Westchester Boomers & Beyond December 2016 ebook

Boomers Westchester County

December 2016

d n o y e B &

Legal advice for Medicaid & Asset-Protection planning.

Call (914) 816-2900 today!

See page 14

Top Rated Community Home Health Care p3 Celebrate your independence at the INN p9

Dominican Sisters Family Health Services is now ArchCare p15 Neighbors Home Care Services When all you need is an helping hand p16 Brightview, Tarrytown Come see our new community p17

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December, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Our Specialty Pro ograms a help yo ou manage a wide range of con nditions at home.

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Call us 24/7 at 1-888-FOR-VNSW www.vns.org

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Westcheste s r Care at HOME An affiliate of VNS Westchester ste

Senior Homecare at its Best!

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

There’s no place like home. And when your senior loved-ones need superior home care, there’s no place like Community Home Health Care!

“An absolute joy – such a great aide” is typical Community gets about its dedicated services, Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides and Trained Companions. “The most responsible, loving aide my mother has ever had” is another. For dozens of testimonials from Community’s patient families, go to WestchesterHomecare.com/testimonials/.

With top-rated Aides and over 34 years experience in delivering quality services to the region, Community Home Health Care stands at the forefront of Westchester County's Home Care providers. Community’s core principle is to provide its patients and their families with a personalized, unbeatable homecare experience, summed up in 4 words:

December, 2016

WITH OVER 34 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, COMMUNITY STANDS AT THE FOREFRONT OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY’S HOME CARE PROVIDERS.

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COMPASSION, TRUST, EXPERTISE AND RELIABILITY Community means peace of mind.

Their home care experts deeply understand your concerns about leaving your loved one in the hands of a stranger, often for extended periods of time. With their unique internal rating system, they provide an aide you can trust to bring the highest level of sensitivity to care for your loved one’s emotional and physical needs. Community’s aides and companions are highly-trained, highly-experienced and New York State-certified, bringing their invaluable knowledge, skills, experience and expertise to your loved one’s care, including supportive help with Medicaid applications.

Community Home Health Care is always there to help you, whenever, wherever you need them – any day, any hour! For more information, call (914) 222-CARE (914-222-2273), or visit Westchester-Homecare.com.

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VNS Westchester pilots patient outreach call program PAGE 4

December, 2016

Home health care agency partners with CipherHealth to reduce preventable hospital readmissions, improve health outcomes for patients

Evidence-based studies show that strategically-timed follow-up calls to patients following hospital discharge are leading to reduced instances of preventable hospital readmissions, improved patient health and better management of chronic illnesses. To help achieve these goals for its home care patients, VNS Westchester (VNSW), a White Plains-based not-for-profit, independent Medicare-certified home health care agency, is partnering with the NYC-based health technology company, CipherHealth, to pilot a new patient outreach call program, “VNSW Care Call.” The 90-day pilot program was launched in September for VNSW’s patients.

VNSW Care Call utilizes CipherHealth’s interactive patient engagement platform, “Voice,” to generate a series of weekly phone calls to all patients enrolled in the program.

Patients are prompted to answer questions about their health status, symptoms and medication compliance using their telephone keypad. Based on their responses, a real-time alert system notifies VNSW’s clinical staff of the patient’s current or potential health concerns, fostering personalized follow-up calls to patients for timely problem resolution.

“VNSW has been an early adopter of health care technologies aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of our patients at home,” said VNSW President & CEO, Tim Leddy.

“The majority of our patients are 65 or over, a population that typically has one or more chronic illnesses. Exacerbation of these conditions often leads to hospital readmissions.

The VNSW Care Call program combines CipherHealth’s technology solutions with our agency’s expertise in providing post-acute care and in managing the care of chronically ill patients. This high-tech, high-touch approach can be a real game-changer in helping our patients better manage their conditions at home, preventing unnecessary re-hospitalizations or emergency department visits.”

The first month of the pilot has already yielded impressive results. According to VNSW’s Director of Patient Services, Suzanne Moses, over 1,000 patients have responded to the Care Calls, representing a 73% engagement rate. “Of the patients who responded to our call, 38% -- close to 390 patients -- required a follow-up call from a member of our nursing team,” said Moses. “Several calls focused on

manage and generate metrics to determine patient satisfaction, specific health care outcomes and the rate of preventable hospital readmissions achieved as a result of the outreach calls. Moses noted that data retrieved from the portal will provide the agency with insights into patient health behaviors and trends that will drive improvements in patient outreach and treatment approaches.

Following the pilot program, VNS Westchester hopes to incorporate the VNSW Care Call into its patient quality improvement programs on an ongoing basis.

clarifying discharge instructions, while others centered on medication reconciliation and scheduling follow-up appointments with primary care providers. These are among the key issues that can lead to hospital readmissions, underscoring the need for this level of engagement with our patients. The Care Call empowers our patients by encouraging them to play a more active role in the self-management of their conditions.”

