Senior
LIVING
A Blank Slate Media/Litmor Publications Special Section • October 11, 2019
34 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 11, 2019
Tips to choosing retirement community BY C AT HY D E A N G E LO , C M P At every stage of life, we want to be able to exercise control and make choices. Among the most critical of those choices is where and how to live. This is particularly true for older adults, who are looking to stay put and age in place. Affordability, elevator or single-floor living, access to services, and a like-minded community stand out as the top decision drivers. Equally important is making sure that access to services and health care remains viable and affordable as needs change over time. While no one has a crystal ball, the future outlook for optimum health and activity for most of us will require some greater level of assistance. Here are some senior housing options, and pros and cons to keep in mind.
Cathy DeAngelo or even to a different facility to get a higher level of care. Often, your apartment does not have a fully equipped kitchen and all meals are provided. Additionally, if you require a hospital stay followed by rehab, you’ll have to continue paying to hold onto your accommodations at your independent living or assisted-living residence until you’re well enough to return. Fees can vary widely and are unpredictable. Most of these communities are for profit. If you run out of money because of unanticipated health or other issues, most of these communities do not accept Medicaid. Stand-alone assisted living and memory care are likely private pay. Long-term care insurance can help pay for these services. Make sure you read the fine print and are aware of future costs in order to choose the facility that best suits your needs and ability to pay.
Stand-alone Rental Communities with Assisted and Independent Living options These communities offer a no-commitment option for people who may or may not be quite ready for assisted-living services but are looking for convenience, prepared meals, transportation, maintenance-free living, a low community fee and community activities. Assisted living and dementia care options are available on site. While this may be an excellent short term option, it’s important to understand that while you may initially live independently, as your needs change, costs will rise according to your needs and you may have to move to a different room
SEE YOUR WAY CLEAR
Doctor available for cataract & glaucoma testing, exams, contact lens fittings, dry & red eyes. By appt. only.
If you are over the age of 60, and it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, talk to us today about your vision care needs.
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Any Two Complete Pairs of Prescription Eyeglasses
Any One Complete Pair of Prescription Eyeglasses At time of purchase. Not retroactive. $100 min. purchase. Cannot be combined w/any other offer or Union plans. W/coupon only. Exp.11/30/19
At time of purchase. Not retroactive. $100 min. purchase per pair. Cannot be combined w/any other offer or Union plans. W/coupon only. Exp. 11/30/19
OUR EXPERIENCE & QUALITY MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FULL-SERVICE, FAMILY OWNED OPTICAL CENTER SINCE 1982
Focal Point Optical FAMILY OPTICAL CENTER
Life Plan Community A Life Plan Community like Jefferson’s Ferry is a not-for-profit alternative that offers residents an active community lifestyle with a guarantee of health care and the ability to age in place in South Setauket. Independent living apartments and cottages, assisted-living apartments and studios, rehabilitation services and skilled nursing with priority access are all available on one campus. A Life Plan community contract protects your estate against the potential high cost of assisted living and long-term care. To become a resident of a Life Plan community, you must meet health, financial and insurance requirements. Each Life Plan Community has its own requirements and contract options. Many Jefferson’s Ferry residents, for example, pay an entrance fee that while it can be sizable, it is in some cases, as high as 90 percent refundable, securing the resident’s estate for their heirs. After the entrance fee is paid, residents are responsible for a predictable monthly fee that does not rise if your health care needs increase. As a not-for-profit community, entrance and monthly fees are invested back into the community. If residents require additional services in rehab, assisted living or skilled nursing, they remain on campus close to family and friends.
ties is very appealing to the independent and active later middle-aged and senior population. There is a variety of beautiful residences, appealing amenities, and a built-in community of potential friends. While many residents of 55+ communities work well into their 70s, there is generally a dynamic community for daytime social activities. Most of these communities don’t have on-site services of any kind outside of social activities, so it’s important to consider the proximity of shopping, other services and the availability of alternative means of transportation. As your needs change with age, home care is a consideration and expense in this type of community, as would be a move to a community offering the services you may need. People are aging for a much longer period than years ago. In 2030, the expectation is that there will be twice as many 85-year-olds and three times as many people over 100 years of age than there are today. Today’s older adults are more active than previous generations. People want to be in communities with their friends, who will become more like family members, as our actual family may live far away. Retirement communities help people hold on to the community relationships we need in order to thrive at every age.
55+ Communities The maintenance free lifestyle offered by a wide variety of 55+ communi-
Cathy DeAngelo, CMP is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Jefferson’s Ferry, A Life Plan Community in S. Setauket, NY.
