualify for a life settlement or advanced benefit loan? The answer to all of them is anyone who has obtained the age of 65 or older. They must be of retirement age, not necessary retired. They can still be actively working; actually, some of these people are still active members in the work force.

The point that I am trying to get across is, today’s seniors are very different than what society shows us or what we perceive in our minds.

Seniors, who are looking for other financial sources to find income or raise fund do not have to be hospitalized, terminally ill or destitute.

There are many seniors who take advantage of our services that are in generally good health and financially sound.

Here are some reasons why seniors take advantage of our services:

1. They are outliving their retirement funds due to the advancement in medicine, change in life style,

and the cost of living in the Northeast. Most seniors that live in the tri state area, enjoy being close to the greatest City in the world and do not want to leave. They have made friends, families, memories, and built a life that is unique to the Northeast. I know this to be true because; this is what I was told by my own parents, who were not born in this region.

2. Seniors are still very shrewd investors. Once I explain to seniors

how much value their life insurance contract could be possibly worth.

They are quick to act. First we start with basic underwriting requirements and we submit the necessary paperwork. No cost to my client, a potential offer is then offered by a top-tier financial company. In a three to four week span, my clients are amazed on how easy and financially rewarding this type of transaction can be.

B & M Capital is a structured settlement company specializing in the purchasing of life insurance, annuities, structured settlements and offering Advanced Benefit Loans.

Free consultation!

Please contact us for more information:

203-296-4852 Isn’t it time to explore another financial option?

Visit us online at www.bnmcapital.com And LinkedIn

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Destination Wellness – A Celebration of Healthy Living Want to improve the health and fitness of you and your family? Take part in Destination Wellness, an event being sponsored by the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Council, the Ridgefield Prevention Council & Ridgefield Parks and Recreation on Saturday, October 25 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm at the Ridgefield Parks and Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Road, Ridgefield.

Targeted for families and youth in particular, the event will focus on making healthy lifestyle choices and preventing substance abuse and drug addiction and their associated risky behaviors. Special guest speaker will be Liz Jorgensen, CADC, a counselor and owner of Insights Counseling, LLC as well as the mother of four children.

There will be numerous exhibits and vendors providing information, products and services of interest to the community. In addition to door prizes, informational handouts and giveaways, local food vendors will offer healthy lunch selections. There are a variety of sponsorship levels and opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their services and products. To register for this event or to get more information, visit www.ridgefieldchamber.org or contact Susan Ahlstrom at the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, sahltrom@ridgefieldchamber.org at 203 438-5992

provided

Photographed from left to right are members of the planning committee: Joyce Dynia, Aquatic Director, Ridgefield Parks & Recreation, Bonnie Leavy-Mello, Community Outreach, Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, Robin Matthews, Assistant Director of Recreation, Ridgefield Recreation Center, Paul Roche, Director of Parks & Recreation, Ridgefield Parks and Recreation, Meredith Mulhearn, Event Co-Chair, Cucumber & Camomile, Susan Ahlstrom, Executive Director, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce and Barbara L. Newland, Event Co-Chair, Acting Director of Community Health & Wellness, RVNA.

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County November, 2014

PAGE 19

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PAGE 20

November, 2014

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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