Westchester County Boomers & Beyond January 2017 ebook

Boomers Westchester County

January 2017

d n o y e B &

Legal advice for Medicaid & Asset-Protection planning.

Call (914) 816-2900 today!

See page 14

Try New Rechargeable Hearing Aid at Connect Hearing p11 Personalized Stroke Rehabilitation at Burke Rehabilitation p13 Protect your Senior Loved ones at Olga Berde Mahl Law p19

Star One Home Care and Medical StaďŹƒng Full-service Agency p21

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January, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

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

• • • e • • • •

r

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

r

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:

January, 2017

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.

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Wartburg hosts informative Alzheimer’s disease panel in conjunction with their 150th Anniversary of caring for our community PAGE 4

January, 2017

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: An Integrative Perspective Seminar Hosted at Wartburg

Wartburg hosted an interactive seminar “Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: An Integrative Perspective” on November 1, 2016 highlighting challenges with living with, and caring for those living with, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The event was held in the Gatz Conference Center located on Wartburg’s beautiful 34-acre historic campus in Mount Vernon, NY. The seminar was presented by Wartburg; in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Burke Medical Research Institute, Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (CenterLight Health System) and Pace University. Over 65 individuals were in attendance, including health care professionals, community members, religious leaders, caregivers, residents, board members and staff.

“As underscored by the participants in this seminar, supporting families and letting them know they are not alone is a gift, especially for the professionals who are dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research and caregiving,” said David J. Gentner, Wartburg President and CEO, who delivered the opening remarks. “Wartburg is humbled to partner with these outstanding institutions and individuals in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in presenting this information. I’d like to thank the individuals who shared their areas of expertise with our attendees so we may continue assisting individuals with the challenges of living with memory impairment as well as provide the support their caregivers need.”

Angela Ciminello, Wartburg Vice President of Development and Marketing at Wartburg and moderator of the event said, “Wartburg was proud to host another free educational event on this topic. With half of those 65 or older experiencing memory impairment, it is more important than ever to provide information and resources to our community so they can get the help they need, when they need it. I am especially thank-

provided

Left to right: David J. Gentner, President and CEO, Wartburg Mark Adelman, BS, MLS (ASCP), DLM (ASCP) Integrative Health Consultant Patricia Gaston, LMSW Alzheimer’s Association Ann Frey, BA Wartburg Linda Carozza, PhD, CCC-SLP Pace University Concetta Tomaino, DA, MT-BC, LCAT Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (CenterLight Health System) Geraldine Sanders-Joyner, MSW, ACSW, LCSW-R, CCM Wartburg Angela Ciminello, Vice President, Development & Marketing, Wartburg Gary Gibson, PhD Burke Medical Research Institute

ful to the dynamic panelists who work tirelessly each day on behalf of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

Ms. Ciminello led the panel discussion featuring seven well known experts, including Mark Adelman, BS, MLS (ASCP), DLM (ASCP), Integrative Health Consultant; Linda Carozza, PhD, CCC-SLP, Pace University; Ann Frey, BA, Wartburg; Patricia Gaston, LMSW, Alzheimer’s Association; Gary Gibson, PhD, Burke Medical Research Institute; Geraldine Sanders-Joyner, MSW, ACSW, LCSW-R, CCM, Wartburg and Concetta Tomaino, DA, MT-BC, LCAT, Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (CenterLight Health System.)

The panel explored several pertinent topics, including identifying the early warning signs and the special challenges faced by caregivers in providing care for those with earlystage, middle-stage and late-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Mr. Adelman highlighted prevention via a natural lifestyle approach including homeopathic remedies, physical exercise and diet. Dr. Gibson, a researcher at Burke Medical

Research Institute, discussed current research for this currently uncurable disease and clinical studies. Dr. Gibson and Ms. Gaston recommendation individuals and caregivers explore trial match resources currently available. Ms. Gaston, a care consultant with the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, ended the discussion with an overview of community resources available for anyone touched by the disease.

“It is critically important to get the word out to local communities as to what Alzheimer’s is and how organizations can support families and people with the disease,” said Ms. Gaston, a care consultant with the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “This timely panel, presented during National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregiver Month, advanced the discussion and provided a valuable source of information for anyone touched by this disease.”

Ms. Frey, who help start Wartburg’s award-winning, internationally recognized Council for Creative Aging and Lifelong Learning, spoke of the benefits of engaging individ-

uals with Alzheimer’s creatively through arts and music, specifically the benefits experienced by Warburg residents, some of whom have cognitive impairments.

