HOACNY offers safe, specialized infusion services for chronic illnesses
there’s always room for tomatoes
applying for soCial seCurity at 62
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festival saturday Raptors, recreation, historic vessels and more featured at event
Tips on what to discuss with your parents as they age
Conversations with your parents about how they envision growing older can help families navigate the opportunities and challenges of aging.
BY MARY KoENIg Loretto
How do your parents want to age?
It’s a simple question you may not have considered asking them before.
Conversations with your parents about how they envision growing older can help families navigate the opportunities and challenges of aging.
As a long-term care administrator at Loretto for over 30 years, I have walked with families as they had these critical conversations. Based on my experience, here is what I have learned.
1. Have a conversation early
Talking with your parents about how they want to age is important, and you want to keep this conversation going as they age and their needs change. The goal is to have this first conversation early when they are well because talking about aging after a crisis like a medical event or fall can be stressful for everyone. Before broaching the subject, ask for permission to discuss their aging goals and inquire who they would like to include in the discussion. For example, they may want their spouse, other children, or siblings to be there. Asking sets the tone for a productive conversation and gives
them a sense of control.
Some important topics to cover in this conversation include where they would like to live, whether they have designated a healthcare proxy and power of attorney, and how the family can help support them in small and large ways—like helping with yardwork, going to doctor’s appointments, or managing finances. These conversations may feel awkward at first, but they are crucial for creating understanding.
2. gather legal documents
When you talk, ask if your loved one has a copy of their will, power of attorney and advanced directives, and inquire where they are located. A power of attorney allows someone to make legal and financial decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. It is especially important to know if your parents have an advanced directive that states their wishes regarding their medical care should they not be able to communicate. The most common types of advanced directives in New York State are a healthcare proxy form, a living will, and a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.
3. Review financial information
Thanks to advances in medicine, people are living longer, extending their
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onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon II recently announced that Rosamond Gifford Zoo Director Ted Fox will retire at the end of May after a career that spanned 34 years dedicated to wildlife, conservation, education and the growth of the county zoo. “As Ted enters retirement, he does so with the community’s deep appreciation and gratitude for his unwavering dedication to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo,” McMahon said. “While Ted’s retirement is undoubtedly a bittersweet moment, we are forever grateful for the legacy and impact of Ted has had on our staff, visitors and the countless animals that have called the Rosamond Gifford Zoo home.” Fox’s last day will be May 30, with a nationwide search commencing in the coming weeks for a new zoo director.
2501 James St., Suite 108, Syracuse, N.Y. 13206
Phone: (315) 434-8889
eaglenewsonline.com
Publisher: David B. Tyler
Managing Editor: Jennifer Wing
Circulation Manager: Lori Newcomb
Creative Director: Gordon Bigelow
Dear Rusty:
I am writing to ask for your advice on when I should sign up or enroll in a Medicare Plan.
Russell Gloor
I have submitted an early retirement application to request benefits to begin 30 days after my 62nd birthday, in April 2025. I am a single lady with no dependents and currently rent my residence. Please advise.
Signed: Approaching Senior Citizenship
Dear Approaching:
I assume that when you say you
have submitted “an early retirement application to request benefits to begin 30 days after my 62nd birthday” you mean you have applied for your Social Security retirement benefits to start in April 2025, and that you will be 62 in March. To be sure you are clear, you must be 62 for an entire month to start your Social Security retirement benefits.
Even though you are starting your Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, you will not be eligible to enroll in Medicare until you are 65 years old.
Since you will be already receiving Social Security when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization coverage) and Medicare Part B (coverage for outpatient services), effective with the month you turn 65, and you will get a “Welcome to Medicare” packet about 3
months before your 65th birthday. Your Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization coverage) will be free, but there will be a monthly premium ($185 for 2025) associated with your Medicare Part B (coverage for outpatient services), which will be deducted from your Social Security payment.
Note that Medicare does not cover all healthcare expenses so, when the time comes, you may wish to explore other private healthcare coverage (either a Medicare Supplement plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan). Also, Medicare Part A or Part B do not include coverage for prescription drugs, so you may wish to obtain such coverage separately.
One way to explore all of this is by, shortly before you are 65, contacting AMAC’s Medicare department at 1-800334-9330 or amac.us/medicare.