“By using Voice, VNSW has surpassed the national average of 70% patient engagement and has achieved an incredible 73% engagement rate”, stated John Banks Powell, Director of Post-Acute Solutions at CipherHealth.

“This increase is more than numbers. It means that more VNSW patients have better outcomes, because they have had their questions and concerns quickly answered.” Home health providers are now being measured on quality scores like hospital readmission rates and patient satisfaction. According to Powell, “innovative home health agencies like VNSW realize the importance of identifying ways to stay better engaged with patients between faceto-face home visits, leading to better quality measures in these areas.”

CipherHealth’s technology platform also provides a customized online management and reporting portal that enables VNSW to track,

About VNS Westchester Founded in 1901, VNS Westchester is the largest and only independent not-for-profit, Medicare-certified home health care agency in Westchester, also serving the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties.

The agency’s core services include Skilled Nursing with Case Management; Rehabilitation Therapies (Physical, Speech and Occupational); Medical Social Work and Home Health Aide services to promote and support the health and sustain the independence of residents of Westchester and adjoining communities. Core services are supplemented by a wide array of Specialty Programs including, Advanced Wound and Ostomy Care; Pain Management & Palliative Care; Dysphagia Rehabilitation; Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Rehabilitation; Mental Health Home Care; Telehealth remote patient monitoring; and Tobacco Cessation programs. VNSW also offers community health education programs focusing on healthy living and disease prevention. The agency has consistently received accreditation by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), a prestigious national accrediting authority.

About CipherHealth Since 2009, CipherHealth has been innovating and delivering products to help care providers effectively and efficiently provide quality of care for their patients. By harnessing technology to improve patient outcomes and experiences, CipherHealth and its suite of products focus on the evolution of patient care.

CipherHealth is based in New York City and was named “Best Place to Work in Healthcare”

by Modern Healthcare (2016).

ATTORNEYS AT LAW Many Years of Experience Protecting the Legal Interests of the Elderly & Special Needs Populations

Advising Families about:

• • • • • • • • •

Medicaid Asset Protection Planning Estate Planning & Administration Special Needs Home Care Long Term Care Health Care Proxies Powers of Attorney Guardianships

See more information on page 14

Client Testimonials

I reached out to you during the most stressful time of life for both my loved ones and myself - horror had occurred to my dear loving mother.

My mom had fractured her hip and due to her frail health and advanced age required risky hip replacement surgery. Many issues legal and otherwise arose which I could not personally resolve. You not only resolved each and every one, but you continue to do so now, over 4 years later.

You always display extreme sincerity, compassion and friendship, using your vast experience and confidence in your ability, to continually bring satisfaction, positive results and a tremendous sense of relief and comfort to my loved ones and myself.

You have gone out of your way to visit Mom on multiple occasions in her Nursing house and we love you for it. As an attorney, friend, and a great man, I could not possibly hope to know anyone more phenomenal. The three greatest men I have ever known are my dear departed father, my dear departed father-in-law and Ely Rosenzveig.

Westchester Financial Center 50 Main Street, Suite #1000 White Plains, NY 10606

– Jeff D.

I hired Ely to assist with my parents estate planning and it was a wise decision. He is a true expert in navigating through complex elder care law and procedures. His guidance was invaluable and his communication excellent. I would strongly recommend his services.

Email: Info@ejrosenlaw.com

Tel: (914) 816-2900 www.ejrosenlaw.com ELDER LAW

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December, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Advertiser’s Index

Our View

ArchCare..................................................................................................15

The holidays are almost here, which means family dinners, parties and gifts.

What a wonderful time for us to come together and enjoy this magical season.

Boomers & Beyond would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday season!

The Holiday season, festive and warm, provides us an opportunity to be grateful for all that we have. While we are at it, we would like to wish you a Happy New Year!

Have a happy and healthy 2017.

The Boomers & Beyond staff looks forward to providing readers with more insightful issues in 2017. You can depend on us every month to get diverse stories and information about healthcare that matters to you. Boomers & Beyond continues to grow in our two markets, Westchester County, NY., and Fairfield County, CT., and we would like to thank you for your support.

We are humbled to be a part of your lives and wish you the best holiday season!

Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Brightview Tarrytown...............................................................................17 ColumbiaDoctors..................................................................................23 Community Home Health Care................................................................3 Connect Hearing...................................................................................11 Eastern Planning, Inc..............................................................................10 Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, PC...................................................5,14 Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation....................................8 Health Alert Hotline...........................................................................20 Neighbors Home Care Services................................................................16 Olga Berde Mahl, P.C..........................................................................19 Star One Home Care & Medical Staffing...............................................21 Victoria Home.......................................................................................12 VNA of Hudson Valley...........................................................................24 VNS Westchester........................................................................................2 The Wartburg........................................................................................7

Waveny Lifecare Network..................................................................................9

Boomers

Westchester Audiology.........................................................................13 Westchester County

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com

PUBLISHER Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER James Stankiewicz (Jim@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• MARKETING DIRECTOR Gregory W. Buff (Greg@belsito.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR Cathryn Burak (Cathy@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net) ••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE Anthony Mairo (Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• CIRCULATION Michelle Belsito (Michelle@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Dale McKnight

& Beyond

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Westchester, New York edition - Vol. 9 No. 12- is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error.

Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

Next Month Rehabilitation Taking the first step to recovery Best options when a parent needs to move to a place of care Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Adult Communities Hearing Best options from Audiologists Glaucoma Awareness Month More than 2.7 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from glaucoma

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

December, 2016

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Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Waveny’s Adult Day Program celebrates Oktoberfest PAGE 8

December, 2016

photos provided

Oom-pah-pah, Oom-pah-pah! Waveny LifeCare Network’s Adult Day Program celebrated Oktoberfest on October 19th with a fun-filled day of German tradition. Participants learned about the history of beer and steins, enjoyed live accordion music, sampled an array of tasty German food and even took a virtual tour of Germany. Staff and friends dressed in traditional German dirndl and lederhosen to celebrate the occasion and spread cheer with song, polka and dancing. For more information on Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which is available weekdays and provides free local door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org.

5-STAR Government Rated Four Consecutive Years

★★★★★ Skilled Nursing Care on Beautiful Long Island Sound • Short Term Rehabilitation • Subacute Care • Long Term Care • Alzheimer/Dementia Care • Respite Services

We invite you to join us for lunch and take a tour of our facility

490 Pelham Road • New Rochelle, NY, 10805 www.gicnr.com • email: info@gicnr.com

(914) 636-2800

Montefiore and the Hebrew Home at Riverdale bring cutting edge geriatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation to sub-acute care

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December, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Montefiore physician staffed floor at Hebrew Home to care for patients, create optimal care transitions and improve patient outcomes

Montefiore Health System and the Hebrew Home at Riverdale are proud to announce a unique partnership to improve care for patients requiring sub-acute rehabilitation at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale.

Montefiore physicians will provide Geriatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation care, with oversight from the medical director of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, in a state-of-the-art 45-bed wing overlooking the majestic Hudson River.

This clinical collaboration establishes a new, innovative model of rehabilitation care in which a Montefiore geriatrician and physiatrist will work collaboratively on care decisions after a patient is discharged from the hospital in order to improve patient outcomes and provide optimal care in an outpatient setting.

“At a time of great change in healthcare, we are delighted to build on our clinical collaborations with the Hebrew Home to enhance care for patients in environments outside of the hospital,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., President and CEO, Montefiore Medicine. “Together our goal is to increase the number of customized programs, building on Montefiore and Einstein’s advanced care and knowledge. This will enhance patient well-being and put them on a road to optimal rehabilitation, once they exit hospital doors.”

Sub-acute rehabilitation care provided in skilled nursing facilities offers in-depth medical care combined with rehabilitation services so patients who are well enough to be discharged from the hospital, but not yet fully able to care for themselves, are paired with trained providers who deliver compassionate, expert care to help residents achieve their highest potential.

The sub-acute floor at the Hebrew Home, staffed by Montefiore physicians, opened on October 1, and will accept referrals from all acute hospitals, as appropriate.

“Today is an exciting and historical day for the Hebrew Home at Riverdale and Montefiore Health System,” said Daniel Reingold, President and CEO of RiverSpring Health, the parent organization of the Hebrew Home. “This collaboration represents the next generation of care, building upon a more than fifty year relationship between our organizations.

The outstanding clinical care of Montefiore physicians, coupled with the compassionate and responsive Hebrew Home care team, all under one roof, is a winning combination for today’s rehabilitation patients.”

For more information please visit www.montefiore.org.

provided

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Hearing Loss

By Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA President & CEO, RVNA

It is frustrating not to be able to hear well enough to enjoy social interactions with family and friends. Hearing disorders make it challenging, and deafness prevents you from hearing at all.

Hearing loss can result from a number of different causes: heredity, diseases such as ear infections and meningitis, trauma, certain medications, longterm noise exposure and aging. There are two main types of hearing loss, permanent loss when

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December, 2016

your inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged, and temporary loss when sound waves can’t reach your inner ear due to wax build-up, fluid or a punctured eardrum. These latter types of hearing loss can often be reversed, but if untreated, hearing problems can get worse. Treatments to help with hearing loss include hearing aids, cochlear implants, special training, certain medications and surgery.

