Dec16Beaver

December 2016

Volume 16, Number 7

FREE Sponsored in part by Beaver County Office on Aging Find us on Facebook under our corporate name, “Pittsburgh Senior News.”

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Photo provided by Susan Pollack.

Elizabeth Little with care manager Dawna Bott.

Beaver County older adults share how Surprises for Shut-ins program brings holiday blessings to their doorsteps

By Gina Mazza For Beaver County Senior News “I was absolutely shocked . . . in a good way!” This is how Inger Niklasson of Beaver responded upon receiving

her bag of goodies from the Surprises for Shut-ins program. “When I opened the bag, I couldn’t believe all the items inside,” she recalls. “Everything in the bag was something I could really

use. The gifts and the friendly visit brightened my holiday.”

The first thing that Julia Majerchik of Baden did upon Continued on page 12

2016 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Publisher’s Corner

Robert A. Banks Attorney at Law

Yes, it is once again that most wonderful time of the year to create special holiday memories with family and friends. This issue is chock full of fun things to do in and around Beaver County. All of us at Senior News wish you and your loved ones a blessed holiday season.

Lynn Webster

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

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Wills • Estate Planning • Senior Citizen Law Powers of Attorney • Living Wills

Owner/Publisher:

Attorney Robert Banks has provided legal counsel to over 7,200 clients since his admission to the Bar in October 1978. During his 36 years of legal counseling Attorney Banks has obtained experience in many fields:

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Volume 16, Number 7 Published monthly by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc. for Beaver County Senior News P. O. Box 11126 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 367-2522 pghseniornews@icloud.com Beaver County Senior News is distributed monthly in the Beaver County area. Copy­ right 2016 by Beaver County Senior News. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

All advertisement in Beaver County Senior News is subject to the approval of the publisher. Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

In Memory of John A. Hogan, Sr. Carmella M. Hogan Michael J. Hogan, Sr. Wayne Hogan

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to enjoy a holiday show or seasonal exhibit with family and friends

By Gina Mazza For Beaver County Senior News

30artists... 300costumes 20acts...“DAZZLING” - THE WASHINGTON POST

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year to step out and make special memories with family and friends. When it comes to holiday happenings, Beaver County and the City of Pittsburgh offer plenty of options to create some holiday magic. Here’s our annual roundup of our favorite things to do in Beaver County and beyond.

In and near Beaver County Annual Christmas Train Display McCarl Industrial and Agricultural Museum, 803 Plumb St., Darlington, will host their annual Christmas train display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m.

Sundays. There will be multiple trains running through a variety of landscapes. The McCarl Museum will be open for touring as well. Donations appreciated. Call (724) 846-3487.

THE FAMILY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

Beaver County Model Railroad Christmas Season Open House The annual Christmas season open house at the Beaver County Model Railroad and Historical Society, 416 Sixth St., Monaca, takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; closed December 24, 25 and January 1. Call (724) 843-3783 or visit bcmrr.railfan.net.

Beaver County Figure Skating Club presents a holiday ice show at 7:30 p.m. December 2 at Beaver County Ice Arena, 121 Bradys Run Rd., Beaver Falls. Bring family and friends to enjoy the show presented by club members, basic skills students and guest skaters. Santa Claus will also be making a special appearance. Cost is $8, children ages five and under free. Call (412) 996-3050 or visit bcfsc.org.

27th annual Beaver County Festival of Trees The 27th annual Beaver County Festival of Trees will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. December 2 and from noon to 9 p.m.

December 3 and 4 at Bradys Run Park Lodge, Beaver Falls.

Walk into a Winter Wonderland with a wide variety of creatively designed Christmas trees displayed each with a different theme. Visit the North Pole Café, Santa Land, Candy Lane gift shop, enjoy the newly expanded model train display and local entertainment. Free shuttle service from the Beaver Continued on page 4

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December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

Beaver County Figure Skating Club presents “Holiday Ice Show”

3

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to enjoy a holiday show or seasonal exhibit with family and friends Continued from page 3 County Ice Arena parking lot. Cost is $6 for ages 13-62; $5 seniors 63 and older; $3 children 6-12; and five and under are free. Call (330) 502-9882 or visit beavercountyfestivaloftrees.org.

