Special Issue 2020
Transcript of Special Issue 2020
From the Desk of Diana Fox, Director
EVERYDAY THINGS ARE WORTH NOTICING AND ARE REASSURING!
You may or may not be aware that we put together our newsletter articles about 6 weeks before
they actually get to you. I have procrastinated on May’s article as I am struggling with what to
write. You see, as I am writing, the COVID-19 has really started to change our lives and I am not
sure what the coming weeks and months will look like for all of us, or what you will need or want
to hear about, so please forgive me if I miss the mark!
What I do know, is that as uncertain as life can be, and how uncertainty can produce anxiety, it is
often very helpful to notice the little things and how reassuring they can be. Things we may
overlook as we go from this to that are sometimes the best things for us to notice. Today, I woke
up with a purring cat wrapped around my head and the sun was shining. I inhaled the fresh
coffee beans before I ground them, looking forward to my first cup. I took my dog out for her
morning “business” and there were two bluebirds in a nearby tree. I looked closer at one of the
bushes and noticed some buds forming; blossoms to look forward to, I thought. I noticed the
warmth of the sun and the chill of the wind, I should have put gloves on. Inside, I had already
started my morning coffee and the smell of the brew was so inviting as I came in from outside.
The water for my shower was nice and hot. My husband baked some banana bread, which
inspired me to make soup - a new recipe - it did turn out tasty. If I turn on the television, or listen
to the radio, or follow social media, I can get caught up with things that I have no control over, but
if I shut those things off, I can focus on the “normal”, everyday things that bring peace and calm
and reassurance.
2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020 585-343-1611
Website: www.co.genesee.ny.us Email: [email protected]
Special Issue 2020
Worth noticing: a purring cat, the sun shining, a good cup of coffee...
������������������������
Your local resource for
information and assistance!
585-343-1611
NY CONNECTS GENESEE CARE
OPTIONS
in Genesee County
1-800-342-9871
NY Connects Genesee Care Options is here
to help you. Whether you are a senior,
disabled person, or caregiver, we have a
fair and easy way for you to get connected
to the long term care help you need.
We make the hard choices simpler for you.
Information is available in printed form
(585) 343-1611
or
Reach us on the web at:
www.co.genesee.ny.us
From the main menu select:
NY Connects Genesee Care Options
The work of the NY Connects Genesee Care
Options is funded through grants from
NYS Office for the Aging, Older Americans
Act, NYS Dept. of Health,
and the generous support of the
Genesee County Legislature.
YOUR SUPPORT OF MEALS ON
WHEELS IS APPRECIATED!
Because needs are always greater than the
funds available to meet them, the Genesee
County Office for the Aging encourages
monetary donations to our not-for-profit
Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc.
We have experienced a significant
increase in the number of individuals in
our community needing Meals on
Wheels. Your help in serving these
individuals, whether monetarily through
the Genesee Senior Foundation, or as a
volunteer delivering meals once we get
through this situation, would be greatly
appreciated!
Name________________________________________
(May we publish your name? �Yes �No)
_________________________________________
(Street Address)
_________________________________________
(City, State, Zip)
Gift amount: $ __________
In Memory/Honor of: ________________________
All donations are greatly appreciated and
are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
Please make checks payable and send to:
Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc.
2 Bank Street
Batavia, NY 14020
THANK YOU!
2 Gene-Senior
MEDICARE/INSURANCE ASSISTANCE
Submitted by: Kimberly Perl
HIICAP Coordinator
A
t the Office for the Aging, we offer a
free, unbiased look at your plan
choices for Medicare. We counsel you
on your options. We are not sales
agents, we do not get commissions
or kick-backs.
We allow insurance companies to utilize space
in our building from time to time, to meet with
our clients in a safe, comfortable space - after
we have counseled you on your choices. We do
not endorse companies. We will not tell you
who to choose; we will give you the best options
for your needs and you choose from there. We
will ensure all your medications are covered and
your physicians and facilities are in network.
We will screen you for low-income assistance
programs. We are here for you, and we thank
you for the opportunity to assist you.
If you have Medicare or insurance questions,
please feel free to call us at 585-343-1611.
Gene-Senior 3
Feeling the Stress?
