Senior Living Guide Spring 2019 03-21-19

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Plan ahead – How to avoid outliving your money Joint replacements – How to decide when it’s time Stay social – Enjoy what senior centers have to offer Looking good – Cosmetic surgery options for seniors

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

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SPRING 2019

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• Plan ahead – How to avoid outliving your money. . . . . . .Page 4 • Joint replacements – How to decide when it’s time . . . . . . .Page 8 • Stay social – Enjoy what senior centers have to offer. . . . . . . Page 10 • Looking good – Cosmetic surgery options for seniors . . . . . . . . Page 12 • Medicare – Rules for those with higher incomes. . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 Publisher - Mark Weidler Section Editor - Peter C. Mastrosimone

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New Treatment From The Arthritis Knee Pain Center Has People With Knee Pain Flocking To Them….

Viscosupplementation And Why Your Knee Hurts….

New York, NY- Have you ever been told that exercise will help your knee pain?

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SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

Millions of older Americans suffer from knee pain due to osteoarthritis. This constant, crippling pain can keep people from doing even the simplest of tasks.

Sleep problems, limited mobility and not being able to do the things you used to do can suck all the joy out of life.

The good news is that there is a new treatment that is effective and has given thousands of people in the Houston area relief. It’s called viscosupplementation (lubricating Gel) and our method uses—“special digital imaging”.

Your knee pain all begins when the cartilage of the knee starts wearing away and the natural lubricating fluid in your knee dries up due to the arthritis. The bones then start rubbing together and this causes excruciating pain.

Viscosupplementation is an effective treatment where a lubricating gel is injected directly into the knee joint.

This gel acts as a lubricant and cushion between the bones of the knee similar to how oil lubricates a car’s engine—and helps ease your pain.

Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 21, 2019

“Thousands of Arthritis Sufferers Now Walk, And Enjoy Life WITHOUT Pain —Who Never Thought They Could!”

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 21, 2019 Page 4

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Senior Living Guide

Anxious about outliving your savings?

by Michael Shain Editor

After a certain age, scary is no longer a long walk in an empty parking garage or a knock on the door in the middle of the night.

Scary is the thought you may not have saved enough for retirement, that you may live longer than your money.

One of every four 65-year-olds alive today will live past 90, according to current statistics.

One in 10 will sail past the age of 95 with flying colors.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the average 65-year-old will live another 23.3 years.

How do you make sure you do not reach the end of the line before your money does?

The answer is simple really: Save more, spend less, work longer. Good night, everyone, get home safely, remember to tip your waiter.

But life — especially retired life — is rarely that simple.

Everything points to a simple reality.

Most of us don’t have a clue about retirement.

Baby boomers have a median nest egg of At a 100th birthday party at the Golden Age Club of Nativity Senior Center. Living longer is a bless$164,000. Millennials, naturally, have less ing, to be sure, but people are growing more worried that their savings may no longer be enough to but there’s time for them to catch up.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN get them through the end of their lives comfortably.

A survey by T. Rowe Price released just a short while ago found that two of three you protect your house and other assets if back in the 1930s. If you worked all your life, you deserve something after you stop. retirees say they “have concerns about their you ever need to go into a nursing home.

Find out what you can expect from Estate lawyers can help even if you assets lasting.” That’s a lot of anxious haven’t planned as well as you should have, Social Security if you apply for full benefits people. at age 66 or wait until age 70, when benefits If you are reading this article, chances Montaigne said.

In recent years, new rules permit retirees will be higher. are you have something set aside besides In most cases, that won’t be enough to Social Security for the day your paycheck to “loan” their assets to the their children — a so-called Medicaid Compliant Promis- cover your rock-bottom needs (see 1. Plan). stops.

Are you getting a company-sponsored How can you be reasonably sure it’s sory Note. When the kids pay them back, enough to last? And if you aren’t sure it is, the income is well below the cap and Med- pension? If so, add both together and see if they meet your monthly nut. icaid kicks in sooner, she explained. what can you do about it?

If not, you may have to think about pur2 . I nvest igate other i nvest ment s 1. Plan, plan, plan chasing an annuity. For a lump sum payUnless you hit the lottery sometime after besides stocks and bonds A second house is a ment now, a bank or insurance company age 65, planning is the agrees to pay you an agreed-upon amount luxury, for sure. first way to save yourself.

But a place i n the every month for the rest of your life.

