WAG, Health and Home by Westfair Business Journal

Health &Hom e 2021

January 2021

Rothman Orthopaedics brings quality, affordable care to New York CONTRIBUTED BY ROTHMAN ORTHOPAEDICS

othman Orthopaedics is the largest private orthopaedic practice in the country. The company offers world-class clinical care for acute injuries as well as common conditions such as arthritis. It provides operative and nonoperative treatment as well as minimally invasive when appropriate. Orthopaedic care at this level did not exist in the New York region prior to Rothman. It is the company's strong presence in the field of clinical research that differentiates it from so many others. Its reputation has been built upon the knowledge, innovation and expertise of its physicians who are passionate about their fields. Each physician is laser focused on a spe-

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cialty, assuring they are well-trained experts. Rothman Orthopaedics opened in Philadelphia in 1970 and then introduced itself to Manhattan and Westchester in 2018. It works in partnership with Northwell Hospital, providing surgical care at a number of Northwell facilities, including Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, and Phelps Hospital in Westchester County.

This winter, Rothman New York will open its flagship Manhattan office at 645 Madison Ave. This location will contain multiple examination rooms, on-site physical therapy, hand therapy and x-ray. In short, the practice will provide conveniently located, comprehensive

one-stop care. Rothman Orthopaedics strives to work in-network with as many insurers as possible, to provide outstanding quality care for all. For more information or to book an appointment, visit RothmanNY.com.

• Customized protocols based on the latest CDC guidelines • Staff are required to wear appropriate PPE and patients to wear masks

• Cleaning protocols have been modified to ensure constant sterile environments

• Social distancing in all offices With extra precautions in place, we’re ready to provide exceptional orthopaedic care. Because no matter what life throws your way, we can help you get past pain and be what you were.

RothmanNY.com | 888.636.7840

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HARRISON | MANHATTAN | TARRYTOWN

1/14/21 4:33 PM

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

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Want to Avoid a

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CONTRIBUTED BY WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL

here are many misconceptions about getting a flu shot. With Covid-19 cases on the rise again, getting a flu shot is more important than ever. Flu season has officially begun and this year, the common fear is that the continuing Covid-19 pandemic will cause a “twindemic” that could overwhelm the health care system. Covid-19 has been the biggest health concern of 2020, but the flu remains a dangerous health threat. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), up to 60,000 people in the United States die from the flu each year and more than 800,000 are hospitalized. Despite the many benefits offered, only

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about half of Americans get an annual flu vaccine. “Everyone six months and older should get a seasonal vaccination,” says Dr. Michael Zuckman, an internal medicine specialist with White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk. “Some people, such as those over age 65, young children and those with underlying health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Getting vaccinated protects not only yourself, but the people around you.”

Flu Facts vs. Fiction Fiction: The flu shot is ineffective There are many misconceptions about the flu vaccination, starting with its effectiveness. “The vaccination, on average, is about 45% effective each year. Because of that, people look at that percentage and think it’s ineffective,” says Dr. Zuckman. “What they may not realize is that number represents the percentage of people who do not have to be hospitalized. If you look at it from that perspective, you can see the value in getting a flu shot.” Fiction: The flu shot will get you sick People who forgo getting an annual vaccination often express concern that the shot will give them the flu and they fear the side effects. “The vaccine is formulated from dead or inactive viruses, so it will not make you sick with the flu. It is also administered in your arm muscle, which is not an area the flu virus normally reaches,” continued Dr. Zuckman. Additionally, the CDC has reported that there is no evidence that getting a flu vaccine increases the risk of getting sick from a coronavirus. The residual effects from a flu vaccination are far less than developing the flu itself. “You might experience muscle aches,

