Resource guide 11 15 by 50+ LifeStyles

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Contents HOUSING

7 8

Transitioning to the Next Phase of Living Choosing the Right Living Situation for You

FINANCIAL

Retirement Checkup

HEALTH

19 20 22 24 28

Getting in Shape — Electronically Simple Ways to Manage Pain Don’t Let Cold and Flu Ruin the Season Stay Healthy With The Pocket Doctor Medication Reminder Device Comfortably Aging in Place

Letter from the Publisher

elcome to volume 2, 2015-2016 of the Long Island Resource Guide. We are very proud of receiving 2 National Awards for our last edition. It is an indispensible source of comprehensive, accurate, and upto-date information. Every effort has been made to Publisher, Frank C. Trotta keep our information current, but if you find changes in listings, useful resources we may not have included, or have ideas for improvements, we would appreciate hearing from you. Be sure to read 50+ Lifestyles monthly by subscription, or free, at hundreds of locations, or visit 50plusny.com to keep current on important and valuable information and community events. Please support and thank the businesses and organizations that care enough about ‘those of us 50+’ to make this 50+ valuable resource directory possible.

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PREPLANNING

3 Tips for Anyone Expecting an Inheritance

LOCAL RESOURCES

4 9 25

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146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales Advertising Sales: EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES For Advertising Rates and Information contact Evelyn Aloisio 631-286-0058 ext 221 Evelyn@50plusNY.com

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Websites As a Resource • Websites As a Resource • Websites As a Resource 50+ LifeStyles. A monthly publication in print and web. 50plusny.com The Family Caregiver Alliance. www.caregiver.org New York State Health. www.health.ny.gov Medicare. www.medicare.gov Social Security Administration. www.ssa.gov The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. www.va.gov Committee of Grandparents for Children’s Rights. www.grandparentsfor children.org AARP 55 Alive/Mature Driving. www.aarp.org/drive Long Island Housing Partnership. www.lihp.org

Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation. www.liaf.org Hearing Loss Association of America. www.hearingloss.org Nassau Department of Parks, Recreation & Museums. www.nassaucountyny.gov Suffolk County Parks. www.suffolkcountyny.gov/parks New York State Parks. www.nysparks.com Alzheimer’s Association, Long Island Chapter. www.alzheimersli.org Score-Service Corps of Retired Executives. www.scorelongisland.org

AgeWell New York • AgeWell New York • AgeWell New York

Getting the Most out of your Medicare Advantage Plan

ctober 15 through December 7 is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) when Medicare beneficiaries decide whether to remain in their current Medicare Advantage Plan, choose another plan or return to what is commonly referred to as Original Medicare or Medicare Fee for Service. If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and will be continuing or are planning to enroll in one for 2016, AgeWell New York encourages these tips for getting the most out of your plan to enhance your health coverage and access to services. Provider Network: Check your plan's website or provider directory to see whether your primary care physician or specialists participate in the network, and If not, you can make a request to the plan to reach out to your physicians to invite them to participate.

advantage. If you have difficulty understanding these benefits, plan customer service representatives are trained to help answer all your questions. Care Navigator or Care Manager: Depending on your particular plan, you may have access to a Care Navigator or Care Manager who assists with navigating health services, such as medication management, care planning, routine screenings and preventative services. Call your plan for more information and find out whether these services are available, how they work and who your assigned health professional may be.

Medicare Advantage Plan Identification Card (ID): There is a wealth of contact information available on your plan’s ID card. Become familiar with the information and contact phone numbers, websites, and special services on your card. This will be very helpful as you have visits Health and Wellness Benefits: Many plans with your providers and/or need to call specific offer health and wellness benefits over and above plan representatives depending on the questions Original Medicare, including dental, vision, hear- you may have. AgeWell New York gives you flexibility in choosing, transportation, over the counter (OTC) drugs, ing a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan alternative medicine, and fitness programs. Details of these benefits are included in the that’s right for you. Call us today for eligibility and plan’s Evidence of Coverage, or you may call your enrollment at 866-586-8044 or agewell50+ plan or visit their website to learn more and take newyork.com.

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Index of Services HOUSING

HEALTH

NURSING & REHAB

JEFFERSON’S FERRY LIFECARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 631-650-2600 www.jeffersons ferry.org.................... 8 SADDLE ROCK APARTMENTS 631-563-0174........................................9 HEATHERWOOD 631-234-1600 www.heatherwood.com................... 10 McPEAK’S ASSISTED LIVING 631-475-0445 www.mcpeaks.com.......................... 10 SADDLE COVE APARTMENTS 631-218-0423..................................... 12