“And, obviously, the An annuity is basically a bet between ne in every four mou nt a i n s or at t he more planning the better,” beach — or even around you and an insurance company or bank. said Kerry O’Shaunessy 65-year-olds alive If you die soon after retiring, the bank the corner — can be an Montaigne, an estate lawwins. If you zoom past age 90, the bank is investment that pays off. yer in Rego Park. today will live past Nothing appreciates on the hook to pay you more than you gave First, saving is a kind it originally. You win. like real estate. of planning. The more 90. One in 10 will P.S. Ask about ways to hedge your bet.

Investing in the eduyou save, the easier everysail past 95 with cation and equipment Some companies will agree, if you die thing else becomes. required for a retirement sooner rather than later, to refund your Contributing the maxiflying colors. job — pet g rooming, heirs the unused portion of your original mum amount — 15 percomputer repair, pest investment. It costs a few dollars a month cent of your salary before taxes — to an IRA or 401(k) account is exterminating, the kind of work that can be but it may be worth it.

And you don’t have to pay an annuity all probably the fastest way to build up savings done part-time and on your own schedule at once. It can be done in payments over — can make a big difference. for working people.

P.S. Avoid investing in collectibles — time.

Next comes the paper and pencil part of a Some financial companies have started baseball cards, art, jewelry — unless you plan.

Go over your bills, what it costs to stay are a pro at it to begin with. The market for offering something called a personal penin your home and keep the lights and heat goods such as these fluctuates too much to sion — a substitute for company pensions that have disappeared in the last few be a reliable hedge, say the experts. on every month. Nothing fancy. decades.

3. Lay down a floor for yourself Add the cost of food, health insurance For a contribution today, the company What can you count on coming in every and a car or monthly MetroCard. That’s agrees to give you a pension payment somemonth, rain or shine? your base number for living.

This is why Social Security was created time in the future.

Meanwhile, an estate lawyer can help

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

O

Unlike annuities with a hard-and-fast contribution requirement, a personal-pension payout simply goes up every time you contribute, no pressure.

4. Reduce debt before retiring There are two ways to get rich: 1.) bring in a lot of money and 2.) spend very little.

Most people obsess over the first way and forget about the second.

A little-appreciated way to make sure you don’t outlive your retirement strategy is to reduce debt.

Mortgages, car loans and credit cards are for young people who have a paycheck coming in every week. Some can afford to drive a car beyond their means and live in a house that’s bigger than they may need.

That’s because they have the promise of money coming in every week.

Retirement means shedding debt obligations as much as possible.

Eliminating debt in the months and years before you retire may require some sacrifice and maybe a lifestyle change — moving to another city, dividing a house and renting out a portion, dumping the lease on an expensive car and buying a used car. For cash.

The T. Rowe Price survey found that 72 percent of retirees pay their credit card balances in full when due. Among working people, the rate is 39 percent, the survey found.

Retirees find out quickly that the peace of mind that comes when debts are retired is worth it.

5. Anxiety is good Sudipto Banerjee, a statistician for the Employee Benefit Research Institute, did research on how retirees actually use their money.

He discovered that the fear of outliving retirement money is so strong that people actually cut back more than necessary.

On average, a person with a nest egg of less than $500,000 spends just about a quarter of it during the first 20 years of retirement, he found.

The cost of healthcare and nursing homes is the No. 1 fear of retirees.

But the ERBI found that less than one in ten people are hit with nursing home costs that exceed $87,000. And the median outof-pocket cost for healthcare for people over 70 was about $2,000 a year.

“I have a lot of clients who are very well off financially and live in trailers in Florida,” financial planner Brett Anderson told Reut e r s la s t ye a r. “ T hey a r e q u ie t millionaires.”

No matter how much planning people did — or failed to do — for retirement, the research seems to show that retirees modify their behavior enough to stave off disaster.

At all income levels, retirement tur ns everyone into a fiscal conservative. at least with their own money, it found.

The evidence is so strong, one financial expert called the fear of outliving your money a flatout “myth.”

Q But better safe than sorry.

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Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 21, 2019

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Many people have questions about dental implants, and the difference between implants and other tooth replacement solutions. Dental implants replace a tooth’s roots with artificial posts, providing a base for artificial replacement teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or full upper and lower sets. They are very much like real teeth in appearance, function, and feel, making them a welcome alternative to dentures, bridges, and crowns.

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At a certain point, we’re all forced to face the reality that the ones who raised and supported us will get old.

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Senior Living Guide

Know when it’s time for a joint replacement

by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor

It was recently announced that Robbie Coltrane, the 68-year-old actor who portrayed the half-human, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, is using a wheelchair as he continues to battle crippling osteoarthritis while awaiting knee surgery.

