C M SLG page 1 Y K
Summer 2017
Queens’ Largest Weekly Community Newspaper Group
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
/V^ [V OLSW H SV]LK VUL [YHUZP[PVU [V H U\YZPUN OVTL 3V]L PU [OL NVSKLU `LHYZ JVTTVU OLHS[O JVUJLYUZ MVY ZLUPVYZ
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017 Page 2
C M SLG page 2 Y K
Your Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacy ◆ FREE HOME DELIVERY! ◆ MAIL DELIVERY! ◆ FREE PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS!
PARTICIPATING ADVERTISERS
Retail and Specialty Pharmacy ◆ Durable Medical ◆ Prescription Compounding Equipment ◆ Surgical Supplies We Accept ◆ Medication Therapy ◆ Vitamins and WIC and most Management Supplements Insurances We Also Offer:
◆ Copies and ◆ MoneyGram Fax Services ◆ Notary Public ◆ DMV Vision Exams ◆ ATM/Metro Cards
City Rx Cypress Gardens Center for Nursing and Rehab Elder Care Services Fidelis Healthcare Flushing House
◆ Lottery Tickets ◆ Passport Photos ◆ We Repair iDevices
Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehab Center Samuel Field Y
Come And See Us! You Have Questions… We Have The Answers.
$5.00 Off Any OTC In-Store Purchase of $25 or more
95-25 Queens Blvd. Rego Park, NY 11374
718-459-4880 Fax: 718-459-4889 Visit Our Interactive Website
www.cityrxny.com
CONTENTS
Affordable Cremation Services of NY
Silvagni & Como Attorneys at Law, PLLC
$10.00 Off
• When a nursing home becomes necessary Page 4 • Love in the golden years Page 6 • 15 common health concerns for seniors Page 8 • List of Queens senior centers Page 10
St. Michael’s Cemetery
Any OTC In-Store Purchase of $40 or more
Publisher - Mark Weidler Section Editor - Peter C. Mastrosimone Marketing Coordinator - Debrah Gordon Layout - Terry Nusspickel
©2017 M1P • CITR-071893
THE TRUTH ABOUT MEDICAID Many seniors don’t know that Medicaid is there to help them too, or believe that the process to get benefits is inflexible and uncaring. With our guidance and support, there’s no reason why seniors can’t become eligible and receive the benefits they need and are entitled to. We’re here to help! “Protect your life savings, your monthly income and homes, and at the same time apply for Medicaid medical assistance at home or in a nursing home.”
Elder Care Services, Inc. • Over 18 years experience filing Medicaid Home Care and Nursing Home applications
108-18 Queens Blvd., Suite 801 Forest Hills, NY 11375
• Full service including challenge denials, recertification, representation, and much more Jack Lippmann
718-575-5700
Call today for a
FREE Consultation
www.eldercareservicesny.com
©2017 M1P • ELDC-072123
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
The Truth is: ANYONE can become Medicaid eligible
C M SLG page 3 Y K
Established 1852
AT
MARGARET TIETZ!
St. Mary’s Community Mausoleum
$
Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017
r e m Sum
500 Off 00
This is a Pre-Construction Certificate of Savings of $500.00 per space in the soon to be completed St. Mary’s Mausoleum. Discount may be discontinued without prior notice.
Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a voluntary, not-for-profit health care provider.
THE COMMUNITY’S PREMIER REHAB CENTER St. Mary’s Community Mausoleum
Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Centerb LV SURXG WR SURYLGH WKH FRPPXQLW\ ZLWK WKH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\ 6XEDFXWH 5HKDELOLWDWLRQ /RQJ 7HUP &DUH DV ZHOO DV +RVSLFH VHUYLFHV DV QHHGHG LQ D QHZO\ UHQRYDWHG DQG FRPSOHWHO\ .RVKHU VHWWLQJ
164-11 Chapin Parkway, Jamaica Hills, NY 11432 www.TietzJewish.com • (718) 298-782
72-02 Astoria Boulevard East Elmhurst, NY 11370 718 278- 3240
Centrally located near the Queens communities of Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest & Jamaica Estates. Only 20 minutes from Crown Heights, Manhattan & the Five Towns.
STMC-071358
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
Monday - Friday • 9am - 3pm
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017 Page 4
C M SLG page 4 Y K
Senior Living Guide
Nursing homes: making informed decisions by Michael Gannon Editor
With more and more Americans living longer, more and more families each day are confronted the possibility of having to place a loved one in a nursing home. “It’s the most difficult decision a family will make,” said Barry Klitsberg, president of the Queens Interagency Council on Aging. He and others said that these days, while a nursing home may be necessary, it often does not have to be the only option. “The first question you need to ask is if a nursing home is absolutely necessary — are there any alternatives? ” Klitsberg said. “Are there some home- or communitybased sources of care? Could the family begin with a home attendant or some other services? “Nowadays there are more services than ever, and for that exact reason,” he said. “There are lots of resources to support people at home.” Barbara Stubblebine, chief of staff at the state Office for the Aging, said that is the path the state’s professionals try to pursue. “Nursing home placement is a last resort for us,” Stubblebine said. “The state does what it can to help people stay in their homes and in the community as long as they are able,” she said on a conference call that included the Chronicle and state officials. Reza Mizbani, the agency’s public information officer, said there are 59 county-level outreach offices in the state that work with more than 1,200 service providers. Stubblebine also said some Medicaid-eligible patients can qualify for assistance that allows them to stay in their homes. “It is the policy of the governor and state agencies that people are living in the most integrated setting possible,” she said. Mizbani said every county network has senior centers which can cater to clients
Senior citizens groups, city and state agencies all say that the right information and, when possible, advance planning can keep elderly residents in their homes and communities for a long time, and make the transition to nursing care facilities easier should it become necessary. with varying degrees of independence — which can also benefit family caregivers directly. “Social networks are very important for seniors,” he said. “A day program for a senior can also provide caregivers with a respite.” New York City has an 84-page publication titled Age Friendly NYC with information on city initiatives for seniors in areas that include health and social services, housing, transportation, public safety and community and civic participation. It is available online at nyc.gov/html/ d f t a /dow n load s /pd f /age _ f r iend ly / AgeFriendlyNYC2017.pdf.
