Senior Living Guide Spring 2024

SPRING 2024

• LONG-TERM CARE

What does Medicare cover? Is switching to Medicaid right for you? How about downsizing?

• LOSS OF SPOUSE

Ways to get through the grief and know that you’re not alone in your berehavement.

• STAYING ACTIVE

Gardening and walking keep you fit and are even better together.

• NUTRITION

A brief look at dietary changes as one ages.

• SWIMMING

Low-impact exercise that’s perfect for seniors.

•

Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

As seniors try to navigate the complexities of healthcare and financial planning, understanding the distinctions between Medicaid and Medicare is crucial, and safeguarding assets while ensuring eligibility for essential benefits becomes paramount. Many even contemplate downsizing as a means to manage expenses and simplify their lives.

It’s important to understand that Medicaid and Medicare are both government-sponsored healthcare programs, yet they serve different purposes and have distinct eligibility criteria.

By familiarizing themselves with available resources and seeking professional guidance when needed, seniors can make important decisions that support their health, well-being and financial security in their golden years.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals, including seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant women and children.

In New York, Medicaid eligibility criteria includes income level, assets, age, disability status and citizenship.

Medicare, on the other hand, is a federal health insurance program designed for individuals aged 65 and older.

Medicare consists of several parts, as detailed on nyc.gov:

Part A: Hospital insurance, covering inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and some home health care.

Part B: Medical insurance, covering services such as doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services.

Part C, otherwise known as Medicare Advantage: Plans offered by private companies approved by Medicare, which often include Part A, Part B and sometimes Part D benefits.

Part D: Prescription drug coverage, available through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.

When a person has both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first and Medicaid pays last.

Jack Lippmann, president and founder of Elder Care Services, Inc. at 97-37 63 Road in Rego Park, said, “Medicare is a privilege. A person who worked all their lives, or at least 10 years, and reached the age of 65 is entitled to Medicare.”

THe explained that at 65, one is required to apply for Medicare, which can be done starting three months before his or her 65th birthday and up to three months after. If someone neglects to apply for Medicare upon turning 65, he or she will face late enrollment penalties, which will increase the longer it takes for the person to sign up.

“Medicare insurance, which is the best insurance you can get out there, only costs $174 a month,” Lippmann said. “So a person would be crazy not to apply, because the same

insurance privately will cost them close to $1,000 a month.”

Medicare only covers 80 percent of a medical bill, and one must usually pay a deductible and co-insurance and make co-payments.

“It forces the person to purchase supplemental insurance to cover the other 20 percent,” Lippmann said.

He noted that Medicare does not cover long-term care.

“It doesn’t pay nursing homes or home-care services,” Lippmann said. “When a person comes out from the hospital and goes to a nursing home, Medicare does pay for a little bit of rehab, meaning that they’ll pay the first 20 days, 100 percent.”

The covered cost decreases as time increases.

“Then, the next 80 days, Medicare pays 50 percent care, and the supplemental insurance pays the other 50 percent,” he said. “But that’s for 80 days, so the maximum that a person can get for a nursing home [on Medicare] is 100 days.”

When opting for long-term care in the form of nursing homes and home care, Medicaid is a safe choice.

In order to qualify, one must not have assets that exceed $31,175.

For those looking to reside in a nursing home, income must not exceed $50 per month. Excess income will go to the nursing home to cover costs for care. Alternatively, for longterm home care, income eligibility is capped at $1,732.

For seniors who are aiming to qualify for benefits while safeguarding their assets, cer-

don’t lose their whole investment. I try to save some of it.

Consulting with an elder law attorney o r financial advisor specializing in Medicai d planning can provide invaluable guidance on asset protection strategies tailored to individual circumstances.

Lippmann told the Chronicle that Elde r Care Services, Inc. can help when filling ou t applications for long-term care services.

“We assist the elderly and disabled with their Medicaid, home care or nursing home care, because there’s only two applications here: Home care or nursing home applications,” Lippmann said. “At the same time, we protect their income, their resources and thei r homes. So with community Medicaid, we can save them 100 percent. When it comes to nursing homes, it depends upon the transfers.”