Genevans Christmas Concert Genevans Christmas Concert will be presented at 7 p.m. December 2 and 3 at First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, 1103 Eighth Ave., Beaver Falls. Goodwill offering only. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Call (724) 847-6837 or visit geneva.edu.

Christmas at The Vicary Mansion Christmas at The Vicary Mansion, 1235 Third Ave., Freedom, will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. December 3. Enjoy various Christmas trees that highlight decorations from different eras.

Candles on a Civil War decorated tree will be lit at 5 and 7 p.m. There will be Christmas music presented by local choirs and demonstrations by bobbin lace makers, tatters and woodcarvers.

Make and take Christmas decorations for children of all ages. Donations appreciated. Call (724) 775-1848 or visit bchrlf.org.

A Country Christmas Breakfast A Country Christmas Breakfast will take place from 8 a.m. to noon December 3 at Independence Township Community Center, 116 School Rd., Aliquippa. There will also be cookies and bake sale, crafters and vendors, raffles, kids’ crafts and coloring table, a story reader from BF Jones Memorial Library plus Santa Claus. Call (724) 378-3739 or visit independencetownshipbeavercounty.com.

Just Ask for VNA

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

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It’s your right to choose the home health and hospice provider you prefer.

Ask for VNA.

Christmas at The Village Visit Old Economy Village, 270 16th St., Ambridge, for Christmas at The Village from 2 to 9 p.m. December 3 and from 2 to 7 p.m. December 4. Enjoy a candlelit stroll, as well as local choirs, unique crafts, children’s activities and holiday.

Cost is $10 for adults; $9 seniors; and $6 youth. Call (724) 266-4500 or visit oldeconomyvillage.org.

Polar Express at The Library Come out to BF Jones Memorial Library, 663 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa, for Polar Express at The Library from 6 to 7 p.m. December 5. Welcome the holiday season with hot chocolate, carols, a reading of the Polar Express and a visit from a very special guest from the North Pole. Admission is free.

Call (724) 375-2900.

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Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker

44th annual Live Nativity

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center MainStage, One Lincoln Park, Midland, presents Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. December 15 to 17 and at 2 p.m. December 17 and 18. Cost of tickets are $20, $18 and $15. Call (724) 5764644, option 2 or visit lincolnparkarts.org.

Come out for the 44th annual Live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. December 21 to 23 at the First Baptist Church of Rochester, 301 Adams St., Rochester. Members and friends of the church create a live Nativity in front of the church each evening which includes live animals. Visitors are invited to Fellowship Hall for hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and snacks. Call (724) 775-8931 or visit fbcrochester.com.

Silvester: New Year’s on German Time

Ice Skate with Santa Come out to Beaver County Ice Arena, 121 Bradys Run Rd., Beaver Falls, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. December 17 to ice skate with Santa. Cost is $5; childen ages five and under are free with paying adult. Call (724) 462-8321 or visit bcfsc.org.

Harmony Museum and Harmony Square, 218 Mercer St., Harmony, will present Silvester: New Year’s on German Time from 3 to 6:30 p.m. December 31. This family celebration welcomes the new year in “German time” in recognition of the community’s heritage. 6 p.m.

EST is midnight in Germany. Activities include a 5K race and 1K fun run/walk, museum tours, and traditional German New Year’s activities and food. The event closes with a ball drop and fireworks at 6 p.m. Call (724) 452-7341 or visit harmonymuseum.org.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Big Butler Fairgrounds Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland will presents its Christmas light and music extravaganza will run through January 8 at the Big Butler Fairgrounds, 776 Unionville Rd., Prospect. Hours are from dusk until 10 p.m.* nightly, including holidays, even in the rain (* later on weekends).

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are popular nights to visit so lines may be long. Consider visiting Mondays through Thursdays to avoid wait times. Cost is $25 per carload. Call (888) 321-7547 or visit shadrackchristmas.com. BCSN

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December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

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Keen-Age News . . . For Beaver County’s Active Seniors Beaver County Office on Aging

Random Acts of Kindness that you chose to contact an estranged family member and invited them back to your home for a holiday meal to get reacquainted.