Research finds that hearing loss among elderly Americans is widespread, especially for those above 90 years old. Based on a study of people age 80 and

older, hearing loss is nearly universal and accelerates with age, and hearing aids are greatly underused despite their potential benefit. Only 59% of the study participants used them. Hearing loss is associated with a number of deleterious psychosocial, functional and cognitive effects and is a major public health concern, especially as the over 80 population is doubles in the next 40 years. Experts agree that hearing loss can be easily treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants, and some doctors suggest that hearing tests should be incorporated into routine patient care. Another small study has found that hearing problems may not just be in your ear but also in your brain and that the brain’s ability to process speech declines with age. Two study groups, one in their 20’s and another in their 60’s, were given speech comprehension tests and underwent brain scans. In both quiet and noisy settings, the older group had more trouble tracking and understanding speech. These hearing deficits were also evident in the brain scans. The findings suggest that age-related hearing problems may be due to an inability of the brain to correctly interpret sound signals as well as the inability to understand speech at certain volumes.

Founded in 1914, RVNA is an accredited non-profit Medicare-certified home healthcare agency that also supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life. RVNA provides compassionate care to all individuals, whether young or old, through a continuum of care that encompasses health care at home and in the community. RVNA also provides home health aides and companionship through a nonmedical subsidiary called HomeCare by RVNA.

There’s a lot of noise out there regarding g hearing aids and figuring out where to start can be a real challenge. At Connect Hearing, we promise to make it easier by p oviding the highest level of care and expertise to make sure your hearing aids pr ds a e right fo ar or you. Because the right hearring aids will change your life, and that’s a advice worth listening to.

Befo ore you get the wrong advice about hearing g aids, come see us first!

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Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease: What’s Normal, What’s Not PAGE 12

December, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month—and this neurodegenerative disorder is the most common and feared neurodegenerative disorder among the aging population. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects approximately 15 million people throughout the world. An estimated 5.4 million individuals in the United States have AD, and by 2050 the prevalence is projected to be 13.2 million. Since the risk increases dramatically with age, an increase in longevity means that more people will be at risk of AD. In most cases, the initial symptoms are forgetfulness and personality changes. But memory dysfunctions are not always related to Alzheimer’s disease. Although memory may deteriorate in some areas as we age, most people continue to live a normal life. Here’s what to know about what’s normal and what’s not as it relates to AD: Normal forgetfulness in late adulthood: • Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon—failure to retrieve a word from memory, combined with partial recall; the feeling that retrieval is imminent, and sense of relief when the word is found.

• Effortful recall—the person is aware of difficulty, and is usually ultimately successful (after a delay) • Speed of processing steadily slows and affects all cognitive domains • In terms of vocabulary, performance on reading irregular words (part of the National Adult Reading Test) is preserved. (This happens even in early stages of dementia.)

Risk factors for AD: • Primary risk factors: o Advanced age: after age 65, prevalence almost doubles every 5 years o Family history of dementia o Genetic factors • Modifiable risk factors: o Cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity and atherosclerosis o Educational level: people with fewer years of education have a greater risk of AD • Other possible risk factors: o Depression o Micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin B12 or folate) o Head injury Early Warning Signs of AD: • Memory loss affecting job performance • Difficulty performing familiar tasks • Language difficulties • Disorientation to time and place • Poor judgment • Misplacing things • Mood or behavior changes • Personality changes • Loss of initiative As with other types of dementia, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is clinical. This includes a detailed history, physical and neurological exam, evaluation of functional abilities (ADLs), screening for depression, mental status testing and/or a neuropsychological assessment, laboratory testing, and head CT or brain MRI studies to rule out other brain or systemic disorders causing the symptoms.

This process, which can be done through programs such as Burke Rehabilitation Hospital’s Memory Evaluation and Treatment Service (METS), allows doctors to make an accurate diagnosis.

Once a clear diagnosis is made, a family conference—an important part of the process that is stressed in the METS program—can be arranged to discuss the natural course of the disease, implications and treatment with the patient and family members.

While there is no medical intervention that can stop the disease progression at this time, there are therapies that can help keep memory functioning longer.

For more information about the Memory Evaluation and Treatment Service at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, visit www.burke.org/mets. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, call (914) 597-2405.

By Pasquale Fonzetti, M.D., Ph.D. Director of the Memory Evaluation and Treatment Service (METS) Burke Rehabilitation Hospital

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Anthony Macera, M.A. CCC-A, FAAA

NY State Licensed and Certified Audiologist & Hearing Aid Dispenser

Do you ever have difficulty understanding speech at restaurants or family gatherings? Do you feel that people are mumbling all the time? Are you constantly turning up the volume on your television? Are telephone conversations sometimes difficult to understand?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is possible that you may have some degree of hearing loss. When people experience hearing loss, they often struggle to hear and understand speech. This can cause a lot of stress and have a negative effect on a person’s quality of life. When a person has difficulty communicating, it can cause them to avoid social situations and become more isolated. Over the past 15 years, Westchester Audiology and Hearing Aid Specialist, P.C. has been helping people communicate

December, 2016

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better by providing the highest level of healthcare to their patients. Our New York State licensed and certified audiologist will customize a healthcare solution for your specific hearing and lifestyle needs.