Care & Crisis Helpline
585-283-5200
Text Line: 741741
Mental Health Hotline
Free service
1-844-863-9314
Grief Groups go to Grief.com
Over 70, following Matilda’s Law and
need supplies?
NY Connects/Office for the Aging
Information & Assistance
In Genesee County
585-343-1611
MATILDA’S LAW during COVID-19
STRICTEST RULES FOR MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS:
Seniors over 70, Immune-compromised people,
and those with underlying illnesses
• Remain indoors
• Can go outside for solitary exercise
• Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their temperature
• Do not visit households with multiple people
• All vulnerable persons should wear a mask when in the company of others
• To the greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people
should wear a mask
• Always stay at least six feet away from individuals
• Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary
“Do You Remember These?”
With Hosts Bob & Connie
Listen to our radio show! Tune in to WBTA at 1490 AM or 100.1 FM
Sundays 9:00 a.m. and again, at 9:00 p.m.
Or listen afterward online at: http://wbtai.com/do-you-remember-these/
We’d love to hear your feedback about the radio show!
Write [email protected] or drop a line to
OFA, Attn: Diana Fox, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020
Lots of topics & music to take you back to fun memories!
CENSUS 2020/BE COUNTED: WHAT
PROGRAMS THE CENSUS ASSISTS
Submitted by: Kimberly Perl,
Specialist, Aging Services
B
y now, you have already received your
census forms – but – have you
returned them, called, or gone online
to be counted? If not – PLEASE DO
ASAP! If you need help, call our office at 343-
1611. It is VERY importantCas, for every
person UNCOUNTED, our County will lose
$30,000 in services. Here are some of those
services the census helps pay for:
SNAP (Food stamps), Medicare Part B
Physicians Schedule Services, Section 8
Housing Programs, Highway Planning and
Construction, HEAP, Crime Victim Assistance,
Social Services, Mental Health Services, Water
& Waste Disposal for Rural Communities,
Assistance to Firefighters, Emergency Food and
Shelter Grants, Weatherization, Senior Farmers
Market Nutrition Program, Rural Cooperative
Development grants, and Special Programs
for Aging.
Again, if you need help, or have questions,
please call us at 343-1611. Thank you and –
let’s ALL be counted!
4 Gene-Senior
HELP WITH PAYING YOUR MEDICARE
PART B & PRESCRIPTION COSTS
Submitted by: Kimberly Perl,
Specialist, Aging Services
A
re you on Medicare, and have a gross
income below $1,456/month (single) or
$1,960/month (married)? You may
qualify to get your Part B money
placed BACK into your Social Security check!
Assets are not looked at!
Currently, $144.60/month is taken out of your
Social Security check to pay for your Medicare
Part B. With this program, not only would you
get that money back, you would also be able to
receive your medications at a lower cost AND
the “donut hole” goes away!
To apply, call our office at 343-1611.
Medicare covers preventive screenings, and
almost all are covered at 100%. Talk to your
doctor and get your screenings scheduled
today!
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, Alcohol
misuse screenings & counseling, Bone mass
measurements (bone density), Cardiovascular
disease screenings, Cardiovascular disease
(behavioral therapy),Cervical cancer screening
(Pap Smear & Pelvic Exam), Colorectal cancer
screenings, Depression screenings, Diabetes
screenings, Diabetes self-management
training, Glaucoma tests, Hepatitis C screening,
HIV screening, Lung cancer screening,
Mammogram (screening), Medical Nutrition
therapy, Obesity screenings & counseling, One-
time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit,
Prostate cancer screening, Sexually transmitted
infections screening & counseling, Flu shots,
Hepatitis B shot & Screening, Pneumococcal
shot, Smoking & Tobacco use cessation, and
Yearly "Annual Wellness" exam.
Genesee County Office for the Aging
www.co.genesee.ny.us
and now, look for us on Facebook!
Gene-Senior 5
LIFESPAN’S FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
Submitted by: Karen Hall, Coordinator
The following information was obtained from the
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle:
How to take charge of your credit in 2020
Whatever your financial goals this year. Your
credit is likely to play a role in achieving them.
Take a fresh approach to your credit by
brushing up on the basics: What really matters
for your credit score? What’s the difference
between a credit score and credit report? Here’s
a crash course on credit, and tips to make your
score shine.