a headache or a slight temperature, all of which mimic the flu,” says Dr. Zuckman. “The vaccine stimulates the immune system, so in a way, having flu-like symptoms is a good response. Typically, the symptoms disappear in a day or two.” Fiction: You don’t need to get the flu shot every year Being vaccinated in the past does not necessarily mean you are immune to this year’s strains of influenza. Multiple flu strains circulate in any given year. Because flu viruses evolve so quickly, last year's vaccine may not protect you from this year's viruses. “Research has shown that the flu vaccine lasts five to six months,” notes Dr. Zuckman. “So even if there is no mutation of the flu, you will need a booster shot each year. The good news is a yearly vaccine can protect you against three or four of the most likely strains.” Fiction: Women who are pregnant should not got a flu shot In reality, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect a mother-to-be from getting the flu. Changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy can make a pregnant woman more susceptible to severe illness from flu. An Oxford Academy study released in 2018, reported that getting a flu vaccine decreases a pregnant woman’s chances of being hospitalized by an average of 40%. Fiction: I’m wearing a mask already so I must be protected

Although it is reassuring that most Americans are following health and safety protocols to guard against Covid-19, there is an associated myth that you do not need a flu shot if you wear a mask. “There is no evidence to support such a claim,” says Dr. Zuckerman. “In fact, the CDC recently conducted studies in countries in the southern hemisphere in the midst of their winter while we were having summer. What they experienced can be seen as a model for what we can expect to happen in the fall and winter in the U.S. There was an enormous decrease of cases of influenza during that period, which was attributed to getting a flu vaccine, along with wearing masks and social distancing.” Along with getting a vaccination, Dr. Zuckman recommends trying these healthy habits to help fight the flu: • Wash your hands frequently and vigorously for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid close contact with others who may be sick. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then wash your hands. The flu and other serious respiratory illnesses such as whooping cough and Covid-19 are spread by cough, sneezing or unclean hands. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, table tops and keyboards. • Look out for your health. Eat more leafy greens, exercise regularly and get eight hours of sleep.

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

New Year, New You-Take Back your Health Appointments now available in office or virtually

Brain and Spine Care… and So Much More Brain and Spine Surgeons of New York offers patients stateof-the-art care from some of the world’s leading, board-certified and fellowship trained physicians. This group of award-winning doctors spans in expertise across neurosurgery, neurology, orthopedic surgery, head and neck sur-

WAGMAG.COM JANUARY 2021

gery, pain management, plastic surgery, and even pediatric care. Taking an individualized approach to care, the physicians at BSSNY always look for non-invasive treatments first and foremost. If surgery is ultimately necessary, patients can feel safe knowing they are in the hands of experts in their

fields, usually multiple experts. BSSNY surgeons prefer to operate together as a team on their patients and most often do. For every case, the surgeons meet amongst themselves to discuss and confirm available treatment options and create the most effective plans possible for their patients.

"5 Stars is just not enough - deserves a million stars. Amazing!"

"The doctors and staff at Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York are nothing short of amazing." "I cannot say enough amazing things about this staff. I am grateful in ways I never thought I could be."

More 5 star Google reviews than any other Neurosurgery practice in NY

MAIN OFFICE: 4 Westchester Park Drive, 4th Floor, White Plains, NY 10604 OTHER OFFICES IN: Hudson Valley, NY, Fairfield County, CT, and Manhattan, NYC

914-996-6447 • INFO@BSSNY.COM • WWW.BSSNY.COM

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

Brain and Spine Surgeons of New York navigates care in the era of Covid-19 CONTRIBUTED BY BRAIN AND SPINE SURGEONS OF NEW YORK

n White Plains, New York, Brain and Spine Surgeons of NY (BSSNY) is one of the premier practices in the country for treating brain disorders, spine disorders, peripheral nerve disorders and chronic back pain. In light of New York’s struggle with Covid-19, the practice is taking every precaution to keep patients safe while continuing to perform its essential work. Always responding to the most up-to-date reports by the CDC and from state and local government agencies, the group has instituted multiple new protective measures starting from the moment a patient makes an appointment. BSSNY screens every call for an appointment with questions about Covid-19 symptoms and history. Later, a BSSNY personal assistant will ask the ques-

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tions again when calling to confirm appointments and upon patient arrival. Additionally, all appointments are staggered to limit the number of people arriving at the same time and BSSNY asks patients to come alone or with only one family member if needed. Prior to the appointment, the office will obtain as much of the patient’s paperwork as possible and will ask patients to complete any remaining paperwork prior to coming into the office. To avoid unnecessary time in the waiting room, patients should call the office upon their arrival and wait in their vehicles. A personal assistant will call them to come up when

the doctor is ready to see them. For both patients and staff, mandatory temperature checks upon arrival and mandatory face masks add an extra layer of protection. Staff are also cleaning exam rooms and desks between each patient. One of the most significant changes to BSSNY’s operations is the introduction of telehealth visits for patients who qualify. Not only are the visits

convenient for patients, but they also ensure that patients only need to come into the office when absolutely necessary for medical reasons. The group’s flexibility and adaptability ensure that patients can feel confident and safe about meeting their medical needs. While Covid-19 has ushered in a new era of patient care, BSSNY’s doctors continue to make strides in other facets of

health care. Assisted by the practice’s research department, BSSNY collects data from patient surveys, physicians, hospitals and outpatient records to better understand and improve its outcomes. Several of those outcomes were included in two independent national studies, which both clearly demonstrate that BSSNY is outperforming the nation in key objective quality measures. The first study, composed of a national clinical registry of 85 spine surgery practices, tracked patients’ pain, disabil-

ity and quality of life over time. The study revealed that BSSNY has (1) a lower-than-average complication rate (1.7% versus a national average of 5.2%), (2) a lower operating time for lumbar procedures and (3) a shorter hospital stay for cervical patients. In addition, one year after their surgery, BSSNY patients reported better overall health. The second independent study analyzed national patient satisfaction data from more than 350 medical practices of various specialties. The data showed that BSSNY ranked “superior” in nine out of 10 patient satisfaction metrics. The positive feedback is welcome, but BSSNY isn’t by any means ready to stop there. BSSNY doctors are continuously pushing toward new advancements in the field, as demonstrated by the recent acceptance of a paper by BSSNY President Dr. John Abrahams and BSSNY Research Director Rami Elsabeh into the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Techniques. Titled “Increased Spinal

Lumbar Fusion with Combined Magnetic Field (CMF) Bone Growth Simulation,” the paper assesses the effectiveness of bone growth stimulation in the recovery of lumbar fusion patients. BSSNY takes its role as a leader in the field seriously and doctors from the practice make great efforts to spread their knowledge to others who may benefit. The group was recently invited to present an abstract at the 2020 Spine Summit, an annual meeting of industry leaders to share best practices and new developments. Based on the abstract, the presentation detailed how preoperative exercise history could be a possible risk factor for spinal fusion patients. The study results demonstrate that patients who exercise more frequently prior to their surgery appear to be more likely to return to work after surgery. With capable specialists at the forefront of brain and spine care combined with the utmost concern for their patients as individuals, BSSNY is well-poised to continue making strides and improving lives even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

At The Kensington, we give our residents MORE of the best things in life Every single day, The Kensington White Plains delivers...

ore family, because a sense of belonging builds trust. More companionship, because keeping good company eases loneliness. More access to expert medical care because we staffed our community with best-in-class professionals on-site and are across the street from White Plains Hospital. More continuity, because we are equipped to address complex medical challenges and will never ask a resident to leave as a result. More care options, because we anticipate change and are prepared to meet new or evolving needs. Our full spectrum of clinical care and emotional support reect our commitment “to love and care for your family as we do our own.” Our services accommodate the variety of

personalities we serve and set us apart from other care providers. For example, excellent staff-to-resident ratios pave the way for deeper connections between caregivers and residents. Pocket programs—personalized small-group activities—foster friendships and sense of mastery. Two levels of memory care address the challenges unique to each phase of disease progression. There’s more to share, including that we are taking all recommended precautions to protect our residents and staff from COVID. Please call to tell us how we can help care for your loved one...and you, because you matter, too. Learn about the uncompromising care and profound devotion to family that you’ll experience at The Kensington.

* Our resident and staff, shown above, were photographed pre-COVID. Masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) were not required at the time.

(914) 390-0080 | 100 Maple Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601 | www.TheKensingtonWhitePlains.com

WAGMAG.COM JANUARY 2021

Kensington Senior Living and HFC present

CareCon

A FREE, virtual event designed specifically for Alzheimer’s and dementia family caregivers to empower them with support, knowledge and community

Connecting Hearts through Caregiving

National Caregiver’s Day: Fri, Feb 19, 2021 • 3:00pm EST Hosted by Lauren Miller Rogen of HFC

Join Kensington Senior Living and HFC to celebrate YOU as caregiver. Connect with others around the globe who are caring for loved ones with memory loss. Learn tools for resilience and best practices to help ease the stressors and guilt that often come with the caregiving experience. And, ask questions of experts to expand your caregiving knowledge about: Building Community & Taking Action • Finding Support Employing Levity • Keeping Your Brain in Shape To register, go to the events tab at www.thekensingtonwhiteplains.com

(914) 390-0080 | 100 Maple Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601 | www.TheKensingtonWhitePlains.com HFC is a nonprot, led by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, whose mission is to care for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, activate the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates, and be a leader in brain health research and education.

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

Wan tt o

r Treatment W You i s se e l oo

n the Game i k c ?C a B h et G

CONTRIBUTED BY ROTHMAN ORTHOPAEDICS

ny injury should be taken seriously, but for athletes, a sports injury is particularly concerning. To perform well as an athlete, every part of the body has to be functioning optimally. Because of the high-intensity of athletics, even a tiny glitch can lead to serious wear and tear on joints and muscles. This means that when an injury does occur, athletes require specialized care and treatment. An injury, which might be treated more conservatively for an average patient could require more intensive treatment to fully restore an athlete to a competitive level of functioning. If you are an athlete and in need of treatment, then you should consider a sports

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medicine doctor in Westchester rather than more generalized treatment. Why Choose a Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Doctor? Athlete Focused Treatment. While you might think that any injury will receive the same treatment for all patients, the reality is that many factors must be considered in determining what treatment is best for each individual. A sports medicine doctor will consider your activity level, sport(s) played, health history and future goals. These are all important factors to consider when determining the best course of treatment. The treatment required for a first-time injury versus a repeat-injury will likely be different. Whether you are a casual athlete or on a long-term professional track will affect the decision as well. Specialization. When it comes to treating a sports injury, it is important to be treated by someone who understands the exact

circumstances under which the injury occurred and could potentially occur again. Understanding the exact biomechanics of an athlete allows sports medicine doctors to make the most precise decisions in treating a condition. Additionally, while a less-active person may be able to obtain a satisfactory recovery for their lifestyle from a more generalized treatment plan, an athlete will likely require a very specific treatment plan in order to return to optimal performance. Comprehensive Orthopaedic Care. While every patient deserves comprehensive care, athletes in particular require a well-planned course of treatment. It is crucial that athletes receive follow-up care and physical therapy in order to make a full recovery. Comprehensive care from a full sports medicine team will ensure that you receive the necessary care from diagnosis through recovery.

BRAND NEW ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS, CHELSEA SENIOR LIVING HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO PROVIDING A COMFORTABLE, SAFE, AND SECURE HOME IN A CARING ATMOSPHERE OF RESPECT AND DIGNITY.

“I’m so happy to be here. It was worth waiting for!” – Theresa S. (resident) “I feel my mom is in excellent professional hands. Your whole team was outstanding.” – Gary K. (son of resident)

CALL TO LEARN ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY AND HOW WE MIGHT HELP YOUR FAMILY 914-350-2588 The Chelsea at Greenburgh Assisted Living • Memory Care Respite/Trial Stays 715 Dobbs Ferry Road Greenburgh, NY 10607 ChelseaForYou.com

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

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Furnishing

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xtende E r o F dR e em m o H

CONTRIBUTED BY SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL

or many people, the “office” isn’t a corner office in a high-rise building—it’s at home. With the current global health crisis shaking up how business is done, more and more people are finding themselves working from their living spaces. Working from home can be a tough transition for those unfamiliar with and unprepared for it, but there are a few ways to furnish your home for a better remote work environment. From rearranging furniture and seeking out more ergonomic solutions to creating an inspiring and