For nursing homes, he said his company can save 50 percent of the cost, or sometimes even more depending on the income and fees charged by the facility.

Asked what frequent questions he gets about the process, Lippmann said people often ask how long the application process will take when inquiring about long-term care.

“It’s not in our hands,” he said. “We don’t have any control of that.”

tain strategies can be employed:

“So for community Medicaid, the part that allows you to get a home attendant, at the moment, we have what they call a ‘one-month look-back period,’” Lippman said. “So you can have a million dollars in the account today, but you transfer it out before the end of the month, you’re eligible on the first of the next month.”

He added that a law was passed to implement a two-year look-back period.

“Which means if you transferred any assets in the last two and a half years, they will penalize you for that, which means that it would take longer to get Medicaid until the penalty period expires. But it’s not implemented yet. It’s on hold because of Covid,” Lippman said.

For those who have surplus income but are seeking long-term care with a home care attendant, there are two options.

“One is to surrender the surplus income to Medicaid,” Lippmann said. “Or they can join a pooled income trust and deposit their surplus income into the pooled trust. And then they can use the money in the pooled trust to pay their bills. So this way, they don’t lose their money. But that’s only for community Medicaid, for home care. For nursing home Medicaid, they cannot have more than $50 and no pooled trust.”

Another option could be downsizing or selling a home.

If applying for community Medicaid, “You can transfer [funds] and then you’re OK the following month,” Lippmann said.

“For nursing homes, you transfer and then they’ll look at what you transferred and the fair market value of the property,” he said. “So that’s when someone might need people like us to come in and assist them, so that they

Lippmann explained that, when applying for nursing home care, if someone has been honest in the application, there should be no issues or delay — but it can take up to a year.

“Sometimes it takes them eight months to approve an application,” he said. “Now, i f there was something done wrong, and yo u send it in, now, eight months later, they sen d you a letter saying, ‘You have issues on X, Y and Z.’”

Lippmann said corrections can be fixed, but will cost time and money.

“Yes, you can correct them, but sometimes you lose money by doing corrections because you didn’t know,” he said. “Had they told you eight months before when you filed it that you did something wrong, you can correct it righ t away.”

Lippmann added, “Once they approve an application for a nursing home, they pay the nursing home retroactively from the time tha t we filed the application.”

On community Medicaid, he said the government is allowed 45 days to approve or deny an application for someone without a pool trust. If the person does have a pool trust, the 45 days increases to 90.

For more information on Medicaid eligibility, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov. For information on applying for long-term care, visit nyc. gov/site/hra/help/long-term-care.

To speak with Lippmann for information regarding Medicaid applications and how to qualify, visit eldercareservicesny.com. Q

It’s important for older adults aged 65 and older to understand the intricacies of Medicaid and Medicare when considering their options for long-term care, such as living in a nursing home or moving in with family.

Jack Lippmann o f Elder Care Services Inc. in Rego Park.

PHOTO BY MARK LORD / FILE

“

Corp., had to say about our team:

Bereavement: Helping to heal the hurt

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The loss of spouses, siblings and longtime friends can be devastating. But older adults in Queens who don’t want to handle their grief alone don’t have to, with bereavement counseling available either in group settings or one-on-one through churches, social service groups and other agencies.

The bereavement services program for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn is run by Catholic Charities. Many parishes in Queens offer their own programs.

Deacon Mauclair Simon, a licensed master social worker, heads the program. The intent, according to Simon and the program’s web page, is to serve as a space where healing can begin.

“Anyone who has lost a loved one could benefit from counseling,” Simon said in a recent interview. But he added that there is not any one-size-fits-all approach. Older adults, he said, will react differently than children or young adults.

He said it is not uncommon for someone who has been married for decades to be hit harder than someone who has suffered a loss after just a few years.

“With a senior couple, you can be looking for help to fill a void after 40 years or 30 years,” he said.”

Some people need open meetings, while others do better in smaller groups or with individual counselors.

Richard Slizeski, vice president of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens, said its programs are designed to help people through the various stages of grief, and that lists of different, specialized programs are available from its office.

Information on Catholic Charities bereavement services can be found online at bit.ly/48WFWoR. Deacon Simon can

be reached either at (718) 722-6214 or by email at mauclair. simon@ccbq.org.

Commonpoint Queens offers scores of programs and services for those of all ages. Grief counseling is among those offered to older adults.

Shelly Channan, also a licensed master social worker, runs a bereavement group at Commonpoint’s Sam Field Older Adult Center in Forest Hills. Her program is for those

60 and older who have lost a spouse, though she said there is no one on the group’s waiting list right now.

“Our group runs on a 10-week cycle,” Channan said. “We usually have about five people, no more than 12.”

Channan’s group also requires people to be at least three months removed from a spouse’s death.

“Until then, you’re kind of dealing with logistics,” she said. “Legal matters, paperwork, bureaucracy, always answering the phone. There’s really no space for grief. You don’t know how you feel. You need to give it room.”

And Channan said grief looks much different today than before the pandemic.

Of her group, she said, “It’s not for everybody — it depends on the individual. Loss is personal. Grief is ou r best friend; that’s what I tell people. It has to be our best friend, because during the process it’s the only thing with you. Befriend it. Get to know it. You wake up in the morning and it’s there. You go to bed at night and it’s there.

“So typically, you don’t have group members inside o f three months out from the loss. Otherwise, it’s so new an d fresh. They’re not going to be able to work through the therapeutic process. There’s work that’s not going to be done.”

After 10 weeks, members are re-evaluated.

“If they feel they need to do one more cycle with the group then we might consider it,” Channan said. “Some people feel that after 10 weeks they are in a good place, in a healthy place. And they move on.”

The center is at 67-09 108 St. and can be reached conveniently by multiple bus and subway lines.

Information for those interested in participating in the group can be found online at bit.ly/3wZSizh. Q

Support is available in Queens for seniors who need help overcoming the loss of a spouse.

Keep your resolution on the trail or garden

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Find yourself in a rut and struggling to stick to your New Year’s resolution to stay fit?

There are several walking and gardening programs in Queens that will help you get out of your funk and help you to take your first step toward a healthier lifestyle this year.

Elizabeth Madison, the manager leading the Wise Walking Warrior Program, will kick off the spring session next month for eight weeks on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from May 8 to June 29, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Springfield Park in Springfield Gardens.

“It’s for people age 60 and up,” said Madison, who is also the founder of the Wellness & Lifestyle Transformation Center. “If you have an AARP card you are pretty good to go.”

The program is free, said Madison.

The fitness instructor for the walk, who also teaches a Zumba class at the park, is Lizzette Bennette, Madison added.

“The fitness classes are high energy and low impact ... They are familiar and trained to work with seniors,” said Madison. “They will go on the trail around all of Springfield Park and then she will bring them back to a grassy area, which is better for their knees and balance and do a workout. The last 10 minutes she will uses stretchy bands and light 10-pound weights.”

Along with the trails, people also get to use the fitness equipment at the park.

People can contact Madison at (855) 958-9958 or email her at elizabeth@yourwlt.com to learn more.

People can also register for the program on-site at the tennis courts at the park, which is located at 147th and Springfield avenues.

If you are looking for something a little more low-key, the Eastern Queens Alliance Community Peace Garden, located at 149th Avenue and Springfield Lane, is a great place people can go, according to EQA Chairwoman Barbara Brown.

“We are putting together a Community Peace Garden and we are asking for volunteers, who can be any age,” Brown said. “We have a volunteer gardening program.”

The program will be ongoing for Saturdays at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Brown hopes to have it running in late March or early April when the weather gets warmer.

“We also have plans for a trail for it and we are getting ready to select plant seeds for it,” she said.

If people want to learn more about the garden, call Brown

at (347) 824-3201 or reach her by email at info@eastern queensalliance.org.

“It’s right next door to the Idlewild Environmental Center,” Brown said. “It was a street bed where people were dumping. We adopted, cleaned and fenced it up ... with the support o f Con Edison.”