Our digital hearing devices cover the entire spectrum of hearing impairments, and will help you hear and communicate better with those around you. Most of our devices come with the industry-leading Secure 4-Year Warranty. We are also one of the only area providers of Lyric, the first and only 100% invisible, extended wear hearing aid (worn up to two months!)

It’s time to take action, and address your hearing needs. Call us at 914-253-9160 to schedule your complimentary hearing consultation and begin your journey to better hearing!

ATTORNEYS AT LAW Many Years of Experience Protecting the Legal Interests of the Elderly & Special Needs Populations

Why should I spend money hiring attorneys to do asset protection planning for me and my loved ones?

Currently, the monthly cost for nursing home care in New York ranges between $10,000-$15,000, and properly certified home health attendants (nurse aides) can cost as much or more for round- the-clock home care. Statistically, it is likely that most people will need either or both of these care options as they grow older. It is critical that you plan appropriately to best minimize the strain that elder care costs may have on your estate, and to help put you in the best position possible to qualify for benefits that are largely covered by the government, under Medicare or Medicaid.

Our firm has attorneys with extensive experience in developing tax-effective action plans for our clients that help protect their assets from government imposition.

We have also been very successful in negotiating the complex bureaucratic minefield in which Medicaid is now mired. We have achieved remarkable results for our clients on a host of Medicaid related issues, from obtaining Medicaid approvals for coverage of home care and institutional care benefits, to very accommodative resolutions of Medicaid spousal recovery claims, where the office of Medicaid aggressively pursues the non-institutionalized (i.e., or “community”) spouse for Medicaid benefits provided.

Why should I have a lawyer prepare my will?

If you die without a Will, the law, not you, determines how your assets are divided and to whom they are given. A poorly drafted Will may result in a sizeable chunk of your assets not ending up where you want them to go. We are an experienced law firm that can expertly craft your will to address your long-term care, tax, estate planning, and asset protection planning issues. It is in your best interest that planning be done properly so as to minimize the tax burden on your estate.

Our experience and skill in the fields of Trusts, Wills, and Estates enables our firm to uniquely tailor estate planning to your individual needs. We will review your entire estate and draft a personalized plan that will best direct the disposition of your assets after death, whether through your Will, or by means of testamentary substitutes (trusts, joint-asset ownership with right of survivorship, or by beneficiary designation in life insurance policies, annuities, or individual retirement accounts).

My father is having difficulty caring for himself. I am afraid he will no longer be able to live on his own. I am worried about finding the money to pay for his care, whether he stays at home or moves to an assisted living facility or nursing home. What do I do?

Westchester Financial Center 50 Main Street, Suite #1000 White Plains, NY 10606 Email: Info@ejrosenlaw.com

Tel: (914) 816-2900 www.ejrosenlaw.com ELDER LAW

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Your concerns are certainly daunting, and heart-rending. Our firm offers you a caring hand, an open ear, and uncompromising professional competence, and commitment. We will help find for you solutions that best suit your needs, using the latest tax, trust, and other asset protection strategies available under the law.

The law firm of Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, P.C. practices in all aspects of elder law, including trust and estate planning, administration, and litigation, tax counsel, asset protection and special needs planning, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security disability benefits, guardianships, long term care planning, spousal recovery claims, and Medicaid lien resolutions.

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Attorney advertising • Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome

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Coloring books for adults offer creative stress relief: AARP and HCI introduce new book In the Inkspirations series December, 2016

PAGE 15

From HCI, the original publishers of Chicken Soup for the Soul, now comes a line of coloring books ready to encourage, inspire, and help worries fade. With the newest, Inkspirations Create While You Wait, HCI and AARP are working together to help grown-ups destress with coloring.

With moving quotes alongside unique and graceful images, Inkspirations coloring books include a wide array of themes to help express creativity and enjoy therapy through coloring. To start overcoming heartache, releasing tensions, and building positive energy, readers can visit the new Inkspirations website, www.Inkspirations.com.

The website is a reader's portal to a more colorful world, giving a peek at the wide spread of unique pages Inkspirations has to offer, and some highly anticipated releases.

New from HCI and AARP! Create beautiful art wherever you are with this portable coloring book. Next time you're waiting—at the doctor's office, in the airport, or on the bus—stop stressing and start creating! In today's busy world, finding peace can be a challenge. Now, with this unique, compact coloring book, you can use those idle moments to foster your creativity and enjoy a sense of calm. Perfectly sized to fit into a purse, pack, or pocket, Create While You Wait will help you color your day brighter wherever you go.

A special binding lets you lay the book flat, and the unique horizontal layout is perfect whether you're left- or right-handed. So grab your colored pencils, crayons, markers or pen—and find your inner Zen. (More at www.aarp.org/coloringbooks)

Dominican Sisters Family Health Service is now ArchCare at Home

New Name, Same Exceptional Care

Nursing Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies Pediatric Care Social Work Services Maternal/Child Services Palliative and Pastoral Care Care Transitions Home Health Aides through our licensed affiliate, Family Home Health Care

For information and referrals call:

(888) 355-0793

Serving the Hudson Valley, New York City & Long Island Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial Insurance

As a part of ArchCare, the healthcare system of the Archdiocese of New York, our patients now have access to a continuum of care available to meet their changing healthcare needs in a variety of settings.