AGEWELL NEW YORK 1-866-586-8044 TT Y/TDD: 1-800-662-1220 www.agewellnewyork.com................ 5 GENTIVA HOMECARE 631-232-6030 gentiva.com................19 DAY HAVEN ADULT DAY SERVICES 631-585-2020 www.dayhaven.org.... 20 AT HOME SERVICES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, INC. 631-477-3095 or 631-765-CARE athomeeldercareservices.com...........21 ST. CHARLES HOSPITAL 631-474-6797 stcharles.org.................21 “A GENTLE TOUCH” SENIOR HOME & HEALTH CARE, INC. 631-647-7622 www.agentletouchseniorcare.com... 22 LONG ISLAND AUDIOLOGY 516-482-0660 wwwLongIslandAudiology.com....... 23 HEARINGZ CARE CENTER 631-591-2280..................................... 24 CANCER SERVICES PROGRAM OF SUFFOLK COUNTY 631-369-2770 www.PBMCHealth.org......................24 JOHN T. MATHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WOUND TREATMENT CENTER Melville: 631-249-2347 matherhospital.org........................... 26 JOHN T. MATHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WOUND TREATMENT CENTER Pt. Jeff. Sta.631-474-4590 matherhospital.org........................... 26 STONY BROOK MEDICINE UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS 631-444-4000 www.StonyBrookPhysicians.com...... 26 NANNYS FOR GRANNYS 631-730-8500 www.Nannysforgrannys.com........... 30

THE LUX AT MEDFORD MULTICARE CENTER 631-730-3087 www.MedfordMulticare.org............. 18 ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA NURSING AND REHABILITATION CARE CENTER 631-862-3900 stcatherinenursingandrehab.chsli.org .......................................................... 25 MOMENTUM AT SOUTH BAY FOR REHABILITATION AND NURSING 631-581-6400 rehabmomentum.com......................29

FLORIDA BOUND TRANSPORTATION HAMPTON JITNEY INC 631-283-4600 www.hamptonjitney.com..................15

FINANCIAL P&P MEDICAID CONSULTING INC. 516-541-4770 www.ppmedicaid.com....................... 2 BRISTOL FINANCIAL SERVICES 516-349-5555 www.Bristol-Financial.com................13 LONG ISLAND HOME CAPITAL 516-390-9400 www.LongIslandHomeCapital.com.. 14 MARK J. SNYDER & ASSOCIATES 631-289-4224 www.MarkJSnyder.com..................... 14 ANTHONY F. RUSSO & ASSOCIATES 516-594-1100 www.AFRlaw.com............................. 17 SENIOR SOLUTIONS OF LONG ISLAND 631-979-8730 www.seniorsolutionsofli.com............ 18 CENTER FOR ELDER SERVICES 631-756-0057 www.Center4elders.com.................. 20 LPL RISK MANAGEMENT LTD 631-676-4020 ext. 203 www.LPLRiskl.com............................ 36

HOME EQUIPMENT AGELESS HOME LIVING 877-816-8316 www.agelesshomeliving.com............11 MEDEQUIP SUPPLY CORP 516-477-6523 www.medequipsupply.com..............27 PATRIOT MOBILITY INC. 631-392-4050 www.patriotmobilityinc.com............ 31

PREPLANNING ST. CHARLES/RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CEMETERIES 631 249 8700 www.ccbklyn.org.............................. 33 ST. MICHAELS CEMETERY 718-278-3240 www.stmichaelscemetery.com......... 34 MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETARY & CREMATORY 631-878-0482 www.MtPleasantCemetary.com........35

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FREE TO 50+ COMMUNITIES Would your community like to receive 25-100 complimentary copies of 50+ Lifestyles Monthly?

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50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing

Transitioning to the Next Phase of Living

nowing when it’s time to move yourself or a loved one to a smaller or more accessible home, or even an assisted living center, can be tough. There are some signs that can help aid you in identifying when the time is right. Factors such as age, health and living situation can be signals that it’s time to look for other living arrangements. For example, if your parents are over 70 years old and their house is more than 20 years old, there’s a good chance they struggle every day just to maintain their home. For 81-year-old Ned Kraft, he knew the time was right to consider living elsewhere after suffering a broken leg in a fall. Living in a two-story home with his wife was no longer an option and Kraft felt an urgent need to move into something smaller and without stairs to be able to manage his family’s lifestyle and overall well-being. With simple upkeep and maintenance becoming difficult and close relatives and grandchildren nearby, living in a safer home environment became the top priority. If you or a family member end

up needing to sell your house quickly and get into a more suitable living situation, here are a few steps to help with transitioning:

If you’re home a majority of the day or expect to have gatherings and guests often, you may want something a bit bigger. If your health is a concern or you’d rather not have to worry about tasks such as yard work or snow removal, something smaller or without stairs – such as a first floor apartment, may be more your speed.

If your parents are over 70 years old and their house is more than 20 years old, there’s a good chance they struggle every day just to maintain their home.

Sell Your Current Home: Working with professional home buyers can get you cash quickly while also taking care of closing costs and needed repairs without the burden of showing your home to potential buyers. This would save time and money for the seller, and help one move sooner than later .