Nursing home residents and their families have many rights related to care and information under both federal and New York State state law.
The New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care is a Department of Health program that helps New Yorkers prepare financially for the possibility of future nursing care with plans that can help people avoid spending down their assets. Information is available at nyspltc.ny.gov/. NY Connects, at nyconnects.ny.gov, gears its services toward older people and those of all ages with disabilities. Claudette Royal is the state’s long-term care ombudsman. She said assisted living facilities as well as nursing homes come under the definition of long-term care. She said planning when people are young enough and healthy enough to do so can go a long way. “Planning ahead lets you discuss things with your family and lets them know what your wishes are,” she said. “Discuss things like healthcare proxies while you are healthy and thinking clearly so you are able to make decisions.” Many people also plan for the future with long-term care insurance policies. Stubblebine said people can prepare for a healthy old age with a common-sense approach that includes remaining active, exercising and maintaining access to good nutrition. But Royal said all too often circumstances can force a patient’s and family’s hand. “If someone falls ill suddenly, or has a serious fall ...” “So many times, these things are taken care of in a time of crisis,” Stubblebine said. Klitsberg said even in a crisis, help is out there. “If a person absolutely cannot be cared for at home, there a few things you need to look at,” he said. “What is the level of care
you need? Can the person get by on assisted living? If the nursing home is your last alternative, there is help to let you make an informed decision.” Stubblebine said the approach can be as individual as the person. Some, she said, will initiate their search for help through church- or other religious-based programs Others will work through their physician’s office or through hospitals where loved ones are being cared for. “There are many venues,” Royal said. “There is no one answer.” Klitsberg said the Medicare website feature called Medicare Nursing Home Compare at medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare /search.html has infor mation broken down by state based on client surveys. “If the person being placed is in a hospital, speak to the social worker at the hospital,” he said. “If you ultimately must use a nursing home, make a site visit at any one you are considering — unannounced if possible. “Take a tour. See what the dining room looks like. See the rooms where the people live. Make sure it doesn’t have that “nursing home smell.” He said Medicaid and some long-term healthcare insurance programs can help. “You’ve got to do your due diligence,” Klitsberg said. “This is a hard decision for a family to make.” Royal’s office provides information and tips for selecting online at ltcombudsman. ny.gov / r e s o u r c e s / Nu r s i n g Fa c i l i t i e s / NursingFacilitiesIndex.cfm. For those considering nursing home options, or even those with a loved one who already has been placed, the ombudsman provides lists of patients’ and families’ rights under the law and a series of procedures and that every nursing facility must follow at ltcombudsman.ny.gov/residents/ didyouknow.cfm. Included are such things as: • Each person living in a nursing home has specific rights under the law; • Nursing homes must have residents’ councils, and many nursing homes have family councils; • A 30-day notice must be given to a resident and his or her family before any discharge or transfer to another facility; • Nursing homes are required to post their most recent inspection report in a public area; • There is no minimum staffing ratio requirement for nursing homes; and • New York State requires nursing homes to post a daily report of assigned staff in a public area. Options with an eye on the state’s “community-f irst” preference are available on l i ne at healt h.ny.gov / healt h _ ca re / med ica id /redesig n /com mu n it y_ f i r st _ choice_option.htm. New York City’s Human Resources Administration also offers information online at nyc.gov/site/hra/help/long-term-care.page. Q
C M SLG page 5 Y K
Seniors know from experience that life is a challenge. Many may face limited choices when deprived of complete independence by advancing age. Do you move in with your children? Do you agree to a nursing home? What options are available? Built in 1974 as a not-for-profi t Independent Living retirement communi t y, Flushing House was one of the first to of fer older adults an alternative and affordable retirement experience. As a not-for profi t, we pioneered our unique living arrangement, which we called Congregate Living. But our residents don’t have to share rooms to keep costs down! They enjoy their own private, spacious apartments. They are free to come and go, to entertain family and friends, and to make their own financial decisions. In addition, we provide a full range of communal services to assist residents with daily tasks, such as restaurant style dining with continental breakfast, lunch and dinner served in our beautiful dining
room, housekeeping and linen services, a concierge, 24-hour security, a comprehensive activities program featuring stateof-the-art computer learning and fi tness centers, arts and crafts room, concerts, movies, game nights and weekly trips on our own van! C u r r e n t l y, Flushing House is accepting applications for Two Week Trial Stays in our lovely communit y. The Trial Stay is designed for people who are considering making a move into a community setting but are fearful of such a commitment. This offers the opportunity for people to try the community for 2 weeks while living in a furnished apartment. They can meet our residents, enjoy the amenities and see if this is the right fi t for them all at an incredible rate of $30 per night. Flushing House is located at 38-20 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11354. Space is limited. For more information on Flushing House and our trial stays call us at (347) 532-3014 or (718) 752-3198.
