Senior Life 11-4-15

SENIOR LIFE AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL

NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

Medicare 101 Enrollment Deadline Looming

INSIDE

Local Seniors Celebrated Elder Law Mediation

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SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

I SEE THE EXPRESSIONS

ON THE FACES OF AMSTERDAM RESIDENTS.

I SEE HOW HAPPY THEY ARE.

“It’s easy to be passionate about what I do.”

As President and CEO of Amsterdam Continuing Care Health System, Inc. for more than 27 years, Jim Davis is at the very heart of The Amsterdam at Harborside retirement community.

“It’s an extraordinary place to live on the North Shore of Nassau County, offering warm social connections with Residents and Staff, on-site activities and cultural performances second to none. As we celebrate our first 5 years as the only true life care community in Nassau County, I invite you to experience our carefree lifestyle. See the faces of Amsterdam Residents who are free to live life their way and really enjoy their retirement.”

Find out how life care provides for future health care when you need it. Call 516.939.8145 to schedule a personal tour.

Jim Davis President and CEO of Amsterdam Continuing Care Health System, Inc. 300 E. Overlook | Port Washington, NY 11050

Operated by Amsterdam House Continuing Care Retirement Community Inc., a not-for-profit organization.

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AmsterdamLifeCare.com

SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

National Family Caregivers Month

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

SPECIALSECTIONS@ANTONMEDIAGROUP.COM

Family caregivers are some of our nation’s most dedicated heroes—devoted men and women who tirelessly attend to loved ones with an illness, disability or limitations of aging.

Each November, America celebrates National Family Caregivers Month to recognize and honor family caregivers across our country. From metropolitan brownstones and urban care facilities to rolling farmsteads and rural assisted living centers, family caregivers compassionately assist parents, spouses, extended family, friends and neighbors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 34 million unpaid caregivers nationwide care for someone age 18 or older who is dealing with sickness or disability. These millions represent roughly 21 percent of all U.S. households.

“Countless family members in our communities are providing good care for their loved ones,” said Gregg Balbera, president of Right at Home Nassau Suffolk. “It’s an honor for Right at Home to come alongside

these caregivers with utmost respect and practical support. Sometimes we are there to help with hands-on care and other times mainly a listening ear. Family caregivers deserve our appreciation not just in November but 365 days a year.”

Family caregivers come from diverse backgrounds and care circumstances. She may be the granddaughter stopping by her grandparents’ home twice a week with fresh produce, or the son driving 300 miles every other week to take his father to his cancer treatments. Fueled by love and sacrifice, the role of a volunteer caregiver knows few limits.

Fortunately, a plethora of national and local organizations and online resources are available to family caregivers. For a local list of caregiver services and organizations, caregivers can contact county and state government agencies including the Health and Human Services Department, Social Services Department and Public Health Department. The social services department of local hospitals and medical clinics or adult daycare centers and faith-based agencies is other

avenue for learning about services and programs available to family caregivers and care recipients.

The following is a summary list of national family caregiver resources: • Family Caregiver Alliance offers services and publications based on caregiver needs at the local, state and national levels. The group (www.caregiver.org) offers a wealth of helpful information from caregiving tips and fact sheets to personal stories and newsletters.

• Medicare.gov, the official U.S. government site for Medicare, presents easy access to useful information about Medicare and other proven resources to help with family caregiving. The site includes links to partner organizations and essential caregiver information, such as “What type of care is best for your loved one?” and “What every caregiver needs to know.”

The CDC finds that family caregivers report having “difficulty finding time for one’s self (35 percent), managing emotional and physical stress (29 percent), and balancing

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work and family responsibilities (29 percent). Dr. Eboni Green of Caregiver support services will address these concerns in a free webinar, “Caregiver Wellness: Power of U!” on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m.

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, Right at Home Corporate is hosting this webinar featuring Dr. Green’s extensive experience in caregiver health and wellness, particularly caregiver stress, burnout and related family conflicts. Designed to help family and professional caregivers, the webinar will examine how stress and distress impact decision-making abilities of caregivers.