Determine How Much Space You Truly Need: Maybe that two-story, four-bedroom home with a spacious backyard you bought when the kids were little is more than you need now. Smaller homes and apartments are easier to maintain, and taking into account your lifestyle can help determine what to look for in your next home.

Take It or Leave It: Taking inventory of everything that’s been accumulated over decades and deciding what to keep, what to pass down, what to put in storage and what to sell, donate or throw away can be tough. Find more information on how to make a smoother living transi50+ tion at homevestors.com. - Family Features

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing Important Questions to Ask about Retirement Living

Choosing the Right Living Situation for You By Cathy DeAngelo

inding the right place to live once you are retired is about asking the right questions and doing some homework. That process starts with a careful consideration of your individual needs and desires. It’s important to remember that we all age and our needs will change. The optimal time to begin the process is while you’re still working, as it takes time to figure out where you’ll want to be and there are a lot of options out there to consider. The more you learn, the easier your decision will be. You need to be realistic with your answers. For example, if you have health issues now, it’s highly likely that you’re going to have more in 10 years. You have to be honest about the barriers to things you want to (Continued on page 12)

HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

1 What do I want my future to look like? 2 What do I want to continue to do? 3 What do I not want to do? 4 What will I not be able to do? 5 What kinds of activities interest me? 6 In what type of environment do I want to live ... city, country, suburb? 7 What people do I want to be near? 8 How much space do I need?

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Local Resources • Local Resources • Local Resources

OFFICE FOR THE AGING The Nassau and Suffolk County Offices for the Aging are officially designated as Area Agencies on Aging . They are charged with developing and implementing policies and programs for Nassau and Suffolk Seniors,

60 years and older. They serve as a funding agency for community-based programs in the areas of health, counseling, employment, legal services, home care, transportation, nutrition, etc.

SUFFOLK Suffolk County Office for the Aging H. Lee Dennison Building-3rd Floor, P.O. Box 6100, Hauppauge, New York 11788-0099 631-853-8200 • www.suffolkcountyny.gov Riverhead County Center Office County Road 51, Riverhead, New York 11901-3397 • 631-852-1420

NASSAU County Of Nassau Office for the Aging 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard. Uniondale, NY 11553-3691 516-227-8900 • www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/seniors

FUEL ASSISTANCE (HEAP) HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HEAP provides an annual benefit to income eligible homeowners/renters to help pay fuel or utility costs. Open to persons 60+, the disabled or SSI recipients of all ages.

NASSAU 516-227-7386 SUFFOLK 631-853-8326

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) is available to NYS residents age 65+, who meet income guidelines and may save you money on your prescription needs. The program is state funded. For information call: EPIC, 1-800-332-3742.

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing

How To Make The Home You Love, Love You Back

s a society, we must change the way we think about an aging population and housing that is designed to meet the needs of new homeowners. When homes are built, they are built with a younger you in mind, and as time passes the needs you have change, and yet the home you fell in love with is becoming more of a burden. On average, 1 out of 3 adults over the age of 65 will fall every year, and while this alone is a frightening statistic, more frightening is that it takes so little to make a home a safer place to be and eliminate some of the potential hazards.

So how do we address these issues? You can move home, an average cost around $25k. You can move into an assisted living facility $80k per year. Or you can make the home you fell in love with love you back. Options exist to retrofit the home and make it a place that is both safe and accessible and meets the needs of your new lifestyle. President of Ageless Home Living, John Roberge comments: We have a responsibility to our society to offer solutions that are both affordable and effective for an aging population. We founded Ageless Home Living to

address a need for products that really solve problems and let people continue to age in place. To find out more about Ageless Home Living, visit them online at agelesshomeliving.com or call 1-844-254-8346 Ageless Home Living, offers stairlifts and tub to shower conversions along with a variety of aging in place products so that homeowners can spend more years in the homes they have cre50+ ated years of memories in.

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

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Housing • Housing • Housing • Housing (Choosing the right living situation... continued from page 8) do now, and how will you manage those challenges later in life. If you’re considering buying a retirement home, look beyond the actual real estate to the services that come with it or are nearby, as they will be important down the road. A 55-plus community that suits your lifestyle at age 60 or 65 may not have the services to support you after age 75 or 80. Other popular options include life care retirement communities that enable residents to age in place, with independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities available on one site; assisted living facilities that offer rooms and apartments; independent living senior communities; condominiums and shared space with family members, to name a few. It’s important to remember that most of us need people to thrive. And not just those to assist us with things we’re no longer able to do, but to engage our interests and be our friends and companions. Having more time to do the things you like and enjoy the 50+ company of old and new friends and family is a gift. Cathy DeAngelo is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Jefferson's Ferry Lifecare Retirement Community in South Setauket, Long Island.