There will be shrubs, flowers and a butterfly garden, she added.

The Queens Botanical Garden, located at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing, has both walking tours and gardening programs fo r the general public. From now until March 31, all programs are free. From April 1 to Dec. 15, programs on Wednesdays an d Sundays are free, but are $4 for seniors on other days, according to Jatnna Rodriguez, QBG’s director of programs.

“We have different workshops week-to-week and month-tomonth,” Rodriguez told the Chronicle. Sometimes peonies, roses or magnolias are in season in the garden, but it changes.

“People can look at pollinators in the garden, people can look at meditation in the garden or look at art in the garden, that is very popular with senior groups,” she said. “Seniors can also draw plants they see in the garden during tours with the botanical tools. Turmeric and flowers can also used fo r coloring.”

People can also tour QBG’s bee garden, Earth garden an d farm.

To learn more, visit queensbotanicalgarden.org.

Guests will also have the opportunity to go on a tour o f QBG’s rooftop where native plants such as sedum, lamb’s ear and cacti reside, or they may sign up to volunteer at the bee garden or Earth garden, which houses plants that can be cooked and have medicinal purposes. Q

THE TRUTH ABOUT MEDICAID

Community Medicaid eligibility is changing!

In October 2020 a new look-back period was passed forcing applicants to surrender two and one-half (2.5) years of financial statements. However, due to the pandemic Medicaid was unable to enforce this new regulation and kept extending the starting date.

The last extension was to expire March 31, 2024; however, rumors indicate a new extension possibly to January 1, 2025

What does it mean to new applicants once the new regulation goes into effect? If there were any transfers during the two and one-half (2.5)

years prior to fi lling, applicants will be disqualified for a period of time depending on the amount transferred. Disqualifications cannot be more than two and one-half years.

Presently, applicants can transfer any amount of money one month and become fi nancially eligible for Community Medicaid the following month. This window of opportunity is slowly closing in. Potential applicants should keep in mind that the only way to avoid this issue is to apply before the rule is enforced.

Guests of the Queens Botanical Garden can walk its trails and later make pieces of art with garden tools. PHOTO COURTESY QBG

Established in 1975, Jamaica Hospital Nursing Home is a not-for-profit hospital-based nursing home, whose mission is “to serve its residents in a way that is second to none.” As part of the larger MediSys Health Network (MediSys) serving Queens and East Brooklyn, the goal of Jamaica Hospital Nursing Home is to work with its affi liated health and behavioral health care providers, as well as other providers and community-based organizations throughout the community, to be the premier integrated healthcare delivery system by providing the highest quality, most cost-effective service, which is accessible and sensitive to all.

Jamaica Hospital Nursing Home is a modern state-of-the-art four-story, 228bed nursing and rehabilitation center located in Jamaica, Queens. The nursing home provides short and long-term individualized and specialized nursing services, rehabilitation therapy services (physical, occupational, speech), orthopedic rehabilitation, poststroke reha-

bilitation, IV therapy, and post-surgery wound care. Residents of the nursing home also have access to additional medical and professional services offered at the facility such as cardiology, dentistry, family practice, geriatrics, ophthalmology, podiatry, psychiatry, pulmonary, radiology, surgery/orthopedics, pharmacy, social services, and recreation/activities.

Our staff of experienced, caring professionals are committed to restoring each Resident to his/her own optimal level of functioning. No matter how brief or extended the stay, our interdisciplinary approach combines excellence in health care with a special emphasis on the physical and emotional recovery of each Resident. Our Team approach includes not only our professional staff but Residents and families working together to maximize their quality of life.

For additional information, please contact William Petrie, Admissions Coordinator, at 718-206-5108 or 718-206-5000 or email at wpetrie@jhmc.org.

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TLC COMPANIONS HOMECARE

In an era where personalized care and attention are paramount, TLC Companions Homecare Services provides compassion and reliability. Dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and individuals in need, TLC Companions offers a range of tailored homecare solutions designed to foster independence and enhance overall well-being.