Attendees also will learn the important differences between the concepts of “helping caregiving” and “rescuing caregiving.” The “Caregiver Wellness: U Model” strengthens caregivers’ social, psychological, physical, intellectual, spiritual, occupational and financial well-being and incorporates empowerment and resilience. Visit www.bit.ly/ DrGreenRegistration to register.

Visit www.rightathomeli.com or call 516-719-5999 to contact Gregg Balbera for more information.

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❏ Learn strategies to protect your assets when a loved one is already in a nursing home and there is no time for pre-planning!

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SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

Supervisor Bosworth Speaks Before Local Golden Age Club North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth spoke at the most recent meeting of the Mineola Golden Age Club on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Mineola Village Hall. Bosworth addressed club members on the latest happenings in the town and some of the programs that the town offers to senior residents. The 47-year-old Mineola Golden Age Club meets every Thursday from September to June, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and offers a variety of activities, including bingo, painting classes, arts and crafts, exercise programs, and a monthly book club.

Helen Mendyk, Supervisor Bosworth and Joyce Lella

Golden Age Club Vice President Mary Duffy, Supervisor Bosworth and Golden Age Club President Lillian Barnola

Seriously, choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan is not easy.

We work hard to make it easier.

Depending on the Medicare Advantage Plan, benefits may include:

Dental and vision care/hearing

Transportation services

Over-the-counter pre-paid cards

Contact us for eligibility and enrollment. info@agewellnewyork.com agewellnewyork.com

We’re here for your call.

Toll Free 1.866.586.8044 TTY/TDD 1.800.662.1220

AgeWell New York LLC is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the New York State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in AgeWell New York LLC depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits.

For more information contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium unless paid for by the state medical assistance program. Premiums, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call customer service at 1-866-586-8044 or (TTY/ TDD)1-800-662-1220 seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time or visit agewellnewyork.com.

Medicare beneficiaries may also enroll in AgeWell New York LLC through the CMS Medicare Online Enrollment Center located at www.medicare.gov.

H4922_AWNY_MAR16_4002 File & Use 10042015

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$0

Plan premium Copays or low copays for doctor visits Copays for generic drugs Prescription drug deductible

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SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

SIGN UP FOR NASSAU COUNTY’S

FREE LIFE SAVING PROGRAMS VIAL OF LIFE PROGRAM OF LIFE VIAL RA TOR DOOR FOR

SEE REFRIGE TION DICAL INFORMA COMPLETE ME

The VIAL OF LIFE Program was created to assist seniors following an emergency or accident in the home when they might not be able to communicate for themselves.

Take Advantage of this

FREE PROGRAM

UTIVEE EXECUTIV NTYEXEC COUNTY SAUCOU NASSAU NAS

1-888-724-1200

LAW

PS OU GR R

SEN IO

FREE PROGRAM

SERVICES CAL EDI YM

Take Advantage of this

FIR EA

EME RGE NC

The YELLOW DOT Program is a cooperative effort involving the Nassau County Police Department, the NCPD Emergency Ambulance Bureau, state and local police and local fire departments to assist our citizens in a time of need when they might not be able to help themselves.

ENT EM RC O F

E SCU RE ND

The YELLOW DOT Program was created to assist seniors following automobile accidents when they might not be able to communicate for themselves.

EN

YELLOW DOT PROGRAM

SIGN UP FOR

“SMART911” “Smart911” allows residents to create a free safety profile for their household at www.Smart911.com that can include information necessary for 911 call takers to have in the event of an emergency. Details can include the names and photos of all family members, medical conditions, allergies, pets, and emergency contacts.

Register Your Cell Number with 911

For further information, call:

516-571-6000 NASSAU

www.nassaucountyny.gov

NOW

NASSAU

Follow Ed Mangano on Facebook, Twitter and www.nassaucountyny.gov.

WORKS and/or download the NassauNow App for iPhone and Android.

The place to find local jobs is www.nassauworks.com.