–ADVERTORIAL–
FHOU-072177
Innovative Programming At Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center argaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, is a healthcare facility unlike any other: Bustling with activity, its optimistic environment envelops you with warmth the moment you step in. A not-for-profit facility, Margaret Tietz prides itself in the myriad of specialized programs offered through grant funding. All resident care units have computers for their use with Wi-Fi. While some residents skype, others have established email addresses and now communicate with family and friends. Massage Therapy, provided 1-to-1 on a weekly basis, is offered in collaboration with Tender Touch for All, undoubtedly improving the quality of life of the residents by enhancing their physical, mental and emotional well-being. To the delight of our residents, Spa day with aromatherapy is offered in conjunction once a month. The Yoga classes for long-term residents is a favorite: easily adaptable to various levels, it can be of great benefit for body, mind and soul. Margaret Tietz also initiated a Therapeutic Clowning Program by Lev Leytzan’s Elder Hearts that provides individual and group therapeutic clowning twice a month. Compassionate and empathetic, the therapeutic clowns provide meaningful, loving interactions, essential to residents who
M
have experienced trauma and loss, especially those among our residents who are Holocaust Survivors and have a diagnosis of Dementia. Music therapy includes an iPod program that tailors music choices to each resident. The individualized music program provides the opportunity for the staff to have a heightened awareness to individual preferences by their choice in music. Additionally, a music therapist provides daily group and individual music therapy. The Creative Art Therapy Program provides individual art therapy sessions to residents who can benefit from nonverbal creative expression. Additionally, individual art therapy sessions are provided to nine residents weekly, provided by an Art Therapist. Fortunate to feature the Geri-Psych Program under the supervision of Dr. Gary Kennedy and Dr. Rubina Malik, the doctors meet twice a month at Margaret Tietz Center to train Geriatric Psych fellows for purposes of behavioral management, psychosocial interventions, medication review and recommendations for continued plans of care. This prestigious program, in its 25th year, has trained 60 fellows from the Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has been of significant value for the many patients and staff assisted at the Margaret Tietz Center.
– ADVERTORIAL–
Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017
Flushing House invites you to meet our residents, enjoy the amenities
MARG-071413
Cremation made simple. And affordable. $1195 complete.* We’re here to support you through a difficult time with simple cremation services to suit your family’s wishes and needs. And we’ve made it affordable. *Starting at $1195 for a complete cremation. $2585 for a direct cremation and celebration of life ceremony.
“We Guarantee The Cremation With Confidence.” Please call us for a copy of our free Cremation With Confidence™ brochure and to learn more about our guarantee. Please send me a copy of “Cremation With Confidence™” NAME
ADDRESS
CITY/STATE/ZIP
PHONE
Clip and mail to: Affordable Cremation Services of New York, 130 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722
AFFORDABLE CREMATION SERVICES of New York 130 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722 Tel: (516) 546-4626 Fax: (631) 588-9126 www.AffordableCremationServicesNewYork.com AFFC-071050
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
Throughout the entire cremation process, your loved one is in our care at all times. And we guarantee it. We are the only local provider to offer a 10-step cremation process backed by our exclusive Cremation with Confidence™ Guarantee.
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017 Page 6
C M SLG page 6 Y K
Senior Living Guide
It’s never too late to find new true love by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor
Longtime Deepdale resident Dave Shapiro is 95, and, for the second time in his life, he has found love. Thanks to an ever-expanding aging population, that’s not as unusual as it might at first sound. Shapiro and his wife, Sylvia, rarely if ever seen apart, had been married for six decades when she passed away in 2012. Three blocks away, another fixture in their Little Neck enclave, Sydel Scheingold, 87, had been left alone following the loss in 2009 of her husband, Richard, to whom she had been married for 58 years. These days, Shapiro and Scheingold spend much of their time together, providing each other with the companionship that each had been craving. Love at first sight? Hardly. The two have known each other for years. “We went out together, went to dinner together, we were friends,” Shapiro said, sitting next to Scheingold on the sofa in her living room, surrounded by pieces of her artwork, including oil paintings of the Brooklyn Bridge (she was born in that borough), her daughter and a cat, and various animal sculptures. The couples even went away on vacation together years ago. “We always had a group of people we went out to eat with,” Shapiro said. “Sylvia passed away and I was the odd wheel.” Then Scheingold made her move. “Sydel said one time, ‘Do you mind if I join you?’” Shapiro recalled. “I always used to take half my meal home with me. She joined me and we shared a meal. We became a couple.” That was three years ago, and now the pair are practically inseparable. They continue to see their circle of friends socially. Their relationship comes with some haunting coincidences. Sydel’s sister, now 93 years old, is also named Sylvia. She and Sylvia Shapiro knew each other since their kindergarten days. After losing contact, they met up again with each other as married women. And the Shapiros have a son whose name just happens to be Richard, who has two children of his own. Scheingold has a son and a daughter, as well as four grandchildren. Her daughter, who lives next door, went to school with Richard Shapiro. Noting all the interconnections, Scheingold said, “It’s a small world.”