There are many examples of acts of kindness. There is also an actual day designated as Random Acts of Kindness Day. The day is February 17th. It originated in Denver, CO in 1995. It’s a day designated to encourage people to brighten someone else’s day. Simple gestures such as opening a door or saying please or thank you can also turn a person’s day around to be better than expected.

Let’s try to provide random acts of kindness beyond the Christmas season. Join me in making our world a kinder and gentler place by aspiring to share acts of kindness throughout the year. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!. BCSN

By Angela Gentile, Planning Unit Program Monitor Beaver County Office on Aging For Beaver County Senior News

R

andom acts of kindness. They happen year round.

It is a good deed or act of kindness that one person does for another person. Have you done a random act of kindness? Have you been a recipient of someone’s kindness?

It can be as simple as giving someone a compliment, writing and sending a nice thank-you note, holding a door open for someone who is carrying many items, to listening to someone who needs to vent about a frustrating situation.

Random acts of kindness. They happen often in December when people want to share some kindness around the holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to people they know or may not know. Throughout the years, many of you have shared with me some of the great things you do. Many people make bake goods for their church so church members can deliver goodies to members who are not able to get out much. Some of you have told me

News You Can Use * There will not be a Senior Day in December or January, but don’t despair! Exciting Senior Day plans are in the works for 2017! Look for the schedule in the January 2017 issue Senior News. * Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7. It is an opportunity to change your insurance plan for the upcoming year, as coverage and costs of Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage can change yearly. Beaver County Office on Aging trained APPRISE health insurance counselors can review your coverage.

You may talk to them on the phone or schedule an appointment by calling (724) 847-2262 or (888) 548-2262. * The deadline to file for the 2015 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is December 31, 2016. Application or assistance completing the application is available from state legislators offices and the Beaver County Office on Aging. * This month we observe: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7; winter begins, December 21; Hanukkah begins, December 24; Christmas, December 25; Kwanzaa, December 26; and New Year’s Eve, December 31. BCSN

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

Angela surprises fellow employee Steve Rosatone with a souvenir from her recent vacation.

7

Keen-Age News . . . For Beaver County’s Active Seniors Beaver County Office on Aging

Elmcroft of Chippewa’s Christmas Tree Wonderland benefits Beaver County Office on Aging’s Surprises for Shut-ins Program

W

hile doing all your December activities, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas when stopping by Elmcroft of Chippewa’s Christmas Tree Wonderland. The personal care home, located at 104 Pappan Business Drive in Beaver Falls, Chippewa Township, has a minifestival of trees during the entire month of December. Area businesses donate and decorate the trees, and raffle tickets are sold for a chance to win the trees.

Elmcroft has earmarked proceeds of this event to benefit the Beaver County Office on Aging’s Surprises for Shut-ins program. Tickets can be purchased at the Elmcroft of Chippewa front desk for $1 each or six for $5. Winners will be drawn and notified for pick up the first week of January. The residents of Elmcroft get to enjoy the trees in their living room, Elmcroft of Chippewa and the businesses get to support a great cause and

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

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eventually the recipients of the Surprises for Shut-ins receive a bag full of gifts and a friendly visit at Christmastime. We

thank Elmcroft of Chippewa for supporting our event. We hope you can make some time to participate. BCSN

Thank you to our APPRISE counselors

Beaver County history tidbits

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period will be ending on December 7th. For the last 6 weeks, Beaver County Office on Aging (BCOA) has been busy helping many people with insurance counseling. This time period allows an opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage and discuss their options for different insurances. We refer to this program as the APPRISE program, PA’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). We have 2 BCOA care managers and 6 volunteers who are highly trained and dedicated APPRISE counselors. Their schedules are full with phone calls and appointments during this time of year providing over 400 hours of insurance counseling service! We appreciate their hard work and assistance to those that are on Medicare in Beaver County. A huge thank you to our BCOA employees Joanne McDermitt and Jody Kohser and to our volunteers Steve Rosatone, Melanie Bard, Lorraine Rocco, Luis Gonzalez, Ed Hallisey and Sue Kirkwood! BCSN

2 The last operating ferry boat in Beaver county was the Shippingport Ferry. It ceased operation with the opening of the Shippingport Bridge in 1964.