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NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

Great Neck’s Sabina Miller Crowned Queen During AGES’ 6th Savvy Senior Day

BY ALLISON GAYNE

SPECIALSECTIONS@ANTONMEDIAGROUP.COM

On Monday, Sept. 28, 83-year-old Sabina Miller of Great Neck was crowned 2015 Savvy Senior Queen.

Seniors from across Long Island and Queens were showered with admiration and appreciation during Association of Generational Experts for Seniors’ (AGES) Sixth Annual Savvy Senior Day at Parker Jewish Institute in New Hyde Park.

Each senior nominated attended the event with family and friends, where they were publicly recognized for their vast accomplishments and contributions within their communities. Among those honored were 70-year-old Jim Alchus of Little Neck who was crowned King.

The king and queen were each awarded gift certificates for professional oil painting portraits, courtesy of Bradford Renaissance Portraits. Other senior nominees honored during this year’s Savvy Senior Day were Siroon Shahinian, PhD, also from Great Neck; Stanley Gayda of Maple Pointe Assisted Living in Rockville Centre; Miriam

From left are AGES Chairperson Kevin Lawrence, 2015 Savvy Senior King Jim Alchus of Little Neck, 2015 Savvy Senior Queen Sabina Miller of Great Neck and AGES Savvy Senior Committee Chairperson Rita Medaglio-Barrera.

Epstein, a resident at Atria Glen Cove in Senior Queen by 2014 Savvy Senior Glen Cove; and Rose Collo of Elmont.

Queen Lillian Guadagno of Valley “Savvy Senior Day is a special event Stream, received her royal title in recogthat gives seniors living within our nition of her community activism and communities the opportunity to be rec- outreach to fellow seniors. Miller’s conognized for all the wonderful accomtributions have earned her significant plishments and contributions they’ve public praise and accolades, including made and continue to make,” says Great Neck Chamber of Commerce’s AGES Chairperson Kevin Lawrence.

Jesse M. Markel Community “Each year, AGES is given the privilege Achievement Award and two Town of of receiving so many wonderful senior North Hempstead’s May W. Newburger nominations and it is with great honor Women’s Roll of Honor designations. that we get to celebrate them each year Among various initiatives Miller has among their families at our annual led are cohosting the Town of North Savvy Senior Day event.”

Hempstead’s Project Independence Miller, who was crowned 2015 Savvy Radio Show that broadcasts out of

CW Post, serving on Great Neck’s Project Independence Advisory Board, and serving as a 25-year volunteer at Children’s Learning After School Program (CLASP), a nonprofit Day Care Center in Great Neck.

She is a three-time former Great Neck Lions Club president and served as cochair of the Bachelor Auction Public Access TV Station fundraiser held at the Merchant Marine Academy.

In addition, she has been a 12-year volunteer with OmbudService as an advocate of residents, patients and families with administration at Grace Plaza Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Great Neck. Among her other notable charitable efforts is visiting Easter Island (located halfway between Chile and Tahiti), where she volunteered her personal services and provided eyeglasses to children in need.

“I was so shocked to be named this year’s Savvy Senior Queen,” says Miller. “Every senior attending this year’s Savvy Senior Day was a senior who does great volunteer work and understands that when you do volunteer work you are helping yourself just

see SAVVY SENIOR on page 11C

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SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

ARTHRITIS AND THE THREE BIG MYTHS

So it’s time to clear a few of them up.

Myth #1: You Have Arthritis, And There Is Nothing You Can Do About It. Learn To Live With It And Take Some Advil.

Fact: Over the past 20 years, there have been more advancements in the treatment of most forms of arthritis than for any other medical illness.

There are more than 120 forms of arthritis, and each form needs its own specific diagnosis and therapy.

Each individual’s diagnosis will rely on the skill of your physician to take a complete medical history, perform a comprehensive physical exam (not just the joints), and

order appropriate x-rays and diagnostic tests, which might include, among other diagnostic tools, an MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, or DEXA scan (for osteoporosis) and specific laboratory tests.

Most importantly, rheumatologists now have medications and knowledge of dietary treatments to affect the outcome of arthritis.