“We live in Deepdale,” Shapiro added. “It’s a closeknit community.” The couple has no plans to marry, at least for now. “Been there, done that,” Shapiro said, prompting Scheingold to suggest there’s “no purpose in getting married.” But they love spending time with each other. “I give him a very exciting life,” Scheingold said half-jokingly. They enjoy traveling, dancing, eating out and going to the movies together, and they take classes at the local “Y” in current events and Bible studies. “We work well together,” Shapiro said. “Life goes on.” He added that his son is happy for him: “I was a man alone. I was at loose ends. Now he doesn’t have to watch out for me.” Scheingold’s children are equally pleased. In fact, “They’re thrilled,” she said. “I didn’t ever want to be a burden to my children.” When all is said and done, Scheingold admits, “Life has been pretty good for me.” To that, Shapiro responds, “Everything worked out for the best. I’m happy.” Turning to the second soulmate of his life, he asks, “You happy?” She didn’t have to answer. The look said it all. Such late-in-life relationships are becoming more common all the time, despite the fact that women tend to far outnumber men in the advanced years. In fact, according to the Census Bureau’s 2010 report, this country is home to five times as many female centenarians as men. The bureau’s 2015 report indicates the number of males aged 65 and up who have been widowed is around 2.5 million, while their female counterparts number upwards of 10 million, including 2.9 million 85 years of age or over. Like Shapiro and Scheingold, many couples opt to have maritalstyle relationships without actually taking the legal leap — often for financial reasons — while sharing their hearts and their homes.
Sydel Scheingold and Dave Shapiro, above, had been friends for years before becoming a couple. Suellen and Joe Iannuzzi, left, met online and in May were married. Cary Hoffman and his partner, Lea, below, enjoy traveling together, in one recent case to Arizona. All six were widowed and found PHOTO BY MARK LORD, ABOVE; COURTESY PHOTOS new love as seasoned citizens. Hoffman spent about 10 of his formative And then there’s the case of the relatively young Cary Hoffman, 77, and his special lady years in Queens, leaving the borough in 1956 friend, Lea, 70, who met in a most unusual way. for Westbury, LI. “I still tell people I’m from Queens,” he said. Hoffman, one of America’s premier interpreters of the Frank Sinatra songbook, had just “I fantasize about moving back to Queens,” finished his one-man show, “My Sinatra,” at the where he said he felt most comfortable. He and Patchogue Performing Arts Center on Long Lea see each other every weekend, alternating between her place in New Island. Jersey and his Manhattan As he recently recalled, apartment, he said. Lea “bought one of my CDs he U.S. is home to And they enjoy traveling after the show and asked together, as in a trip they me to autograph it. I looked about 2.5 million took to Sedona, Ariz., up and saw her eyes and men and more than where Hoffman sang for the that was it for me.” 90th birthday of his uncle, a That was two years ago 10 million women trombone player who perand, despite living in differformed on many of Sinaent states, the two have who are widowed tra’s recordings. been steady companions to and over 65. “What Cary ignited was each other. a rebirth for me with music “We both feel if you want to make something happen, you really which was always there,” Lea said. “He was the have to take risks,” even if it means taking a bus ultimate performer on stage. I went for him home late at night, said Lea, who asked that her right at that moment. He was not a cocky, lookat-me kind of thing. He made my ears perk up last name be withheld. “Women especially are not willing to take and my heart followed.” Hoffman looks forward to his next perforthe 101st step, the most important one. If you find someone who shares your interests, you mance, at the Guild Hall in East Hampton on Aug. 6, with Lea freshly taking on the role of each make the other more complete,” she said. Hoffman explained that he had been married his assistant stage manager, affording them for 28 years to Suzanne Astor, a Broadway more opportunities for time together. Hoffman is not surprised by the turn of singer and actress, who passed away in 2008. He described his life with her as being complex, events. “I thought I’d find love again,” he said. “since we were both struggling artists in show “That’s so important for me. But it was after meeting a lot of wrong women for me.” business and had periods of financial stress.” While they don’t have immediate plans to Lea was married for 35 years and became a get married, Hoffman said they have talked widow three years ago. “It’s weird,” Hoffman said. “I’m finding love about living together. “It’s so important that a couple late in life when I’m more mature and not so stupid.” He admitted that now he’s perhaps “more share things, and for us music is one of those prepared to deal with myself and with women,” things,” he said. “Meeting Lea has been a saying, “Maybe I’ve chosen better, someone Sinatra love song come true — love is, in fact, continued on page 8 who’s more in tune with me.”
T
C M SLG page 7 Y K
advance can offer you and your family a number of positive benefits. When you plan ahead, you’ll feel good knowing that your arrangements have been taken care of in advance and that your surviving family members will have We operate a cremation less to worry about in the service that is committed event of your death. Also, to maintaining standards when you prepay, your of care and ethics that the family doesn’t have to public can trust. We are bear the financial burden fair, honest and profesof your funeral upon your sional with every family, death. Lastly, when you offering them an alterprepay, your estate will native to traditional fuowe nothing on funeral neral service. We provide AFFORDABLE expenses, more of your simple cremation services CREMATION assets and life insurance in keeping with each 130 Carleton Avenue, proceeds will go directly family’s wishes and are Central Islip, NY 11722 to your family and your completely dedicated to (516) 546-4626 family will be less likely their satisfaction. to incur additional expenses at the time We also offer “at need and pre-need” of your funeral. Call us at any time for arrangements in a simple, straightassistance or if you have questions. forward way, both online and in We are here to help you. Our compasperson, that provide the peace of mind sionate and dedicated staff will explain of knowing that your wishes will be carried out exactly as you want. Plan- each payment option and any funeral ning your funeral arrangements in arrangements you may need.