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Financial • Financial• Financial • Financial • Financial

Finding the Best Insurance

t LPL Risk Management we pride ourselves in offering the highest quality insurance products and personalized service to our customers. We are committed to maintaining the utmost level of customer service and insurance expertise. We treat each of our customers like a person, not a policy. That’s why we make it our goal to customize the right plan for each individual customer. Being an Independent Insurance Agency gives us the ability to market your insurance with multiple companies. This enables us to find you the best coverage

for your unique situation at an affordable cost. It’s our mission to find the perfect plan to keep you covered throughout all of life’s storms. For over 24 years we have provided our individual and commercial customers with the highest quality of insurance products. Our well trained and experienced staff is dedicated to giving you the service you need. If you have any questions about insurance, please call one of our agents today. We look forward to

answering all of your questions and protecting you and your assets. An Independent Advantage We are Independent Agents, free to choose the best carrier for your insurance needs. We do not work for an insurance company; we work for you. We work on your side when you have a loss and follow through to see that you get fair, prompt payment and service. LPL Risk Manage(Continued on page 18)

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Financial • Financial• Financial

Retirement Checkup By Michael Hartzman

K – so you have been retired for several years, the stock market has been booming and all is well. That said, it is important to review your retirement plan every few years to make sure your long range plans are on track. Not only is it important to make sure your investments are properly allocated, it is critical to ask yourself the following: 1.Did you factor into your plan that medical costs may continue to rise annually? You need to look at what you were spending on deductibles

and co-pays when you first retired compared to this year. Not only can your deductible rise but what your doctor charges will rise over time and, as we age, the number of doctors we visit may increase. Each doctor will have their own co-pay and other fees eating into your budget. 2. Are you prepared for any major expenditure such as a new car or fixing a leaky roof? Sometimes it is for happy family events such as a grandchild’s wedding or the arrival of a new baby. 3. Since you retired has

Michael Hartzman Bristol Financial Services the financial condition of your children or grandchildren worsened? Have you been forced to step in to help them financially? 4. Have you been lulled into the belief that inflation is a thing of the past? While

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Financial • Financial• Financial • Financial • Financial we have had very little inflation over the past years and the price of oil has dropped, factors can change quickly causing prices to rise. 5. On November 4, 2015, the President signed into law sweeping changes that may affect when a person could take their social security benefit or stay on their spouse’s social security until they reach full retirement age. Up until now when a married person reached 62, he or she was entitled to either a spousal benefit or their own worker’s benefit. Prior to November 2015 an individual that was eligible for their own Social Security benefits and filed a claim between age 62 and full

retirement would be deemed to have filed for the larger of the two benefits. An individual waiting to file until full retirement age had the option to elect the spousal benefit and then switch to the worker’s benefit by age 70.The new law eliminates the opportunity to switch benefits. Now a person will simply receive the higher of the two benefits and remain with that. If your retirement plan included you taking advantage of the old rules, revisit your planning. 6. Ask yourself if your retirement plans are going as you hoped. Are you spending more than you budgeted for? Have you taken up an expensive hobby? If you are

stretching your budget or living for today then you might want to take a step back and make sure you are not running out of money. Most financial advisors have access to fairly sophisticated planning and forecasting tools. They can help you factor in inflation, the rate of return and the speed at which you are spending. All will help you see if you are staying on track. Remember, just because you no longer work, doesn’t mean that you don’t have work to do! Michael Hartzman is a principle of Bristol Financial Services, 255 Executive Drive, Suite 209, Plainview, NY 11803; 516-349-5555; www.bris50+ tol-financial.com.

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Financial • Financial• Financial • Financial • Financial

Your Home and Medicaid

onsidering the high costs of long term care, as we age, many are likely to rely on the Medicaid program to pay for the care we need. But how does Medicaid affect your home? For many of us, our home is our most valuable and cherished asset. It is the asset that we most want to protect and preserve for our family. Each day, we meet with clients who express the following concerns: “How can I qualify for Medicaid if I own a home?” “When I pass away, will Medicaid take my house?” “Can Medicaid place a lien on my house during my lifetime?” This article will address these concerns while giving a brief overview of the planning methods that exist to ensure your home is preserved. For an individual who is age 65+, blind or disabled to qualify for Medicaid, he or she must have no more than $14,850 in countable resources (in 2015). Your primary residence, however, is an exempt resource provided your equity interest in the home is less than $828,000 (in 2015). This home equity limit does not apply if the home is occupied by your spouse, minor child or blind or disabled child. This means that in many circumstances, owning your own home will not prevent you from receiving Medicaid benefits. In many instances, however, when a Medicaid recipient dies, Medicaid is permitted to recover the benefits provided to the recipient by asserting a claim against the recipient’s “estate.” Under the current law, the term “estate” only includes the recipient’s probate estate. The probate estate is the portion of a deceased person’s assets that pass under the terms of a Last Will and Testament. Under some circumstances, if the primary residence of a Medicaid recipient is not also occupied by a spouse or other designated family member, Medicaid has the right to impose a lien on the home during the Medicaid recipient’s lifetime if the recipient enters a skilled nursing facility and is not reasonably expected to return home. So, how can you plan so that you receive Med-