ADVERTORIAL
When is the "right time" to have cataract surgery? If you are noticing vision problems and have been told you have cataracts, it's likely your cataracts are bad enough to require surgery. In some cases, people experience bothersome vision problems such as glare and halos at night even before their eye doctor notices significant clouding of the lenses in their eyes during a dilated eye exam. This condition, called dysfunctional lens syndrome, often is reason enough for many people to consider cataract surgery, especially if they need better visual acuity for driving at night. If your night vision is blurry and headlight glare is bothersome when you drive, you may need cataract surgery. However, financial considerations and insurance requirements also are factors when considering the best time to have cataract surgery.
Some insurance companies (including Medicare) consider cataract surgery to be "medically necessary" and a covered service only after the cataract has caused corrected visual acuity to be reduced below a specified level. Often, this criterion is 20/40 or worse (20/40 is the legal vision requirement to get an unrestricted driver's license in most states). Be sure to review the details of your insurance policy with your insurance agent or your eye doctor's staff so you understand if your vision qualifies you for coverage of your cataract surgery as a medically necessary expense. If you plan to pay for your cataract surgery completely out-of-pocket, you can have the procedure done at any time, provided your cataract surgeon feels you are a good candidate and that you will benefit from surgery.
Focal Point Optical FAMILY OPTICAL CENTER
GARDEN CITY PARK
COME IN FOR YOUR EYE EXAM.
GARDEN CITY PARK
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2453 Jericho Tpke. (Between Herricks Rd & Marcus Ave) 516-746-3836
MOST UNION PLANS & MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED. (We Accept Eyemed)
2453 Jericho Tpke. (Between Herricks Rd & Marcus Ave) 516-746-3836
MOST UNION PLANS & MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED. (We Accept Eyemed)
Visit Us At: www.focalpointgcp.com
Visit Us At: www.focalpointgcp.com
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 11, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
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36 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 11, 2019
Get more youthful looking skin Many lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and staying out of the sun, can contribute to younger-looking skin.
helping to create a younger appearance and glow. Exercise also can help banish stress, which can contribute to an older appearance and frown.
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ew people would pass up the opportunity to look younger. But men and women who want to look a little more like their younger selves without resorting to surgery can still have younger, healthier-looking skin without going under the knife. The following are a handful of natural ways to keep skin vibrant and youthful. • Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can add years to your life and improve your appearance. Smoking damages collagen and elastin in the skin, which are the substances that help keep skin flexible and firm. Also, smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and makes it difficult for it to receive enough oxygen to stay healthy. The act of smoking also can contribute to olderlooking skin. Pursing the lips to draw on a cigarette, as well as squinting to avoid smoke in the eyes can lead to the formation of wrinkles on the face. • Steer clear of the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light damages the skin and can cause it to age prematurely. Also, inadvertent UV exposure, which can happen when running errands or sitting in front of an open window, also can affect the skin. Sun exposure is the top cause of uneven skin tone and dark spots. Always wear sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun. Applying sunscreen should become as automatic as brushing your teeth each day. • Drink more water. A dehydrated body will divert water to the organs that need it the most, including the liver and heart. When that happens, skin pays the price by not receiving adequate hydration for skin cell renewal. By drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water per day, you can ensure your body is getting the fluids it needs to fuel natural functions, including skin cell production. • Exercise. By working out you’ll promote good cardiovascular health, which in turn will deliver blood flow and nutrients to the surface of your skin. Skin cells are pushed to the surface of the skin,
• Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol in excess can damage blood vessels over time. This can cause burst capillaries at the surface of the skin, which are highly visible. Drinking also may lead to flushing, which can affect appearance. People who have damaged their livers from drinking too much or abusing medication may develop jaundice, a medical condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin. • Avoid stressful situations. It’s impossible to avoid all the stressors in life, but taking steps to reduce stress can improve your psychological outlook and appearance. Stress can lessen your body’s ability to function properly, and that can affect the appearance of your skin. Stress-related insomnia can lead to under-eye bags and a tired appearance. And according to the Archives of Dermatology, stress can increase your risk of skin diseases and may cause wounds to take longer to heal. • Eat a healthy diet. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it makes sense that healthy foods will benefit the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax and fish oil are important for skin health because they support healthy cell membranes. Antioxidants like vitamins A and C also are beneficial because they fight the effects of cell oxidation and combat free radicals that can lead to illness. • Take care of your skin at night. Moisturizers and serums with concentrated blends of vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals are most effective at night. That’s because, when applied at night, such products are in contact with the skin for several hours without being wiped off. Just be sure to apply any products to clean skin for maximum effect. A dermatologist can recommend the right products for your skin type.
