Spotlight Newspapers Senior Supplement

SENIORS February 11, 2009

• Making Sense of Medicaid Page S2

• Legal Documents Can Help Protect Assets Page S5

• Seniors...It’s a Matter of Taste Page S8 The Capital District’s Quality Weeklies

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SENIORS

Herzog Law Firm helps seniors SENIORS Do not neglect SENIORS make sense of Medicaid dental care

By PHILLIP M. TRIBBLE

The author is a lawyer with Herzog Law Firm.

“Mom, the hospital says you have to go to a nursing home.”

If you have not already met with The Herzog Law Firm, or another Elder Law attorney, and prepared for this day, then do not wait another minute. Even at this late date much can done. Under cur r ent Medicaid regulations, even when someone is in a nursing home and has done no prior planning, legal action can be taken to preser ve a significant portion of the resident’s assets and still permit them to receive the highest quality care they need.

Ever yday families are faced with the emotional and financial tur moil of providing care for themselves, their spouses or parents.

It is frightening, but it can be managed and the needed care provided without losing all of your hard-earned assets, even when someone is already in a nursing home. What you need is information and guidance as to your legal rights and how the law can benefit you rather than be a barrier.

Elder Law attorneys, Phil Tribble, Harr y Miller and Deb Verni of The Herzog Law Firm, and other Elder Law attorneys in the Capital District, understand the Medicaid eligibility r ules and even when no prior planning has occurred can advise families on how to provide

for the care of their loved one and still preser ve a significant por tion of their assets. Often a nursing home will recommend a clerical person to help a resident regarding Medicaid eligibility, but be warned, unless you receive legal advice from a qualified Elder Law attorney you may not be receiving all of the information and guidance you need.

Medicaid is a Federal Law, enacted by State Law and regulations and administered by the county Social Ser vices Department and State Health Department. There are ver y specific legal requirements both for eligibility and to claim exemptions to which you may be entitled. Lacking proper legal advice and guidance may result in loss of benefits or exemptions to which you would other wise be eligible, and may even result in denial of coverage all together.

With the average cost of nursing home care in the Capital District exceeding $300 per day. (That’s over $108,000 per year.) it is more impor tant than ever to obtain accurate legal advice. Contact The Herzog Law Firm or another Elder Law attorney today. Legal advice can save your family both financial and emotional loss. Be prepared for the day when, “Mom, the Hospital says you have to go to a nursing home.” becomes a reality. And if you are not prepared, then it is even more impor tant to contact your Elder Law attorney immediately.

Herzog Law Firm is located at 7 Southwoods Blvd., Albany. Call 465-7581 for information.

Americans are all living longer, healthier lives.

The cost of health care is increasing. Those of us over 55 years old are wondering how we are going to be able to af ford health care for the rest of our lives.

Medical insurance, including Medicare, helps many of us. Unfor tunately, many people do not have dental insurance, especially after retiring.

Patients have actually come to my dental of fice to say goodbye because they were retiring and would not be seeing the dentist any more because they couldn’t af ford it.

Whether you have your own teeth or dentures, those teeth will always need maintenance.

A s w e g e t o l d e r, o u r saliva flow naturally decreases. Salivar y flow acts as a natural cleanser of debris and when it decreases, there is an increase of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Dental maintenance is imperative if you want to eat comfor tably for your whole life.

R e c e n t l y, t h e d e n t a l practices associated with

First Advantage Dental of New York have adopted a plan that gives a 20 percent cour tesy to patients over 55 years old who do not have dental insurance.

Here in Bethlehem, both the First Advantage of Delmar and Bethlehem Dental Ar ts are of fering this program.

The hope is that this program will help seniors obtain the dental care SENIORS necessar y to look their best and chew comfor tably for the rest of their lives.

President, CEO......Richard K. Keene V.P. and COO......John A. McIntyre Jr. Advertising Representatives..........

Kim McKee, John Salvione, Carol Sheldon, Cyndi Robinson Art Director ....................David Abbott Graphic Design...........Martha Eriksen, Ken Cioffi Editorial Paginator .......Jackie Domin Copy Editor ...............Kristen Roberts Managing Editor ...William R. DeVoe Executive Editor............Tim Mulligan Business Manager...Jennifer Deforge Customer Service ............Irene Altieri

TO ADVERTISE, CALL (518) 439-4940 FAX (518) 439-0609 P.O. Box 100, DELMAR, N.Y. 12054 www.spotlightnews.com

The dental practices associated with First Advantage Dental of New York have adopted a plan that gives a 20 percent courtesy to patients over 55 years old who do not have dental insurance.

SEN

Stay active with senior rates at YMCA There is no better place than the Bethlehem Area YMCA to invest in your retirement by exercising your spirit, mind and body.