We have symptom-modifying drugs and treatments, which are able to improve the pain of arthritis, lessen discomfort and improve function.

We also have disease-modifying drugs, which can actually reverse the arthritis and heal the joint damage caused by arthritis.

Myth #2: You’re Old, So What Did You Expect? Everybody Gets Arthritis When They Get Old. Fact: All forms of arthritis are medical illnesses and are no more a part of the normal aging process than are cancer or heart disease. Would anyone say, “You’re old, so you have cancer. What did you expect?” Of course not. Arthritis is a treatable illness, and if caught early, may

even be reversible. No patient should accept the “getting old” explanation of arthritis. In fact, half of all of my patients are under the age of 45. Arthritis affects one out of every seven people in this country. There are hundreds of thousands of children under the age of 18 in this country who suffer from arthritis. It is not just a disease of the elderly.

Myth #3: When You Tell Your Doctor Your Knee (Hip, Shoulder, Hand, Etc.) Hurts, Your Next Stop Will Be To An Orthopedist’s Office.

Fact: Orthopedists are surgeons. Unless you’re looking to have surgery or a joint replaced, you should see a rheumatologist. All forms of arthritis are medical illnesses.

Medical treatment, not surgery, should always be your first line of defense. If you had a heart attack, you would see a cardiologist, not a heart transplant surgeon. Orthopedists do wonderful things to help patients, but they should be your final stop, not your first, when you have joint pain. Don’t allow your doctor to send you to the orthope-

dist for your first evaluation when something hurts.

It is time to forget the myths and get down to the facts: Most forms of arthritis can be treated.

Arthritis should be treated early.

Arthritis should be treated by a rheumatologist.

Dr. Richard Blau is a board-certified rheumatologist. He is the Founder and Medical Director of the Arthritis Institute of Long Island, located in Hicksville, NY. He specializes in the diagnosis and the non-surgical treatment of illnesses that cause significant muscle or joint pain. He treats over 200 types of illnesses that affect the joints and muscles, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, and tendinitis.

He is the author of many self-help articles, and along with renowned health writer E. A. Tremblay, co-authored the best-selling arthritis self-help book, Too Young to Feel Old – The Arthritis Doctor’s 28-day Formula for Pain-Free Living.

Call Dr. Richard Blau at 516-932-7777 to Schedule a Consultation The Arthritis Institute of Long Island • 120 Bethpage Road, Hicksville, NY 11801 Tel: 516.932.7777 • www.arthritisinstitute.com

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In the 25 years that I have been a practicing rheumatologist (arthritis specialist), I have seen many changes and major advancements in my ability to diagnose and treat patients with arthritis. Unfortunately what hasn’t changed in all that time are the myths and misconceptions both patients and physicians have about arthritis and its treatment.

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SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

Medicare Primer 101

BY JASON ALDERMAN

SPECIALSECTIONS@ANTONMEDIAGROUP.COM

If your 65th birthday is around the corner or you’re anxious about the Medicare open enrollment period (closing Dec. 7), it’s a good time to start focusing on your options.

Healthcare choice is becoming a bigger factor in the lives of pre-retirees as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) ‐ better known as Obamacare ‐ brings significant change to employer-sponsored and individually purchased health plans.

Though a separate federal health insurance system with no connection to Obamacare or its online marketplaces, Medicare is going through its own evolution in terms of plan offerings and customer access.

Here’s a basic primer for future Medicare enrollees: What is Medicare? Medicare is a government-provided health and hospitalization insurance program for people 65 and older and for some people under age 65 based on disability or particular forms of illness.

What does it cost? Though you’ve likely paid taxes into the Medicare

system your entire career, Medicare isn’t a completely free program; you’ll pay premiums deducted from your Social Security checks for some portions of your benefits. There may be copays and deductibles for certain services. If you have health issues already, it’s a good idea to investigate coverage based on the services you’re likely to need over time.