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

2 In 1845, Hookstown fever, possibly typhoid, affected the town. It lasted several months and affected 86 of the 350 residents. Eight people died, including two doctors.

2 In 1955, a large dam forming a big reservoir was built on Service Creek in Independence Township. It provided water for the Ambridge Water Authority.

2 The name Mayfield came from the early stop on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The station received its name from an early local farm called Mayfield Cottage. The current West Mayfield Borough was west of that station—hence West Mayfield. BCSN

Keen-Age News . . . For Beaver County’s Active Seniors Beaver County Office on Aging

Center at the Mall activities Center at the Mall (CATM), Beaver Valley Mall, Monaca, will offer the following activities:

No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bites

2 Lunch and Learn at 11:30 a.m. December 2. The program will be on the topic of Medicare fraud prevention.

2 Wrapping for shut-ins from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 5.

2 Art therapy at 11 a.m. December 6, 13, 20 and 27.

2 Coping with the holiday blues at 10 a.m. December 8.

2 Birthday lunch celebration at 11:30 a.m. December 8.

2 Mountaineer Casino day trip at 10 a.m. December 9.

2 Bunco league at 2 p.m. December 13 and 27.

4 ½ c. peanut butter

2 Bonanza bingo at 12:15 p.m. December 22.

4 1/3 c. honey

Visit centeratthemall.com for all programs, events and fitness center hours and class schedule. Call (724) 774-5654 to make reservations for upcoming events and programs. Follow the center on Facebook at facebook.com/CenterattheMall. BCSN

4 1 tsp. vanilla

Circle of Friends Baden Circle of Friends, 371 Linmore Ave., Baden, will offer the following events: H Christmas special bingo at 10 a.m. December 9.

H Ugly Christmas sweater pinochle tournament at 9:30 a.m. December 14.

H Grandma and me make and take winter craft and snack from 1 to 3 p.m. December 27. Registration required.

H Penny bingo and New Year’s party at 10 a.m. December 29.

The exercise room is open during center hours. Call (724) 869-4224 or visit cofbeaver. com for a complete schedule.

New Brighton Circle of Friends, Holy Family Parish, will offer the following events: H Christmas performance by Riverview United Methodist preschool with refreshments at 10 a.m. December 9.

H Fred Kellher entertains from 7 to 10 p.m. December 10. Cost is $10 and includes snacks and desserts.

H Christmas present bingo December 20. Wear your ugly sweater.

H New Year’s celebration December 29.

Call (724) 846-1959 or visit cofbeaver.com for a complete schedule. BCSN

4 ¼ c. semisweet chocolate pieces 4 ¼ c. snipped dried cherries, dried apricots and/or raisins In bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey and vanilla until well mixed. Stir in ½ cup coconut, oats, chocolate pieces and fruit. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

Chop remaining ¾ cup coconut in a food processor. Shape peanut butter mixture into 30 one-inch balls. Roll each ball in chopped coconut, pressing slightly to adhere. Chill 30 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. BCSN

Senior center menus

H Celebrate Christmas with Men of Melody at 12:30 p.m. December 13.

H Christmas card club at 10 a.m. December 16.

4 1 ¼ c. shredded unsweetened coconut

Call the following senior centers for menu information and reservations: Aliquippa (724) 857-9989; Baden (724) 869-4224; Center at the Mall (724) 728-1422; New Brighton (724) 846-1959; Midland (724) 869-4224. BCSN

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

2 Christmas party at 10 a.m. December 15.

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Keen-Age News . . . For Beaver County’s Active Seniors Beaver County Office on Aging

The Beaver County Office on Aging

Serving you: Your financial gift allows the Beaver County Office on Aging to offer in-home services to frail older adults in their home—because home is where they want to stay.

Your donation in any amount increases our ability to help care for our older adults in need.