We a p p l a u d o u r s e n i o r s and baby boomers and want

them to continue with their healthy, active lifestyles.

The Bethlehem Area YMCA has r ecently established a new membership categor y f o r s e n i o r s , 6 5 a n d o l d e r, that makes belonging to the

YMCA a little easier.

For more information on the new senior membership rate please contact the Bethlehem Area YMCA‚s member ser vice desk at 4394394.

“I’M NEVER GOING TO A NURSING HOME!” But What Really Lies Ahead? Plan Now Because Tomorrow May Be Too Late To Protect What You Value Most from Staggering Nursing Home Costs!

Attend one of our Free Estate And Medicaid Planning Seminars now and discover what you really need to know about planning for your future and the reality of nursing home costs!

• How a Medicaid Trust protects your home and assets.

• Is a Will really needed and how to avoid probate.

• Have you planned to maximize tax benefits?

• How do you obtain Medicaid benefits if needed?

SOONER IS BETTER THAN LATER!

A supplement to Spotlight Newspapers The Spotlight; Clifton Park-Halfmoon Spotlight; Colonie Spotlight; Loudonville Spotlight; Niskayuna Spotlight; Rotterdam Spotlight; Saratoga, Milton, Burnt Hills, Malta Spotlight; Scotia-Glenville Spotlight

BETHLEHEM DENTAL ARTS Virginia A. Plaisted, D.D.S. • Stanley Lis, D.D.S. Anthony J. Ficara, D.D.S., M.S.

Senior Discount Program Harry Miller

Debra Verni

Phillip Tribble

Attorneys: Herzog Law Firm P.C. Estate and Medicaid Planning Department Please call 465-5153 or go to www.herzoglaw.com for reservations to one of the following free seminars: Wednesday, March 18 Thursday, March 12 Wednesday, March 11 2:00 p.m.

Marriott Courtyard-Saratoga 2:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Express 10:00 a.m. Glen Sanders 11 Excelsior Drive, Saratoga Springs 400 Old Loudon Road, Latham 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia 7 Southwoods Boulevard Albany, NY

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(518) 465-7581 • Attorney Advertising Page S2 • February 11, 2009

For More Information Call • 518-439-3299 74 Delaware Ave. Delmar www.bethlehemdentalarts.com Seniors • Spotlight Newspapers

SENIORS

Stay safe during cold-weather outings Information is key to helping America’s seniors successfully navigate the cold weather months -- a time that can pose a variety of health and safety challenges.

A common winter health problem is hypother mia, a condition marked by a ver y low body temperature, usually caused by being in the cold (indoors or outdoors) too long.

The American Geriatric Society Foundation for Health in Aging explains that since older adults have slower metabolisms, they tend to produce less body heat.

In addition, because of the way the body changes with age, it’s difficult for them to tell when temperatures are too low. That’s why it’s important for seniors to know how to stay warm outside as well as inside their house or apartment.

When going outside, seniors are encouraged to: • Dress in layers of loosefitting, lightweight clothing When going outside, seniors are encouraged to dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing under under their coat. This can keep their coat. This can keep warm air between the layers of clothing. warm air between the layers of Corbis clothing.

• Use mittens instead of your weight up and to keep heat top fear of aging was Alzheimer’s apply salt or sand to icy patches. gloves. Mittens allow fingers to inside your body. disease, more than half the (Ask a neighbor or relative to touch each other and generate Cold weather often equates respondents worried over losing help.) warmth. to snow and ice; conditions that their physical abilities as they • Replace r ubber tips • Wear a hat. Between 30 can increase a senior’s chances aged. Women in particular had on canes and other medical a much higher fear of equipment well before they’re and 50 percent of falling than men. body heat loss occurs wor n so they don’t become through the head. A A common winter health problem is E x p e r t s w a r n slipper y when wet. scar f covering the against the danger Low-income seniors who mouth and nose can hypothermia, a condition marked by o f w i n t e r f a l l s b y need help paying their heating protect the lungs. encouraging seniors bills can check with the National a very low body temperature, usually to: For warmth Energy Assistance Refer ral caused by being in the cold (indoors or indoors, the National • We a r n o n - s k i d (NEAR). A listing of states and Institute on Aging outdoors) too long. boots. available assistance programs recommends: •Pay attention to can be obtained at www.liheap.

• Closing blinds the walking sur face ncat.org/profi les/energyhelp. and cur tains to prevent heat of falling. by looking down only with htm.

• F a l l s t h r e a t e n w h a t your eyes. Bowing your head loss from your home. Weather For more topics of interest, stripping or caulking around seniors value the most -- their for ward could cause a loss of visit www.bankers.com and the windows can keep cold air independence,” says Scott balance. click on “Senior Resources.”