And Ms. Tomaino, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (CenterLight Health System), communicated the opportunities music therapy can offer individuals living with memory impairment, including self-expression, a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.

“It is so important that caregivers have resources available on how to interact with their loved ones, manage the effects of dementia and provide a good quality of life,” said Ms. Tomaino,. “Within music therapy specifically, we use music to enhance memory function, enhance physical activity, and enhance motivation.

Music therapy even decreases depression and so many other issues caregivers face when taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

Wartburg invites everyone to view the seminar currently on Wartburg’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thewartburg.

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

•

TRUSTS & ESTATES

– Tom C.

Attorney advertising • Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome

•

EMPLOYMENT LAW

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PAGE 6

January, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Advertiser’s Index Brightview Tarrytown...............................................................................20 Burke Rehabilitation Hospital..................................................................13 ColumbiaDoctors..................................................................................23 Community Home Health Care................................................................3 Connect Hearing...................................................................................11 Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, PC...................................................5,14 Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation..................................15 Neighbors Home Care Services................................................................17 Olga Berde Mahl, P.C..........................................................................19 Star One Home Care & Medical Staffing...............................................21 Victoria Home.......................................................................................18 VNA of Hudson Valley...........................................................................24 VNS Westchester........................................................................................2 The Wartburg........................................................................................7

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

Boomers

Westchester Audiology.........................................................................10

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

Westchester County

& Beyond

Our View It’s hard to believe that 2017 is here already!

Our staff at Boomers & Beyond would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year.

We look forward to presenting another year’s worth of interesting, informative articles.

We hope they’ll help make it easier to navigate the many health-oriented aspects of growing older with grace, knowledge and empowerment.

Our goal in 2017 is to serve you, the readers, by offering the next 12 issues on topics that run the gamut from care options for aging loved ones to tips for staying physically and mentally sharp.

We are also grateful to be able to interact with the many wonderful individuals and health-related businesses that you read about in our pages.

They reflect the fact that our region is a great place to live, where we’re fortunate to have access to the best in health care, from infancy all the way up to our golden years.

We’re always glad to receive your comments and suggestions.

Get in touch at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@belsito.com)

••• GENERAL MANAGER

James Stankiewicz

(Jim@healthcarenewsmagazine.com)

••• MARKETING DIRECTOR

Gregory W. Buff (Greg@belsito.com)

••• MANAGING EDITOR

Cathryn Burak

(Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com)

••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT

Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net)

••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Anthony Mairo

(Anthony@healthcarenewsmagazine.com)

••• SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST

Rob Stankiewicz

Next Month “Go Red for Women”

American Heart Month Saving women’s lives and beating Heart Disease

(Rob@healthcarenewsmagazine.com)

National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week

(Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com)

Retirement Communities Lifestyle communities for you

••• CIRCULATION

Michelle Belsito

••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS

Dale McKnight

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Westchester, New York edition - Vol. 10 No. 1- 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.

National Senior Independence week Hospice & Palliative Care

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

January, 2017

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Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Waveny Care Center named among the best of best

by US News & World Report

PAGE 8

January, 2017

On November 16, U.S. News & World Report released its official list of the nation’s Best Nursing Homes for 2016-17, and Waveny Care Center of New Canaan was once again named among the best of the best.

A leading expert in the evaluation of healthcare providers, U.S. News bases its nursing home ratings on data from Nursing Home Compare, a star-rating system developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that serves as the industry standard for assessing nursing home quality.

Waveny is one of only 14 Medicare and Medicaid accredited nursing homes in Fairfield County to boast an overall 5-star CMS rating, and is one of only two nursing homes in Fairfield County with a perfect 5-star rating across all of CMS’s categories of quality measures: Health inspections, staffing, quality measures.

“This designation is not only a great honor, but also a reflection of the exceptional care our team provides each and every day to our residents and patients,” said Claudia Katz, RN, Director of Nursing at the Care Center. “More than anything, this ranking is great validation of our team’s talent, teamwork, dedication and commitment to providing compassionate quality care in everything we do.”

To qualify as a Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report this year, facilities had to earn an average of 4.5 stars or better during the 12 months of federal reports ending in October 2016 and had to consistently meet certain performance standards set

by U.S. News during the period, including earning at least 4 stars in CMS’s overall rating for all 12 months.

“To maintain a perfect 5-star ranking while steadily advancing the level of care we provide at Waveny to meet the needs of today’s higher acuity rehab in-patient is no easy feat,” said Bill

Piper, CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network.

“This superlative status from U.S. News and World Report speaks to a lot of hard work, success and achievement.”

Waveny Care Center is part of Waveny LifeCare Network, a non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny 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 more information, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Staff and residents Waveny Care Center pose proudly after earning the designation as of one of the Best Nursing Homes in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

provided

PAGE 10

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

January, 2017

NY State Licensed and Certified Audiologist & Hearing Aid Dispenser

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

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

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!

Hearing loss: types, causes and treatment Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

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January, 2017

Hearing loss can be caused by many different causes, some of which can be successfully treated with medicine or surgery, depending on the disease process.

Three Types of Hearing Loss • Conductive hearing loss - when hearing loss is due to problems with the ear canal, ear drum, or middle ear and its little bones (the malleus, incus, and stapes).

• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) - when hearing loss is due to problems of the inner ear, also known as nerve-related hearing loss.

• Mixed hearing loss - refers to a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This means that there may be damage in the outer or middle ear and in the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve.

Treatments of Conductive Hearing Loss: Types of conductive hearing loss include congenital absence of ear canal or failure of the ear canal to be open at birth, congenital absence, malformation, or dysfunction of the middle ear structures, all of which may possibly be surgically corrected. If these are not amenable to successful surgical correction, then the hearing alternatively may be improved with amplification with a bone conduction hearing aid, or a surgically implanted, osseointegrated device or a conventional hearing aid, depending on the status of the hearing nerve.

Treatment of Sensorineural Hearing Loss: • Sensorineural hearing loss can result from acoustic trauma (or exposure to excessively loud noise), which may respond to medical therapy with corticosteroids to reduce cochlea hair cell swelling and inflammation to improve healing of these injured inner ear structures.

• Sensorineural hearing loss can occur from head trauma or abrupt changes in air pressure such as in airplane descent, which can cause inner ear fluid compartment rupture or leakage, which can be toxic to the inner ear. There has been variable success with emergency surgery when this happens.

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, presumed to be of viral origin, is an otologic emergency that is medically treated with corticosteroids.

Treatments for Mixed Hearing Loss There have been times when the addition of the conductive component made the person a better hearing aid candidate, by flattening out the audiogram for example, while the underlying sensorineural component presented a high-frequency loss.

However, the emphasis would be on treating medically what can be treated.

Source:www.hearingloss.org/

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 eexpertise to make sure your hearing aids pr ds a e right ffor ar or you. Because the right hearring aids will change your life, and that’s a advice worth listening to.

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January, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Guide to

senior housing and care ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES Assisted living communities provide housing and care to seniors who may need some assistance with daily tasks, but who do not require the skilled care provided at a nursing home. Assistance with medications, activities of daily living, meals and housekeeping are routinely provided. Residents live in private apartments that frequently feature kitchenettes. Staff is available 24 hours per day, activities and entertainment opportunities are plentiful and transportation to appointments is available. A special area for memory care is available in some, but not all communities.

Assisted living communities come in all shapes and sizes. They can be towering apartment buildings in urban centers, sprawling complexes in the suburbs, or more intimate communities catering to a relatively small number of residents. By our own definition, assisted living communities are licensed to care for at least 20 people, but many communities have hundreds of residents.

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES Independent senior living communities cater to seniors who are self-sufficient and who do not need hands-on care. Residents live in fully equipped private apartments that typically include a kitchenette, and sometimes a full kitchen. These communities usually offer a broad range of intellectual, physical and social activities. These communities offer a carefree lifestyle, free of many potentially difficult or burdensome responsibilities, such as meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry and house maintenance. Senior apartments are also considered independent senior living communities, but provide few, if any, amenities.

MEMORY CARE Alzheimer’s and dementia care, also known as memory care, is often provided in a secure area of an assisted living community or nursing home, usually on a separate floor or in its own wing. The secure aspect of memory care communities is intended to prevent residents from wandering off and becoming lost, which is a common and dangerous symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The security usually takes the form of alarmed exit doors rather than locked exit doors.

Residents usually live in semi-private apartments or private rooms and enjoy structured activities conducted by staff members trained specifically trained to care for those with dementia.

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES Residential care homes are regular, private homes that have been adapted to accommodate the care of a limited number of residents. Live-in caregivers provide 24-hour supervision and assistance for residents.

NURSING HOMES Nursing homes are for seniors who require 24hour monitoring and medical assistance. Typical nursing home residents suffer from severe, debilitating physical or mental conditions that leave them unable to care for themselves. They may be bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or have medical needs that require daily skilled nuring care. The good news is that modern nursing homes not only provide for residents’ physical needs, they offer activities tailored specifically to individual abilities along with the luxury of such amenities as restaurant-style meal service.

HOME CARE Home care allows older people to remain in their own homes while receiving the assistance they need to help them remain independent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 7.6 million Americans receive home care, but this number may be larger when you include all the informal care that’s often provided by friends and family of the elderly. Home care may be appropriate for seniors who prefer to live at home, but need minor assistance with activities of daily living. For seniors who need higher levels of care, or more frequent care, home care isn’t always practical or affordable.

ADULT DAY SERVICES Often called “adult day programs” or “adult day care,” adult day services provide support for caregivers who take care of elderly loved ones at home. Typical programs feature half-day and fullday care for seniors, and many include transportation to and from the adult day center where they’re run. Adult day centers provide social activities and health care services for adults with physical disabilities and/ or cognitive impairments, as well as for frail elders who may otherwise be lonely sitting at home alone. Caregivers who work outside the home, or simply need a break from time to time, frequently use these types of services.

RESPITE CARE The term “respite care” refers to a short-term stay at a senior community, though it may be used in reference to in-home caregiving services used for only a short period.

Source:www.aplaceformom.com

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

HEALTHY WEIGHT WEEK 2017 DATES : JANUARY 16 - 20

Healthy Weight Week was created 23 years ago to help people understand that health really isn’t about a number – on the scale or otherwise – and to encourage people to stop dieting and pursue livable and sustainable healthy lifestyles through eating well, living actively and feeling good about themselves.

Changing the Conversation Around Health and Weight Your healthy weight is your natural weight, which is largely determined by your genetics.

If you come from a family of larger or smaller people, you are likely to be larger or smaller.

What is a Healthy Weight?

Achieving and maintaining your healthy weight is supported by healthful, enjoyable living that includes mindful, pleasurable eating and physical activity, effective stress management, adequate sleep and more. It is not a weight that is achieved through restricting 2/3/16 11:31 AM what you eat or excessively exercising in order to lose weight.

Source:wtlsc.info/

January, 2017

PAGE 13

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

•

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.

TRUSTS & ESTATES

Attorney advertising • Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome

•

EMPLOYMENT LAW

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MEDIATION

Beltone – A new world of help for hearing Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

By Dale McKnight, Healthcare Correspondent

“People sometimes tell me, ‘It’s totally changed my life!’ after they’ve been fitted for a hearing aid,” says Stephanie Robinson, MA, CCCA, an audiologist at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center in Ossining.

“And sometimes they get emotional. I’ve had customers say it’s the first time in years that they can really hear their grandchildren laugh, or that now they can take a walk and actually hear the leaves rustling.”

Robinson says many folks delay getting a hearing aid because of long-held misconceptions about the devices.

“They may think there’s just one type of hearing aid, and that it’s big, bulky and embarrassing to wear,” she says.

“But nowadays, hearing aids have become extremely sophisticated and miniaturized. They’re basically like mini-computers.”

Some styles aren’t even visible to other people when you’re wearing them; they fit completely in the ear, Robinson notes.

January, 2017

“There are now so many options - based on your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle and what type of device you’re most comfortable wearing.”

Adding to its high-tech reputation, Beltone was the first manufacturer to work with the Apple computer company in creating a hearing aid that’s compatible for streaming from the iPhone, iPad and iPod, Robinson says. Beltone’s new Legend line of hearing aids premiered in 2016, taking iPhone and android compatibility to a whole new level.

Don’t wait till you notice a shift in your hearing to have it tested, she advises.

“Anyone over 50 should get a baseline hearing exam, because it can be compared with later tests.

And the earlier you address any problems, the better, regardless of your age.”

Another good reason to be alert about the status of your hearing: It’s related to other aspects of your health. Studies indicate that hearing loss can sometimes even be linked to conditions such as depression – even dementia.

“That’s because the brain and the ear work together. If you can’t hear well, you tend to become

PAGE 15

more socially isolated. You’re not as active, and it tends to start affecting many areas of life,” says Robinson, who has three decades of experience as an audiologist.

Beltone, which marked its 75th anniversary last year, has approximately 1,600 locations in the U.S., including local centers in Ossining, Yorktown Heights, the Bronx and Stamford.

These local sites are part of its regional network of 14 offices serving 23 counties in New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Robinson points out another highlight of Beltone hearing aid centers – where all distributors are licensed and specially trained.

“Customer service is excellent, she says. “We spend time with people, so that they don’t leave until they’re totally comfortable with their new hearing device.”

The company also offers a free initial hearing exam, as well as no-cost, lifetime follow-up care for all its devices at any Beltone location, Robinson adds.

For more information, please visit beltonenewyork.com or call 888-711-2382.

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

A Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving Recognizing Wartburg’s 150th Anniversary PAGE 16

January, 2017

Culminating their milestone 150th Anniversary, Wartburg held A Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving on November 5, 2016, in their historic Chapel on their 34-acre campus in Mount Vernon, NY. Over 165 attendees, included Board of Directors, ecumenical religious leaders, community members, Wartburg residents, patients, caregivers, alumni and staff, honored the men and women who have shared their talents and dedicated their lives to caring for those in need since 1866.

“The remarkable story of Wartburg, since the days of its founding up until today, is that it reflects living in Christian charity and in Christ’s love, this is what Wartburg is all about!” said Rev. Dr. Robert A. Rimbo, Bishop of The Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who presided over the ceremony.

Rev. Carol E. A. Fryer, Director of Spiritual Care and Church Relations at Wartburg, served as Master of Ceremonies. “We remember Wartburg’s many saints who founded and led this institution for the past 150 years, individuals who raised children and brought them up and taught them the faith of the Church,” said Pastor Fryer. “We also remember the individuals who cared for seniors, starting in the late 1890s, and we remember those who lived their final years at Wartburg.”

Participants were invited to tie ribbons onto the special Memory Tree to memorialize Wartburg leaders throughout the years and commemorate loved ones who passed away.

The distinguished ecumenical guests who participated in the celebration included Sister Margaret Anderson, O.P., Dominican Sisters of Hope; Rev. Derek G. Lecakes, Bishop/President of The Atlantic District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod; Rev. Dr. Darren M. Morton, Macedonia Baptist Church; Rev. William Mizell, Grace Baptist Church; Father Alfredo Monteiro, Our Lady of Victory (Sacred Heart) and Rev. Amandus J. Derr, Pastor of

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Wartburg's Celebration Memory Tree and VIP Group.

photo by Anthony Mairo

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and Chair of the Board of Directors. Together, all of these individuals spoke eloquently paying tribute to the topquality services delivered by caring, talented Wartburg staff members and the extraordinary qualities exhibited by the Spiritual Care team.

“When Rev. Passavant founded Wartburg in 1866, he was driven by a fierce dedication to serve individuals of all faiths,” said David J. Gentner, Wartburg President and CEO. “That dedication continues today in our work with seniors, now supported by medical advances, tech-

nology and an increased awareness and respect for aging care and housing services. But significant challenges still remain, which is why this ecumenical celebration is as much about the present and the future as it is about the past. We are grateful that so many distinguished religious leaders participated in our celebration and encourage everyone to play a part in advancing Rev. Passavant’s legacy and the future of Wartburg by committing to helping us help our seniors to live their best life, either on this campus or in their own neighborhoods.”

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This event highlighted Wartburg’s Spiritual Care team. Remaining deeply rooted in the belief that God calls us to provide ministries of healing and hope, Wartburg’s Spiritual Care team continues to serve individuals of all faiths, as it has since 1866.

The Spiritual Care team strives to bring compassion and support to all residents, registrants, patients, family members and staff by partnering with leaders of all faiths to bring the practice of one’s chosen faith to Wartburg.

“One of the blessings of Wartburg is that it represents the best of our Church bodies. It is a place where people can come to be cared for and also learn about Christ, where their spiritual needs as well as their physical needs are looked after,” said Rev. Derek G. Lecakes, Bishop/President of the Atlantic District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

“Let your light shine…so that God may be glorified…and that is a perfect description of all that Wartburg has been doing for the past 150 years,” noted Rev. Dr. Darren M. Morton, Senior Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church. “…and we come here today, to let you know…please continue to let your light shine for all!”

Wartburg invites everyone to view A Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving currently on Wartburg’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thewartburg.

12 best leg exercises for seniors and the elderly Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

PAGE 17

January, 2017

Leg exercises are a vital part of senior and elderly fitness.