When do I get to join? You can apply for Medicare through your nearest Social Security office up to three months before your 65th birthday. If you wait longer than three months after your 65th birthday to apply, you may face a late enrollment penalty. If you are already drawing Social Security benefits at age 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare.

What does Medicare coverage look like? Keep in mind that you can get many current answers to Medicare questions online or in person at your nearest Social Security office. But as of late 2014, here’s an overview of current Medicare plans: • Parts A (Hospital) and B (Outpatient). Part A covers inpatient hospital care and Part B covers outpatient medical care and procedures.

You’ll hear Parts A and B referred to as “Original Medicare” or “Traditional

Medicare” because if you choose to take this option, you’ll sign up for them as a pair. You’ll get to go to any doctor, hospital or facility that’s enrolled in Medicare and accepting new Medicare patients. You’ll end up paying a premium for Part B which can change from year-to-year while Part A is usually free for most people.

• Part C (Medicare Advantage).

Call this one-stop shopping for your hospital, outpatient (Part A and B) and usually your prescription coverage (see Part D, below). Medicare Advantage policies are sold by private insurers ‐ Medicare pays their share and you pay your premium. They may include differing assortments of services ‐ vision, prescription drug, dental

or hearing. But keep in mind different Medicare Advantage plans have different rules for services and can charge different out-of-network costs.

• Part D (Prescription drug coverage). Part D added prescription drug coverage to “Original” Medicare, but as mentioned, may be folded into Medicare Advantage coverage if you elect to take it.

What’s “Medigap” insurance? If you go with “Original” Medicare (Part A and B), you’ll find some gaps in your Medicare coverage. Medigap is the nickname for Medicare Supplement Insurance, which you purchase privately. Some employers and unions offer

see PRIMER on page 9C

CHINESE AUCTION FOR ALZHEIMER’S Thursday, November 12th 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM • Gift baskets for all ages and interests • Merchandise donated by local businesses • Music and refreshments presented by

516-576-3330 www.chelseaseniorliving.com

Benefitting: Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center

ASSISTED LIVING FOR LONG ISLAND

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SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

PRIMER from page 8C Medigap coverage to retirees, and these plans can vary widely in terms of cost, coverage and state participation. Also, if you’re on Medicare Advantage, it’s unlikely you’ll need separate Medigap coverage, but it’s important to check.

What if you plan to keep working with company health benefits after you turn 65? Confer with your financial advisor, human resources department and Medicare before you make any decisions, but you may qualify for a special enrollment period as a result.

You’ll need to coordinate with your spouse as well if you share any kind of health coverage as part of coordinating your overall retirement picture. People who continue to work past 65 may enroll in Part A but bypass Part B and D if they’re already on a company plan.

Are your doctors on the plan?

You’ve probably have some experience with this from checking to see whether your physicians are in-network with whatever health insurance you currently carry. You’ll continue to do this on Medicare Advantage. Check availability of doctors and costs on any plan you’re considering, particularly out-of-network costs.

What can your state do for you?

If you find you’re not getting answers on specific Medicare subjects from Medicare (www.medicare.gov) itself, your employer, your union, your

financial advisor or Social Security, your state is a participant in the State Health Insurance Assistance Program or SHIP. SHIP is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance on Medicare to individuals and their families.

What’s the best way to tie all this stuff together? Stop looking at your health, investment, retirement and tax issues separately. Medicare is a critical piece of the healthcare affordability puzzle, but it’s important to consider choices ‐ and potential worst-case scenarios ‐ within the scope of your broader retirement plan. If you’ve never sat down with a financial planner and have five years or more until you plan to retire, find one and have a broad discussion about where you stand on health, retirement and estate issues. To find a qualified planner in your community, start with solid recommendations from friends and family and consult organizations like the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards or the Association for Financial Counseling Planning and Education (www.members.afcpe.org/ search).

Bottom line: Whether you plan to retire at 65 or stay in your career as long as possible, it’s important to understand Medicare and how it can work for you.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

Weʻre Bringing Back The Medical House Call!

Remember when receiving health care services was as simple and comforting as calling your family physician?