There are various ways to get more youthful-looking skin, many of which can benefit the rest of your body as well.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 11, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
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38 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 11, 2019
The right foods can fight inflammation T
he human body and its immune system excels at fighting foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. Signaling chemicals called interleukins tell cells whether they are needed to fight illness or they should wait in the wings. While these immune defenders are doing their jobs, soreness, fatigue and swelling can occur — the natural side effects of an immune system response — but will soon dissipate. However, many people deal with immune systems that are consistently revved up, even when no invaders are present. This is the problem with many chronic diseases and immune system dysfunction. Unfortunately, the inflammation that is a hallmark of immune defense becomes a daily problem that may result in chronic pain and other complications. What many people may not realize is that the foods that they are putting into their bodies may exacerbate inflammatory responses, while others may help keep inflammation at bay. People with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s, and other chronic illnesses may find
that turning to the right diet can tame inflammation and other symptoms. Recently, many health experts, including Dr. Barry Sears, founder of the Inflammation and Research Foundation and author of the “Zone Diet,” and Dr. Andrew Weil, who offers the Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid, have begun to tout certain foods that are purported to reduce inflammatory response over an extended period of time. As beneficial as some foods can be, it’s important to note that individuals are unique and certain foods may produce a particular response in some but not in others. Systematically isolating certain foods can help paint a picture of foods that can be problematic. But generally speaking, refined carbohydrates, sugarsweetened beverages, fried foods, and processed meats may increase inflammation, advises Harvard Health Publishing. Conversely, certain foods and beverages that have been identified as reducing inflammation for many people.
Including these foods in one’s daily diet may help to relieve the pain, bloating and fatigue associated with inflammation:
• tomatoes • olive oil • green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables • nuts, like almonds and walnuts
• fatty fish • berries • avocados • green tea • peppers • grapes • turmeric • dark chocolate
Steps involved with estate planning A
lthough inevitable, death is an emotional subject that’s difficult to discuss. While estate planning can make people uncomfortable, it is an essential part of securing assets for future generations and can make a death in the family easier for loved ones to handle. Estate planning is an umbrella term that refers to a host of things that must be done prior to a person’s death, including writing a will and even making funeral arrangements. Estate planning attempts to eliminate financial uncertainties and maximize the value of an estate, and allows men and women to state their wishes with regard to long-term healthcare and guardianship for their children. When done right, estate planning can prevent family feuds and ensure that the deceased’s estate stays in the hands of family rather than being relegated to the government. Estate planning can be a complex process, so men and women should seek help to ensure the process
Funeral arrangements
goes smoothly.
Getting started Estate planning should begin early in a person’s life, especially for young parents. It’s easy to talk about saving for a home or retirement, but it’s not so simple to discuss who will care for your children should you die while they are still minors. Those who are not able to sort through these answers on their own should enlist the help of an attorney or a financial adviser, both of whom can take some of the emotion out of the discussion and put it in more practical terms.
The will A will is an important component of estate planning. Without clearly and legally spelling out your wishes, there is no guarantee that those wishes will be honored. It will be up to a state or province to make potentially life-altering decisions that can impact your surviving family members, and the only way to ensure your
wishes will be carried out is to put them into a will. Although men and women can write their own wills, many people prefer to seek the assistance of an attorney, who can make sure all necessary details are included in the will.
Medical directives In addition to a will, estate planning includes your wishes if you become incapacitated or
suffer from a serious medical condition that precludes you from making decisions about your care and finances. Spouses can be named to make important health decisions, but you may want to indicate other information, such as life support measures or organ donation, as well. If you have strong opinions on treatment, medical directives and living wills are a necessity.
Another aspect of estate planning concerns funeral arrangements. Many people prefer to make their own funeral and burial plans so that these heart-wrenching decisions do not fall on the shoulders of grieving family members. Funeral planning may include choosing a burial plot, selecting a casket, indicating cremation, and paying for everything in advance so there is no financial burden on surviving family members. According to the funeral planning website Efuneral.com, the average cost of a funeral in the United States in 2012 was more than $8,500 for a burial service and $3,700 for a cremation. That’s a considerable expense that you may not want surviving family members to pay. Estate planning is a process that is difficult to discuss, but one that is essential to maximize your assets and ensure your end-of-life wishes are honored.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 11, 2019 • SENIOR LIVING
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40 SENIOR LIVING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 11, 2019