Strengthening the lower body is one of the most effective and efficient methods of preserving your independence and improving your health as you age. Below you will find 12 great lower body strengthening exercises to try. Have a chair handy for some of the standing exercises to help with balance. Strengthening exercises for seniors should be done at least twice a week.

1. Ankle Circles This exercise improves your ankle flexibility and ability to move your ankle upward and downward.

• This is a great warm up exercise for the lower leg and feet.

•

2. Hip Marching This exercise will strengthen your hip flexor and thighs.

• With correct seated posture it will also help your abdominal muscles.

•

3. Knee Extension Strengthening your knees width knee strengthening exercises will improve your ability to stand and balance.

• This exercise will improve your available knee range of motion.

•

9. Lunges To strengthen your quadriceps and hips with leg toning exercises.

• Improve your ability to get out of a chair and balance.

• Help you with lifting chores around the house.

•

10. Straight Leg Raise To increase your quadriceps and hip flexor strength with this leg workout.

• To strengthen your abdominal muscles.

• Allow you to advance your leg during walking with greater ease.

•

11. Partial Squats Increase your hip flexibility, quadriceps strength and hip flexor strength.

• Improve your ability to get up from a chair and walk.

• Steady your body for better balance and safety.

•

4. Calf Raises • Strengthening your calf muscles with calf exercises will give your more power to step forward on level surfaces or carry you up hills on uneven terrain.

• Helps pump blood up from your legs to your upper-body and brain.

5. Standing Knee Flexion These knee exercises strengthens your hamstring muscles.

• Helps with your standing balance.

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6. Side Hip Raise • Safely strengthens your side hip muscles to help with hip arthritis.

• Helps maintain your lower body endurance to better walk and side step around objects.

8. Heel Stand Strengthens the front part of the lower leg with ankle stretches.

• You will become better able to raise your toes to avoid tripping.

•

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7. Sit to Stand • Excellent hip exercises to maintain your leg and hip strength.

• One of the most important exercises used daily to keep your independence and confidence.

12. Hip Extension This exercise will help with strengthening the hip joint and muscles.

• This will improve the ability to walk and propel yourself forward or up stairs.

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NewYork-Presbyterian/Westchester Division and Chief Operating Officer earns Planetree honor for patient-centered care PAGE 18

January, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Presbyterian/Westchester has received the 2016 Planetree Distinction Award for Leadership and Innovation in Patient-Centered Care and its Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Philip J. Wilner, has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Planetree for his leadership. The Distinction Award is the highest level of recognition conferred by Planetree and honors healthcare organizations that continually advance the practice of patient-centered care through outreach, research, scholarship and innovation.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Westchester is the first and only behavioral health site in the United States to receive the award and is one of only 10 total facilities to receive the Planetree Distinction Award, and one of only 30 facilities in the United States to be named a Planetree Designated Patient-Centered Hospital.

Dr. Wilner has a long, rich history at the Westchester campus, dating back to 1983. Today, he oversees Behavioral Health services across all NYP campuses. Dr. Wilner is also executive vice chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, serves on numerous Hospital and Medical College Boards and Committees and is chairman of the Board of Gracie Square Hospital.

“As a national leader in behavioral health, we put patients at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Philip J. Wilner, senior vice president and chief operating officer at NewYorkPresbyterian/Westchester Division. Delivering world-class

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Dr. Philip J. Wilner accepts the Planetree award from Susan Frampton, President of Planetree.

care requires not only medical excellence but providing a warm, empathetic environment for patients and families. It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by Planetree for providing worldclass patient-centered care.”

Recipients of the award participate in national conferences and webinars, engage in research that ties specific outcomes to patientcentered care, submit articles for publication in national peer-reviewed journals and participate in public policy initiatives to expand the practice of patient-centered care.

Dr. Wilner accepted both awards on behalf of himself and NewYork-Presbyterian/Westchester Division at the Planetree International Conference on Patient-Centered Care, held this week in Chicago, IL. The Distinction Award honors hospitals for complementing its ongoing work to meet the needs of its community and staff of professional caregivers with more broad-based efforts to build awareness and continue to innovate in patient-centered care.

For more information, visit www.nyp.org.

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

January, 2017

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!

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

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month PAGE 20

January, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.

Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.

Glaucoma is called "the sneak thief of sight" since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness.

Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, glaucoma is more prevalent. Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Over 3 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma.