With a commitment to excellence, TLC Companions employs a team of highly trained caregivers who are not only skilled in their craft but also imbued with empathy and understanding. Whether it’s assistance with daily activities, medication reminders, or companionship, their caregivers provide compassionate support tailored to the unique needs of each client.

At TLC Companions, the focus extends beyond physical care to encompass emotional and social support. Recognizing the importance of companionship in combating loneliness and promoting mental wellness, TLC Companions caregivers engage clients in meaningful activities and conversations, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

Furthermore, TLC Companions prioritizes safety and security, implementing stringent measures to ensure the well-being of their clients. From thorough background checks for caregivers to regular quality assessments, every aspect of their service is meticulously managed to guarantee peace of mind for both clients and their families.

What sets TLC Companions apart is their unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. They understand that each individual has unique preferences and requirements, and they go above and beyond to accommodate these needs, striving to exceed expectations at every turn.

Whether you’re seeking short-term assistance during recovery or long-term care solutions, TLC Companions Homecare Services is your trusted partner in providing compassionate, reliable care for your loved ones. Experience the difference that personalized attention and genuine compassion can make in the lives of those you cherish. Contact TLC Companions today to discover how they can tailor their services to meet your specifi c needs and bring comfort and support to your family.

Call us for more information 718-225-9010

Donna received her law degree from St. John’s University of Law. She is currently the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens and was past President of the Queens County Women’s Bar Association, past President of the Astoria Kiwanis Club, past President of the East River Kiwanis Club, and past President of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens.

Co-Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Queens County Bar Assn. 2012-2019

Senior Living Guide How nutritional needs change as people age

Healthy eating is important at any age and can set the course for a life of vitality and wellness. Sufficient nutrition can help prevent chronic illnesses and make sure that growing bodies develop properly. As one ages, various changes take place in the body, making healthy eating even more essential.

According to Healthline, nutritional deficiencies can affect aging individuals, which can decrease quality of life and lead to poor health outcomes. People should pay attention to their vitamin and mineral intake. As a person ages, here are some approaches to consider.

• Consume fewer calories: According to Connie Bales, PhD, RD, associate director of the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center at Durham VA Medical Center, p eople need fewer calories every decade. That’s because individuals are moving around less and have less muscle. This causes a decline in metabolic rate.

• Include more nutrient-dense foods: Even though caloric needs go down with age, nutritional needs do not.

• Consume more lean protein: Muscle loss

and loss of strength can develop as a person ages. Healthline says the average adult loses 3 to 8 percent of their muscle mass each decade after age 30. Eating more protein could help aging bodies maintain muscle.

• Eat fortified cereals and grains: The ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease as one gets older and with the use of certain medicines. Many health professionals recommen d patients get more vitamin B12.

• Drink more fluids: Health.com says sensation of thirst declines with age. Drinking water and other fluids becomes a priority to stay hydrated. It also helps with digestion.

• Prioritize bone health: Osteoporosis is a concern for older adults, particularly women. Osteoporosis occurs when bones become brittle and can break from only the slightes t bump or fall. Vitamin D and calcium help strengthen bones.

Individuals should speak with their health care providers and nutritionists for furthe r insight into their changing nutritional needs. Such professionals can help customize diets to address specific health concerns.

P

— Metro Creative Connection

Seniors can swim their way to improved health

Exercise provides a number of measureable benefits for people of all ages, including older adults. Swimming may be especially beneficial for seniors.

Many people learn to swim in childhood. Though devotees may get in the water for fun rather than fitness, this popular, joyful and relaxing pastime may be the ideal exercise for seniors looking to improve their overall health, particularly because it is very low-impact.

Because the water provides buoyancy while swimming, there is little risk of injury and minimal strain on the body. Water exercises, including swimming, work all the muscle groups, so it can be a complete exercise, says American Senior Communities. Swimming also is a great cardiovascular exercise that can strengthen the heart muscle and improve lung function and endurance. Because it lowers blood pressure and improves circulation, swimming is a great way to get the heart pumping.