Per r y, president of Bankers out.

• Keep sidewalks clear and ARA • Keeping your thermostat Life and Casualty Company, a national life and health insurer set to 68 to 70 degrees. that focuses on ser ving the • Wearing war m clothes retirement needs of the middle during the day and using extra market. A study sponsored blankets at night.

by Bankers Life and Casualty • Eating enough food to keep showed that while the overall

For the latest news on your community, visit

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IN BRIEF Senior Services holds elections Senior Ser vices of Albany recently elected the following people to its board of directors: •Craig Hayden, director of Medicare sales, CDPHP. •Rhonda Krutz, assistant vice president, NBT Bank.

•J. Spencer Ryan Jr., retired NYS professional.

•Karen Tassey, RN, Chief Operating Of ficer, Nor theast Health, Acute Care Division.

•Wilma Waithe, NYSDOH Director of Minority Health.

In addition, the board elected the following officers for 2009: •President, John J. Ewashko •Vice president, Christopher Burke • T r e a s u r e r, M i c h a e l Camarota •Secretary, Carol Whittaker

Heritage society seeks volunteers The Shaker Heritage Society needs volunteers for its annual education program for fourthgrade students in May and June.

Volunteers lead one class on a guided tour of the Shaker Historic Site to see buildings, the landscape and museum-staffed interpretive areas.

Prior teaching experience is helpful, but not necessar y.

Volunteers may donate as few or as many hours as their schedules can accommodate.

Training and orientation is provided to new volunteers through group sessions and individual meetings with the education coordinator. Training includes information about Shaker history and effective tour guide techniques.

For infor mation, contact A n n e C l o t h i e r, e d u c a t i o n coordinator, at 456-7890, ext. 23 or ShakerEducator@yahoo.com.

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274-4888 February 11, 2009 • Page S3

SENIORS

SENIORS SENIORS Winter driving safety tips Today’s “seniors” are boomers and they don’t plan to slow down their lifestyles for a little thing like getting older -- or inclement winter weather.

More 65-plus drivers are on the roads as baby boomers continue to work or pursue active retirement lifestyles. Yet no matter how active and healthy you stay, your driving skills will inevitably change as you age.

Your changing driving abilities, however, need not stand in the way of safe, enjoyable winter driving.

“In our fast-paced, modern world, driving is not only a privilege, it’s a necessity for millions of Americans, especially seniors who rely on their vehicles to help keep them independent,” commented Howard Hayes of NAVTEQ. “Many seniors don’t have the luxur y of staying home when the weather turns bad. But with a few safety measures and a little extra care, seniors can stay safe on the roads throughout the winter.”

Senior drivers should follow universal vehicle safety practices, and take some extra precautions designed to compensate for their changing driving abilities.

Take care of your car Vehicle maintenance is even more important in the winter, when frigid temperatures could turn a break down into a lifethreatening situation. Look after maintenance items that are par ticularly susceptible

Take care of yourself to malfunction in cold weather, including: • Cooling systems -- Be sure you have the right antifreeze mixture to keep the car’s cooling system running smoothly.

• Belts and hoses -- Cold temperatures can make these more prone to cracking and breaking.

• Tires -- Cold makes the air in tires contract and could cause

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a dangerous under-inflation.

• Batter y -- Winter y temperatures can make a battery lose its charge. Be sure yours is in good condition and fully charged before the weather turns cold.

• Wipers and washer fluid -- You’ll need wipers to remove snow and washer fluid to remove sand, salt and dirt spray from your windshield. Be sure wipers work well and washer fluid flows freely.

• Oil -- For optimum per formance, oil should be clean and flow easily through the engine. Consult a mechanic or your vehicle’s manual to find out if your engine might benefit from thinner viscosity oil in cold weather.

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Winter driving can be especially rigorous, so it’s impor tant to ensure you’re at your best physically before climbing behind the wheel. Do’s and don’ts for senior drivers include: • Do have your vision checked -- ideally twice a year, and definitely before winter driving season gets under way.

• Don’t drive if you’re tired, feeling ill or have just begun a new prescription medication.

• Do stock your vehicle with emergency supplies, including warm blankets, bottled water (kept inside the car and not in the trunk where it may freeze), nutritious nonperishable snacks like granola bars or protein-rich nuts and road flares.

• Don’t leave home without your cell phone. Or, if you don’t have a cell, make sure you check in with a loved one before you leave the house. Tell them where you’re going, your estimated arrival and return time, and that you’ll check in with them again when you return home.

■ See Driving Page 6

Bigger. Better.

The Alzheimer’s Association has planned following local Memory Walk events: Adirondack Memory Walk, May 2, Lake George; FultonMontgomery Memory Walk, May 3, Johnstown; Columbia-Greene Memory Walk, May 3, Hudson; and Capital Region/Saratoga Memory Walk, Sept.

26, Saratoga Springs.

Submitted photo

Ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease The Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer r esearch and suppor t, has developed a checklist of common symptoms to help recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease.

1. Memor y loss 2. Dif ficulty per for ming familiar tasks 3. Problems with language 4. Disorientation to time and place 5. Poor or decreased judgment 6. Problems with abstract thinking 7. Misplacing things 8. Changes in mood or behavior 9. Changes in personality 10. Loss of initiative For information, referral or suppor t, call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Alzheimer’s Assoc. plans Memory Walks and much more The Alzheimer’s Association has the following local events planned: •Fourth Annual Flower Auction, March 8, Schenectady •9th Annual Memories Gala, May 15, Proctors Theater •George J. Dennis Memorial Golf Tournament, July 27, Saratoga Springs Choose a walk near you: •Adirondack Memory Walk, May 2, Lake George •Leatherstocking Memor y Walk, May 2 •Fulton-Montgomery Memory Walk, May 3, Johnstown •Columbia-Greene Memory Walk, May 3, Hudson •Capital Region/Saratoga Memory Walk, Sept. 26, Saratoga Springs For information on the above events, call 438-2217, ext 305, or e-mail katie.weklar@alz.org.

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SENIORS

Legal documents can help protect assets Seniors should plan ahead for their later years

By KATE TOOMBS The author is a National Academy of Elder Law Attorney.

Winter is a good time for reflection. Like many of you, I have more quiet time to think about family and friends -- how our lives have changed in recent years -- while considering the possibilities ahead. This is also a good time to consider how changes in your life, and the lives of those close to you, may have affected your advance dir ectives and other a s s e t protection planning.

For a few years, I was a featured attorney on a local radio callin show that focused on legal issues of interest to seniors and their family. While some of the questions were quite esoteric, most of the callers were just ordinary folks, who had worked hard and saved what they could.

Most people didn’t believe they would ever need to go to a nursing home, but nevertheless, wanted to set up a plan so that their life savings would be passed to the next generation in as ef ficient a manner as possible. If they could do that while reducing their exposure to the costs of long-term care, so much the better.

The most important planning documents to you personally are the Durable General Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and Living Will. Although not very complicated, they can be very powerful tools. If you are not able to give consent, without these documents your family will be prevented by privacy laws from getting information on your condition or assisting with the payment of bills,

insurance claims or any other business.

Next, you should understand that Medicare will pay your doctors and hospitalization for acute care, but not for chronic care. For example, if an elderly woman falls and breaks her hip, Medicare covers the hospital, surger y and initial rehabilitation. However, if the woman is not progressing in accordance with Medicare’s standard guidelines, (possibly because of congestive heart failure, dementia or any number of other conditions), Medicare and supplemental health insurance stop paying and the patient is then personally responsible for care c o s t s averaging $300 per day.

Her life savings will quickly be decimated unless there is professional guidance.

With any luck, when your time comes, you will die without personally experiencing a nursing home.

Some other considerations follow. The threshold for estate tax in New York State is currently $1 million. The federal threshold is $3.5 million, but changing. Many readers will not be concerned with estate tax, but will be concerned that their property gets to the intended beneficiaries with reasonably little delay and complication, and in a manner which reduces professional fees. Some readers will have more complicated families – second marriage, alternate lifestyle, pets or disabled children who need to be specially provided for. Some may own a Florida home.

All of these factors, together with your personal beliefs make a difference in the planning that is right for you. When you are ready to review and update your plan, give me a call and together we will get it right.

SENIORS

Spotlight Newspapers • Seniors

Silver Alert helps keep seniors safe If you’ve got a senior citizen in your life suf fering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you probably worr y about them wandering away and not being able to find their way home. A new law that addresses this issue is under consideration right now.

In September, the House of Representatives passed the National Silver Alert Act. Much like an Amber Alert for missing children, the act would establish a formal, public notification system to spread information about senior citizens who are missing. The bill was introduced after an 86-year-old Florida woman wandered away from an assisted living facility and was later found dead.

Visiting Angels, an organization that provides inhome care for thousands of seniors across the countr y, is urging everyone to call and write their senators to encourage them to sponsor the bill.

“Senior safety is first and foremost for Visiting Angels,” says chief operating of ficer Patricia Drea. “The National Silver Aler t Act would give families the peace of mind that, if their loved one is missing, the public would be notified and on the lookout for them.”