Understanding Medicaid: Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is a privilege an individual is entitled to receive upon reaching the age of 65 or upon being certified disabled, providing they have worked for at least 10 years and contributed into the Social Security System. Medicaid is for the poor or impoverished; therefore, eligibility is based upon income and resources levels. Meeting the eligibility requirements will secure Medicaid eligibility.
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 homecare services or nursing home medical assistance, in addition to financial requirements, also will need 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.
Elder Care Services, Inc. 108-18 Queens Boulevard, Suite 801, Forest Hills, NY 11375
For more information please contact Jack Lippmann at 718-575-5700
ELDC-071388
Our mission at Affordable Cremation Services of New York is to provide the public with a Cremation Service that is simple and dignified in order to lessen the financial burden to the deceased’s family.
Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017
AFFORDABLE CREMATION PROVIDES DIGNIFIED SERVICES
www.eldercareservicesny.com
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
FHOU-072136
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017 Page 8
C M SLG page 8 Y K
Senior Living Guide
Seniors are living longer, but risks remain by Christopher Barca Associate Editor
It was only 110 years ago that the average life expectancy for an American was just 49. In that time, funerals were nearly as common as 50th birthday parties. But advances in medicine and nutrition have allowed generations of Americans to not only live far longer than their grandparents, but live much more active and healthy lives. A YouTube search will turn up countless videos of 90-year-olds water skiing and 100-year-olds running marathons. And while those activities aren’t possible for every senior citizen, living that long has become the norm, not the exception. It’s entirely possible to live well into your 90s without having as much as a cold. But more likely than not, senior citizens will have to battle some sort of serious ailment later in life. Here are 15 common illnesses that impact the elderly. (All statistics are according to the Centers for Disease Control.) Heart disease No illness kills more Americans — 614,000 in 2014 alone, accounting for a quarter of the deaths in the United States — than heart disease. And nearly 500,000 people who died of the ailment in 2014 were over 65 years old. Risk factors for heart disease only rise as the years go on. As an already sick cardiovascular system ages, heart attacks are much more likely to be fatal. Dr. Maria Carney, the head of Northwell Health’s Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, said in an interview with the Chronicle that she’s seen countless patients over her 20-year career come in with some sort of heart issue. “Some people are great examples of how to live well,” Carney said. “But then I see a lot of people who suffer from cardiac disease, high blood pressu re and valve problems.”
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
Arthritis While not nearly as deadly as heart disease, arthritis can be debilitating for many. Over a two-year period ending in 2015,
about 55 million Americans, half of them over 65, were told they suffer from the joint condition. Most commonly, the disease — the leading cause of disability among older Americans — causes pain and swelling in heavily used joints in the outer extremities, like the knees, ankles, hips, elbows, wrists and the many joints in the hands and feet. Cancer It’s one of the most feared words in America for a reason. Nearly 414,000 senior citizens died of some form of cancer in 2014, while 28 percent of men and 21 percent of women over age 65 are living with cancer. But as medicine has advanced over the years, numerous new treatments have emerged that have helped elderly patients beat the disease. One thing Carney said she’s seen over her career has been the number of people who have survived bouts with cancer that may have otherwise killed them years earlier. “I’m seeing that diseases people used to die from are now becoming chronic,” she said. “We’re seeing cancers that can now be treated. You can live much longer today even with a history of cancer.” Respiratory diseases People normally associate asthma with children, but about 10 percent of elderly Americans are living with the illness. About the same number are living with chronic bronchitis. Respiratory illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, accounted for nearly 125,000 deaths among seniors in 2014. Dementia Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of the illness, aff licts one in nine elderly Americans and kills about 90,000 people each year, but the speed at which one loses his or her cognitive abilities can vary. Carney said simply living healthy, both physically and mentally, can help one avoid becoming a statistic. “There seems to be patterns of those who age very well,” she said. “They don’t smoke, drink moderately, eat nutritious meals, have
Love in the golden years continued from page 6 lovelier the second time around, because you know so much more about yourself and the world,” Hoffman said. And, he added, “Sometimes when I do something wrong I can get out of it by singing just before she threatens to throw me out. It works like a charm.” For Suellen Iannuzzi, widowhood came at a rather young age. She was 59 years old when she lost her husband, Charlie, her high school sweetheart and a volunteer fireman, who died of ALS in 2012 at the age of 58. “It was pretty horrible,” she said in a recent
telephone interview from her home on Long Island. “He told me more than once I need to move on. I didn’t want to hear it.” When friends asked her to join them on outings, she would say yes because “if not, they’ll stop asking you.” She eventually turned to a website, Our Time, a 50-plus singles network. “It was a little nerve-racking,” she admitted. “You never know who you’re going to meet.” A week later she found out. It was a man named Joe Iannuzzi, whose wife had passed away from cancer. And now they are husband and wife — having taken the plunge on May 6.