Older Driver Safety Week December 5-9 PAGE 16

December, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

The dates, locations and contacts for the programs are:

Monday, Dec. 5 Joseph Caputo Community Center, 95 Broadway, Ossining 11 a.m. – noon Kathy Asaro, director, (914) 762-1350

Tuesday, Dec. 6 Peekskill Senior Center, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill 11 a.m. – noon Terry Dean, community outreach, (914) 734-4250 ext. 5

Wednesday, Dec. 7 Town of Mamaroneck Senior Center, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

Maria Gallagher, director, (914) 381-7819 or 914-834-8840 Thursday, Dec. 8 Macedonia Towers, 150 South Fifth Ave., Mt. Vernon 11 a.m. - noon Ronnie Cox, director, (914) 699-0296

County Executive Robert P. Astorino has announced that a series of five “Keys to Safe Driving” programs will take place throughout Westchester during Older Driver Safety Week from Dec. 59, 2016.

“Older drivers should do whatever they can to protect themselves and other motorists on the roads,” Astorino said. “I encourage all seniors and their families to take part in this important program.”

The programs are presented by the Department of Senior Programs and Services' Older Driver Coalition and will offer tools, tips and techniques that older drivers can use to be on the road as safely as possible for as long as possible.

The programs will also explore when it is time to stop driving and what alternative transportation services are available when seniors decide to relinquish their keys.

Lawrence Cunningham from Westchester County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation will be at each session to help seniors sign up for the MTA Reduced Fare MetroCard.

Each session will cover similar material, so find the location that’s nearest you. Registration is suggested but walk-ins are welcome.

For more information about the Older Driver Coalition and the help it offers year-round to seniors and

their families, contact Beverly Carter at bdc1@westchestergov.com or by phone at (914) 813-6188.

Source: www3.westchestergov.com

Friday, Dec. 9 Yorktown Senior Center, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown 11 a.m. – noon Noreen O’Driscall, director, (914) 962-7447

Caregivers are licensed & bonded • Home Health Aides • Personal Care Aides • 24 hour Live-In Aides • RNs & LPNs Compassionate, comprehensive & customized services • Medication Management • Escort to and from Appointments • Bathing Services • Companions/Sitters • Grocery Shopping/Errands 24 Hour Emergency On-Call Service Private pay, Medicaid & Most Long Term Care insurance accepted

Serving Westchester County since 1983

914-949-3112 148 Hamilton Ave., White Plains, NY 10601 www.neighborshomecareservices.com

A Program of

December, 2016

Patient Blood Management saves lives, blood, and money

Patient blood management (PBM) is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to optimizing the care of patients who might need transfusion.

PBM encompasses all aspects of patient evaluation and clinical management surrounding the transfusion decision-making process, including the appli-

cation of appropriate indications, as well as minimization of blood loss and optimization of patient red cell mass. PBM can reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusions and reduce health-care costs, while ensuring that blood components are available for the patients who need them.

PAGE 17

The ultimate goal of patient blood management (PBM) is to reduce patient harm from overexposure to blood products. Blood transfusion is the most common procedure patients receive while in the hospital. Although blood transfusion therapy can be life-saving, careful consideration must be given to the associated dangers. The more transfusions patients receive, the greater the risk of complications including hospital-acquired anemia, infection, organ damage and even death.

Over the past 15 years, many clinical studies have determined that the risks often outweigh the benefits.

Effective blood management programs ensure each and every transfusion is necessary, appropriate, safe and the most efficient use of the many resources involved in the complex process of blood component therapy. These resources extend well beyond blood products to include nursing time, technologist time, medical supplies, medical devices, laboratory tests, pharmaceuticals, hospital beds and healthcare dollars.

As a leading organization in the education of health-care professionals about blood management and utilization review, AABB offers resources that address the various aspects of PBM, helping members achieve their goals of optimizing patient outcomes, preventing unnecessary blood usage and auditing physician compliance with established criteria for transfusion.

Source: www.aabb.org/ www.mediware.com

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Golden Harvest Dance and Talent Show at the County Center PAGE 18

December, 2016

Senior citizens showcased their talents and dance the afternoon away at the annual Golden Harvest Dance and Talent Show on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

Local seniors age 60 and older with a special talent shared it at the talent show, which kicked off the day at 11 a.m. Singers, dancers, instrumentalists, group performers, magicians and seniors with unusual acts were welcome.

From 12:30 to 3 p.m., seniors danced to the sounds of Stolen Moments Entertainment. Stolen Moments Entertainment performed all the music the seniors want to hear including Oldies, Big Band, Latin, Salsa and among others. The event also included group and line dances, ballroom dancing and dance instructions for the Salsa and Merengue.