Cur rently Silver Aler t programs operate in about a dozen states and the National Silver Alert Act would provide federal suppor t to the state initiatives and assist in the expansion of Silver Alert. The bill, S 3579, would create a Silver Alert Coordinator within the Depar tment of Justice, who would set voluntar y guidelines and monitor state Silver Aler t programs. The coor dinator would consult with agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, the Depar tment of Transpor tation and the Administration on Aging to develop best practices and provide federal funds to implement state Silver Aler t programs.

“Reuniting missing seniors with their families requires a rapid and united response,” says Drea. “With the National Silver Aler t Act our communities can use and build on existing resources to help keep our

SENIORS

In September, the House of Representatives passed the National Silver Alert Act. Much like an Amber Alert for missing children, the act would establish a formal, public notification system to spread information about senior citizens who are missing. seniors safe.”

Visiting Angels and other organizations ser ving senior citizens are asking the public to contact their senators and encourage them to become a co-sponsor of S 3579 and to support the bill when it comes

to a vote on the floor. You can find your senator at www. senate.gov.

For information on the latest news for seniors and living assistance ser vices, visit www. visitingangels.com.

ARA

3359 Consaul Road, Niskayuna, NY 12304 518-370-4419 x 303 Cell 518-428-7447 / Fax 518-393-9410 / rosalyn@ingersollplace.com www.ingersollplace.com

Committed to meeting and exceeding the expectations of each and every resident.

February 11, 2009 • Page S5

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SENIORS

Warmth of Wine event helps seniors with heat bills

By EDWARD NEARY The author is executive director of Colonie Senior Service Centers.

“Since initiating the Warmth of Wine in 2006, Colonie Senior Ser vice Centers has raised nearly $45,000,” said Chairman of the event Bill Hoblock, “With this year’s event we hope to add much more to help seniors in need.”

The Warmth of Wine is a fun and enjoyable evening of marvelous wines, great food, tantalizing silent auctions, and fabulous live auctions at an eclectic new venue in Colonie.

And it’s all for a great cause, with all proceeds from the winetasting benefit going directly to help defray the heating costs of senior citizens in need.

Even though prices of heating oil, gas and electricity have moderated slightly in recent months, many of our seniors are faced with outrageously high heating bills again this winter. It is a continuing situation that Colonie Senior Service Centers and our event sponsors find unacceptable in our community. The deepening recession and skyrocketing cost of everyday necessities only make matters worse for our seniors, forcing some to choose between buying prescription medications

and paying the bill to keep their homes warm during the cold winter months. Thankfully, these seniors can count on the Warmth of Wine proceeds to help them through.

The fourth annual Warmth of Wine will be held on Thursday, March 5, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the new Blu Stone Bistro in Colonie (formerly the Calaway Grill).

Capital District businesses have been strong supporters of this important fundraiser since its inception, and we are pleased to welcome SEFCU as our key sponsor, and grateful to have Bill and Kristin Hoblock back as chairs for this important effort to help seniors. Thanks to the generosity of the Blu Stone Bistro with their great new venue, hors d’oeuvres and delicious cuisine; as well as support from NewsChannel 13, WTRY 98.3 and the Times Union, this exceptional evening of wonderful wines is sure to be a great success once again.

Won’t you join us in helping seniors in our community pay for heat? Not only will you be helping others, you’ll have a fantastic time doing it. Tickets are $50 per person. For further information please contact Danielle Simons at 459-2857, ext.

301 or by e-mail at dsimons@ colonieseniors.org. RSVP’s are requested by Friday, Feb. 27.

Providing Superior Care in Assisted Living

Community thrives at Delmar SENI Place SENIORS Facility helps seniors stay active and involved Despite the pessimistic predictions for the economy, Delmar Place, an assisted living community in Delmar, is committed to supporting and strengthening relationships with community partners.

As the director of community outreach for Delmar Place, Kristin Vivian’s responsibilities include collaborating with the local community. Previous collaborations have ranged from inviting the community at large to par ticipate in events at Delmar Place (such as tai chi classes, on-site mammography, guest speakers and lunch engagements) to community groups (such as local Girl Scout and Brownie troops, Senior Blue, HIICAP, Healthy Choices NY and networking groups) utilizing the meeting space at Delmar Place.

Delmar Place has also supported local programs and community par tners including the Bethlehem Librar y, school programs, church events and sports teams.

“As a local business, Delmar Place is a par tner with the Town of Bethlehem and its constituents in providing a safe, connected and vital lifestyle for seniors. We take very seriously the responsibility of enriching the lives of not only our residents but the senior population at large.” Vivian said.

As the senior population gets older and needs more care, Delmar Place has become an option for many local families.