icaid benefits while also protecting your home for your family? In many circumstances, the answer is to place your home in a trust. There are two basic types of trusts: revocable and irrevocable. While transferring your home to a revocable trust will prevent it from becoming part of your probate estate, often times, the most complete protection for your home can be achieved by transferring your home to an irrevocable trust. By transferring ownership of your home to a properly drafted irrevocable trust, not only can you retain the exclusive right to occupy and use your home, but most importantly, you can prevent Medicaid from placing a lien against the property during your lifetime and prevent Medicaid from asserting a claim against your home after you pass away, ensuring that your most cherished asset passes to your family and loved ones. Unfortunately, the law regarding your home and Medicaid is complex and difficult to navigate without the advice of experienced professionals who specialize in this field. The consequences of not taking advantage of the available planning methods to protect your home can have a devastating impact on your family. We know how overwhelming it can seem when thinking about planning your estate and for your own long term care needs. This is why we invite you to learn more by joining us at one of our upcoming free educational seminars. Our upcoming seminar dates and locations can be found at afrlaw.com or by calling us at 516-7941100 (1975 Hempstead Tpk., Ste 402, East Meadow, NY 11554). We are also pleased to offer a free consultation so that we can sit down and discuss how the Medicaid rules apply in your personal situa50+ tion. We look forward to meeting you. Attorney Advertising

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Financial • Financial• Financial • Financial • Financial (Finding the best... continued from page 13) ment represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies, therefore, we are able to offer you the best coverage at the most competitive price. What is an Independent Insurance Agent? When you decide to buy a car, you wouldn’t purchase the first one you see. What if one day the automobile industry decided to make only one type of car, one make and one model. You wouldn’t have a choice! The same situation holds true for insurance. You need insurance to drive a car, to purchase a house, to protect your family’s financial future and to run a small business. But if there was only one insurance company that offered only one type of insurance, car insurance, home insurance or businessowner policy — you wouldn’t have a choice. The only solution would be going to that one company.

With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision. An independent agent has several companies that he or she can approach to get you the best coverage at the best price. And your independent agent will know the companies with the most efficient claims departments to recover your losses as quickly as possible. When you buy insurance, whether it’s for your home, your car or your business, you want an advocate who will properly assess the risks you face and give you an objective analysis of the marketplace, it’s up to you to make the final choice. Please contact us for a free quote or insurance evaluation. LPL Risk Management, 148-2 Remington Blvd., Ronkonkoma, New York 11779. Phone: 50+ 631-676-7020; Fax: 631-676-7030.

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Health • Health • Health • Health • Health • Health

Getting in Shape — Electronically By Gary P. Joyce

s the technology world whizzes on, you may have missed something that can be quite beneficial to your health — the plethora of gadgets, gizmos, doo-dads and whatnots designed to track your fitness and health. But where to start? Well, here’s a primer to get you headed in the right direction.

burned, and most can be connected to your computer for downloading the information. There accuracy isn’t perfect, mainly because you aren’t (well, you are, sure, but your pace isn’t; it’s different with every step). These are in the $20-to $40 price range.

The info is downActivity Trackers loadable to your Usually wrist worn, these Pedometers computer, iPad, tablet, new puppies track distance These are designed to keep covered, heart rate (bpm), floors etc. — usually with a free app track of the miles you walk or climbed, and on and on. They — and do it working off your run. Some can even track calories can even track your sleep habits. (Continued on page 32)

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Health • Health • Health • Health • Health • Health

Simple Ways to Manage

PAIN

ooner is better when it comes to managing nagging aches and pains that can hamper your healthy lifestyle. In fact, the coming winter months are when pain pops up the most for people of all ages, according to celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza. Keys to keeping active and pain-free are getting ahead of pain and preventing it from becoming a larger problem that is harder to handle. Here are some tips. Sit Tall: If you have a desk job, proper posture can help to reduce back pain as you age. Sit with your back straight with your shoulders back; distribute your body weight evenly on both hips, bend your knees at right angles and keep your feet flat on the floor. Be Flexible: Whether it’s weekly yoga, or standing up and stretching between long periods of sitting, flexibility can help you stay fit and strong. One simple stretch: stand with your feet shoulder width apart, place hands on your lower back with finger tips pointing down, slowly lean back as far as comfortable while looking up at the ceiling, then return to start. Repeat five times.