Help Raise Awareness In the United States, approximately 120,000 are blind from glaucoma, accounting for 9% to 12% of all cases of blindnessestimates that 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma.

Source://www.glaucoma.org/

Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Choosing the right short-term rehab facility for seniors

When researching short-term rehabilitation and senior care facilities, whether for yourself or an elderly loved one, it is important to know what to look for to minimize your concerns about the healing and rehabilitative process. Understanding the difference between short-term rehab and long term care is an important first step. Short-term rehab facilities are typically the place aging adults go to recover from health issues in a professional, caring environment. They can receive a variety of therapy and nursing services during their stay as they heal and make progress with the peace-of-mind of having nursing staff available to meet their needs 24-hours a day.

Short Term versus Long Term Rehab The first step to finding an appropriate rehab facility is to determine the approximate length of stay that is required. For example, a minor health issue, such as an uncomplicated surgery, may only require a short term rehabilitation stay of anywhere from a couple of days to a month or so. In other cases, the patient may need to stay at the facility for several months following more advanced medical matters, like cardiac issues. Some facilities offer both types of care, while others specialize in one or the other.

January, 2017

PAGE 21

Key Takeaways • Find a rehab center that can properly provide short or long term rehabilitation for seniors, as needed.

• Tour the senior care facility in advance and examine the rooms, dining area, therapy facilities, and community rooms.

• Talk to several staff members. Ask about qualifications, personalized care plans, and types of therapy provided.

• Talk to past or current residents for a more insightful view into the rehab center for seniors.

Source://www.umh.org/

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Evaluating the Lifestyle Quality Before making a decision, take the time to visit one or more rehab centers for seniors. Ask to see patient rooms and common living spaces to evaluate the levels of cleanliness, comfort, and privacy that residents have. Some people feel uncomfortable sharing a room when they are ill or recovering, while others enjoy the companionship of a shared room during this time so ask if both private and shared rooms are available. Check out the dining options and menus to get a feel for the types of meals that residents eat each day. Are the options varied and healthy, or nondescript and unappetizing? Visit the community areas too; find out about social events and activities designed to keep residents engaged and entertained. Ideally, the facility should offer a variety of group activities and programs including access to religious services, as well ways to support individual interests.

What to Ask the Staff Although some people are hesitant to ask staff challenging questions, by all means go ahead and talk to them to make sure all your concerns are addressed. In particular, ask about the availability of specialized staff, with regard to you or your loved one’s specific needs. For example, a person with a physical injury might need staff who are trained and qualified in physical therapy and nursing. Inquire about a personalized care plan and get actual details about it in advance. The staff should be able to provide information about the recovery process as well as therapy and rehabilitation.

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.

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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.

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Boomers & Beyond - Westchester

Waveny Care Center named Center of Excellence for Wound Care Management PAGE 22

January, 2017

On November 14, Waveny Care Center, Waveny LifeCare Network’s five-star skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, was named a Certified Center of Excellence for Wound Care Management by VOHRA PostAcute Physicians – the nation’s largest multispecialty post-acute physician group.

This designation is awarded to elite facilities that meet strict criteria and provide superior wound care management programs.

VOHRA Centers of Wound Care Excellence must have an outcome-focused, physician specialist-led wound care program with designated wound-certified nurses on-site every day, regular team meetings that focus on quality and process improvement (QAPI), and notably, less than a 1 percent wound-related hospitalization rate

“VOHRA Wound Physicians is proud to certify Waveny Care Center as a Center of Excellence for Wound Care Management,” said Brad Sherwood, VOHRA’s Regional Director of Business Development.

“VOHRA Physician Dr. Dennis Ng, MD and Waveny’s nursing team have a proven track record of improving wound outcomes and reducing wound-related hospitalization rates.”

With a top priority on healing and rehabilitating short-term patients to return home, Waveny partnered with VOHRA to bring physician-led bedside wound care to the facility. Each week, Dr. Ng conducts rounds at the Care Center with Waveny’s wound care team to treat and monitor those with wound and skin issues, reducing the need to send residents or patients out to wound care centers or hospitals.

Waveny Care Center is part of Waveny LifeCare Network, a non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny 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 more information, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Brad Sherwood, Regional Director of Business Development for VOHRA Post-Acute Physicians, presents Dr. Dennis Ng, MD and members of Waveny Care Center’s clinical team with an award naming Waveny a Certified Center of Excellence for Wound Care Management.

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