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investment in your health and wellbeing that will help keep you at your best, most productive self.

motivating space, these tips will help the remote worker set boundaries between home life and work life, even if they’re both happening within the same four walls. Upgrade Your Desk and Chair The right equipment can make a home office a sanctuary. When it comes to selecting a good chair, it’s best to choose one that has been designed to maximize good posture and suits your body type. Chairs with adjustable lumbar support, as well as a flexible seat and armrests, let you choose the most comfortable settings, while materials like high-tech mesh provide full support and help to regulate body temperature. You’re likely to spend a lot of time at your desk chair: pick something that is both functional and stylish. When it comes to desks, work surfaces with adjustable height capabilities allow you to take much-needed breaks from sitting, while materials like marble and reclaimed wood will keep work stations from feeling too corporate. In your home office, comfort should be your top priority and finding the right chair and desk is an

Prioritize Your Tech Setup As meetings and conference calls move from in-person to online, a good tech setup becomes a home office necessity. Check that you have a strong internet connection, upgrade your service if needed and work with your employer to ensure you have all the technology required to do your job well. Working with a monitor and keyboard will be much better for your posture than a laptop, especially if you’re able to configure the screen for eye-level work. If you’ll be making frequent conference calls, make sure your computer is up-to-date and has the right software and capabilities for programs you’ll be using often. Now is also a good time to move to using virtual desktops and implement cloud-based document storage, if you haven’t already, so you’ll be well-equipped to work from wherever you are. Good lighting is essential in a home office: assess the amount of natural light that your space receives throughout the day and install soft, flattering overhead lights. Avoid fluorescents. In a home with more than one working family member, create spaces so that you can all take calls comfortably — this may mean commandeering a walk-in closet or den as an overflow work space. Add Inspiring Artwork and Decorative Plants As much as an at-home office space needs to be functional, it should also encourage creativity and foster mental wellbeing. Painting the walls a soothing color and hanging art will contribute to a calming work environment. Choose abstract pieces in muted shades, images of landscapes that remind you of favorite places or framed children’s drawings —these will

serve to brighten your workspace and turn it into a space you actually want to spend time in. Forgo the basic home office supplies for more design-forward essentials, like sculptural brass tape dispensers or minimal marble clocks. Bringing greenery into your home office is also a good way to improve focus and mental outlook. Whether you opt for a large potted tropical plant or a collection of small cacti for your desk, bringing nature into your workspace has been shown to improve productivity, reduce stress and boost oxygen levels. Establish a Fitness Corner One of the best ways to boost your energy levels during a remote workday is with movement. It can be easy to lose focus or become distracted at home, especially when starting a new routine in a new space, so allowing yourself scheduled activity breaks will help you keep your attention where it needs to be. If possible, find a spot in your office where you can establish a fitness corner and furnish it with your favorite equipment. If lifting weights helps you process your thoughts, add a bench and weights in varying sizes for a quick 10-minute lift session. For yoga enthusiasts, find a permanent spot for a mat; for fans of virtual fitness classes, create a dedicated space in front of your computer so you can join in without needing to reconfigure the room every time. By adding a fitness space into your work area, you’ll give yourself permission to take a much-needed pause, while replacing movement between meeting rooms or to colleagues’ offices with other exercise throughout the day. Making a home office work for you is as much about inspiration as it is about functionality. Good office design contributes to an overall sense of well-being and improves effectiveness, something that all remote workers can benefit from right now.

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

WAGMAG.COM JANUARY 2021

We are unlike any other interior design firm Spaces of Distinction is exceptionally skilled at space planning, architectural detailing, and interior design, from creating initial floor plans to placing the last decorative detail. We do more than decorate, we create and design interiors that are beautiful, purposeful, and livable. Whether we’re designing a single room or the entire home, renovating a bathroom or a kitchen, or helping you build your ultimate dream home. Denise Balassi and her team are uniquely qualified to seamlessly guide you from design concept to project completion. As a design-build partnership among homeowner, designer, builder, and architect, we have created a synergistic approach that has become the cornerston of our business. This philosophy provides our clients with the peace of mind to make confident decisions while our team remains committed to the precise and timely execution of each design. Spaces of Distinction combines classic elements with modern pieces to create timeless, bespoke interiors. Let us take your project to the next level and unleash the possibilities.

888.622.0333 spacesofdistinction.com

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

TR CON

IBUTED BY WESTFAIR

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arla Alt’s friends knew she was making a good career choice as a professional organizer when they saw her closet. “All my sweaters were color coordinated and stored in plastic bags,” Alt says. “I always ran my closet like a clothing store; I thought that’s the only way you should do it.” Alt decided to become a solopreneur, launching 123Organize 15 years ago. In the early days, she would often bring her then teenage son along to help. Things kicked up a notch five years later when she was hired to help a friend get ready to move. “He was a single dad who just wasn’t going to be ready in time,” Alt says. “Basically, it was being his wife through the move. I interviewed six different moving companies; it was so interesting. This was before Google and Yelp so I had to talk to each of them and learn all the ways movers approached a project.” Today, Alt runs her business from her Rye Brook home, em-

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ploying five women on the management side and picking up five to 10 contractors per client assignment. In 2020, the company worked with 100 clients in Fairfield, Westchester and Bergen counties, as well as New York City. Flat rate pricing starts at $1,000, with projects ranging from a master closet organization to a multihome move, including packing, hiring movers, moving day supervision and elite unpack service. One of Alt’s project managers, lifelong friend Maxine Berg, just joined the team this past November to help with an evergrowing workload. “My first on-site job was for a couple with two young children from the city. During Covid, they had stored most of their furniture and stayed with in-laws in Stamford. Then they bought a house in Chappaqua,” says Berg. “So, their stuff was coming from all over the place. I was there, directing the movers and coordinating for the mom, using notes from Marla.” After moving day, the team

tackled unpack day, when all of the family’s belongings were placed in their new home. During the unpack process, Alt says she organizes everything in ways she thinks will benefit everyone in the household. “What’s unique about our business is that because I wear every female hat — I’m a mom, a stepmom, a daughter, every female role you can play — I feel very comfortable improving people’s quality of life through organizing,” she says. “What better way to institute new habits than to start in your new home? We establish efficient systems from the get-go that can simplify things for everyone.” Demand for Alt’s services has gone up during Covid, thanks in large part to the New York City exodus and seller’s markets in Westchester and Connecticut,

which is why she says she didn’t apply for state financial assistance. “My business spiked. I’m a believer that if I’m blessed, I leave it for those who need it,” she says. “Some in my position still would have taken it, but it’s not who I am as a person.” Looking into 2021, it doesn’t seem Alt’s good fortune will be abating any time soon. “January tends to be a slower month and February is usually when we start to pick up for the spring season; this year, that’s not going to be the case at all,” she says. “We work with a lot of Realtors as sources of referral and they all say that it’s going to be a very big shift in 2021 for people, whether they’re downsizing or leaving the area, and that shift will cover the first eight months of the year.”

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JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

ondering if it’s time to hire a closet designer? Organizing professionals are experts at making the most of the space you have. Some closet designers specialize in customizing and installing wardrobe systems, while others offer space-planning services, custom cabinetry, built-ins and more. Here are 10 times it makes sense to reach for the services of these organizing pros, including tackling that classic quandary, a closet full of nothing to wear. Closet Designer or Professional Organizer? Like professional organizers, closet designers are well versed in using space efficiently. But while a professional organizer is a bit like a life coach for your stuff, a closet designer’s work is more tightly focused on maximizing the use of space in your closets and cupboards. If you still need to do a fair amount of decluttering, you might want to tackle it on your own — or hire a professional organizer — before moving on to a closet designer. If you have already pared back and need a hand in getting what’s left beautifully organized, a closet designer can help. 1. You Want to Create Order in a Busy Mudroom A well-organized mudroom or entry, such as this one by Stor-X Organizing Systems Edmonton, is the first line of defense against a cluttered home. A closet designer can install storage in this hardworking zone that’s tailored to your family’s needs, so every item that comes in your door has a clear place to land. If you already have a hall closet, this might look like installing a custom-closet system to organize the interior. No hall closet? You don’t have to make do with an overstuffed coat tree — a closet designer can add storage to an entry that lacks it. 2. You Don’t Want to Declutter — You Just Want to Be Neater A whole closet full of nothing to wear. Sound familiar? If you love your stuff and don’t want to pare down but are fed up with facing a messy mountain of clothes and shoes, a closet designer can help. As a rule, closet designers won’t hound you to trim

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your shoe collection or cull those 10 nearly identical pairs of black pants. What they will do is design the perfect storage system to keep all your favorites in good shape, so you can walk into your closet each morning feeling inspired rather than defeated. This closet is by California Closets Southdale. 3. You’re Welcoming a New Baby Having a new baby at home is hard enough. Add to that the tidal wave of baby gifts and complete lack of sleep, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos. A closet designer can help set the stage for a calm, well-organized home by creating tailor-made storage for the baby’s things. In the Minneapolis nursery shown here, design consultants from California Closets Southdale installed a custom dresser and adorable closet for baby Leo’s nursery. Triple hanging rods for baby clothes will transition into double hanging rods as Leo grows. 4. You Want to Revamp Your Garage Cleaning out the garage is a huge feat. Don’t let your efforts go to waste by letting the belongings stored there pile up in messy, mildew-prone heaps. A closet designer can examine what you have and recommend the best storage systems to keep your stuff neat, tidy and off the ground, where it’s less likely to become damaged by water and grease. Rylex Custom Cabinetry and Closets provided storage systems for this garage. 5. You Recently Moved Moving into a new home is the ideal time to set up closet systems, such as this one by Stor-X Organizing Systems. A closet designer can help you make the most of the storage space in your new home, from the clothes closets to the kitchen pantry. If you think of it early enough, have your closet designer get right in there — before you’ve put everything away. 6. You Want to Add Value to Your Home A roomy closet is a definite plus for many potential buyers. So, if you’re weighing home improvement projects to put your money into, consider adding custom closets to the list. A master closet outfitted with beautiful details is sure to catch the eye of

buyers, potentially leading to a quicker sale. This closet is by Inspired Closets Nashville. 7. You Want to Make the Most of a Small Space If you have a small, narrow or otherwise tricky space, using every inch as efficiently as possible can make a world of difference. Closet designers are masters at finding creative solutions for compact spaces. And in really tight spaces, such as in this closet by Stor-X, custom work can get the job done when off-the-shelf options simply won’t fit. 8. You Want to Tame the Toy Chaos Playroom or kids’ room driving you batty? It could be you simply don’t have the right kind of storage to easily hold all those stuffed animals and Lego bricks. A closet designer can set you up for success with storage options tailor-made for the toys your family has now, plus room to grow, such as in this Stor-X project. Bonus: With well-organized closets and built-ins, you’ll probably end up with more free space in the room for, you know, actually playing with all those toys. 9. You Want to Upgrade Your Kitchen, Without Remodeling If you’d love to overhaul your kitchen but a full remodel is not in the cards, consider hiring a closet designer to equip your cabinets and pantry instead. Tricking out these spaces with custom details is a thoroughly satisfying (but less-costly) option that can reap big benefits in everyday ease of use. Inspired Closets Nashville handled this project. 10. You Want to Make Your Dream Closet a Reality Do your daydreams include visions of a glorious walk-in closet, complete with custom shoe storage and a glamorous dressing area? If you’re ready to treat yourself to some pure wish fulfillment, a closet designer can make those dreams a reality.