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SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

Westbury Senior Center News

BY MAUREEN DROGE

SPECIALSECTIONS@ANTONMEDIAGROUP.COM

The Westbury men’s group, enjoying an afternoon of card-playing can be picked up at the center in late December. If you would like more information, call 516-334-5886.

Also, stop by the center’s holiday gift shop through Dec. 18, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to pick up last-minute holiday gifts.

Maureen Droge is the executive director of the Westbury Senior Center.

Wise Workouts Exercise Class

Pawel Jakubiec Receives Distinction Award Pawel Jakubiec, a senior physical therapist of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, is the recipient of the esteemed and coveted 2015 LeadingAge New York Long Term Care Employee of Distinction Award.

The Employee of Distinction Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of front line staff such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, certified nursing assistants and many others who are the face of New York’s nonprofit nursing homes, adult care facilities and other senior

living and service providers.

Of the thousands of employees in LeadingAge New York’s member organizations, only 18 are chosen for this award each year. Jakubiec was honored for his enthusiasm, positive attitude and patience he often displays whilst caring for his patients.

According to President & CEO of Parker Jewish Institute Michael N. Rosenblut, “Pawel is an invaluable

member of our team, who lives the Parker mission to provide high caliber compassionate health care, deeply.”

Jakubiec demonstrates excitement about his work that is contagious. His energy and motivation are palpable and transmit to others. Simply, he touches the lives of all those he works with.

Pictured: Assemblymen Ed Braunstein, Pawel Jakubiec, Kristen Myers of LeadingAge New York and President/CEO of Parker Jewish Institute Michael N. Rosenblut.

Take a Journey To Recovery at

Grace Plaza HOSPITAL

GRACE PLAZA

HOME

3 Tracks to Recovery: Orthopedic • Neurologic • Pulmonary continuing a Tradition of Excellence in Rehabilitation and Long Term Care

Call the Admissions Office for more information: 516-466-3001 extension 215 15 St. Paul’s Place, Great Neck, NY 11021

We welcome you to come have a personal tour of our facility You can also visit us on our website at w w w . g race p l az a.co m

at

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The Westbury Senior Center, located at 360 Post Ave. in Westbury, is a welcoming senior lifestyle organization serving those aged 60 and over who reside in Westbury, Old Westbury, New Cassel, the Westbury School District and its surrounding communities.

Programs that promote healthy bodies and minds are offered to encourage our seniors to sustain a productive and satisfying lifestyle. A well-balanced, hot lunch prepared on-site is served five days per week. Exercise classes are designed to help maintain a healthy level of fitness and mental awareness, while arts and discussion groups further enrich artistic expression and social contact. Curb-to-curb bus transportation is available via the center’s own bus. Successful aging at the Westbury Senior Center is continually encouraged through volunteer opportunities, meaningful socialization and a family-like environment that is so vital to everyone’s wellbeing.

The ACES (Adult Cultural and Educational Studies) Winter Semester registration will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classes will begin Thursday, Jan. 7. Brochures

SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

Elder Law Mediation Increases

BY MARLA SEIDEN

proceeding in court to protect his mother’s financial security. She had been spending huge sums of money As parents age and require more on frivolous things and he was fearful care, many families are facing intense she would not have enough money conflicts with each other. Fighting be- left to pay for her living expenses or tween parents and their adult children care. After several months in court as well as disagreements between while working with an elder law siblings often occur over how to hanattorney, he was ultimately given full dle such issues as health care needs, transparency of financial statements, living arrangements, asset protection but his mother was bitter about and inheritance issues. This has led being served with legal papers in a to a steady increase in costly and time proceeding that ultimately cost tens consuming legal intervention with of thousands of dollars. Instead of lasting damage to the family. litigation, a mediator could have done “With one quarter of our clients the job for a few thousand dollars and requiring litigation last year, 90 percent preserved the family relationship. of those disputes could have been Mediators are trained as neutral resolved by mediation, reducing the third parties who help families define family’s legal fees by about 75 percent the issues and reach a mutually while preserving relationships,” said agreeable settlement.