Coltrane joins millions of other people around the world who are affected by the disease, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the most common form of arthritis.

So what exactly is osteoarthritis, and how do you know when you, too, might be a candidate for surgery?

It is a progressive, potentially debilitating condition that occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time. As people age, the chances of being affected by osteoarthritis rise, with women, for unexplained reasons, more likely to develop it than men. It can damage any joint in the human body, but it is found most commonly in the Physical therapy is one thing to try before undergoing joint replacement surgery. knees, hip, hands and spine.

She went to a second orthopedist who said There are several ways to treat the condition, mild, WebMD indicates.

Unfortunately, such lubricants don’t work for the only solution was to replace the hip. with surgery generally serving as the last resort.

After waiting two months for an appointDr. Richard Seldes, a board-certified ortho- everyone, according to the site, which suggests, pedic surgeon and director of orthopedic sur- “Research is mixed on how well they work. If ment, Sheppard finally had her surgery on May gery at Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish you are older or have advanced osteoarthritis, 30 of last year. Because she has underlying Forest Hills hospital since 2006, calls such sur- you may be less likely to find relief from this health issues, including a rare chronic blood cancer known as primary myelofibrosis, she gery an “elective procedure,” one that is based treatment.”

Nonsurgical treatments such as physical developed complications, leading to excessive on a “personal decision by the patient.”

Some people have such severe pain that they therapy and injections are, at best, temporary bleeding and the need for blood transfusions.

Once she got home, recuperation “wasn’t bad are unable to do things for themselves. “If solutions, Seldes cautions.

“Arthritis is a permanent condition,” he at all,” she said. “It took two months to get back arthritis affects daily living, it’s usually time to to myself. The other day, without realizing it, I noted. It is progressive and has no known cure. have surgery,” Seldes suggested.

“When seniors become withdrawn from was running. I have no pain, I have my normal Before that, however, the doctor recomsociety, they decline family engagements, they gait back, I have full flexibility.” mends other routes, including physical therapy.

Her bottom-line advice: “Don’t have surgery get depressed” because of Steven Berman, a registheir joint pain, the doctor unless it’s necessary. When you get to the point tered physical therapist with it’s time for surgery, that quality of life is so downhill, don’t go an office on Union Turnefore surgery, most said, which, he added, is effec- through the pain I went through for so long.” pike in Flushing, would Rego Park resident Louise Foisy, 67, had a tive in relieving the pain up agree. “We do our best to patients should try different experience that ultimately led her to 95 percent of the time. get [patients] better without physical therapy Candee Sheppard, 68, down a similar path. surgery,” he said.

“I sustained a fall nine years ago,” she said. who grew up in Laurelton His standard procedures and medications. but relocated to Buffalo “I landed on one knee. It was quite painful.” include applications of heat Foisy discovered she had torn her meniscus, three and a half years ago to and/or ice, electric stimulation, ultrasound, passive range of motion exer- be near her daughter, can likely identify with the cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the cises and gait training. Treatment usually lasts Coltrane’s situation. She lived with osteoarthri- joint. She had surgery, only to fall again two tis of the hip — and suffered — for years before years later, requiring a second round of surgery. between six and eight weeks, Berman said.

Beginning in 2017, following her participaOther possibilities, he added, include injec- deciding to take the big step.

“I lived in an upstairs apartment,” Sheppard tion in an all-day march in Washington, D.C., tions of cortisone or gels.

Cortisone, according to the Mayo Clinic, recalled in a telephone interview from her home pain in her knee became quite severe, affecting “may help relieve pain and inflammation” but upstate. Beginning about 10 years ago, she had her mobility.

An orthopedist gave her cortisone injections “because of potential side effects, the number of trouble climbing steps. It was painful, but only which, she said, were great — for three days. shots you can receive in one year generally is intermittently.

“When I moved up here, I took a part-time Then the pain was back. Subsequent gel injeclimited.”

Possible complications of these injections job and did a lot of walking on a hard floor. I tions led to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reacinclude joint infection, nerve damage, tendon was in tremendous pain. All of a sudden it got tion that can cause death.

Finally, she was faced with the prospect of weakening or rupture and thinning of nearby really bad,” she said. surgery, which proved to be a double whammy, X-rays revealed her problem. bones, a condition commonly known as She paid a visit to an orthopedist, a specialist literally. osteoporosis.