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Health • Health • Health Eat Smart: Reduce the risk of inflammation by incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as tomatoes, olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, fruits and vegetables into your diet as much as possible. Master the Basics: Shoveling, pushing furniture and even gardening can be hard on your muscles, so it’s important to keep them strong in order to prevent pain. For safe and proper training techniques, visit ramonabraganza.com. Power Up to Reduce Pain: A proven therapy often used by physical therapists that you can get without a prescription is TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), which offers a practical solution to your everyday pain management needs because it’s portable and can help lessen the need for pain medication. Omron offers one of the most powerful TENS units on the market and it is 100 percent drug free. For more ways to keep those aches and pains at bay, especially as the temperature drops, visitom50+ ronhealthcare.com. - Family Features

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Health • Health • Health • Health

Don’t Let Cold and Flu Ruin the Season

s the holidays approach, many are gearing up for holiday shopping and celebrating with family and friends. But with the unpredictable cold and flu season, it’s equally important to add staying healthy to your list. To help answer your most pressing queries, Dr. Travis Stork, emergency room physician and host of the Emmy Award-winning talk show, The Doctors, has partnered with Church & Dwight Co., Inc., the maker of Arm & Hammer Simply Saline nasal mists, on a new online tool called “Congestion Questions,” inviting people to ask questions and get the answers they need, such as these: Q: Do nasal mists cause the rebound effect? Nasal mists are drug-free and derived from natural ingredients – they contain only salt, sodium bicarbonate and water. They are non-addictive and do not cause any rebound congestion. (Continued on page 32)

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Health • Health • Health • Health • Health • Health

What Do Medicaid’s Reforms Mean for You?

edicaid hit its 50th anniversary this year, which led to a major renaissance on reforms in the way the program is providing services. These initiatives include changes in the quality of professional healthcare services, coordination of patient care and transportation to and from nonemergency medical appointments. New York aims to utilize the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program to spend less by delivering more care to Medicaid patients outside the hospital, keeping expensive emergency room costs down.

The goal stands at a 25 percent reduction in avoidable hospital use over five years by changing the way healthcare providers are paid. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicaid healthcare professionals will now increasingly be paid based on the quality of work they do and how well it helps their patients, rather than on services rendered. New York will also implement 25 new delivery networks called performing provider systems (PPS) to coordinate Medicaid patient care. This system targets the issue that enrollees are going to multiple doctors and receiving

duplicate or ineffective treatment. New York’s Medicaid Redesign Transport Initiative includes a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) management program to provide hundreds of eligible Long Islanders with transportation to and from non-emergency appointments. Changes in Medicaid not only expand the program’s services, but also improve the quality of (Continued on page 32)

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Health • Health • Health • Health

Stay Healthy With The Pocket Doctor Medication Reminder Device

he Pocket Doctor is an affordable ($39.95) way to help you avoid the dangerous consequences of forgotten medication doses.

How Does Pocket Doctor Work? Simply place one of four color and number coded bands around your medication bottle(s). Set the count-up corresponding colored timer to how many hours you want to be reminded to take each medication. The timers are not set for a time of day. The device will continue to count up until the medication is taken and the alarm is turned off. If you miss a dose, the timer will continue to count up, telling you how long it has been since you should have taken the dose. The Pocket Doctor’s loud beeping alarm lets you

know it’s time for your medicine. It keeps track of multiple medication schedules with individual alarms. It is designed for portable and stationary use and the bands can be placed around prescription bottles up to two inches in diameter or around two bottles at once. Over-sized buttons provide easy use and a builtin backlight feature makes for easy reading in the dark. Powered by three AAA batteries, it is available for online purchase at www.scsdirectinc. com, www.amazon.com, and www.itzbeen.com. 50+

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

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Verrrry Interesting!

ere’re three new books. Two will help wend your way through Social Security and Medicare, and one is a great idea for those of you responsible for caring for a family member. The Complete Caregiver’s Organizer; Your Guide to Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others, by Robin Porter, focuses on two main points. Caring for the patient and yourself. There are checklists, Q&As, guided conversations, sections in which to keep a journal and activity suggestions. All laid out in tabbed chapter format that allows you to easily get to the section you need. Published by Spry Publishing (sprypub.com; 877-722-2264) for $19.95. If you’re buying one of the other two, you may as well get both. The Idiot’s Guides: Medicare, by Tanya Fele, MD; and the Idiot’s Guides: Social Security, by Fred Yager and Jan Yager, PhD. If you think you know your way around either of

these topics, take another look. Only do it with these books in your hand. The former covers the prescription drug program, closing Medicare coverage gaps. And a whole lot more. The latter guide, covers everything you’ll need to know about Social Security, including smart strategies for making the most of your retirement. Both have excellent indexes, glossaries, etc., all in an-easy-to-read format suitable for any idiot, including this writer. Both are $19.95 50+ from idiotsguides.com. — Gary P. Joyce

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Health • Health • Health • Health • Health • Health