Transitioning into assisted living is not a decision made lightly. But according to Delmar Place Executive Director Donna Sickler, ever y

effort is made to make residents feel at home and remain connected with the public.

“Part of our goal is to be a bridge between the community we have built and the one that surrounds us. By doing this our residents have a very full life and continue to be as independent as possible.”

Delmar Place has it’s own Four Corners - a hallmark of the Delmar area – that is the site of Friday afternoon Happy Hour and where residents frequently gather over coffee and tea, enjoying each other’s company and planning their day.

Educational events, exercise classes, trips and outings to the librar y, concerts, dinner, festivals and local places of interest included on the recreation calendar enable residents to be involved and stay active.

“We invite you to join us for a tour of our beautiful apar tments and our intimate common areas, such as our librar y and club r oom. Come and enjoy our gourmet cuisine, or join us for one of our exciting activities. We are confident that you will immediately see why so many people call Delmar Place home,” Sickler said.

This community within a community provides a second family to the people who live at Delmar Place. The community connections help to create a diverse and active lifestyle which is why residents and families are so happy to be a part of Delmar Place.

Vivian offers, “If I haven’t had the opportunity to contact you, please feel free to contact me regarding community events, speakers or activities that Delmar Place can sponsor or support.”

For more information about Delmar Place, call 434 -4663, e-mail info@delmarplace.com or visit www.delmarplace.com.

■ Driving (From Page 4)

Plan and prepare

~ An Assisted Living Facility ~

Choose a Place Where Excellence is the Standard 24-Hour Care • Modern Private Suites Meals, Housekeeping and Laundry Personal Care Assistance Daily Activities • Customized Care Plans Three Locations: 26 Rock Rose Way Malta (518) 581-2800 Rt. 9 North Saratoga Springs (518) 584-3317 Page S6 • February 11, 2009

60 Waller Road Wilton (518) 580-0702

Winter driving experts agree -- don’t drive in bad weather if you can avoid it. But if driving in inclement weather is absolutely necessar y, take these steps to help make the challenge as safe as possible: No matter how active and healthy you stay, your driving skills will inevitably • Avoid r ush hours, but change as you age. stay on well-traveled roads.

Don’t tr y taking back roads or “short cuts” thinking you’ll avoid traf fic. Fewer cars on back roads may mean those routes are the last to be plowed P L A C E Assisted-Living Residence or maintained and are not likely to be heavily patrolled by emergency ser vices.

• Pre-plan your route using resources like Traffic.com to get the most up-to-date information on traffic and road conditions.

Internet savvy seniors can log on to www.traf fic.com before leaving home. Or, call (866) MY-TRAFC (866-698-7232), a toll-free traf fic hotline. At www.Traffic.com/Gift, you can download the free Traffic Gift Pack, which includes three easy-to-use personal mobile traffic ser vices: the Traffic.com hotline, mobile Web site and text alerts.

• Travel with a companion whenever possible. There is safety in numbers, and a vigilant travel companion can help you navigate slick roads, winter y weather and traffic challenges SHORT-TERM OPTIONS AVAILABLE. better than you might if you Call to arrange for a tour | 434-HOME | delmarplace.com were alone.

ARA

“See you at my place.”

Seniors • Spotlight Newspapers

SENIORS IN BRIEF Students invited to submit stories Wynwood Niskayuna, a senior assisted living community, invites students in grades six to eight from Niskayuna and Schenectady public schools to submit a story for its writing contest.

The topic for the writing contest is “How I have positively impacted a senior citizen.” The essay should be two pages maximum and should detail a special relationship the students have or had with a senior, or a special deed done, and what it has meant to them.

The essay is due Feb. 18 and should be mailed to: Wynwood Niskayuna, Attn: Amy BiggiDiStefano, 1786 Union St., Niskayuna 12309.

Margo Larson and Vicky Jupin recently met while visiting at Woodlawn Commons, an independent living community at Wesley. They both have special fondness for Evergreen Adult Day Center at Wesley and what it has meant to them over the years.

Submitted photo

Friendship grows at Wesley Adult day service provides families with a peace of mind There are many supporters and advocates of The Wesley Community and perhaps none are more enthusiastic than Margo Larson and Vicky Jupin, who recently met while visiting at Woodlawn Commons, an independent living community at Wesley.

Both Larson, who now resides at The Wesley Community, and Jupin of Stillwater have special fondness for Evergreen Adult Day Center at Wesley and what it has meant to them over the years.

In the winter of 1996, Larson left her home in Bomoseen, Vt., when her 72-year-old husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Fortunately for her, a friend had read an article about Evergreen Adult Day Services program (which was then called Day Harbor) and told her about the new apartments at Embury on the Wesley campus. Larson packed

their belongings and moved into an apartment on the seventh floor, which had a view of “their” Vermont mountains.