Both her knees were determined to be equalLubricants, such as hyaluronic acid, may be in treating conditions involving the joints, injected once a week for three to five weeks, bones and spine, who injected cortisone into the ly bad, so her orthopedic surgeon recommended bilateral surgery, or the performance of a according to WebMD. The online site says the spaces between her bones.

“It worked, but maybe only for a week,” procedure on both sides of the body during the Food and Drug Administration has only same operative session. approved this form of treatment for osteoarthri- Sheppard said. “Then the pain was back.”

After spending four days in the hospital, she One day, she recalled, she did a lot of walktis of the knee, but some people get it in other joints, as well. Side effects, including swelling ing and “my hip felt funny. The next day, I was transferred to another one for two weeks of in-hospital rehabilitation, a process necessitated and discomfort at the injection site, are generally couldn’t walk.”

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

B

by her particular set of circumstances.

“I would have been more comfortable at home, but it wasn’t an option for me,” she said.

She was eventually able to return to work and now she’s “very pleased with the outcome.”

For Dolly Guinther, 89, of Forest Hills, surgery also proved a necessity. Around 10 years ago, she fell and “there was no question — we had to do it.”

Unfortunately, things did not go well for her following hip replacement surgery. Two years after the procedure, her hip “didn’t seem to be working well,” so she went to another hospital that specializes in such operations.

There, she underwent a second surgery, and faced rehabilitation for a month.

“It worked,” Guinther said. “I still felt uncomfortable but I was able to get around.”

Then she developed what she describes as a “strange, bewildering infection” that emanated from the area of the operation.

“For the longest time, nobody knew what it was,” she said. Eventually, she had to undergo yet another procedure. Though she still walks with a cane, “It’s been very good,” she said.

The general consensus seems to be that if you experience pain or swelling in your joints, begin conservatively. Go for X-rays to determine the possible cause. According to Seldes, the orthopedic surgeon, in the early stages of arthritis, patients usually do very well with a specialized physical education program and anti-inflammatory medications. He advises to “treat the pain symptomatically.” If the pain becomes more steady, consider injection therapy. As function deteriorates, joint replacement may be the best option.

WebMD agrees with Seldes that knee or hip replacement surgery may be a viable option for relieving pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis among the elderly. While it may take older adults several weeks to recover, it appears they have excellent long-term results, the site indicates.

Of course, any kind of surgery carries risks.

WebMD warns that joint surgery can lead to, among other complications, deep wound infections and blood clotting in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism.

The site suggests that improved communication between physicians and patients may allow more elderly patients to make informed choices.

Before any major surgical procedure, it is always advisable to seek more than one medical Q opinion.

Dolly Guinther underwent hip replacement surgery and needed more operations. Dr. Richard Seldes says that when arthritis affects daily life, and other treatments don’t do the job, it’s time for surgery. PHOTO BY MARK LORD, LEFT; COURTESY PHOTO

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Senior Living Guide

Senior centers provide camaraderie

by David Russell Associate Editor

While seniors look to maintain their independence, it is still important for them to remain socially active.

A number of seniors are single and others have families that don’t live nearby. Limited income and perhaps not being able to drive are other influences.

“One of the most important things about seniors getting out is a very large social aspect,” said Hindy Chanales, director of the Young Israel of Forest Hills Senior League. “Even though people might be independent at home and do things on their own, it’s extremely important for them to get out in a social setting. The social atmosphere really does a lot for people’s well-being.”

She said there are misconceptions about senior centers, of which there are many all over Queens, explaining that they are not like nursing homes and that lunch programs, for example, are not only for those with financial needs but are also meant for people to sit with friends and meet new people.

“One thing I always tell my members, which I think is extremely, extremely important for seniors to really absorb is that learning something new and getting out and doing something different ... there’s not much of a difference between learning something when you’re 40 to 60, or 60 to 80, or even 80 and above,” Chanales said.

She recommends working on some art, noting that some seniors who never previously were interested began sculpting really well.

“It keeps your mind sharp, it keeps you creative — even if people who are losing their memory a little bit, they can still benefit from art,” Chanales said.

Older adults staying active with a card game at one of the many FILE PHOTO senior centers in Queens.

There are also fitness advantages as Chanales explains there are classes for fall prevention.

“It’s that constant repetition of the same exercises to really help your body build the connections of stopping yourself before you fall or even just regular exercise so you can stay up and around,” she said, adding that many programs are designed to help seniors stay active and independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

Bruce Cunningham, executive director of the Queens Interagency Council on Aging, said the senior centers are a good method of avoiding isolation.