The dance was sponsored by Westchester County’s departments of Senior Programs and Services, Parks and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.

photos by Anthony Mairo

Protecting seniors and family assets – with expertise and compassion Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

December, 2016

PAGE 19

By Dale McKnight, Healthcare Correspondent

Elder-care planning can be complicated, timeconsuming and emotional for everyone involved.

No matter whether a family is dealing with medical or housing issues for a senior, or tackling the details of setting up a financial trust or other estate planning, it’s vital to work with a professional who is well-versed in the intricacies of elder law and offers personalized service to create a long-term elder-care plan that’s best for you or your loved one.

“One of the key factors is asset protection, and it’s not a simple topic,” says attorney Olga Berde Mahl, managing partner of Olga Berde Mahl & Associates in New Rochelle.

“For instance, many families have heard that assisted-living facilities may require a five-year look-back period regarding a person’s assets,” she says.

“But they may not know that an asset protection plan can be created that avoids the need of placing a senior in a nursing home and dissipating family assets, with only a 30-day financial lookback period.”

Wisely structured asset protection can help assure that a senior remains living safely at home, while receiving top-notch care.

It may also permit them to keep as much of their hard-earned money and property as possible, with some, or most, of their care costs paid for by the government.

Olga Berde Mahl & Associates offers supportive elder-care planning advice that’s coupled with extensive, hands-on experience.

Their services range from wills, health-care directives and powers of attorney to advance or emergency planning, trusts, and Medicare or Medicaid issues.

“We also work with families in real estate matters and business-law issues, such as how having a family-owned business might affect your estate plan,” she says.

Their legal team includes a knowledgeable lawyer, a licensed clinical social worker to assist in Medicaid filing/approval matters and homecare benefits assessments, plus an experienced, compassionate staff to serve clients.

“It’s important to put the necessary elder-planning steps in motion as early as possible to avoid possible complications in the future,” Berde Mahl says.

“Ideally, it should be considered before problems become too extensive. So don’t put it off - time is definitely of the essence when it comes to elder-care and estate planning.”

Olga Berde & Associates is located at 271 North Avenue, Suite 917, in New Rochelle, with a satellite office in New York City.

They also work with clients in other areas of Westchester, as well as Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Nassau counties; the firm also serves families in other parts of the U.S. and internationally.

For more information about their extensive elder-law, real estate, business and other legal services, contact Olga Berde Mahl & Associates at 914-336-2080.

They can also be reached by email at obmahl@nymoney1.com. Their website is obm-law.com.

Seeking to Protect your Senior Loved Ones?

• • • •

How do you keep your loved ones safe at home?

How do you protect your loved ones assets?

How do you choose the best caregivers for your loved ones?

How do you get financial aid for elder care?

Olga Berde Mahl, P.C. 271 North Avenue, Suite 917 New Rochelle, New York 10801

Call for a FREE professional consultation in office or the convenience of your home!

Office: 914-336-2080 Mobile: 917-723-6097 Email: obmahl@nymoney1.com Website: www.obm-law.com

PAGE 20

December, 2016

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Good news for people who suffer with pain.

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Recently, significant changes were made to Medicare and insurance coverage that may directly benefit you, especially if you’re suffering from chronic pain. These changes may now allow you to receive safe, yet very powerful, pain treatment items covered by Medicare and your insurance.

Call and speak with a pain specialist on behalf of an accredited supplier, today.

The call is free with no obligation and thousands of customers have been sent these proven pain relief systems that may now be available to you. If you qualify, you could receive these pain relief systems at little or no cost* and your pain treatment product(s) will be immediately shipped for free.** Call now and speak with a pain specialist: HEALTH ALERT HOTLINE

800-723-0785 *Depending on insurance coverages **This is related to common carrier not the overall service

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Six ways to make the Holidays special for Home Care clients December, 2016

PAGE 21

The holidays are upon us, and as the saying goes, “Tis the season to be jolly.” Unfortunately for many seniors, that sentiment isn't always true. While the holidays bring joy to many older adults, they can also be a time of loneliness and depression for others.

Luckily as home care providers, who have frequent contact with seniors, you have the unique opportunity to make the season a little more merry and bright for your clients. These six ideas for you and your caregivers are simple ways to fill your clients' holiday with a little more cheer.

1. Decorations Holiday decorations can help a home feel warm and festive. They can also help seniors to recall happy memories from years past and provide them with an opportunity to share those experiences. Decorating is a very social and active event, and it can become a fun occasion for seniors to chat and move around their home transforming it into a bright new space.

2. Visits and Calls Contact with family and friends can transform a lonely holiday into a joyful one. Work with family members to coordinate a visit, or prepare the house to welcome those who are planning on coming. If family and friends live too far away for a visit, it's a great idea to set up a call or Skype visit with one or more of them.