And until you are eligible to enroll in Medicare at 65, you may wish to seek regular healthcare insurance for those
under 65 years of age.
Please understand that we are here to answer all your questions about Social Security and Medicare enrollment. However, at the AMAC Foundation, we are not insurance specialists, which is why I suggest contacting an insurance specialist as described above.
I hope this is helpful, but please don’t hesitate to contact us again at any time.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/ social-security-advisory) or email ssadvisor@ amacfoundation.org.
As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease tops more than 7 million for the first time, nearly four in five Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease before it impacted their lives. They also want treatment, even if it comes with risks, as long as it slows the progression of the disease. These are among the insights uncovered in the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report released by the Alzheimer’s Association today.
The 2025 Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at the latest national and state-by-state statistics on Alzheimer’s prevalence, mortality, dementia care workforce, costs of care and impact on caregivers. New disease-related statistics for New York revealed the following:
3 Number of New York residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s: 426,500
3 Statewide deaths from Alzheimer’s disease: 3,265
3 Statewide mortality rate from Alzheimer’s (per 100,000 people):
3 Number of New York residents serving as unpaid family caregivers: 656,000
3 Total hours of unpaid care provided: 893 million hours
3 Total value of unpaid care: $22.6 Billion
“This year’s report finds that the impact of Alzheimer’s on New York State residents and families is significant,” said Amanda Nobrega, vice president of programs for Upstate New York chapters. “Now, more than ever, we need to work to advance disease research and treatments that can slow the current trajectory and help all … families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”
The new report shows prevalence, diseaserelated deaths and cost of caring for those living with Alzheimer’s are rising across the country. Among the findings:
3 7.2 million people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
3 Total annual costs of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias (excluding unpaid care) is projected to be $384 billion in 2025.
3 Additionally, nearly 12 million family members and friends provide 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at an additional $413 billion.
3 Deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease more than doubled between 2000 and 2022.
An accompanying special report, “American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment,” highlights a national survey of more than 1,700 U.S. adults, aged 45 and older, examining awareness and attitudes of early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, tests used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s and treatments that can slow progression of the disease.
Among the findings revealed in the new survey:
- Americans want to know early if they have Alzheimer’s disease and want access to testing.
- Nearly four in five Americans (79%) would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease before having symptoms or before symptoms interfere with daily activities.
- More than nine in 10 Americans would definitely or probably want a simple test (e.g. blood-based biomarker test) if it was available. The number one reason for wanting a simple test is to allow for earlier treatment and care.
- If diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, most Americans would want medication to slow its progression and would highly value information about the disease and treatment.
- More than nine in 10 Americans (92%) would probably or definitely want to take a medication that could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
- Nearly three in five Americans (58%) said they would accept a moderate or high level of risk with taking an anti-amyloid medication to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly one in four Americans (22%) are willing to accept high risk.
- Americans’ top concerns about Alzheimer’s testing are insurance coverage, accuracy and cost.
- 44% worry that insurance won’t cover future care and treatment.
- Other top concerns include test accuracy, cost, potential to lose confidence in abilities and not being allowed to do certain activities, such as driving.
- Americans are optimistic that the next decade will bring new treatments to slow, prevent and even cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Four in five Americans (81%) believe new treatments to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s will emerge in the next decade, and 66% believe new treatments to prevent Alzheimer’s will be available soon.
“The survey underscores the need for advancing new treatments and making early diagnosis easier and more accessible to anyone concerned about their memory and thinking,” said Sarah Harlock, program director of the DENT Integrative Center for Memory and vice chair of the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “We’re encouraged that the survey finds people want to be proactive in addressing cognitive concerns.
That’s a real positive because early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment of the disease.”
Full text of the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, including the accompanying special report, American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment, can be viewed at alz.org/ facts
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• To those who are rehabilitating at home, short-term or long-term
• To those who are unable to shop and/or prepare their own meals
• Those in need of a special diet
• Elderly, homebound, permanently or temporarily disabled
• Living in the towns of: Brewerton, Cicero, Clay, Salina, North Syracuse, Liverpool, Mattydale, and areas in Bridgeport and Baldwinsville
• Do you have varicose veins or venous disease?
• Do you have pain or experience restless leg syndrome, aching, or swelling?
• Are you just embarrassed by the appearance of your legs?
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions
BY MELINDA MYERS
Nothing beats the flavor of fresh-fromthe-garden tomatoes. Keep them close at hand by growing one or more in containers on your patio, balcony or front steps.
Any tomato can be grown in a pot, but determinate varieties are shorter and more compact, making them a bit easier to manage in a container. They produce fruit in a relatively short period of time, making them great choices for preserving as well as using fresh. Look for a D or determinate on the plant tag, seed packet or in the catalog description.
Indeterminate tomatoes, often designated with an I, are usually much taller and continue to grow, flower and produce fruit until frost kills the plant or you pinch out the growing tip. These are usually staked or grown in wire cages to save space, reduce pest problems and make harvesting easier. Many new containers have
built-in trellises or creative gardeners craft their own, making it easier and more attractive to grow these bigger plants in pots.
Semi-determinate varieties are in between these two. They are compact like determinates, often trailing but produce fruit throughout the growing season like indeterminate varieties.
You can now find compact varieties often sold as miniature and dwarf plants that grow well in small four- to eight-inch pots. They are a great option for those with limited space, gardening on balconies, indoors in a sunny window or just about anywhere.
Kitchen Mini tomatoes, Heartbreakers, Red Velvet and Micro Tom Thumb are just a few.
Grow one tomato per container for maximum productivity. Use a 5-gallon or bigger container for large varieties and at least a two to three gallon or similar size pot for smaller varieties. Some research suggests growing tomatoes in a pot that is at least 14 inches but preferably 20 inches wide
will yield greater results. Adding flowers and herbs to the container boosts the beauty and diversity of your container garden but will reduce the number of tomatoes produced.
Growing tomatoes in containers also allows you to start the season earlier. Just move the planter inside when the weather is harsh and back outside when the weather is warm and sunny. As the weather turns cold at the end of the growing season, cover the planter or move it into a frost-free location as needed. Some gardeners even move a pot or two inside to finish off the tomato season.
Plant tomatoes in a container with drainage holes and fill it with a quality potting mix. Reduce the time spent watering with a self-watering pot that has a reservoir to hold water and extend the time between watering. Further reduce the need to water by adding an organic, sustainable soil amendment to the potting mix. Made from wool waste, this product reduces watering by up to 25%.
Water thoroughly when
meLindamyerS.com
If gardening space is limited, grow tomatoes in hanging baskets or containers.
the top few inches begin to dry. Mulch the soil with evergreen needles, shredded leaves, or other organic mulch to keep the soil consistently moist and suppress weeds. Consistent soil moisture encourages more flowering and fruiting, while reducing the risk of blossom end rot, cracking and misshapen fruit.
Harvest tomatoes when fully colored or leave them
on the plant a few more days for an even sweeter flavor. You’ll enjoy the convenience of harvesting fresh tomatoes right outside your door for use in salads, sauces, and other favorite recipes.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small
Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Wild Valley Farms for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www. MelindaMyers.com
The CNY Senior Housing & Information Expo, presented by Wellcare and Velocity Clinical Research, is set to take place on Thursday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at the CNY Regional Market F-Shed, 2100 Park St, Syracuse.
The expo, which is free and open to the public, will bring together over 60 vendors offering valuable information and resources for people 55 and up and their families.
This exciting event provides an oppor-
tunity for individuals to explore a variety of services and housing options available for seniors in Central New York. Attendees will have access to a wide range of experts and professionals from various fields, including senior housing, healthcare, financial planning, Medicare insurance, and more.
Event highlights
3 Over 60 vendors offering essential senior services and information
3 Live music by Power of Two, providing a festive atmosphere
3 Free Door prizes for attendees, including exciting giveaways
Whether you’re 55 and up and looking for housing options or a family member seeking resources for your loved ones, this expo has something for everyone. Visitors can engage directly with exhibitors to learn about new services, ask questions and gather valuable advice.
“We’re thrilled to offer this free and informative event to the Central New York Community,” said Nancy Aureli, event coordinator. “This expo is an incredible opportunity for seniors and their families to discover resources they didn’t know existed and provide support for future planning.”
For more information visit communitylivingadvocates.com/seniorhousingexpo2025.
For individuals facing a chronic illness, often times the journey toward healing begins not just with treatment, but also with trust.
Patients can absolutely trust the Infusion Services team at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOACNY). Their oncology-certified nurses, on-site physicians, advanced care providers and pharmacists all play a pivotal role in delivering life-saving and life-enhancing therapies in an environment focused on compassion, comfort and clinical excellence.
“Our patients are often managing serious illnesses,” said Steven Duffy, M.D., a medical oncologist who is one of the program’s physician champions. “We want them to feel confident in the care they’re receiving, and that means a strong focus on clinical quality, communication and patient comfort, including keeping them close to home.”
Infusion services support a wide range of health conditions, including iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s
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disease and ulcerative colitis and even severe asthma.
As a comprehensive care provider, at HOACNY oncology-certified nurses work in coordination with the patient’s referring provider, their on-site pharmacists and their physicians to administer all treatments.
“We work closely with primary care doctors and specialists across the region to provide the infusion care their patients need, including offering an infusion services nurse navigator,” said Duffy. “By offering this service outside of a hospital setting, in our nationally accredited centers, we’re helping to reduce costs and make care more accessible.”
With infusion centers located in East Syracuse, Auburn and Camillus, HOACNY offers 80 infusion chairs; ensuring patients have access to timely, highquality outpatient treatment with plenty of free parking close to home. Each center offers reclining chairs, warm blankets and natural light to help create a soothing atmosphere.
Having three locations across Central New York also reduces patient travel time, keeping them close to home and their support
retirement years well into their mid-80s and 90s. Do you know if your parents have financially planned accordingly?
When discussing financial matters, the goal is for you to understand both how much they have saved and owe and their other financial obligations. Make sure to inquire if they have taken any steps to protect their assets if they plan to apply for Medicaid assistance later on. This is also a good time to talk about planning for medical expenses and senior care services should they require support in the future.
system. It also ensures flexible scheduling for even the busiest lives. Patients can even switch sites for their infusions if needed.
Patients interested in HOACNY’s infusion services should speak with their provider about a referral. HOACNY’s infusion team handles insurance authorization, appointment scheduling, and any necessary coordination to make the process smooth.
“Our mission is to deliver exceptional care while making each patient feel supported and heard,” said Duffy. “With our patient-first philosophy, our Infusion Services program is designed for safety, comfort, and efficiency.”
Infusion appointments can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the treatment. During that time, expert infusion nurses monitor patients not only for safety; they also offer emotional support, snacks, and time with loved ones. Additionally, HOACNY provides infusion patients with financial counselors if needed.
Anyone looking for more information about HOACNY’s Infusion Services can find that at
It is also wise to ask where they save their financial information, including online banking websites, usernames, and passwords, and if they have a financial advisor or attorney. This information will help if you need to make financial transactions on their behalf.
Both you and your parent should understand the basics of Medicaid and Medicare as they age and how both can help pay for their care. Medicare is primarily for those 65 and older, but Medicaid is a need-based program that may help cover long-term care costs. Understanding the differences between these programs—
Submitted photoS Infusion services support a wide range of health conditions. At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY oncology-certified nurses work in coordination with the patient’s referring provider, their onsite pharmacists and their physicians to administer all treatments.
hoacny.com/infusion. Individuals and referring providers also are welcome to call HOACNY to
and whether your parent qualifies for each—can help you make more informed decisions. By reviewing and verifying their coverage, you can help them navigate available and affordable senior care options.
As you talk with your parents about aging, ask them how they feel and offer support as needed. This is an opportunity to let them know how you can help and a chance to hear and understand their perspective. Encourage your loved one to stay socially and physically active. Aging can bring feelings of loneliness, fear, or frustration, so be sure to check in regarding their emotional well-being.
speak with their infusion services nurse navigator at 315-472-7504.
We all want to feel loved, respected and heard as we age. By having these conversations early and often, we can appreciate each other’s perspectives, which can help us all age well.
Mary Koenig is the vice president of impact and mission integration at Loretto, a comprehensive healthcare organization that provides a variety of services for older adults throughout Central New York. To hear more advice on how to have these conversations, check out Loretto’s Aging Well podcast where Mary is a featured guest on the ‘Critical Conversations to Have with an Aging Loved One’ episode.