Stay In Your Home

he MedEquip Supply Corporation is a very consistent if not an over conscientious company with an exceptional sense of right and wrong regarding customer satisfaction. The principals of MedEquip Supply Corporation have been servicing the medical equipment needs customers since 1986. We are proud to announce the new addition to our line of products, MSC now delivers and installs RAMPS, VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFTS and STAIR LIFTS. We proudly install Bruno Lifts and EZ Access Ramps, made and assembled in America. We also offer Guardia Alert 911 and Freedom Alert personal security systems. The management of MedEquip Supply Corporation will not and does not tolerate the failure to deliver what we have promised and paramount in our business philosophy is the complete satisfac-

tion of the customer with our superior performance. If you really love your home, you shouldn’t have to leave it because of mobility issues. Take the stairlift journey to independence. Whether straight or curved rails or straight or curved outdoor ramps, MedEquip Supply Corporation can make it happen. For an appointment to discuss your needs call 50+ us at 516-477-6523.

MedEquip Supply Corporation

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

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Go forward. Bounce back. That’s Momentum.

elcome to Momentum at South Bay for Rehabilitation and Nursing, a rehabilitation center with uncompromising passion for progress. To walk through our spacious, New York style gym is to become immersed in a wealth of the latest advanced technologies. Momentum rehab technicians are especially excited about our newest acquisition, the SMART Balance Master. This powerful machine uses dynamic force-

plate sensors to monitor a user’s balance control, providing the trainer with valuable, on-screen feedback. The SMART Balance Master has proven to be extremely helpful in treating our patients with impaired coordination. At Momentum, we believe in rewarding hard work, so we couple our intensive therapy with deluxe accommodations. Indulge yourself at our inhouse Parisian boulangerie, then unwind with a hot shower in

your granite tiled, spa-style bathroom. All of our patients’ rooms are equipped with HDTV’s and a library of hot new Blu-Ray titles. Nursing at Momentum is defined by skill, compassion, and dedication. No task is too small for our devoted team of nurses, and we take every step to ensure that all of our patients’ needs are met. Call 631-581-6400 to schedule a personal tour today, and see for yourself what sets Momentum apart from all the others. 50+

Comfortably Aging in Place

ith the number of U.S. residents 65 or older growing from 35 million in 2000 to nearly 73 million in 2030 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, baby boomers entering or approaching retirement need to be aware of how they can best prepare to age comfortably. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2015 Aging-in-Place Report, more than half of homeowners who hire a professional for an aging-related home improvement are under 65 years old, with 10 percent younger than 50. The top aging-in-place related projects completed by homeowners according to HomeAdvisor’s Aging-in-Place report include: Adding a personal alert system: Per(Continued on page 30)

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

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Beating the Obstacles

atriot Mobility, Inc., is a home accessibility company located in Deer Park, NY. Our team of factory trained technicians specializes in Sales, Installation and Repairs of mobility products. In business since 2010, we were founded with the determination and commitment to allow for better living through better solutions. We have become an industry leader serving all of Long Island, NYC, Westchester and parts of NJ. Patriot Mobility offers a variety of mobility products and ser vices for handicap and disabled occupants. Whether you need a wheelchair ramp, scooter,

vertical platform lift, vehicle lift, medical equipment or wheelchair, we have a solution for you. As a veteran owned business, we have spent much time on the frontline with many disabled veterans and handicapped seniors. We focus on providing highquality mobility products to assist you throughout your day. Allowing you the freedom of mobility to live and enjoy each day is our goal. We believe that no obstacle in life should ever become a lifetime restriction. Our sales team of professionals will guide you through the decision making process matching your needs with industry

stand a r d products. We deal with a variety of brand name manufacturers that distribute the highest quality products available. We hold a FSS contract with the United States government which we sell to nationally and have been acknowledged for our precision and services. If you are in need of a home accessibility solution, you can count on Patriot Mobility to help guide you through the process. Visit our website at www.PatriotMobilityInc.com for 50+ more information.

(Comfotably aging... continued from page 28) sonal alert systems provide necessary security in case of an emergency accident or fall. Installing a personal alarm system costs an average of $652, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. Adding grab bars: Many accidents and falls take place in the bathroom. Homeowners may choose to add grab bars to help them safely enter and exit a bathtub or shower. Building a disability ramp: Adding a wheelchair ramp, at an average cost of $1,547, offers accessibility to wheelchair or walker users. Various factors go into the cost and safety of a ramp, including slope, weight specifications, landing and materials. Installing a stair lift: A staircase lift can eliminate the risk of injury on one of the most dangerous parts of a home. Folks with mobility issues can access the upstairs level safely with this highly reliable added function. To find a home professional to complete aging50+ in-place projects, visit HomeAdvisor.com. - Family Features