---------------------------------------------------------Donation Form

Name:____________________________ Address:__________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________ Amount ___$10 ___$15 ___$25 ___$50 ______any other amount You may make a donation in honor or memory of someone Dedication ___in honor of

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

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___in memory of

• “Surprises for Shut-ins” • Information and Referral • Ombudsman Service • PDA Waiver Program • Domiciliary Care • Care Management • Benefits Counseling • Senior Day • Pre-admission Assessment • Family Caregiver Support Program • APPRISE Program • PrimeTime Health Program • Nursing Home Transition Beaver County Commissioners Sandie Egley, Chairman Daniel C. Camp III Tony Amadio Linda L. Hall, Administrator Beaver County Office on Aging

Services provided through subcontractors: • Adult Day Care • Attendant Care • Chore Service • Home Companion • Home Delivered Meals • Homemaker • Home Safe Home

• Legal Services • Personal Care • Protective Services • Respite Care • Senior Centers • Transportation

For more information, call or visit our office at 1020 Eighth Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

list name:__________________________

Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

May we print your dedication?

Phone: (724) 847-2262 (Local)

(888) 548-2262 (Long Distance)

TDD (724) 728-5700

___Yes ___No May we print your name as a donor? ___Yes

___No

Make your donation payable to: Beaver County Office on Aging Mail to: Beaver County Office on Aging Attn: Planning Department 1020 8th Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010 A donation was made by Gilda DeFerrari .

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

Website: www.beavercountypa.gov/office-aging

Senior Day-Travel With Us The #1 Resource in Beaver County for personal, “on the spot” consultation and service for older adults all at one convenient location!

Proudly brought to you by ~ The Beaver County Office on Aging and Premier Sponsors: Medic Rescue ~ Concordia Visiting Nurses There will be no Senior Day for the months of December and January.

Read Beaver County Senior News for more information.

Call (724) 847-2262 for information.

Center at the Mall

Senior center and therapy services at Beaver Valley Mall.

VNA, Western Pennsylvania Home Care & Hospice programs

Lutheran Service Society

Meals on Wheels, Senior Centers, HUD housing.

LIFE Beaver County

Living Independence for the Elderly in partnership with Heritage Valley Health System.

SilverSmart Technology TM

Technology assistance for seniors, including home assessments, hotline for questions, catalogue of devices and technology tips.

Valley Care Adult Day Center

Adult day center services in Ambridge and Moon Township.

www.lutheranseniorlife.org

Live an Abundant Life

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December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

Living to serve residents of Beaver County through a full continuum of care.

11 FNL LSL Beaver CTY SR NEWS ad REVISE3.indd 1

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Beaver County older adults share how Surprises for Shutins program brings holiday blessings to their doorsteps need some special caring and a kindness during the holidays.

Continued from page 1 receiving her goodie bag was enjoy the Anderson’s candy bar. “I love chocolate and am so thankful to receive a very, very nice gift bag each year,” she comments. “I use each item, especially the blanket when I’m watching television.”

“This program makes the holiday feel a little more like that ‘special time of year’ for older adults in our community who are experiencing illness or loneliness,” says Angela Gentile of BCOA, project chairman since the inception of the program. “The seniors really value these visits, as many of them just have contact with their caseworker and direct care workers.

Having a volunteer show up at their door really brings a smile to the recipient’s face and a warm feeling in their heart.”

Like the above two Beaver County residents, the Surprises of Shut-ins program has been a tremendous blessing for those ages 60 and older who are homebound— and possibly alone—during the holiday season. This annual tradition has been spreading holiday cheer to about 400 recipients each year since 1987 through the Beaver County Office on Aging (BCOA).

The idea behind the program is simple yet so important: It provides a bag of about eight gifts and a friendly visit during the holiday season. The BCOA casework staff identifies shut-ins who

Photo provided by Susan Pollack.

Elizabeth Little

Angela shares a bit about the program over the years: “It started as Surprizes for Shut-ins, a word play that inferred the recipients would be getting a prize. After a few years, I gave up on using the Z because newspaper editors and others kept changing it to the correct spelling.”

During the first year of the program, recipients received about three gifts,

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and the wrapped gifts were all taped together. “Currently, people received at least eight wrapped gifts. As we started using volunteers, they requested that the gifts be placed in gift bags.”