good social relationships and, importantly, exercise t hei r br ai n t h roug h ment al activities.” Osteoporosis Like arthritis, osteoporosis — the degredation of bones — isn’t a big killer, but it can be a brutal illness to manage. One good way to stave off the loss of bone density is exercise. “You could do something like create a walking club,” Carney said. “Meet at a certain place each day. Build a community.” Falls While not a disease, a bad fall could not only result in serious injury, it could worsen a number of ailments on this list. Carney said she recommends activities to improve balance, like tai chi or yoga. Diabetes Over 50,000 people over 65 died of diabetes in 2014, while tens of thousands more fight every day to keep their blood sugar levels safely in line. But exercise and weight loss can help prevent the illness, while regular tests are also encouraged. Eye issues As the body ages, organs like the eyes tend to degrade quickly, leaving senior citizens vulnerable to conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. More than half of Americans over 80 suffer from some form of eye clouding or an increase in pressure. Hearing loss One in three Americans over 65 has experienced a decline in auditory capacity, including half of people over 75. While hearing loss, in many cases, is unpreventable, hearing aides are attainable. Oral health The teeth in the mouths of a quarter of all Americans over 65 are not real. As one gets older, teeth and gums decay at a faster rate and cavities are harder to prevent, potentially leading to other illnesses. Depression American Psychological Association statistics show that 15 to 20 percent of seniors According to Suellen, they got acquainted by telephone, then finally met in person, in September of 2014. Joe, born in Brooklyn, was 4 when his family moved to Queens, where he spent most of the next 40 years. He retired as a sergeant with the NYPD after a 25-year career. Both Suellen and Joe said they’re happy with the new relationship, and their respective children are supportive. “They thought this happened fast,” Suellen said of her three grown daughters. “I didn’t want to do anyone’s laundry. Then I met Joe. I cared about him so much. My children see how good he is. They’re fine.” Marriage the second time around has “made me much happier,” Joe said. “It made
Seniors face a host of health issues as they FILE PHOTO age, but many are avoidable. have suffered from depression. In addition to medication, more physical and social activities can do wonders. Obesity A problem with all age groups, obesity is one of the biggest health risks for the elderly, as more than 36 percent of seniors are overweight enough to classify. With obesity comes a heightened risk for heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. Pneumonia Pneumonia is among the top eight causes of death for senior citizens, mainly because the illness can easily overwhelm an older, more vulnerable immune system. Parkinson’s disease One in 100 people will suffer from the neurodegenerative disorder, resulting in tremors and a lack of muscle control. Age is a key risk factor, as people over 60 are twice Q as likely to contract Parkinson’s. my life complete. I couldn’t think of living my life without Suellen.” “Joe will go anywhere, do anything,” Suellen said. “My friends have embraced him. My friends are happy that I’m happy.” And they’ve managed to work out what can often be a sticking point in such a relationship. When it comes to finances, “Whatever I had is mine, whatever he had is his,” Suellen said. As for other late-in-life couples who might be considering tying the knot, Suellen advised, “Use your judgment and instinct. You can get a sense. I just wanted a good man to treat me nice.” To that, she added simply, “Take a Q gamble!”
C M SLG page 9 Y K
x
Support Group for adult children caring for their aging parents
x
Support Group for people caring for their spouses or partners
x
Support Groups for women over 80 years of age
x
Bereavement Support Groups for people who have lost their spouses, partners or parent
x
A Support Group specializing in the emotional coping skills needed in everyday life
Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017
The Community Advisory Program for the Elderly (CAPE) is a community mental health clinic of the Samuel Field Y serving individuals age 50 and over. CAPE’s services include psychiatric evaluations and treatment, as well as individual, marital and family therapy for both clinic and homebound adults. In addition, CAPE has a wheelchair accessible van to assist those who need transportation to and from clinic appointments. Located in Little Neck Queens, we also have satellite offices in Forest Hills, Jamaica and Bayside, New York. The CAPE is currently offering the following support groups:
For application and referral information, please call Michael Upston (718) 224-0566 or e-mail him at mupston@sfy.org
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
SAMF-069050
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017 Page 10
C M SLG page 10 Y K
Senior Living Guide
QUEENS SENIOR CENTERS Senior Centers are places where older adults come together for services and activities. These centers typically provide hot lunches and coordinate recreational and educational activities, case management, socialization, information and referral, support services and transportation programs. The following is a listing of Queens senior centers by community board: CB 1 ___________________________ Queensbridge/Riis Senior Center (718) 937-1093 10-25 41 Ave., Long Island City Woodside Senior Center (718) 932-6916 50-37 Newtown Road, Bldg. #19, Woodside CCNS-Dellamonica Senior Center (718) 626-1500 23-56 Broadway, Astoria HANAC Ravenswood Senior Center (718) 786-1550 34-35A 12 St., Long Island City Raices Astoria Senior Center (718) 726-9642 21-12 30 Road, Long Island City HANAC Archbishop Iakovos Senior Center (718) 777-5505 32-06 21 St., Astoria HANAC Lindsay Senior Center (718) 626-3035 27-40 Hoyt Ave. South, Astoria CB 2 __________________________ Sunnyside Community Senior Center (718) 392-6944 43-31 39 St., Long Island City CB 3 __________________________ Elmcor Senior Center (718) 457-9757 98-19 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
CCNS-Catherine Sheridan Senior Center (718) 458-4600 35-24 83rd St., Jackson Heights Queens Center for Gay Seniors (718) 533-6459 37-06 77 St., Jackson Heights CB 4 __________________________ Newtown Senior Center (718) 335-7272 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst IPHE Corona Senior Center (718) 639-2000 108-74 Roosevelt Ave., Corona Raices Corona Senior Center (718) 458-7259 107-24 Corona Ave., Corona Florence E. Smith Senior Services (718) 899-0553 102-19 34 Ave., Corona
Korean American Senior Center (718) 651-9220 37-06 111 St., Corona Lefrak Senior Citizens Center (718) 457-9757 98-16 55 Ave., Corona IPRHE-Elmhurst Jackson Heights Senior Ctr. (718) 478-7171 75-01 Broadway, 3rd floor, Elmhurst CB 5 __________________________ Ridgewood Older Adult Center (718) 456-2000 59-14 70 Ave., Ridgewood Peter Cardella Senior Center (718) 497-2908 68-52 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood Selfhelp Maspeth Senior Center (718) 429-3636 69-61 Grand Ave., Maspeth Middle Village Older Adult Center (718) 894-3441 69-10 75 St., Middle Village CB 6 __________________________ Queens Community House Senior Center (718) 699-1010 108-25 62 Drive, Forest Hills Selfhelp Austin Street Senior Center (718) 520-8197 106-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills Young Israel Forest Hills Senior League (718) 520-2305 68-07 Burns St., Forest Hills Rego Park Senior Center (718) 896-8711 93-29 Queens Bvd., Rego Park Central Queens Y - Adult Wellness Program (718) 268-5011 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills CB 7___________________________ CPC Queens Nan Shan Senior Center (718) 358-3030 136-18 39 Ave., 6th floor, Flushing Selfhelp Latimer Gardens Senior Center (718) 961-3660 34-30 137 St., Flushing Selfhelp Innovative Benjamin Rosenthal Sr. Ctr. (718) 886-5777 45-25 Kissena Blvd., Flushing
HANAC Angelo Petromelis College Point Senior Center (718) 961-0344 13-28 123 St., College Point North Flushing Senior Center (718) 358-9193 29-09 137 St., Flushing College Point Senior Center (718) 358-9193 22-38 College Point Blvd., College Point Korean American Senior Center of Flushing (718) 886-8203 42-15 166 St., Flushing CB 8 __________________________ CCNS-Hillcrest Senior Center (718) 297-7171 168-01B Hillside Ave., Jamaica Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills Senior Center (718) 263-6500 71-25 Main St., Flushing Pomonok Senior Center (718) 591-3377 67-09 Kissena Blvd., 2nd floor, Flushing Young Israel Queens Valley Senior Center (718) 263-6995 141-55 77 Ave., Flushing CB 9 __________________________ CCNS-Ozone Park Senior Center (718) 847-2100 103-02 101 Ave., Ozone Park CCNS-Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Senior Center (718) 847-9200 89-02 91 St., Woodhaven Kew Gardens Community Center (718) 268-5960 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 202, Kew Gardens CB 10 _________________________ CCNS Howard Beach Senior Center (718) 738-8100 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach CB 11 __________________________ Samuel Field Y Senior Citizens Program (718) 225-6750 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy., Little Neck CCNS-Bayside Senior Center (718) 225-1144 221-15 Horace Harding Expwy., Bayside
Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center (718) 224-7888 208-11 26 Ave., Bayside CB 12 _________________________ International Towers Senior Center (718) 739-6988 90-20 170 St., Jamaica JSPOA Theodora Jackson Center (718) 657-6618 92-47 165 St., Jamaica Allen Community Senior Citizen Center (718) 658-0980 166-01 Linden Blvd., Jamaica JSPOA Friendship Nutrition Center (718) 657-6540 92-33 170 St., Jamaica Robert Couche Senior Citizen Center (718) 978-8352 137-57 Farmers Blvd., Springfield Gardens Rochdale Village Senior Center (718) 525-2800 169-65 137 Ave., Jamaica Brooks Senior Center (718) 291-3935 143-22 109 Ave., Jamaica JSPOA Rockaway Blvd. Senior Center (718) 657-6468 123-10 143 St., Jamaica CB 13 _____________________________ SNAP Brookville Center (718) 525-8899 One Cross Island Plaza, lower level 5, Rosedale SNAP Innovative Senior Center of Eastern Queens (718) 454-2100 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Building 4 CBU #29, Queens Village Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Center (718) 528-8238 220-01 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights Information from the Senior Citizen Resource Guide
C M SLG page 11 Y K
The Samuel Field Y, dedicated to serving Clinic for individuals 50+ provides all people within our community, has a psychiatric evaluations and treatment, multitude of award-winning programs as well as individual, marital and family and services for seniors. Along with our therapy for both clinic and homebound Neighborhood Senior Center that offers adults, with locations in Little Neck, a place to meet new friends and make Forest Hills, Jamaica and Bayside. Each new connections with daily activities including discussion groups, music, art, program is provided by expertly trained fitness and nutrition classes, field trips staff and medical professionals, who enand an affordable lunch at Sam’s Café, gage participants in a social and friendly environment. TransportaThe Y also provides Early Stage and Respite programs tion is free and wheelchair for people who suffer from accessible. memory loss with programs For more information that include small group please contact the Samuel discussions, memory enField Y at (718) 225-6750. hancing activities, musical “The Everybody Place” All questions should be entertainment and trips. Additionally, the Y is emdirected as follows: Neighbedded within the neighborhood through borhood Senior Center contact Ilene our NORCs (Naturally Reoccurring Yair extension 236; Early Stage Memory Retirement Community centers) that Loss contact Alissa Pizzutiello extension help countless seniors remain healthy, 331; Family Respite Program contact active, supported and connected to their home communities in Deepdale, Little Jamie Cooperman extension 221; NORC Neck, Bellerose, New Hyde Park, Floral contact Darlene Brennan extension 543; Park and Whitestone. Also as part of our CAPE Mental Health Clinic contact senior services, the CAPE Mental Health Michael Upston at (718) 224-0566.