“For a lot of the seniors here in Queens, it’s a way to escape loneliness because they get to be around other

seniors,” he said.

Cunningham added, “You don’t have to worry about being alone because there’s always a program or person to share and engage.”

He noted that senior centers are not assisted living facilities and that a lot of seniors want a chance to be useful and help out “but they don’t know where to go.”

Cunningham said while visiting different centers over the years he has noticed the population is primarily female, estimating they make up 75 percent.

“What that says to me are the men at that time were the breadwinners,” he said. “The women stayed at home, cooked the meals, took care of kids. Now the husbands are gone, the woman maybe has some pension but in the meantime rent’s going up, she’s on a fixed income, now she has a problem and she’s not prepared.”

There are mental health benefits too as American Journal of Public Health research found that older women who maintained large social networks reduced their risk of dementia and delayed or prevented cognitive impairment. Women with the larger social networks were 26 percent less likely to develop dementia than those with smaller social networks.

Older adults with a strong social life have reduced stress, longer lifespan, more fitness, reduced risk of depression, less anxiety and greater self-esteem, according to an article from Active Senior Retirement Communities.

There are a wide variety of activities for older adults. The Howard Beach Senior Center, as just one good example, offers bus trips, weekly dances, exercise classes, yoga and shopping trips. There are also less strenuous activities including pool, card games, Wii bowling, crafts, book club, Q bingo and movie days.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MEDICAID Many seniors don’t know that Medicaid is there to help them too, or believe that the process to get benefits is inflexible and uncaring. With our guidance and support, there’s no reason why seniors can’t become eligible and receive the benefits they need and are entitled to.

We’re here to help!

“Protect your life savings, your monthly income and homes, and at the same time apply for Medicaid medical assistance at home or in a nursing home.”

Elder Care Services, Inc. • Over 18 years experience filing Medicaid Home Care and Nursing Home applications

108-18 Queens Blvd., Suite 801 Forest Hills, NY 11375

• Full service including challenge denials, recertification, representation, and much more Jack Lippmann

718-575-5700

FREE Consultation

www.eldercareservicesny.com

©2018 M1P • ELDC-073609

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

The Truth is: ANYONE can become Medicaid eligible

C M SLG page 11 Y K Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 21, 2019

Queens’ Largest Hematology & Oncology Practice and Infusion Center

Our Onsite Support Network Includes: • Highly Trained & Qualified Physicians • Patient Navigator • Experienced Physician Assistants

• Patient Financial Counselors

• Skilled, Compassionate Nursing Staff • Fast Track Department • Clinical Research Trials

• Palliative Care Team

• Onsite Pharmacist

• Multilingual Staff

RIVS-075587

QUEM-073552

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

176-60 Union Turnpike, Suite 360, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366 718-460-2300 | www.queensmedical.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 21, 2019 Page 12

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Senior Living Guide

In-office cosmetic procedures for seniors As we age, we wear the effects of sun, stress and life experiences on our faces. Fortunately, with advances in dermatology, there are minimally invasive outpatient procedures that can help reverse that trend to improve appearance and confidence.

The most common procedure requested by mature patients is botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) to reduce the visible signs of aging. Tiny injections of this medication can help smooth lines on the forehead and between the brows (Figure 1, real patient treated by Dr. Hooman K horasani). They can also help address “crow’s feet” around the eyes. Because the procedure uses very small needles, most patients experience little or no pain. There is no Figure 1. Botulinum d o w n t i m e a f t e r toxin to smooth wrin- r e c e i v i n g t h e injections. kles on the forehead.

A not he r c om monly requested procedure is the injection of fillers (such as Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse) to eliminate lines and wrinkles to give patients back a more rounded, youthful face. This is also referred to as a “liquid face lift” (Figure 2, real patient treated by

D r. K ho r a s a n i) .

T hese i nject able fillers attract and hold water to restore volume and balance to the face.

Small needles are used to minimize pain and there is no Figure 2. Injectable fill- downtime.

Skin resurfacing ers can eliminate lines is another very popor wrinkles. ular procedure amongst aging patients. Laser resurfacing can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin irregularities like blemishes or scars.

Laser removes flawed skin, layer by layer.

When the new skin cells form, the skin becomes tighter, clearer, smoother and more uniform ( Fig u r e 3, r e a l patient treated by D r. K hor a s a n i) .