During the first year of the program, one Home Delivered Meals provider agreed to help deliver 10 gifts to people who were getting the BCOA-funded meals; the rest of the gifts were delivered by BCOA staff. “When staff got back from delivering, we all had wonderful stories about how excited the older adults were with the visit, even more than the gifts,” Angela remembers. “We saw their need to talk, and we realized we had to keep running this program. In the beginning years, we gave gifts to the most isolated or those with little to no family in the area. In 2001, we started giving gifts to all consumers served through in-home services of BCOA.” “I think it’s amazing what the Office on Aging does for these people through the Surprises for Shut-ins program,” says Elizabeth Little of Beaver Falls.

“Like me, some of them are by themselves. Some get nothing during the holidays. I’ve almost cried sometimes when receiving my gift. The Office on Aging has done so much for me. I’m so thankful.”

How you can help make the holiday special for a local shut-in Are you touched by this program’s mission but don’t have time during the busy month ahead to volunteer? No problem; there are a number of ways in which you can contribute.

Donate new items with practical uses, either through your local senior center, community or church groups, or in person at the BCOA offices, located in the Beaver County Human Services Building, 1020 Eighth Avenue, Beaver Falls, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, except holidays.

Start a donation drive at your place of work and support the program in lieu of exchanging co-worker gifts.

Decide as a family to make donations to the program instead of gifting each other with the usual gift cards, ties and socks, fruit baskets and such.

Now through Friday, December 2, BCOA will be accepting donations.

Wrapped gifts are appreciated but it is not necessary to wrap them. If you’d like to wrap your gifts, put a sticky note or gift tag on each one stating the contents.

To get you thinking of appropriate items, here’s a few examples: lovely soaps and body wash, tissue boxes, warm socks and slippers, soothing body lotion, shampoo, shaving razors and shaving cream, fragrances, knick knacks, picture frames, lap robes, note pads and pens, greeting cards and stamps, and playing cards and board games.

Cash donations are accepted to cover the cost of giftwrap. Checks should be made payable to Angela Gentile; a receipt will be issued. BCSN For more details about Surprises for Shutins, call Angela Gentile at (724) 847-2262 or (888) 548-2262.

Leetsdale Manor

27 Spencer Street, Leetsdale, PA 15056 Rent-Assisted Housing for Persons Ages 62 and Older 1 bedroom apartments w/ equipped kitchens, wall-wall carpet, A/C, balconies, community room, laundry facility, limited off-street parking and Secure intercom system.

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 246 Friendship Circle, Beaver (724) 775-7100 • Admissions: (724) 773-5209

www.friendshipridge.org

Koppel Terrace Senior Apartments Maintenance Free, Garden Style Apartments For persons 55 years of age and older Corner of 1st Avenue and Richard Street in Koppel 19 spacious, fully carpeted 1 and 2 bedroom apartments One Bedroom $400 Two Bedrooms $500 plus electric Water, sewage and garbage included.

Fully equipped with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal. On-site laundry facilities are also available.

For additional information and application packet, call (724) 775-4535.

Income restrictions apply. Annual income must not exceed: $29,220 one person; $33,360 two persons

HUD has mandated that an admission priority be implemented for households whose incomes are 30% of the area median income or less.

Income limits apply (gross annual income) • 1 Person hh...$14,600 • 2 Persons hh...$16,700 Maximum income eligibility• 1 Person...$24,350 • 2 Persons ...$27,800

(800) 238-7555 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Francis A. Farmer Apartments 274 Friendship Circle, Brighton Township, Beaver, PA 15009 Rent-Assisted Housing for Persons Ages 62 and Older Accessible 1 bedroom apartments with equipped kitchens, A/C, balconies, community room, laundry facilities, parking lots and Secure Intercom System.

Newly renovated accessible apartments with roll in showers also available.

There is an admission priority for very low income persons whose incomes are

• 1 Person hh...$14,600 • 2 Persons hh...$16,700 Maximum income for eligibility is: 1 Person $38,950; 2 Persons $44,500 Application or assistance available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, 300 State Ave., Beaver, PA 15009

Or call (724) 775-1220 for additional information www.beavercountyhousing.org

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

Friendship Ridge

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Lifestyle Changes Can Help Reduce Your Risk of Developing Dementia

M

any people believe dementia—a term used to describe a combination of memory loss, declining communication skills and thinking—is a natural part of aging. Fortunately, this is not true, and the majority of seniors do not develop it.