3. Social Events While your agency may not frequently hold events or activities for clients, you may want to make an exception for the holidays, by holding a small social with cocoa or cookies for your clients. It can act both as a thank you and as an opportunity for clients to meet with other local seniors in similar situations. If you don't want to plan an event yourself, you may consider researching local events for seniors and encourage your caregivers to take their clients out to attend and enjoy themselves.

4. Cooking a Holiday Dish Food and the holidays go hand in hand, and the method and activity involved in cooking can help seniors to interact more with their caregivers and to get up and moving. Ask clients about their favorite holiday dishes or treats and help them to make and share it. It may be as simple as a cup of tea or cocoa, but regardless of the simplicity, cooking is a great way to connect more with clients and help them to enjoy the holiday.

5. Small Gifts & Holiday Cards Whether it's a small treat, a flower, or a simple holiday card, a gift can serve as a physical token of your appreciation. Sending a gift or a sincere note not only shows your clients that you value them, but it can also boost the spirits of seniors who may not receive many other gifts this year.

6. Maintain Traditions To the degree that your caregivers are comfortable with it, help your clients to maintain their holiday traditions.

That may mean playing holiday music around the house, setting up a tree, or attending a place of worship.

Perhaps the caregiver could help the client to write and send Christmas cards or to wrap gifts for family members. Assisting with these activities is a great way to help seniors to hold on to bond with their caregivers and to keep their special traditions alive.

Transforming healthcare with in home care services that put clients and their families first.

Star One provides outstanding, person-focused quality home care services. Our highly skilled caregivers offer clients in-home support for well-being, personal care, home care, housekeeping, social connection, health treatments, rehabilitation, assisted daily living, nursing and allied health services and transport.

These services are available for Short term or Live-in Care, including recovering from surgery or injury.

Life is an incredible journey and we are proud to offer support every step of the way

Whether you require a Hourly Support each week or full-time Live-In Care, contact us today for a free consultation and discover why Star One Home care is a superior alternative home care provider.

Westchester 914-362-0899 New York City 212-874-2826 Connecticut 203-914-9668 New York 718-733-2222

www.staronehomecare.com info@staronehomecare.com

Donors honored for loyal support of Waveny LifeCare Network PAGE 22

December, 2016

With close to 200 guests in attendance, Waveny LifeCare Network thanked its many contributors at its annual Donor Recognition reception on Thursday, October 20. Dede and Jim Bartlett, Carole Clarkson and Tripp Killin of the Jeniam Foundation, and Legacy Society inductees Emily and Tom Nissley were honored for their long-time support, involvement and commitment to Waveny and its mission.

“In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, countless contributions to the community and valued support of Waveny, it is our honor to recognize our dear friends Dede and Jim Bartlett,” said Todd Lampert, Waveny’s Board Chair. As key Waveny advocates for decades, the Bartletts have supported Waveny’s most critical projects and campaigns, both as contributors and influencers. They have been long-time sponsors and participants in “Swinging for Seniors,” Waveny’s annual Golf & Tennis fundraiser, and have provided numerous grants earmarked to back humanitarian efforts at Waveny like its Adult Day Program assistance fund.

“Outside of Waveny, the Bartletts’ history and contributions are equally as significant,” said Lampert. “Their world of service has made countless positive impacts on our community and beyond.”

Andrew Clarkson and the Jeniam Foundation were also specially honored. For decades, Andrew was a trusted advisor and the driving force behind Waveny’s Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, one of the few geriatric assessment clinics in the state of Connecticut in a non-hospital setting.

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Andrew’s interest in the “practical” underpinned the success of countless operational projects at Waveny, especially those involving technology. Programs supported by the Jeniam Foundation included a digital Care Tracking system which laid the foundation for Waveny’s next step into paperless records through Electronic Medical Records. Jeniam generously provided additional grant monies to cover staff training associated with this transition. Before WiFi was commonplace, the Foundation funded a wireless

Waveny LifeCare Network thanked its many contributors for their steadfast support and commitment at its annual Donor Recognition reception. Close to 200 guests attended, including special honorees Jim and Dede Bartlett, Carole Clarkson and Tripp Killin of the Jeniam Foundation, and Legacy Society inductees Emily and Tom Nissley. (pictured).

photos provided

access network throughout Waveny’s entire main campus to equip the organization with this important resource proactively and far ahead of its time.

“Andrew will be forever remembered for the thousands of lives he touched, the countless organizations he helped, the community he loved, and his life’s motto of ‘Learn, Earn and Return,’” said Joanne Boyer, Waveny’s Director of Development. “Anyone fortunate enough to have met him is better off for having done so.”

Emily and Tom Nissley were recognized as Waveny’s newest Legacy Society inductees, and thanked for their thoughtfulness in naming Waveny as the recipient of a very generous gift in their estate plans. The Nissleys have been long-time supporters of the organization’s key fundraising efforts throughout the years, in addition to funding grants that have bolstered Waveny’s entertainment and communications systems.

Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a non-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home and Geriatric Care Management. For information call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

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