Elder Law Estate Planning Asset Protection Living Trusts & Wills Medicaid Home Care and Nursing Home Applications Estate and Probate Matters
Giovanni P. Silvagni, Esq
Real Estate
Ida Como Esq
Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017
Award-winning programs for seniors
PROTECT YOUR HOME & ASSETS FROM NURSING HOME BILLS
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION CALL 718-928-3355 Parliamo Italiano • Hablamos Espanol
69-17 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale 172 Gravesend Neck Road, Brooklyn Email: Info@silvagniandcomolaw.com www.silvagniandcomolaw.com
©2017 M1P • SAMF-071407
The Place for Caring
Cypress Garden is the ideal facility for residents who want the best in compassionate care. Join us in discovering all that this facility has to offer. Situated in the heart of Queens, Cypress Garden is the perfect fit for you or your loved one.
Medicare & Medicaid accepted We also offer an Ankang Program. Our staff members speak a multitude of languages, including Mandarin, Chinese and Cantonese. Visit our website
cypressgardenrehab.com
139-66 35th Avenue Flushing, NY 11354 T 718-961-5300 F 718-961-8715 ©2017 M1P • CYPG-072097
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Summer 2017
• Short-Term Rehabilitation: Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies • IV Therapy / IV Antibiotics • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care • Hospice Care • Tube Feeding • CPAP / BiPAP • Orthopedic Care • Wound Care Management
Cypress Garden is contracted with many managed care and HMO plans.
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, July 27, 2017 Page 12
C M SLG page 12 Y K
4LKPJHYL+4LKPJHPK= 4VYL )LULÄ[Z MVY @V\ +V @V\ /H]L ;OLZL *HYKZ& 1. Medicare Card
LE P M SA
<RX PD\ EH HOLJLEOH IRU DGGLWLRQDO PRQH\ VDYLQJ EHQHÃ&#x20AC;WV through Fidelis Dual Advantage plans, including: â&#x20AC;¢ Monthly Over-the-Counter Card (to pay for items like over-the-counter medications, toothpaste, incontinence supplies, and more) â&#x20AC;¢ Transportation â&#x20AC;¢ Flexible Spending Dollars
0HGLFDLG &RPPRQ %HQHÃ&#x20AC;W ,GHQWLÃ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ &DUG &%,& NEW
â&#x20AC;¢ Comprehensive Dental â&#x20AC;¢ Care Management to support your health care needs â&#x20AC;¢ Access to 70,000 doctors and specialists in )LGHOLV &DUH·V H[WHQVLYH SURYLGHU QHWZRUN
++++
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE â&#x20AC;¢ Summer 2017
OR
Fidelis Care is a 4-star Medicare plan based on overall member satisfaction.*
7KH EHQHÃ&#x20AC;W LQIRUPDWLRQ SURYLGHG LV D EULHI VXPPDU\ QRW D FRPSOHWH GHVFULSWLRQ RI EHQHÃ&#x20AC;WV )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW WKH SODQ /LPLWDWLRQV FRSD\PHQWV DQG UHVWULFWLRQV PD\ DSSO\ %HQHÃ&#x20AC;WV IRUPXODU\ SKDUPDF\ QHWZRUN SUHPLXP DQG RU FRSD\PHQWV FRLQVXUDQFH PD\ FKDQJH RQ -DQXDU\ RI HDFK \HDU <RX PXVW FRQWLQXH WR SD\ \RXU 0HGLFDUH 3DUW % SUHPLXP 2XW RI QHWZRUN VHUYLFHV PD\ UHTXLUH PRUH RXW RI SRFNHW H[SHQVH WKDQ LQ QHWZRUN VHUYLFHV %HQHÃ&#x20AC;W UHVWULFWLRQV DSSO\ )LGHOLV &DUH LV DQ +02 SODQ ZLWK D 0HGLFDUH FRQWUDFW (QUROOPHQW LQ )LGHOLV &DUH GHSHQGV RQ FRQWUDFW UHQHZDO 0HGLFDUH HYDOXDWHV SODQV EDVHG RQ D VWDU UDWLQJ V\VWHP 6WDU 5DWLQJV DUH FDOFXODWHG HDFK \HDU DQG PD\ FKDQJH IURP RQH \HDU WR WKH QH[W
*HSS ;;@! HT [V WT 4VUKH` [OYV\NO -YPKH` MYVT -LIY\HY` [OYV\NO :LW[LTILY
'Ã&#x201E;KLSPZJHYL
Ã&#x201E;KLSPZJHYL VYN TLKPJHYL
H3328_FC 17006 Accepted FIDH-071814