There are a variety of popular laser devices for resurfacing, including: Fraxel, TotalFx, Clear Figure 3. Skin resurfacand Brilliant. The ing can reduce appeardowntime depends ance of wrinkles and on the device and skin irregularities.

the settings used, but is usually minimal.

Sagging skin is a common complaint as people age. Facelifts and necklifts are excellent procedures to address drooping skin, but these surgical procedures are generally performed under anesthesia (Figure 4, real patient treated by Dr. Khorasani). Threadlifts are an innovative alternative to these invasive procedures. Threadlifting using Instalift, Euroth reads or Novathreads involves the placement of very small threads under the skin to reposition and lif t sagging areas. Over time, the sutures stimulate growth of collagen, which gives Figure 4. Threadlifts, an the face the firm- alternative to a facelift. ness and elasticity of youth. This procedure is performed in the office while patients are numb, but awake.

The results can be long lasting.

Drooping and sagging eyelids are early signs of the aging process. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can remove excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids (Figure 5, real patient treated by Dr. Khorasani). This procedure results in a rested and youthful look. The results are long-lasting and the scar

is discreetly hidden in the eyelid creases. This procedure can be performed in the office while the patient is awake.

The procedure has minimal downtime and most people are able to return to work a few days Figure 5. Eyelid surgery later. There may be (blepharoplasty). some swelling and COURTESY PHOTOS bruising for up to 10 days, but many people find they can hide the bruising with special makeup.

In summary, there are many procedures to reverse the visible signs of aging that can be tailored to a person’s specific concerns and timeline. A consultation with Dr. Khorasani, chief of the Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, can help determine the best one to address each aging problem.

More information can be found at www. drkhorasani.com or by calling the Mount Sinai Skin and Laser Center located at 234 East 85 St., 5th floor, New York, NY 10028 at Q (212) 731-3311.

Information provided courtesy Dr. Hooman Khorasani, Dr. Matthew J. Lin and Danielle P. Dubin BA.

Come See What’s Going On At The

YI FOREST HILLS SENIOR LEAGUE M A R C H 2 019 Monday

9:30 AM

StayWell Exercise with Denis This class incorporates aerobics, muscular, flexibility, balance, & relaxation.

10:10 AM

Cycling with Denis

Current Events with Tom & Peter 12:50 PM Bingo Tournament with Suzie 1:00 PM Chinese Culture Club 1:30 PM Ping Pong

11:00 AM

9:30 AM

Yoga with Nechama

10:30 AM

Art with Yvonne Shortt

1:30 PM

Thursday

Tai Chi with Ann 11:00 AM Self-Defense for Seniors with Darryl Freeman 11:30 AM Seniors Fit for Life with Darryl Freeman 9:45 AM

Have fun stretching & strength training, while boosting your memory.

Beaded Jewelry Class with Yvonne Leslie Friday

HEALTH & FITNESS CLASSES FOR EVERY LEVEL!

1:00 PM 1:00 PM

Movie Club Canasta

9:15 AM

Exercise with Denis

10:30 AM

Changes & Challenges Discussion Group

PLUS MANY OTHER RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS ALONG WITH DAILY HOT LUNCH.

68-07 BURNS STREET FOREST HILLS, N.Y.

718-520-2305

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Friday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm

©2019 M1P • YOUI-075576

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

Tuesday

Wednesday 10:00 AM Exercise with Darryl 11:00 AM Positivity Circle Discussion Group 12:50 PM Bingo Tournament with Suzie 1:00 PM American Mahjong 1:00 PM Chinese Culture Club 1:30 PM Ping Pong

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arrangement, which we called Congregate Living. But our residents don’t have to share rooms to keep costs down! They enjoy their own private, spacious apartments. They are free to come and go, to entertain family and friends, and to make their own financial decisions.

Currently, Flushing House is accepting applications for Two Week Trial Stays in our lovely community. The Trial Stay is What makes an Independent Community designed for people who are considering different from other types of making a move into a community setting housing options for older adults? but are fearful of such a commitment. This Retirement residences which combine offers the opportunity for people to try the Independent Living with supportive services community for 2 weeks while living in a on premises have recently become a furnished apartment. They can meet our popular alternative in the U.S. In Queens, residents, enjoy the amenities and see if Flushing House is known as a pioneer in this is the right fi t for them all at an incredsuch communities. Independent Living facil- ible rate of $30 per night. ities are real estate Flushing House developments, is located at 38-20 owned by large, Bowne Street, for-profit corpoFlushing, NY 11354. rate chains, and Space is limited.

For more inforthey’re a lot more e x p e nsi ve t ha n mation on Flushing Flushing House !

H ous e and our trial stays call us As a not-for-profi t, at (347) 532-3014 we pioneered our unique living or (718) 752-3198.

For more information visit us at www.FlushingHouse.com Flushing House is a private senior residence was built in 1974 with the purpose of offering older adults an alternative and affordable retirement experience.

Today it is home to over 300 older adults.

Flushing House has long been recognized as an innovator, one of the fi rst to offer Independent Living, along with supportive services on the premises.

–ADVERTORIAL–

FHOU-075648

Riverview Senior Residence: Where Convenience Meets Community Riverview is Manhattan’s newest address for active seniors 62+, located in the heart of New York City. As an all-inclusive living complex, it combines the best that Manhattan has to offer with the added convenience of on-site dining and a full spectrum of recreational activities and amenities. Riverview is an independent senior residence whose leadership boasts 18 years of experience serving New Yorkers. Its sister community, Island Shores Senior Residences, is the premier independent living community on Staten Island’s South Shore. Riverview residents benefit from the management and expertise of a well-established organization without sacrificing a personalized experience.

off-site trips. Security and pendant monitoring are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week for your peace of mind. And those milestone events won’t go unnoticed, either, as Riverview’s staff plans monthly birthday celebrations, Father’s and Mother’s Day luncheons, and even invites friends and family to join in on the fun for a 4th of July barbeque or a Winter Festival. In short: Riverview has it all. It’s a place you can call home, at a price you can afford.

Established 1852

St. Mary’s Community Mausoleum

$

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 21, 2019

Flushing House invites you to meet our residents, enjoy the amenities

500 Off 00

This is a Pre-Construction Certificate of Savings of $500.00 per space in the soon to be completed St. Mary’s Mausoleum.

Discount may be discontinued without prior notice.

St. Mary’s Community Mausoleum

To learn more about what Riverview has to offer or to schedule a tour any day of the week, call Riverview at (212) 586-4546 or email Living@RiverviewNYC.org.

519 West 49th Street Off 10th Avenue New York, NY 10019 212-586-4546 Living@RiverviewNYC.org RiverviewNYC.org

Riverview also offers a full calendar of activities and events ranging from lectures and yoga classes to arts workshops and – Advertorial –

©2019 M1P • RIVS-075649

72-02 Astoria Boulevard East Elmhurst, NY 11370 718 278- 3240 STMC-067222

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

All of this comes at a modest cost. All-inclusive monthly fees start at $3,400. Included in the monthly rate, Riverview residents get a beautiful private studio or one-bedroom residence, either furnished or unfurnished.

Residents enjoy three home-cooked meals at Riverview Bistro as well as daily housekeeping. All residents have access to Riverview’s rooftop garden and a choice of outdoor spaces to read, relax or watch the ships go by on the Hudson River. Riverview has an on-site movie theater, game room, library, computer lounge, fitness center and beauty parlor, and hosts a visiting doctor.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 21, 2019 Page 14

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Chapin Home for the Aging

Social Adult Day Programs Provide Caregiver Relief

Chapin is a nonprofit, missiondriven 220–bed skilled Nursing Home and Rehabilitation facility serving the New York City and Long Island community at its Jamaica Hills location since 1869.

We are proud to celebrate our sesquicentennial anniversary.

Over the last 150 years Chapin has evolved into the highest-quality (CMS 5 Star Rating) skilled nursing facility that continues to embrace the humanity of our residents.

Chapin Home’s guiding principle throughout its history has been to provide the aging men and women who have come to live here, a true home‚ where they may find the serenity and security that have always been envisioned as essential and appropriate to the latter part of life.

We provide Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care, Short-Term Reha-

ocial Adult Day Care is a type of community program for persons dependent on assistance due to either physical or cognitive limitations. This allows the person to remain in the community with the support of family or paid caregivers rather than living in a facility. Most centers are open business hours with some open on Saturdays. Activities and programs in the adult day center provide supportive care and opportunity for fun to the individual. Trained caregivers provide assistance with personal care and activities are adapted to meet the needs of each person so that those attending the center may remain engaged and have improved quality of life.

Another benefit of the day program is respite for the spouse or other family member who provides care when the person is at home. When caregivers are certain their loved one is receiving professional care and having fun, they feel secure going to work or getting a much needed break during the day. Those who attend social adult day centers are not independent enough to participate in the activities at a senior center. The day center helps them stay active in the community, receive the appropriate care as well as provide

S

bilitation, IV Hydration & Antibiotic Therapy, Hospice, Respite, Palliative Care, Memory Care, Nutrition Services, Dental Services, Ophthalmology/Optometry, Podiatry, Audiology, an On-Site Beauty Parlor and Adult Day Health Care.