A gentle, 30-minute swim can burn up to 200 calories, which is more than walking. A faster swim can burn calories more quickly than running or cycling. However, since water supports up to 90 percent of the body’s weight, this activity will put less stress on muscles and joints while one is exercising.

Individuals with mobility issues or arthritis pain may find that swimming helps relieve discomfort and improves range of motion. It will take the stress off of joints, helping a person to feel better while stretching and moving gently in the water.

Even seniors who don’t know how to swim can still reap the benefits of water exercise. Walking in shallow water, or using a kickboard to stay above the water can be effective. Using foam dumbbells or even pushing and pulling one’s arms through the water can serve as a great resistance exercise that builds strength.

Swimming and additional water activities are great ways for seniors to stay in shape. As always, individuals should speak with their doctors before beginning any exercise regimen to ensure that it is safe. P

— Metro Creative Connection

Understanding Medicaid: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medicaid medical assistance?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state funded program, run by the state and local counties, providing medical insurance, home-care services (assisting with all activities of daily living) and nursing home medical assistance to the poor, elderly or disabled.

However, individuals requiring home-care services or nursing home medical assistance, in addition to fi nancial requirements, also will need to have a medical need for these services.

Who can apply for Medicaid?

Medicaid is for anyone who meets the income and resources restrictions.

What services does Medicaid provide?

• Doctors • Hospitals • Prescriptions • Nursing Homes (room & board)

• Home-care Services, such as home attendants, home health aides and nurses

What is an MLTC?

MLTC stands for Managed Long-Term Care. One example: When an applicant has been approved for Medicaid home-care services, the applicant has to choose one MLTC from several approved Medicaid plans. Upon joining an MLTC a coordinator will be assigned and this coordinator will be the point person between the applicant/recipient and the MLTC.

Changes with Community Medicaid eligibility!

Due to Covid-19, once again the new rule regarding transfers of assets for Community Medicaid eligibility has been extended from January 2024 to April 2024; however, rumors indicate a new extension possibly to January 2025.

What does the new regulation mean to the applicant?

Once the new regulation is in place, applicants wishing to apply for community Medicaid and receive homecare services paid for by Medicaid will need to submit two and one-half years of bank statements. If there were any transfers during that period, other than spouse to spouse, the applicant will be disqualified for a period of time. Presently, applicants can transfer any amount of money one month and become financially eligible for Community Medicaid the following month. This window of opportunity is closing in fast. There is no time to procrastinate. The only way to avoid this issue is to apply before the new rule is enforced.

Elder Care Services, Inc., offers Free consultations.

Elder Care Services, Inc.

97-37 63rd Road, Suite 9H, Rego Park, NY 11374

For more information please contact Jack Lippmann at 718-575-5700

www.eldercareservicesny.com

2024 ESTATE TAX LAWS

By Donna Furey, Esq.

As of January 1, 2024, you are entitled to a lifetime FEDERAL gift and estate tax credit of $13,610,000.00 per person and a NEW YORK exclusion amount will be $6,940,000.00 per person.

The estate tax credit can be used during your lifetime to offset gift tax liability or at your demise to offset any estate tax liability. Any portion of the “lifetime exclusion amount” used against gift taxes would reduce the federal credit available to be used against the estate tax at death. This is why it is always preferable to make maximum use of the annual exclusion from gift taxes which increased to $18,000.00 per person for 2024.

It is advisable to gift assets which have not greatly appreciated in value. When you make a gift of an asset, the recipient receives your cost basis in the asset. For example, stock purchased at $20 per share with a current market value of $100 per share could result in a signifi cant capital gains tax liability for the recipient if and when the recipient sells the stock. If the recipient acquires the stock upon the death of the owner, the recipient’s tax basis will be the fair market value of the asset as of the date of death because of the “step up in basis” provided for in the tax law.

While there is no New York Gift Tax, gifts made three years prior to a decedent’s death will be “clawed back” into their gross estate for New York State tax purposes. Unfortunately, the New York basic exemption completely disappears once you surpass it by 5%!

A primary focus in planning estates for New York taxpayers is to endeavor to eliminate and/or at least reduce the impact of federal and state estate taxes.