“It was a blessing to me,” she started. “I could wheel my husband over from our apartment at Embury through the covered and closed walkway and bring him to the Evergreen Adult Day Service program. I then could go about my day without a worry. I volunteered at the Lake Avenue Elementary School. My husband loved the gardens at Evergreen, and I was a better caregiver at night because we had both had a good day,” she continued. “Before, we were both homebound, and I didn’t drive.

The quality of our lives changed dramatically because of Embury and Evergreen. I made new friends and the staff at Evergreen made my husband happy.”

After her husband passed away, Larson became a volunteer at Evergreen because, as she said, “that was where my circle of friends were.”

Vicky Jupin has had a wonderful, experience with Evergreen Adult Day Services. Her mom, Sadie Dekan, started with Evergreen at age 84 and was part of the program for 16 years. Jupin and her husband Joe, were both working and she remembers what a wonderful place Evergreen was for the working family.

“Being able to leave your loved one at Evergreen and have great peace of mind knowing she was enjoying their day enabled us to work without worry,” she explained.

Jupin recalled how the staff treated each client’s individual needs with respect and caring and said she felt that because of Evergreen Adult Day Services excellent programs and activities, her mom maintained and enjoyed a wonderful level of health until the age of 102.

Margo Larson and Vicky Jupin, two new friends speaking warmly about their similar experiences said almost in unison, “you can have a beautiful place, but it’s the staff that makes the difference.”

Greater Health. Greater Life. Greater Saratoga.

Meet your changing needs

In honor of National Incredible Kid Day March 15, Wynwood Niskayuna will honor the winning essay writer during a special ceremony at the community.

For information, call 346-6935.

Senior center seeks artists The Niskayuna Senior Center is looking for local senior artists.

Seniors who like to watercolor, draw, paint, crochet or create other craft items are invited to gather at the center on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. The center is getting ready for its annual arts and crafts show at Town Hall.

For information, call 372-2519 Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our next supplement is almost here!

To advertise your business or organization, call 439-4949, ext. 15 Deadline: Feb. 25 / Published: March 11

Read by over 120,000 Capital District residents The Spotlight; Clifton Park-Halfmoon Spotlight; Colonie Spotlight; Loudonville Spotlight; Niskayuna Spotlight; Rotterdam Spotlight; Saratoga, Milton, Burnt Hills, Malta Spotlight; Scotia-Glenville Spotlight

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SENIORS

SENIORS SENIORS In-home denture care Seniors ... it’s a matter of taste is an easy solution ever yone; the way it tastes, the way it looks, the way it is of fered are all impor tant.

When it comes to selecting an assisted living community you have many considerations to addr ess.

The quality of care, what ser vices are provided, finances, friendliness of the staf f, etc. The other factor that someone may want to consider is the food. Is the community preparing good, nutritious, yet appetizing meals? How is the meal prepared? How does it taste?

What about the presentation?

All are factors that come into play when dealing with

dietar y concer n is met, Steve goes the extra mile.

“Nothing would be more He understands seniors and Getting to the dentist’s office an Albany nursing facility, and t i r e s o m e t h a n e a t i n g a n d the factors that af fect their is a difficult – and sometimes the geriatric and trauma center drinking if God had not made taste and smell. Planning impossible – task for many in Niskayuna. them a pleasure as well as a meals that include a palette seniors and disabled citizens.

From new dentures or necessity.” of colors and shapes as well Concerned about this growing par tials to repairs and — Voltaire as a variety of textures and problem, Dr. Richard Glover relines, Dr. Glover will temperatures, his of ferings Would you agr ee that if star ted Residential bring his dental expertise food does not look or taste appeal to both the eye and Denture Care and to the comfor t and g o o d y o u m i g h t b e l e s s the tongue. Increasing taste of fers the only convenience of your likely to eat it? by using fresh herbs that complete in-home very own residence. burst into flavor and adding Sensor y changes in the services for people With all of the aroma assist in appealing e l d e r l y, e s p e c i a l l y t a s t e who need or necessary to the taste buds. Having already have t o o l s a n d and smell, can be dramatic. healthy snacks available dentures technologies The nor mal aging process, helps to of fset eating just at a n d at Dr. Glover’s m e d i c a t i o n s , t h e o n s e t o f mealtime. Of fering a happy dementia, decreased activity, partials. finger tips, hour snack time with fresh D r . y o u w i l l and even environmental juice and water available Glover has provided receive the same level factors play a role. Weakness, maintains Capital District residents with of care that highly satisfied f a t i g u e , a n d hydration a f f o r d a b l e quality dental care since 1987, patients receive at his dental When it comes to selecting an assisted living as well as food are all building an excellent reputation office. of fering a c o n c e r n s community you have many considerations to for the design and repair of To schedule an appointment f o r s e n i o r s . chance to dentur es and par tials. For or learn more about Residential address. The quality of care, what services are chat and D u l l e d t a s t e years, Dr. Glover has of fered Dentur e Car e, contact Dr. mingle. provided, finances, friendliness of the staff, etc. compassionate denture and Glover’s office of Today’s Dental a n d s m e l l Steve not m a y r e s u l t The other factor that someone may want to partial care for senior citizens in Care, at 374-3060. o n ly stirs in a waning the pots, a p p e t i t e consider is the food. he walks placing our around the elderly at risk the palate and maintaining d i n i n g r o o m a t mealtime for malnutrition.