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Health • Health • Health • Health • Health • Health Getting in shape... continued from page 19 wrist. (Our publisher, Frank big player in this game. Trotta, is a big fan of the Fitbit.) Prices are from the $30s to Garmin, FitBit and TomTom are around $200. If you’ve got an the big players in the game, but adventurer in the family go for a there are others. Figure from GPS (Global Positioning System) $100 to $500. watches. All of the above plus altitude and some have activity Running and/or trackers, as well;$200 to $500. GPS Watches These keep track of the dis- Heart Rate Monitors tance and speed in their workThese come in two distinct outs as well as races. Timex is a types. With and without a chest Don’t let a cold... continued from page 22 Q: I have been experiencing nasal congestion for days. It’s so bad that now I’m unable to blow my nose. How can I find quick relief? Saline irrigation is an excellent way to relieve this sort of nasal congestion. Using a nasal spray like Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Nasal Relief or a neti-pot.

strap. The chest strap models tend to be a bit more accurate than the non-strap models. Figure $150 to $600. PC Magazine has a good top 10 article at www.pcmag.com /article2/0,2817,2404445,00.asp. The Wareable website’s top 10 fitness trackers can be found online at www.wareable.com/fitness-trackers/the-best-fitness-trac 50+ ker. – Gary P. Joyce

also make sure the house is kept at a comfortable temperature and consider a humidifier if you are in a dry climate.

Q: Why do I get congested mostly at night? This may be because when you lie in bed, gravity is no longer playing its part in clearing your nasal passages. Try propping your head up. You Q: How else can I ease the symptoms of stuffy may also want to reduce the allergen levels by keeping pets off your bed and buying hypo-allernoses and sore throats for my children? How best to help is often dependent on the genic pillows. To submit questions and learn more about eascause. Some traditional treatments that can help include chicken soup or warm drinks with a little ing your cold and flu symptoms, visit www.Con50+ lemon or honey, although you should not give gestionQuestions.com. - Family Features honey to a child less than one year old. You should NEW TEST TO DIAGNOSE FLU This new test diagnoses flu with lab-quality results in under 15 minutes, allowing doctors to make more informed treatment decisions during the patient’s visit. The Alere i test was approved by the FDA in June, and is currently available in many hospitals and in certain physician offices, and will be more widely available later this flu season. For more information about the Alere i test and flu testing, visit alere-i.com/us/flu-facts.

What do Medicaid’s reforms...continued from page 23 care provided. The cost-effectiveness of these changes have the potential to translate directly into reduced healthcare costs and to attribute to longer life expectancy and an improved quality of life. If you are seeking Medicaid eligibility or other long-term care services, P&P Medicaid is available to assist you and your family. P&P Medicaid handles everything in the application and documentacquiring processes and will appear on behalf of

the applicant at the Department of Social Services. The company can also provide guidance in selecting home healthcare or nursing home placement options, along with assistance in applying to the homes. Serving Nassau, Suffolk and theFive Boroughs ofF New York City. 5071 Merrick Road, MassapequaPark, NY 11762. Phone: 516-541-4770. Email: 50+ PPMedicaid@AOL.Com. PPMedicaid.com.

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2 2015-2016

Pre-Planning â&#x20AC;˘ Pre-Planning â&#x20AC;˘ Pre-Planning

Why a Catholic Cemetery?

ur Catholic faith teaches us that our bodies are a sacred part of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation, and therefore the human body is worthy of great reverence. The Church has always taught that the living human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. In keeping with this belief, the Church has directed that sacred and blessed places be provided for the burial of the faithful departed, including the cremated body. Our choice of a final resting place should reflect our life and devotions, our journey toward

eternal salvation. The statuary, shrines and symbolism throughout our beautiful grounds serve as constant reminders of the sacredness of this holyplace, providing faith, hope and comfort. The preference of the Church is that every Catholic be buried in a Catholic Cemetery characterized by these evident signs of faith. A Catholic Cemetery reflects the doctrine and liturgy of the Church and is forever a consolation to the bereaved and an inspiration to the living. 50+

50+ Lifestyles Resource Guide - Vol. 2, 2015-2016

Pre-Planning • Pre-Planning • Pre-Planning

3 Tips for Anyone Expecting an Inheritance

By Michael Abbot and Christopher Bennett

he odds are good that you will inherit money or assets in the coming years. And, if you’re like most people, you’ll save only half. “People need to plan for inheriting wealth to avoid the pitfalls that result in so many heirs making emotional or ill-informed

decisions they later regret,” says Michael Abbott, a veteran financial consultant and Chief Financial Officer of The Abbott Bennett Group, (www.theabbottbennettgroup.com). It’s never wise to make important financial decisions based on emotion, and inheritance often

starts with grief. “It’s a very bad time to make decisions that can affect you and your family for the rest of your lives,” said Christopher Bennett. He and Abbott share four tips for planning for an inheritance: • If you inherit non-cash assets, ask questions before you liquefy.