Melissa Negrin-Wiener, elder law attor“Elder law attorneys can be the best ney, mediator and partner at Genser mediators for seniors and their families Dubow Genser & Cona (GDGC). because they understand the needs Forty percent of caretakers have and issues and have experience couna major conflict with siblings,” said seling families during traditional elder Janet Mitchell, a lawyer and psychollaw discussions,” said Negrin-Wiener. ogist who co-founded the National For example, if a family is arguing Eldercare Mediator Network. It had over money and how to pay for their 30 members when it formed in 2004; loved one’s care, an elder law menow it has 110. diator can address asset protection For example, a 63 year old man reoptions and advance directives. tained GDGC to bring a guardianship While mediation can work in many

SPECIALSECTIONS@ANTONMEDIAGROUP.COM

SAVVY SENIOR from page 6C

elder care disputes, it’s important to find the right person.

When hiring a mediator, NegrinWiener recommends asking the following questions: • What is your training and experience in elder care mediation?

• What types of family crises have you handled?

• What is your experience handling cases similar to mine?

• How many guardianship cases have you handled?

• How would you encourage family members to get involved in mediation?

• What is your fee for mediation?

• What is included in your mediation services and what isn’t?

• What results have you had mediating elder care issues?

Melissa Negrin-Wiener is an advanced elder law mediator trained by the New York Peace Institute.

Serving as a mediator on the Nassau County Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel, she is also a state certified court evaluator and counsel to guardians and incapacitated persons. For the free Guide to Elder Law Mediation and the GDGC Guide to Elder Law and Estate Planning, visit www.genserlaw.com, e-mail elder@ genserlaw.com or call 631-390-5000.

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as much as you are helping others. I am so fortunate and humbled to been among last year’s honorees and am even more humbled to be crowned this year’s 2015 Savvy Senior Queen among so many other remarkable seniors who have also shown such tremendous level of community outreach and volunteerism.”

Miller admires AGES and its mission to recognize seniors during its annual Savvy Senior Day. “I think what AGES does in recognizing seniors each year through its annual Savvy Senior Day is so wonderful,” she explained. “To be in a room full of seniors who you have so much in common with in terms of passion for volunteerism provides all of us with great pride and great sense of camaraderie. I thank AGES for bringing us together and providing us with a special forum where we not only get the opportunity to be recognized for our personal contributions and accomplishments but also receive the chance to celebrate and recognize one another.”

AGES is an independent network of caring and knowledgeable professionals from family and senior related fields, which was created in the New York Metropolitan area to address the needs and challenges that face many families today.

Visit www.agesresourcenetwork.com for more information.

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HEALTH UPDATE FOR SENIORS A FREE COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM

THE AGING EYE: COMMON PROBLEMS Please join us as Nazanin Barzideh, MD, Chief of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology at Winthrop, discusses common eye problems such as age-related macular degeneration and retinal detachment.

A question and answer period will follow.

There really is no place like home!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015 1:15 PM Program Mineola Community Center 155 Washington Avenue, Mineola (one block south of Jericho Turnpike, off Mineola Blvd.)

the cottages at

Enjoy the peaceful beauty nature provides in a close knit and friendly community. Jefferson’s Ferry promotes an active lifestyle with the peace of mind that comes with maintenance-free living and a full continuum of care.

Call 631-675-5550 today for a personal tour! www.jeffersonsferry.org One Jefferson Ferry Drive South Setauket, NY 11720

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Reservations required; please call (516) 663-3916.

10/21/2015 3:59:27 PM

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SENIOR LIFE • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015

Your Center for Customized Health Care

Short-Term Rehabilitation Long Term Care Home Health Care Hospice Medical & Social Adult Day Care Physician Home Visits Medical Transportation Inpatient & Outpatient Dialysis Managed Long Term Care Medicare Advantage Plan LAKEVILLE

AMBULETTE TRANSPORTATION

Parker Jewish Institute WHERE EXCELLENCE IS THE STANDARD

271-11 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 877.727.5373 www.ParkerInstitute.org

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HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION