March 2021 Beaver County Senior News

March, April, May 2021 Volume 22, Number 1

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Sponsored in part by Beaver County Office on Aging Like us on Facebook for more news and updates at facebook.com/ PittsburghSeniorNews

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Staff of Cornerstone of Beaver County

pittsburghseniornews.com

Cornerstone of Beaver County’s mission to help the homeless is more important than ever

By Gina Mazza

W hen The Cornerstone

of Beaver County (TCBC) opened its doors in 2016, the staff probably couldn’t foresee how crucial their vision of providing emergency housing, basic needs and resources for local homeless would become during the COVID-19 outbreak five years later. During the past year, that is exactly what has occurred.

In order to manage the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Beaver County and beyond, emergency housing and support have

been even more necessary, especially since those living on the streets are among the most vulnerable during this health threat. “The struggle for our community’s homeless to access food, water and respite has become even more challenging,” says Executive Director Marie Timpano. “All preventative measures for COVID-19 require the very things they likely cannot do—that is, stay at home and practice proper hygiene.”

In response, TCBC ramped up its resources for emergency shelter and support services that meet the imme-

diate needs of the homeless or anyone at risk of becoming homeless. Beyond immediate emergency assistance, TCBC continues working with clients to help them secure permanent housing.

“Ultimately, we help create a pathway home where they can build a foundation for hope, health and a future of possibilities.”

Grab your copy of the 2021 Beaver County Senior Resource Guide A guide with all the phone numbers and websites for senior resources you may need. Visit the website at pghseniornews.com to download a copy of the guide.

Beaver County

2020-2021

Senior Resource Guide In cooperation with the Beaver County Office on Aging

Their emergency housing services are provided in collaboration with local hotels, government agencies, and community partners to secure immediate shelter options. Clients also receive Continued on page 4

For caregivers. For professionals. For you.

Publisher’s Corner

Now accepting applications for residency at Green Diamond Place!

Apartment Amenities:

It’s been a long winter for various reasons (pandemic, included) but spring is on the way, friends! We can look forward to warmer weather and being able to leave our homes.

Speaking of which, April is National Volunteer Month.

Consider lending your time and expertise to a nonprofit in your community that serves those in need.

The Beaver County Senior News staff thanks all of you who have been giving generously of your time and talents; together, we are getting through this unprecedented time.

Lynn Hogan Webster

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Spacious, one bedroom apartments

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Rent is based on income

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Fully equipped kitchen

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Most utilities included in rent

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24-hour emergency maintenance

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Small pets welcome

Call or visit Green Diamond Place today!

Address: 379 Mellon Avenue Baden, 15005 Phone: 724-869-2080 Designed to meet the needs of adults 62 years of age and older.

Wills • Estate Planning • Senior Citizen Law Powers of Attorney • Living Wills

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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Volume 22, Number 1 Published monthly by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc for Beaver County Senior News 97 Beechmont Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15229 (412) 760-5914 pghseniornews@icloud.com

Professionally managed by SeniorCare Network

Robert A. Banks

HELPING YOU GET BETTER...

FASTER.

Owner/Publisher: Lynn Hogan Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Art Director: Amy Svoboda Contributing Writers: Angela Gentile Gina Mazza Printing Company: Knepper Press Visit our website at pittsburghseniornews.com

345 Commerce St. 2nd Floor Beaver, PA 15009

maturepublishers.com

Hoffman’s Drug Store Emanuel N. Panos Pharmacist

Free Delivery We deliver to: Aliquippa Ambridge Hopewell Center • Utility bill payments accepted • PA Lottery tickets • Western Union

“My goal is to provide area residents with the best possible legal service at a fair and reasonable price.”

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Services include:

Wherever you need us . . . Since 1921

• elder law • estate planning • estate administration • family law

Attorney Robert Banks has provided legal counsel to over 7,200 clients since his admission to the Bar in October 1978. During his 36 years of legal counseling Attorney Banks has obtained experience in many fields:

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www.rabanksesq.com Office: (724) 775-1500 Fax: (724) 774-3560

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Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 19)

BAHF Speaker Series: Dr. Carleton Young, Author of “Voices from the Attic – The Williamstown Boys in the Civil War”

Just Ask for VNA

Imagine cleaning your family attic and discovering hundreds of letters written during the Civil War. Join us as Dr. Young shares about being faced with that very situation.

Using the letters, which are filled with accounts of battles and army life, Dr. Young wove together their war-time narrative.

April 20, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. Free Beaver Station Cultural & Event Center 250 East End Ave. Beaver, 15009

It’s your right to choose the home health and hospice provider you prefer.

Ask for VNA.

The Veterans Breakfast Club Building a nation that values our veterans veteransbreakfastclub.org 724-282-6806 Toll-free 877-862-6659 www.lutheranseniorlife.org 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001

The Veterans Breakfast Club holds virtual veteran storytelling events, all open to the public, and captures and preserves those stories for future generations. Thousands have attended since 2008. They come to listen and to learn, to share and to heal, and to say thank you to those who’ve served. Please join us. All are welcome, and you don’t need to be a veteran to attend.

VBC Happy Hour: Mondays at 7 p.m.

VBC WWII Roundtable: Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

VBC Coffee Hour: Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

VBC Generation 9/11: Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Go to veteransbreakfastclub.org for schedule and links.

Questions? Call Todd DePastino at (412) 623-9029 or email todd@veteransbreakfastclub.org

Leetsdale Manor

27 Spencer Street, Leetsdale, PA 15056 Rent-Assisted Housing for Persons Ages 62 and Older 1 bedroom apartments w/ equipped kitchens, wall-wall carpet, A/C, balconies, community room, laundry facility, limited off-street parking and Secure intercom system.

MELT MARCH GARDEN SPRING FLOWER

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HUD has mandated that an admission priority be implemented for households whose incomes are 30% of the area median income or less.

Income limits apply (gross annual income) • 1 Person hh...$14,600 • 2 Persons hh...$16,700 Maximum income eligibility• 1 Person...$24,350 • 2 Persons ...$27,800

(800) 238-7555 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

Join the VBC on Zoom or watch the simulcast on Facebook and YouTube.

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Continued from page 1

The Cornerstone of Beaver County, a 501c3, is located at 600 Sixth Street in Beaver Falls. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mondays through Fridays. The staff is following all CDC health safety guidelines. To learn more, call (724) 846-6400 or visit cornerstonebeaver.org.

Photo Credit: © 2021 Rustbelt Mayberry Photography

help with transportation, food, hygiene and more through a comprehensive network of local resources, many of which are under one roof at TCBC’s Beaver Falls location.

Since the pandemic began, TCBC has helped 47 adults ages 60 and older with emergency shelter/rapid rehousing, prevention services, emergency meals, emergency household needs/clothing, and transportation assistance. This number grew from 31 seniors served in 2019. During the public health crisis, TCBC has partnered with the Beaver County Office on Aging to further augment services to county seniors.

“I am so thankful that TCBC helped me stay in my apartment,” comments a recent client. “At my age, and with the medical and financial problems I have, I would not have been able to pay my rent. I would have been evicted without TCBC’s help.”

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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TCBC got its start as the Homelessness Prevention/ Rapid Rehousing Program. Its staff traveled the county to clients in need, borrowing office space and aligning with soup kitchens and local libraries. In 2012, the staff began renting a space— named, The Cornerstone—from the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver in Beaver Falls. With support from the county’s Community Development Program, the group evolved into a single point of entry for homeless and housing stability resources in Beaver County. It went onto expand into programs that offer utility, rental and food assistance, as well as resources for homeless veterans and their families.

Francis A. Farmer Apartments 274 Friendship Circle, Brighton Township, Beaver, PA 15009 Rent-Assisted Housing for Persons Ages 62 and Older Accessible 1 bedroom apartments with equipped kitchens, A/C, balconies, community room, laundry facilities, parking lots and Secure Intercom System.

Newly renovated accessible apartments with roll in showers also available.

There is an admission priority for very low income persons whose incomes are

• 1 Person hh...$17,450 • 2 Persons hh...$19,950 Maximum income for eligibility is: 1 Person $46,500; 2 Persons $53,150 Application or assistance available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, 300 State Ave., Beaver, PA 15009

Or call (724) 775-1220 for additional information www.beavercountyhousing.org

Executive Director Marie Timpano manages drive-through donation distribution.

Clothing was donated to community members in need this past winter.

Koppel Terrace Senior Apartments Maintenance Free, Garden Style Apartments For persons 55 years of age and older Corner of 1st Avenue and Richard Street in Koppel 19 spacious, fully carpeted 1 and 2 bedroom apartments One Bedroom $400 Two Bedrooms $500 plus electric Water, sewage and garbage included.

Fully equipped with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal. On-site laundry facilities are also available.

For additional information and application packet, call (724) 775-4535.

Income restrictions apply. Annual income must not exceed: $25,450 one person; $29,050 two persons

Caregiver Support Program

The Caregiver Support program is designed to reduce caregiver stress and burden. It is intended to help adult primary caregivers of functionally dependent older adults (age 60 or older), relative caregivers of impaired adults (age 18 and older) with dementia, and older-relative caregivers (grandparents) (age 55 and older) of children (through age 18).

The Caregiver program takes a cost-sharing approach; income-eligible families may receive assistance with out-of-pocket expenses ranging from respite care to adult briefs. In addition, one-time grants may be given to qualified families to assist in modifying the home or to purchase assistive devices.

Such adaptations might include installing a stair glide or modifying a bathroom.

For more information on these programs and eligibility requirements, call (724) 847-2262 or (888) 548-2262, email CSP@BCOA.US, or visit beavercountypa.gov/Depts/OOA.

Assessments, also known as Functional Eligibility Determinations,

are completed on individuals who are applying for Medical Assistance funded programs and services such as the Community Health Choices Waiver, Nursing Facility payment, Personal Care Home/Domiciliary Care Home supplement. A certified assessment care manager evaluates the individual’s unique needs which results in a level of care determination. The level of care determination, in conjunction with a financial eligibility determination by the Department of Human Services, is used to recommend the most appropriate program to meet the individual’s needs.

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

The programs are caregiver-driven and flexible, supporting each family in ways that are specific to their needs and preferences. The program’s range of services includes: needs assessment, care management and respite care, legal and benefits counseling, caregiver education and training, home modification, support groups and reimbursement for caregiving expenses. All household members are required to verify income and assets.

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Blue Zone regions of the world demonstrate the value of a plant-based, whole-food diet

By Laurie M. Moraca, PA Health & Wellness

My mother is a genuine gem. Born during the Great

Depression and raised in a parsonage, she learned the value of making every shiny penny count. She never strayed from the frugal ideals of her early years and infused them into every aspect of her life, especially when it came to food and meal preparation.

I recall my mom, many years ago, mixing reconstituted powdered milk with whole milk. Whole milk was the only option at that time yet she knew it contained more fat than her family needed. Her version of milk was healthier and cheaper, though sometimes a little crunchy. Some days I would catch her snacking on a can of green beans. As a child, I thought that was weird.

As an adult, I still do, though I admire her enthusiasm for vegetables. While my mom never received formal training in nutrition, she always seemed to instinctually know what was healthy. Author Michael Pollan advises, “Don’t eat anything your great-great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.” My mom lived by that concept long before Pollan wrote it.

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

There are places in the world where entire groups of people seem to instinctively know how to live and eat healthily. While doing longevity studies in 2000, Drs. Michel Poulain and Giovanni Mario Pes drew blue circles on a map around villages with the most centenarians. National Geographic journalist and explorer Dan Buettner identified five areas across the globe where people live the longest, healthiest lives. Together, Poulain, Pes and Buettner used the term Blue Zones to identify those areas of the world.

At first glance, Blue Zones appear to have little in common. They are spread across the earth: Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Sardinia, Italy. At closer inspection, however, Buettner and his team identified nine lifestyle habits, called the Power 9, which inhab-

6 Photo from bluezones.com

itants in these areas have in common. These shared lifestyle habits relate to food, physical movement and environment, community interaction, personal rituals and sense of purpose.

Drilling down further into what people in these areas eat, it was found that while their meals vary, there are many similarities. They tend towards a “plant slant.” In other words, their diets rely heavily on plant foods, with proteins coming primarily from legumes (beans) such as soy, black, fava and lentils. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, barley and ground corn are also emphasized.

When meat is eaten, it is consumed in small amounts, such as a side dish, or only during celebratory meals.

Fortunately, legumes and whole grains are readily and inexpensively available in grocery stores and food pantries. Canned beans are simple to use, are an excellent source of protein and are naturally cholesterol-free and high in fiber. In fact, plant foods never contain cholesterol.

Green leafy vegetables are also important. The challenge of finding fresh vegetables in our region during winter can be eliminated by using frozen vegetables that are flash-frozen only hours after harvest. They are sometimes even healthier than “fresh” vegetables that spent days in shipment. Canned vegetables, after rinsing to remove excess sodium, are also good choices.

Buy the kinds that are not bathed in creamy sauce or heavy syrup.

Keeping an eye on the amount of salt in foods is important, as excess salt in the diet can lead to high blood pressure. A 2010 Global Burden of Disease study identified high blood pressure as the single greatest risk factor for death in the United States. By eating foods that our great-great grandmother would recognize as food, rather than highly processed and packaged foods, we can steer away from foods with added salt, saturated fat and sugar.

While my mom probably has not heard of the Blue Zones, she lives as though she hails from one. She does not cook much these days and sadly, I have not shared a meal with her since the pandemic began. However, during my recent visit to her senior living community, dinner was delivered to her. As she unpacked it, she delightfully displayed the low-sodium vegetable soup.

She gasped in horror at an errantly delivered slice of rogue cheesecake instead of her requested banana for dessert. It was really quite endearing.

Give Spring Salads a Fresh Spin W

FAMILY FEATURES

ith spring and warmer weather comes salad season, offering a perfect canvas for creating refreshing meals and appetizers centered around tasty greens, juicy tomatoes and crave-worthy dressings. Give your salads an update by avoiding the same tired mixes and instead create tasty meals fit for the season.

One easy way to up your salad game is by starting with quality ingredients like Fresh Express salad blends, NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes and Litehouse refrigerated salad dressings. These fresh, flavorful ingredients can be combined in a dish like this Chimichurri Chickpea Salad, a perfect way to go green this spring for nearly any occasion.

Part of the appeal of dishing up a homemade salad is the unlimited options you have at your fingertips to make the bowl of greens uniquely “yours.” For many, this means one thing: the more toppings, the better.

With grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tomatoes, ripe avocado, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese and a bed of fresh lettuce, this classic Cobb Salad offers an ideal lunch or even a quick family meal.

Because both these recipes can be made in 20 minutes or less, they provide simple solutions when short on time. Plus, the fresh ingredients sum up everything spring meals are made of.

Find more ways to create easy yet delicious salads at litehousefoods.com/iheartsalad.

Cobb Salad

Total time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 3-4 eggs 1/4 pound bacon 1 bag Fresh Express Sweet Butter Lettuce 1 pound grilled chicken 1 cup NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes, halved 1 ripe avocado, sliced 1/4 cup blue cheese 1/4 cup Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing

Bring pot of water to boil. Use slotted spoon to place eggs in water. Boil 10 minutes then transfer to ice bath to stop cooking process. Peel eggs and slice.

Heat skillet over medium heat. Dice bacon and add to pan. Saute until bacon is crispy and fat is rendered, about 7 minutes. Remove from pan with slotted spoon.

To assemble salad, start with bed of lettuce.

Top with hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, bacon and blue cheese; toss in ranch dressing.

Chimichurri Chickpea Salad

Cobb Salad

Total time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 1 cup fresh cilantro 2/3 cup fresh parsley 2 tablespoons dried oregano 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2/3 cup olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chickpeas, drained 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 1 1 4

bag Fresh Express Baby Kale Mix cup NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes, diced medium avocado, diced tablespoons Litehouse Avocado Ranch Dressing In food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pulse until sauce is smooth.

Place chimichurri sauce in small bowl with chickpeas and crushed red pepper flakes; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, if possible.

Divide kale, tomatoes and avocado between four bowls. Top each bowl evenly with marinated chickpeas.

Drizzle with avocado ranch dressing and serve.

BEAVER FALLS PLAZA

1008 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls (724) 843-4822

Two BR Vacancies Immediate Occupancy • 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance • On-site Management and Maintenance • Carpet/Blinds on All Windows • Individually Controlled Heat & Air Conditioning • Generous Closet Space • Potential Rapid Occupancy • No Application Fee • All Utilities Included in Rent • Income Limits Apply • 1 Person hh...$16,000 • 2 Persons hh...$18,250 Maximum income for eligibility is: 1 Person $42,600; 2 Persons $48,650

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

Chimichurri Chickpea Salad

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Family volunteerism: Teaching grandkids civic responsibility offers rewards for all Help build a house with Habitat for Humanity. This organization helps build and renovate homes for families in need of safe shelter. Visit habitat.org to find your local Habitat organization, and ask how you can help.

Habitat also offers a teen volunteer program.

Send letters to military members overseas. Veterans, new recruits, and deployed troops deserve and need to know just how much we appreciate their dedication and service to our country. For more information, visit Operationgratitude.com.

By Kimberly Blaker

Volunteering is an excellent way for families to make a difference in their communities, and the benefits extend back to those offering their time and skills. Perhaps nothing is more rewarding than knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. What’s more, volunteering raises children’s sense of civic responsibility, and is an excellent bonding experience with grandkids. It’s builds skills and offers socialization opportunities for all ages.

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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Regardless of where you live, countless volunteer opportunities are available, and there’s something to fit every family’s talents and interests. Such as: Help out at an animal shelter. Cats and dogs spend days, weeks, and often longer cooped up in small kennels or crates with little opportunity to exercise or socialize. Offer to spend an afternoon walking dogs or playing with cats. There are many other things you can do for a shelter, too. You can transport a pet to a new home, clean kennels, donate supplies, or help find loving homes through social media.

Adopt a road or park for cleanup. Most states have adopt-a-highway programs. These typically require a signed contract for a period of two to four years with a promise to clean up a designated area two to four times a year. Alternatively, you could pick an unsightly city street and head out to clean up the debris. Keep kids safe by requiring them to stay off the road and picking up litter only on the boulevard. If you have younger grandkids, park cleanup is a safer option.

Hold a coat, blanket, and backpack drive for the homeless. Homelessness exists in every community throughout the country, whether visible or not. Homeless people are always in need of warm coats and blankets as well as a way to easily carry their bare necessities. Coordinate with a local homeless shelter, and set up several drop off locations in your community. Then create and pass out flyers on grocery store and laundromat bulletin boards, share them on social media, or email family and friends to help spread the word.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry. People that are impoverished or homeless are always in need of nutritious food and meals. Search online for local soup kitchens and food pantries. Then call and speak to the manager, and offer your family’s service. Be sure to mention the age of your grandkids in case there are age restrictions. At a soup kitchen, you can help prepare and serve a meal or do kitchen cleanup. For a food pantry, help with stocking or putting together food baskets for families in need. Some pantries also need delivery assistance since many low-income families don’t have transportation to pick up their food supply.

Help an older adult by running errands. Do you know an older person who doesn’t drive or own a vehicle?

Offer to transport them to do their errands and grocery shopping. If it’s too difficult for the older person to go out, you could offer to do the errands for them.

Put together care kits for homeless shelters. Ask local businesses to donate items for the homeless care kits you plan to create. The following are useful items to include in each kit: toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, a comb, bar of soap, shampoo, a package of hand wipes, razor, shaving cream, protein bars, and other small useful items. Any food items should be non-perishable and require no preparation.

Hold a bake sale for a charity. Pick your favorite charity, and hold a bake sale to raise funds for it. Just ask a busy local business or grocery store if you can set up a table on a given day for your charity bake sale. Then invite family and friends to pitch in and help with the baking. .

Plant seeds or greenery along a highway or main street. Check with your city first. Then contact management at local nurseries and ask them to donate plants or seeds for the project. Plant only native flowers, shrubs, and trees that won’t require watering or maintenance Rake, mow or remove snow for a disabled person. If you don’t know anyone who’s disabled, ask coworkers or friends if they know of someone. Or do an online search for disability organizations in your area.

Share these ideas with your grandkids and see what triggers their enthusiasm. Then make a family plan to put it into action. You’ll all be rewarded as a result.

Your experience is the key to creating new ones.

There’s no question volunteering can be rewarding, but it’s not always easy to find the perfect fit.

AARP can help you find the opportunities that match your interests and fit your schedule. Our easy Volunteer Wizard can help you learn more about ways to use your skills and experience where and how it matters to you. You have a lifetime of experience to offer, and if you’re looking for a place to share it, AARP can help.

Find your right fit today at aarp.org/volunteer

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

Help someone who’s visually impaired. Search online for your local organization for the visually impaired and offer your help. A visually impaired person may need assistance with cleaning, cooking, yard work, or errands. You can also ask the organization about other ways you can help.

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Q &

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

A

Assessment Q&A behalf by a doctor, home health agency and community agency by fax or email or calling 724-847-2262.

An intake specialist will assist with starting the process and/or answering any questions prior to scheduling an Assessment.

Question: What kind of questions are asked on the Assessment?

Question: What is a level of care Assessment and what is its purpose?

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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Answer: A level of care Assessment is an interview to gather information on a person to determine if that person is eligible for various in-home service programs or for placement in a facility. The results of the Assessment are to determine a level of care needed.

Level of care determines how much help you may need with basic activities in your own home, which may include assistance from an agency or in a facility such as a nursing home, assisted living facility or a personal care home.

Question: How does a person get referred for an Assessment?

Answer: The Beaver County Office on Aging receives requests for Assessments from various sources.

Referrals may be initiated on your

Answer: All the questions asked are necessary in helping the Assessor make an informed and concise determination about the person’s level of care. The Assessor will ask about your physical and mental health problems, and your activities of daily living which include showering, dressing, hygiene, toileting, transferring, ambulation, and how you manage your medications.

The assessment determines if you require assistance to complete these tasks. Also, questions will be asked related to your everyday activities and tasks including cleaning, laundry and shopping,and how you manage to complete those. It is important that you answer the questions honestly, even if they are personal, as it helps the assessor to make a good decision about the level of care.

Question: Does having an assessment mean that your office will place my loved one?

Answer: No. The Office on Aging Assessor makes the level of care determination and then forwards that information to any applicable agencies, such as the Department of Human Services, for the next step in the process. Some of these assessments require financial verification for services or placement. At no time does our agency find a facility or choose a facility for your loved one nor do we physically place them or take them there.

Question: What happens to all that private information that is given to the Assessor?

Answer: All the personal information shared is considered Protected Health Information (PHI). It is kept confidential and only shared with an agency that is involved with the consumer.

Examples include a nursing home, personal care home, or the Department of Human Services. A release of information must be signed by the consumer giving the Office on Aging permission to share that information.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Powers of Attorneys & Guardianships

By Ronald N. Thomas, Esquire

This article touches, in general, upon the various types of Powers of Attorney and Guardianships.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is entered into by a person who wishes to give the “power” or legal right to another person to assist in the daily affairs and/or provide help with provision of care. It is initiated while the person is still of sound mind and makes a knowing decision to give power to another individual. There are three basic types of Powers of Attorney.

person’s wishes. Lastly, a General POA is essentially limited in duration until the person would revoke or until the person becomes incapacitated.

With respect to Guardianships, there is Guardianship over the person, Guardianship over the estate, and Plenary Guardianship which is both over the person and the estate. The court can limit the guardianships over the person and estate if deemed necessary.

In general, a guardianship alleges that the person is incapacitated to the point that he or she cannot take care of his or her own affairs and cannot take care of themselves. Typically, one who files a guardianship would have to present evidence of incapacitation, and it usually requires an expert witness which is a psychiatrist or at least a primary care physician.

One should consult an attorney to determine which, if any, of the above should be pursued.

Mr. Thomas is a former prosecutor, a former Solicitor for Butler County Area on Aging, and currently has a private practive and serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for Chidlren.

The most common type of POA is a Durable POA which gives a designated person almost unlimited power over the person’s affairs including in the event that the person becomes incapacitated. A Limited POA specifically defines what the POA can or cannot do in regards to that

Do you need a ride to get your COVID-19 vaccine appointment?

The Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA) can help to get you there. You can ride the BCTA Fixed-Route buses.

For a schedule, visit bcta.com or call (724) 728-8600.

You can schedule an appointment on the DART (Demand and Response Transit) door-to-door shared ride bus by calling (724) 375-2895.

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

SPOTLIGHT on Senior Concerns

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Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Circle of Friends Senior Services

COVID-19 may be keeping us from gathering together but it’s not keeping Circle of Friends from being here for you! We are currently offering several services to Beaver County seniors that may need a little extra help during this difficult time.

Telephone Reassurance Program:

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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This program is if you or someone you know age 60 or older would like a friendly occasional phone call to just check in and make sure that your basic needs are being met, or even just to talk for a few minutes. Calls can be scheduled one to three times per week during daylight hours. To get started, call either the Baden or New Brighton center and let a staff member know that you are interested in the Telephone Program.

Grab and Go Meal Program: If you or someone you know age 60 or older is not getting to the store as often as you’d like, or if you haven’t

been going out for that occasional bite at a restaurant and are tired of cooking for yourself every day, you can take advantage of a few pre-cooked, frozen meals. This program is currently being offered at no cost. Simply pull in to the parking lot at the center most convenient to you, and a staff member will bring a box of frozen meals to your car. Our staff follows CDC safety recommendations, including wearing masks and gloves.

Meals come in either a 2-pack or a 5-pack and can be heated either in the oven or a microwave. (Heating instructions are on the box.) Call the center nearest you to get on the schedule or for more information.

• Circle of Friends, Baden, located at the former St. John’s School, corner of Linmore Ave. and Wayne St. Call (724) 869-4224.

• Circle of Friends, New Brighton, located at the Holy Family Parish campus, 1851 Third Ave. Call (724) 846-1959.

For more information visit cofbeaver.com or call (724) 869-4224 or (724) 846-1959.

Baden Community Center Circle of Friends St. John’s Baptist School 371 Linmore Ave. Baden (724) 869-4224 cofbeaver.com

Aliquippa Satellite Center Circle of Friends St. Titus Church 952 Franklin Ave. Aliquippa (724) 857-9989 cofbeaver.com

New Brighton CommunityCenter Circle of Friends 1851 Third Ave. (Madonna Hall at Holy Family) New Brighton (724) 846-1959 cofbeaver.com

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin 570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd Rural King Corridor Inside the Mall Monaca, PA 15061 (724) 774 - 5654

Center Hours (Currently closed to the public.

Staff available by phone during the following hours) Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Programs, classes, and activities that regularly occur at the Center at the Mall and will resume when we reopen.

Current Programs

Wishing a safe and happy retirement to Maureen Herrington. Thank you for your years of dedicated service. You will be sorely missed.

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Grab N Go Meals If you or someone you know is in need of meals, the Center is offering frozen meals that can be picked up once a week at our rear entrance. You must call and register for this service.

Reassurance Calls If you or someone you know would benefit from weekly phone calls from one of the Center’s staff to check in, call to be added to the list of recipients.

Walking Club Group meets in the Beaver Valley Mall outside the Center’s front gate, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. Participants must wear a mask.

Center at the Mall activities from the comfort of your home If you are looking for ways to stay healthy and active while social distancing, Center at the Mall encourages you to check out our Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/centeratthemall

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We regularly post important updates and information including:  Beaver County Office on Aging COVID-19 Taskforce posts  What is happening at the Center and when we plan to reopen  Information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and how and where to register to receive them from reputable sources  Updates regarding tax aide Exercise videos taught by our exercise specialists that you can follow along at home  Tech tips and walkthrough videos to help you navigate your smartphone  Nutritional guides, healthy recipes, and follow along meal preparation videos  Informative videos regarding healthcare, senior services, healthy living, fraud prevention, and other topics to allow you to stay safe and in the know

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

How do you plan when it is impossible to plan? als, industrialists, doctors and veterans. You can find the markers for author and New York Times reporter Sara Jane Lippincott; founder of Merrick Art Gallery, Edward Dempter Merrick; physician providing medical care to slaves during the Underground Railroad, David Stanton; Medal of Honor recipient James Pierson; and Civil War veteran Howard Bruien. Plus, there is a New Brighton Firemen Memorial. If you go, wear good walking shoes. A map of the cemetery is available online.

By Angela Gentile, Planning Unit Program Monitor

We have been living through this pandemic for a year.

It is going to take a while until things can normalize once everyone can receive their COVID vaccinations.

There have been lots of changes, some of it chaotic. Yet, we all just must keep moving forward.

Then, take a drive to Big Rock Park on First Avenue in New Brighton, and the entrance is at the 8th Avenue tunnel. You will experience a beautiful shoreline walking trail, fishing area and picnic areas. You may be lucky and spot a bald eagle as there have been active nests more recently. There is an Underground Railroad Historical Marker regarding David Townsend and his flour mill which used to be located along the river. Just down the street from the park you can see the waterfall at the Townsend Hydroelectric Plant.

Then head over to the Merrick Art Gallery at 1100 5th Ave. It was founded in 1880 by industrialist and philanthropist Edward Dempster Merrick. It is a hidden gem in Beaver County as it features world class art and an endowment enables your visit to be free to this day.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday

It’s hard to plan ahead for vacations and family events.

Plan smaller. Try some one-day adventures.

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If you want to head into Allegheny County, you can catch the Canopy of Color Spring Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory. The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh including the Art, National History, Science Center and Andy Warhol Museum are all open. You can enjoy seeing all types of displays on the arts and sciences. The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is in the Settlers Cabin Park area of Oakdale and has 460 acres of land once used for coal mining which has been repurposed into many outdoor display gardens, woodland areas and a meadow. All of these venues have an entrance fee and timed ticket requirements to keep attendance at controlled levels during our pandemic. Call ahead or go online to start planning some fun. Maybe you can grab some lunch before heading home.

Consider planning a no cost adventure day in Beaver County. You can have hours of fun in New Brighton.

You can visit the historic Grove Cemetery, 1750 Valley Road, on the hillside of Daugherty and Pulaski townships, overlooking New Brighton. It is the resting place of notable Beaver County families, profession-

and Thursday. After you are done visiting the gallery, across the street you can read the Underground Railroad sign for the James Edgar House. The abolitionist had a tunnel from his home to the Pittsburgh Railroad Depot, the current Merrick Art Gallery. After all of this, you will be ready to have lunch at a local restaurant.

Get creative, plan and explore.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Property Tax/Rent Rebate The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older and people with disabilities age 18 and older receive a rebate based on paid 2020 property taxes or rent.

The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. Depending on income, homeowners can receive between $250 and $650. Based on income, renters will receive either $500 or $650.

Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs, PACE and PACENET, offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents age 65 and older.

Eligibility is determined by the previous calendar year’s income. Social Security Medicare Part B premiums are excluded from income.

For PACE: • You must be 65 or older.

• A Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application.

• You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Services Medicaid prescription benefit.

• For a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less.

• For a married couple, combined total income must be $17,700 or less.

For PACENET:

Information about the program can be obtained through state legislators offices or the Beaver County Office on Aging.

• You must be 65 or older.

Income Tax Assistance

• You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Services Medicaid prescription benefit.

The Beaver County Office on Aging wanted to alert the public that all appointments have been filled to utilize AARP Tax Aide assistance at Circle of Friends New Brighton, and Pathways Church in Chippewa Township. No more reservations can be accepted.

You are encouraged to find other options for completing your taxes.

They include: • Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block have multiple locations throughout the county for tax preparation. There will be a fee for the service.

• Myfreetaxes.com, funded by the United Way, is an option if you are willing to do taxes online.

• apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers The IRS Free File Online provides several options for filing taxes.

• A Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application.

• For a single person, total income can be between $14,500 and $27,500.

• For a married couple, combined total income can be between $17,700 and $35,500.

To download an application or to apply online, visit PACECares. You also may contact a state legislator’s office or the Beaver County Office on Aging for an application.

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

You can use...

PACE

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Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin Senior Gardens ready to grow Do you want to grow your own fruits and vegetables this

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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summer? If you are a Beaver County resident age 60 or older, you may apply for a garden plot or raised bed garden at the Beaver County Senior Gardens, located on Western Avenue in Brighton Township.

Gardens, if available, are assigned based on a timely receipt of an application. Use of water is available for a nominal fee. Brighton First handles the management of the gardens for the Beaver County Office on Aging. For further information or an application, contact Mike or Dolores Durham at (724) 728-0747.

If they are not able to answer, leave a message with your name and phone number, and your call will be returned.

For your information: BCOA does not have any information yet on the upcoming

Senior Farmers Market Voucher Program. Details on the voucher distribution will be featured in the June edition of the Beaver County Senior News, which can be picked up at locations throughout the county. Also, it will be available online at pittsburghseniornews.com.

BCOA bids farewell to two staff who have retired after many years of service: Tina Fabrizzi, supervisor of the Assessment/ Information and Referral/Apprise Unit; and Robin Gardner, Care Manager.

Heritage Valley Health System is asking people who are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine to register online at www.heritagevalley.org to be placed on a waiting list.

If you do not have computer access, call (724) 770-7555.

Surprises for Shut-ins wraps up As many programs had to be paused in 2020 due to the

COVID virus, one of our BCOA programs continued, and we chose to expand it.

BCOA was able to pull off the 34th annual Surprises for Shut-ins program, which provides a bag of gifts and a friendly visit during the Christmas holiday to up to 500 isolated older adults each year. As so many more people have become isolated due to the pandemic, we decided to serve 1000 people in 2020.

We had to implement a lot of changes. Because of the virus, we were not able to accept donated items from the public as we have always done. We purchased items.

Many of you were extremely generous with your financial support of the program, and we had many new donors this year. Also, we were not able to have our wrapping open houses at Center at the Mall which many people have joined us to wrap all the gifts. The gifts were placed in the cloth gift bags this year. Also, we were not able to use our dedicated core of volunteers who has helped us deliver gifts and spend some special time with the gift recipients.

Gifts were delivered by the BCOA staff and the staff of our senior centers, Circle of Friends and Center at the Mall.

We were appreciative of both of our senior center providers who accepted delivery of gifts which were ordered and for assembling all the bags.

BCOA has been able to continue this program because of the phenomenal community support we receive from Beaver Countians. We will see what 2021 brings with this pesky virus. We would love to resume having you be able to donate gifts and be able to join us in wrapping and delivering gifts. All of these changes were made to protect our staff, senior center staff, volunteers and recipients of the gifts. As the year goes on, we will evaluate the potential to resume running the program as we had in the past. Stay tuned.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Need help to resolve a problem in a long-term care facility?

Linda L. Hall, Administrator

Call your Ombudsman

Beaver County Commissioners: Daniel C. Camp III, Chairman, Jack Manning, Tony Amadio 1020 Eighth Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010 Website: beavercountypa.gov/Depts/OOA Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (724) 847-2262 (local)

(888) 548-2262 (long distance)

“Advocate for those who can’t, support those who can and ensure all long-term care consumers live with dignity and respect.”

TDD (724) 728-5700

Beaver County Office on Aging Ombudsman

Ombudsman

1020 8th Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010 Toll free (888) 548-2262 email Ombudsman@bcoa.us

Ombudsman Confidential Phone

(724) 480-8589

Protective Services for Older Adults (724) 775-1786 (to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation - 24 hours)

(724) 480-8589 (to report resident rights issues in nursing homes, personal care homes and long-term care services) ombudsman@bcoa.us Services: * Information and Referral * Care Management * Benefits / APPRISE Counseling * Pre-admission Assessment * Caregiver Support Program * Domiciliary Care * Ombudsman * Adult Day Care * Home Delivered Meals * Homemaker * Personal Care * Legal Services * Protective Services * Senior Centers * Transportation

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

An Ombudsman is specially trained and has authority under Pennsylvania law to INVESTIGATE and RESOLVE resident-directed complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care residents. All calls are confidential.

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Four stimulating activities to do with dementia patients Adults with dementia and their caregivers have to contend

3. Make a “Rummage Box”

1. Watch Videos Of Family Members Select a few videos of family members to watch with your loved one. It could be a grandchild’s birthday, a memorable family vacation, or any special event that is significant to the family. Not only is watching videos fun to do, it can also help those with dementia remember family member’s faces.

It can be very soothing for Alzheimer ’s patients to reminisce.

Creating a box filled with memorabilia from their past is an easy way to help them remember their previous hobbies or career.

A former teacher may enjoy rummaging through a box filled with chalk, notebooks, and photos of the school they taught at. As long as all the objects are safe to handle, this is an effective way to remind a loved one with dementia about their personal identity.

2. Ask Them To Help You Fold Laundry

4. Put On Their Favorite Music

Grab a small pile of laundry and ask your loved one to help you fold it. Dementia patients feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that they have contributed to household chores. It doesn’t matter if the laundry is folded properly, all that matters is that the older adult is mentally stimulated and feels good about themselves.

Many studies have shown that music is both exciting and comforting for adults with dementia. Make a playlist of their favorite tunes from when they were young and listen to it together. It is likely to bring back happy memories, and they may even recall where they were when they first heard the song.

with a fair amount of stress on a regular basis. That’s why it’s important to take breaks by doing fun, engaging activities that relieve stress, depression, and can even reduce the severity of sundowning syndrome. Consider doing the following activities to help keep a dementia patient occupied, and maybe even remind them of happy memories.

Source: gallaghercares.com

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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Direct Cremation $890

“We call it a ‘Holy Hook-up’ as to how the Lord led This charge for direct cremation without any locaus to this attendant rights or ceremonies includes: tion,” explains e c kof y death H e t z e r, • Removing the deceased person from any B place has person been a within Beaver County and transporting thewho deceased to the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. mission worker w i t h H oors legal anna • Consulting with the appropriate family member(s) since “We guardian at the Thomas M. SmithIndustries Funeral Home &1996.

CrematoA unique form of ministry had outgrown our Bakry Ltd. to acquire necessary vital statistics and authorizations. called Hosanna Industries erstown space and were • Email or fax arrangements are available is available to individuals looking to build a larger in the Pittsburgh region • Sheltering the remains for a 24 hour period by facility to (required accommodate who may need a helping law) prior to performing the cremation. our growth. Through a hand, as well as to those friend of a friend, weobewere • Performing theoffer cremation on site.

(Additional fee for who want to a hand led to the Rinard Lane sity) to others. campus where we found • Placing the cremated remains inexactly a simple container. what we were Officially started on Palm looking for: a volunteer Sunday in during • Presenting the1990 cremated remains to the appropriate family dormitory, chapel, an ofmember(s) or legal guardian at the Thomas M. Smith Funeral a worship service at First Home & Crematory Ltd. fice, warehouse space, a Presbyterian Church of maintenance garage and Bakerstown, the and nonprofit • Prearrangements Prefunding available has steadily grown to in- staff housing. It was a come true! We have clude 13 buildings two dream The concerns of a familyinrequesting direct cremation are worked in hard to update locations in Beaver andbe performed simple-the cremation should a timely and each building, add new Allegheny counties, and dignified manner, under the supervision of a professional make the funeral director,an and at a fair cost. structures The Thomasand M. Smith has served increasing functional and Funeral Home Crematory Ltd. facility is committed to satisfying number of &community these concerns, and we opportunity to be of beautiful.” residents during thatwelcome time. the service. Call us if you have any questions or wish to make Its expansion took a leap The Rochester campus is arrangements. forward in 1998, when Ho- also the site for Hosanna sanna Industries moved Industries’ construction from Bakerstown to its services and home repair current headquarters in program. Through this Rochester/New Sewick- program, volunteers reley Township, Beaver model existing low-income County (close to Cranberry homes for needy families and build new homes for families in need. For qualifying households, volunteer staff turn around the construction of new homes in one week. These “Blitz Builds” are made possible Daniel T. D’Alessandro, Supervisor not just with volunteer 930 Center Avenue. labor but also donated and Blawnox, PA 15238 materials and discounted Exit 9 Route 28 North goods, and a uniquely orShould this information reachganized your home at a time of building method illness or sorrow, please accept sincere apology. thatour compresses the build time into seven days.

(412) 828-5700

Crossword Puzzle Answer on page 2

ACROSS 1. Make keen 5. Goldman ____ (investment bank) 10. Lenient 14. Fog 15. Provide ___ (allow to escape) 16. “___ and Stitch” 17. Kennel sounds 18. Justifications 20. Bed board 21. Ninny 22. Performs rhabdomancy 23. Divisions 25. Alt. 26. Suspicious of 28. Chronic pessimist 33. Digital form of communication?

34. Encore 36. “Six ____, half a dozen...”

37. Pennant 39. “___ is my witness...”

41. Joke’s target 42. Mortise companion 44. Pickpocket 46. Thai isthmus 47. Order to a slow cab driver 49. Sycophant 51. Recycling container 52. Electronics giant 53. Tote, slangily 57. Child actor in “Home Improvement” (initials) 58. All wrong 61. Quick reference tool 63. Cutesy, to a Brit 64. Suffers discomfort 65. “What ___!” (compliment to a goalie) 66. Spring event 67. St. Louis Team 68. Adjusted the pitch of 69. Gravy absorbers

DOWN 1. Toddler’s repeated questions 2. Salute 3. Highway convenience 4. One being quizzed 5. ___ Springs, New York 6. Jawbone source 7. Foldable beds 8. Chinese Muslim ethnic group 9. Unduly formal 10. KFC side 11. Lubricates 12. Skedaddle 13. Discard 19. “___ fast!”

24. Windy City commuter org.

25. Vietnamese capital 26. Floats on the breeze 27. Wee atoll 28. “Saturday ___ Fever” 29. B-52 home (abbr.)

30. Unnamed individual 31. ___ nous 32. Do roof repair 35. “Lord of the Rings” actor 38. Dems. opposition 40. Skimmed, as in soup 43. Gambler’s pass 45. Devotee 48. Barely catches, as the heels 50. Earp and others 52. ____ Jobs (Apple pioneer) 53. Wound reminder 54. Faddish kind of pet 55. Ship’s steering mechanism 56. Girl 57. “Blue ____” (1984 David Bowie hit) 59. Glean 60. Landscaper’s shrubs 62. Kuang-___ (Qing dynasty emperor)

March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

Township, Butler County).

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March, April, May 2021 • Beaver County Senior News

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2020 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide

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