Beginning in our twenties, everyone experiences a slight decline in cognitive abilities, such as short-term memory.

If this decline increases and is severe enough to affect daily activities, it is known as dementia. The most common type of dementia is known as Alzheimer’s disease.

By 2017, it is estimated that 5.3 million Americans of all ages will have Alzheimer’s disease. Although that number is sobering, it is encouraging to know that: In recent years, there have been advancements in the management of Alzheimer’s symptoms.

The focus for Alzheimer’s and dementia research is beginning to broaden. In the past two decades, the attention has been on the end stages of the disease. Now, researchers are looking more closely at the causes of Alzheimer’s and what can be done to prevent it.

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

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There are lifestyle changes you can make that may help reduce your risk of developing dementia.

Recognizing the Signs of Dementia Dementia is a disease that can impact a person on many levels and in many different areas—or they may be affected by just a few symptoms. It’s helpful to be aware of the symptoms of dementia in order to better understand it or support someone who has it. Symptoms include: Short-term memory loss. Individuals may remember memories from the past, but may have forgotten what they had for lunch or even that they had lunch.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks.

Simple tasks that are part of a daily routine become increasingly hard to complete.

Disorientation. Becoming lost in a familiar place or not understanding the amount of time that has passed is a common symptom. Misplacing things is, too.

Poor judgment. A person with dementia may not only make common mistakes but use poor judgment, such as venture into cold weather without wearing a coat.

They also may have difficulty making good moral judgments.

Mood and personality changes. Individuals may move through a variety of unrelated moods quickly and without reason. They also may not “seem themselves” and may be irritable, suspicious or fearful.

Reduce Risk of Developing Dementia Age, family history and genetics are the greatest factors in determining whether or not someone will develop dementia.

While no one can control these things, there are preventive measures that anyone, at any age, can take to help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Get regular exercise. Approximately 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five times a week is a good goal. Add strengthtraining exercises into the routine to stay even healthier.

Eat healthy. Studies suggest that consuming plenty of omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent certain forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Foods that contain high quantities include salmon, tuna and trout.

Stop smoking. Smoking is one of the most preventable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, if you are over 65, smoking increases the odds of getting Alzheimer’s disease by nearly 79 percent.

Stay mentally engaged. Puzzles, riddles and games are not only fun, but they may also help prevent dementia.

Challenge yourself to do new things, too, such as learn another language or memorize world capitals.

Get enough sleep. For most seniors, that means about eight hours each night.

Stay socially connected. Talk on the phone or in person with family and friends. Get out and meet new neighbors. Take classes and stay engaged.

How to Help a Friend or Family Member with Dementia One of the most difficult problems for people with dementia—as well as their family and those who care for them—is gradual lessening of their ability to communicate. If you have someone in your life who has dementia, the following tips may help you communicate: Maintain a consistent, caring attitude. Even if they may no longer fully understand what you say, they still retain feelings and emotions.

Be flexible and always allow plenty of time for them to respond to help them maintain their self-esteem.

Speak gently and clearly. Keep sentences short and simple. Use specific names whenever you can, such as, “Your daughter, Jennifer.”

Use hand gestures or facial expressions. Pointing or demonstrating can help them understand. Also, holding their hand may help keep their attention and demonstrate that you are there and you care.

Finally, in order to help others, remember you first need to take care of yourself. Make sure you are also getting adequate nutrition, rest, exercise, and social and mental stimulation so you continue to stay strong and healthy now, and in the years to come.

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Gateway Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Gateway Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call PA: 1-800-685-5209, OH: 1-888-447-4505, NC: 1-855-847-6430, KY: 1-855-847-6380 (TTY: 711).

ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, tenemos servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles para usted sin costo alguno. Llame al PA: 1-800-685-5209, OH: 1-888-447-4505, NC: 1-855-847-6430, KY: 1-855-847-6380 (TTY: 711).

PA: 1-800-685-5209, OH: 1-888-447-4505, NC: 1-855-847-6430, KY: 1-855-847-6380 (TTY: 711).

Y0097_908 Accepted

December 2016 • Beaver County Senior News

CALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YEAR-ROUND ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

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