es to Hire m i T aC 0 1 lo ner esig tD se BY LAURA GASKILL, HOUZZ

JANUARY 2021 WAGMAG.COM

hen Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner led a contingent of well-wishers at the Sept. 24 ribbon cutting for The Chelsea at Greenburgh, the senior living community at 715 Dobbs Ferry Road, the facility still was awaiting final licensing approval from New York state that would allow residents to begin moving in. The 101-unit complex was designed to provide a full range of living options for seniors, ranging from independent living through assisted living and memory care while helping meet the medical needs of residents. “Looking around at the building it does not necessarily strike you as the care level being so high because it looks like a luxurious community,” Suzanne Stephans, The Chelsea at Greenburgh’s community outreach director said during the Business Journal’s early October visit to the facility. “That’s a game changer because we are meeting the needs of seniors that want a beautiful home and a beautiful community with a hefty social calendar within our activities department, but they also need care.” The Chelsea at Greenburgh is part of a group of senior communities operated by the Chelsea Management Group. It lists 14 senior housing locations in New Jersey, five in New York and also has a facility in Warren, New Jersey, for people with special needs. The CEO of the company, which has been operating for more than 30 years, is Herbert Heflich. He has a 50-year career in elder care management The town of Greenburgh in 2011 had acquired the 6.89-acre Dobbs Ferry Road property during a tax foreclosure proceeding as a result of property taxes having gone unpaid by owner Franks Nursery & Crafts, which filed for bankruptcy. After untangling some legal issues surrounding an unpaid lien on the property, Greenburgh was able to sell the site. Capitol Seniors Housing (CSH), based in Washington, D.C., bought the property for $3.5 million. CSH, a real estate acquisition, development and investment management firm, works with partners to develop senior housing communities.

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Back in December 2017, CSH broke ground on a project at the site that it called Stonegate at Greenburgh. Like the newly completed senior living community, it had 101 units in a three-story 90,651-square-foot building. It had been scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019. At that time of the groundbreaking, construction cost for the project was estimated to be $35 million. “We’re excited to build our first senior living community in the state of New York and bring a top-quality senior living community to the historic town of Greenburgh,” Scott Stewart, managing partner of CSH said at the time. Subsequently, when opening a senior living project in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, in April 2019 that it had built and was being operated by Chelsea Senior Living, CSH stated that Chelsea also would be operating the senior community it was building in Greenburgh. “We have a registered nurse here. We are doing a telemedical program as well so if you weren’t feeling well you could have a consultation with a physician,” Stephans said. “We are partnering with a company called CCS, a medical provider. Their doctors come in and they well be the caregivers for our residents.” Stephans noted that completing construction and getting ready to open The Chelsea at Greenburgh during the Covid-19 pandemic posed unexpected challenges. “It has been quite a journey, ups and down galore. We were supposed to have our building open right when Covid struck back in March. The building went on lockdown,” Stephans said. “Nobody was in this building until early July. It was just empty, locked up. Then we started staffing; we continued to bring people in. Now we are ready to go. Our chef, our lifestyles director, our support staff, our care staff, everyone’s on board.” Stephans said that the full-staff complement is about 100. “Because this is all new construction, nothing had to be retrofitted to protect from Covid,” Stephans said. “Our filtration system; I want to get this for my house.

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We’ve had to learn about testing and certain medical facts that were never part of our purview before. We’ve all had to be retrained and re-educated but we are constantly having meetings and training sessions. As this pandemic progresses we want to be up-to-the-moment with it. We are not being defensive about Covid any longer. Now we are on the offense.” Stephans said that as The Chelsea at Greenburgh operates in the era of Covid, it

will strive to empower the senior residents through exposure to a fulfilling life. “I’ve seen what being locked up in an apartment for months on end has done to so many seniors and it is absolutely heartbreaking,” Stephans said. Among the numerous features of the new facility are a library, sports pub and lounge, movie theater, combination beauty salon and barber shop, sunroom, landscaped walking paths, outdoor terrace and gardens. There also are a number of two-bedroom

apartments in the unit mix. Stephans said that one of the prospects to take a two-bedroom unit told her that she wanted an extra room for her clothes. “Some people coming here to visit the facility are very worked up about Covid, but most people are not,” Stephans said. “They’ve learned to adapt or they’ve just said, ‘You know what, life goes on. We need care for mom and dad, and we’ve got to roll with this until there’s a vaccine.’ Now, as things are opening up a bit, people are testing the waters. So, it’s really positive.”

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