New Dentures, Relines, Partials, and Repairs the appetite. and stirs up a little “one-onAnother issue is social Exclusive In-Home Provider one” with each resident to Steve Grabkowski is the isolation. Many elderly find themselves single again. A chef at Ingersoll Place and g e t c o n v e r s a t i o n s f l o w i n g widowed woman who once he takes these par ticulars a t e a c h t a b l e . S t e v e s e t s may have enjoyed cooking and more into consideration t h e s c e n e w i t h c a r e f u l l y for her family may now find w h e n p r e p a r i n g m e a l s f o r s e l e c t e d b a c k g r o u n d it a chore. A widower may h i s r e s i d e n t s . S t e v e i s a m u s i c . H e a n d h i s s t a f f have left most of the cooking human Vego-matic. On his cr eate an envir onment for to his wife. Now alone, he feet all day, he chops, stirs, his residents similar to the dices, slices, and maintains per fect evening out at the only nibbles or snacks. finest restaurant.

Senior Centers typically h i s k i t c h e n a n d s t a f f . H e With over 20 years in o f f e r a n u t r i t i o n a l m e a l does a lot of kneading, not each day. Meals on Wheels o n l y w i t h d o u g h , b u t a s the food ser vice industr y, can also be helpful. Many h e p r e p a r e s a m e a l , h e i s Steve began as a Navy cook seniors, however, will choose actually kneading a whole a n d o b t a i n e d h i s d e g r e e in culinar y ar ts. He has to move into an assisted living social event each day.

D i e t r e s t r i c t i o n s m a t t e r become quite knowledgeable Personal care by a reputable dentist community where meals are prepared for them daily. Since little to Steve; no salt, low regarding nutrition and long in the convenience of your home! they take meals in a warmer, f a t , o r a r e g u l a r d i e t , h e term care through seminars, reading materials, and c o n g r e g a t e s e t t i n g , s o c i a l makes it all appealing. isolation is minimized. Food Working with a nutritionist discussions with the elderly.

2310 Nott St. East, Niskayuna seems to be significant to t o a s s u r e e a c h r e s i d e n t Customer ser vice is what he is about. “I feel I’m giving back to the community, to the generation that did so much for my generation.

I always attempt to ser ve our residents gour met food while staying with in the boundaries in accordance with their diets.” He has been with Ingersoll Residence since 2001. “Cooking is an ar t. A love for food and love for those who sit at your table bring it all to life …

Sonia McGrath enjoys life. That’s why Eddy Retirement Living — and the people at Ingersoll and the carefree lifestyle that comes with it — suits her so well. are as much a par t of my family as my wonder ful wife “I don’t cook ... I don’t clean. My biggest chore is doing my laundry!” and daughter.”

Ingersoll Place, over 80 Which leaves Sonia plenty of time to do what she does best ... have fun! years of experience caring for seniors, noted for its’ Discover the joys of independent retirement living. histor y and tradition of providing a safe warm, Call us today at 451-2103. hospital place to live.

Our dedication to seniors Eddy Retirement Living. Where life is good. remains ongoing.

Remember each person is an individual and so are their nutritional needs so always c h e c k w i t h y o u r d o c t o r.

There are many ser vices available to seniors so check your local communities.

When the choice is for assisted living, tour each community, ask questions, Beechwood, Troy • Beverwyck, Slingerlands • Glen Eddy, Niskayuna look ar ound and yes taste The Glen at Hiland Meadows, Queensbury • Hawthorne Ridge, East Greenbush the food!

The author is the marketing SPOT021109 director of Ingersoll Place.

By Rosalyn Larrabee

Residential Denture Care

Call Dr. Glover’s Office at 374-3060

Eddy Retirement Living ...

I’d recommend it to anyone!

Page S8 • February 11, 2009

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Seniors • Spotlight Newspapers