If you wish to learn more about Chapin or would like to schedule a tour, please call us at (718) 739-2523 or visit our website at www.chapinhome.org

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

– ADVERTORIAL–

CHAH-075580

programing that will enrich their day.

Social Adult Day programs, like Parker on Madison, a memory care program for the frail elderly, is part of the continuum of care offered

by Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation. Parker has been committed to addressing the needs of the community, and in particular the individual, to offer options.

Programs like Parker on Madison help individuals keep their independence and live in the community and stay out of care facilities. It provides respite for the caregivers, while at the same time offering the program participants purpose and dignity. The staff is comprised of a Life Enrichment Coordinator, who is a licensed master in social work, as well as recreation specialists.

The team provides functionally impaired older adults with socialization, supervision, personal care, and nutrition in a protective and nurturing setting. The program is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm, and door to door transportation is also provided.

For more information on how we can help you and your loved one please call us at 877-727-5373.

–ADVERTORIAL–

PARJ-075658

AFFC-074973

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Medicare: Rules for those with higher incomes 65, 80, or 85 percent of the total cost, dependby Nilsa Henriquez If you have higher income, the law ing on the income you report to the IRS. Medicare Part D prescription drug coverrequires an upward adjustment to your monthly Medicare Part B (medical insur- age helps pay for your prescription drugs. For ance) and Medicare Part D (prescription most beneficiaries, the government pays a drug coverage) premiums. But, if your major portion of the total costs for this coverincome has gone down, you may use form age, and the beneficiary pays the rest. PreSSA-44 to request a reduction in your Medi- scription drug plan costs vary depending on the plan, and whether care income-related you get Extra Help monthly adjustment with your portion of amount. t he Med ica re pre Medicare Part B f you’re a higher-income scription drug coverhelps pay for your age costs. doctors’ services and beneficiary with Medicare If you’re a higherout patient care. It prescription drug coverage, income benef iciar y a lso c ove r s ot he r Medicare preme d ica l s e r v ic e s , you’ll pay monthly premiums with scription drug coversuch as physical and age, you’ll pay monthoccupational therapy, plus an additional amount, ly premiums plus an and some home which is based on the income additional amou nt, healthcare. For most which is also based on b e nef icia r ie s , t he you report to the IRS. the income you report government pays a to the IRS. Because substantial portion — individual plan premiabout 75 percent — of the Part B premium, and the beneficiary ums vary, the law specifies that the amount is determined using a base premium. Social pays the remaining 25 percent.

If you’re a higher-income beneficiary, Security ties the additional amount you pay to you’ll pay a larger percentage of the total cost the base beneficiary premium, not your own of Medicare Part B, based on the income you premium amount. If you’re a higher-income report to the Internal Revenue Service. You’ll beneficiary, we deduct this amount from your pay monthly Part B premiums equal to 35, 50, monthly Social Security payments regardless

I

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 21, 2019

Senior Living Guide

Your premiums for Medicare Parts B and D vary depending on the income you report to the IRS. COURTESY PHOTO

of how you usually pay your monthly prescription plan premiums. If the amount is greater than your monthly payment from Social Security, or you don’t get monthly payments, you’ll get a separate bill from another federal agency, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or the Railroad Retirement Board.

You can find Form SSA-44 online at socialsecurity.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf. You can also read more in the publication “Medicare Premiums: Rules For Higher-Income Beneficiaries” at: socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ Q EN-05-10536.pdf.

Nilsa Henriquez is a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist located in Queens.

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

FHOU-072136

Chapin Home for the Aging Serving the New York City, Long Island community at its Jamaica Hills location since 1869.

Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care • Short-Term Rehabilitation IV Hydration & Antibiotic Therapy • Hospice • Respite • Palliative Care Nutrition Services • Ophthalmology/Optometry • Dental Services • Podiatry Audiology • On-Site Beauty Parlor • Adult Day Health Care

Chapin’s 150 years of nonprofit mission-driven history has been to provide those who have come to Chapin a true Home‚ where they may find serenity and security.

165-01 Chapin Parkway, Jamaica Hills, NY 11432 (718) 739-2523 | www.chapinhome.org

CHAH-075579

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE • Spring 2019

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