How many credit scores do I have?
The short answer: Many. There are two major
credit-scoring companies: FICO and
VantageScore. FICO and VantageScore make
different versions of scores that lenders,
employers and landlords use to size up your
credit habits. Mortgage lenders generally
consider older versions of your FICO score,
while auto lenders look at an auto-specific FICO
score. Both scores range between 300 and
850. When you’re tracking your score, look at
the same version each time – otherwise you’re
comparing apples to oranges.
What really matters for your score?
Following two rules puts you on the path to a
good score: Pay bills on time and use less than
30% of your credit card limits – the lower, the
better. Other factors, such as how long you’ve
had credit, the mix of installment loans and
credit cards you have and how recently you
applied for credit matter much less in your
scores.
What doesn’t affect my score?
Knowing what doesn’t affect your score will
spare you from needless worry. For example,
checking your own credit score never hurts it,
whether you do it once a day or once a year.
What’s the difference between credit score
and a credit report?
The credit report is the detailed history of how
you borrowed money. You have three: one each
from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, the
major credit bureaus. Your credit reports
contain loan and credit card payment records,
personal data to identity you, addresses and
information from public records such as
bankruptcies and foreclosures. While it may
seem strange, credit reports don’t include your
credit score.
FICO and VantageScore use data from your
reports to calculate scores. Errors on your
reports can hurt your scores, so disputing them
with the bureaus is a smart move. You’re
entitled to at least one free copy of each report
annually, which you can get by going to
AnnualCreditReport.com.
NUTRITION NEWS
EDIBLE FLOWERS
Submitted by: Ellen Foster
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
D
id you know that some flowers are
edible? We have seen pictures of
pansies decorating the top of a
springtime salad, or brightly colored
nasturtium blossoms as a garnish on the dinner
plate at a fancy restaurant or wedding
reception. However, in addition to the odd or
fancy way to use flowers, there are some flower
blossoms we eat routinely and think nothing of
it. For example –
Broccoli – Those tightly
curled little balls at the top
of the broccoli stem are
what we call “florets”. They
are actually the blossom or
flower (floret) of the broccoli plant. We cook
them as a vegetable for our dinner, but we
Lifespan offers assistance on fraud,
scams and identity theft. Call Karen
at (585) 259-2781 for assistance with
budgeting and bill paying.
Article continued on page 9
8 Gene-Senior
GENESEE CAREGIVER
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): TIPS FOR DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Most likely, dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new
coronavirus, just like dementia does not increase risk for flu. However, dementia-related behaviors,
increased age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk.
For example, people with Alzheimer's disease and all other dementia may forget to wash their hands
or take other recommended precautions to prevent illness. In addition, diseases like COVID-19 and
the flu may worsen cognitive impairment due to dementia.
Tips for dementia caregivers at home
Caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia should follow guidelines from
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consider the following tips:
• For people living with dementia, increased confusion is often the first symptom of any illness. If a
person living with dementia shows rapidly increased confusion, contact your health care provider
for advice. Unless the person is having difficulty breathing or a very high fever, it is
recommended that you call your health care provider instead of going directly to an emergency
room. Your doctor may be able to treat the person without a visit to the hospital.
• People living with dementia may need extra and/or written reminders and support to remember
important hygienic practices from one day to the next.
♦ Consider placing signs in the bathroom and elsewhere to remind people with dementia to
wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds.
♦ Demonstrate thorough hand-washing.
♦ Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be a quick alternative to hand-
washing if the person with dementia cannot get to a sink or wash his/her hands easily.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor about filling prescriptions for a greater number of days to reduce
trips to the pharmacy.
• Think ahead and make alternative plans for the person with dementia should adult day care,
respite, etc. be modified or cancelled in response to COVID-19.
• Think ahead and make alternative plans for care management if the primary caregiver should
become sick.
Tips for caregivers of individuals in assisted living
The CDC has provided guidance to facilities on infection control and prevention of COVID-19 in
nursing homes. This guidance is for the health and safety of residents. Precautions may vary based
on local situations.
• Check with the facility regarding their procedures for managing COVID-19 risk. Ensure they have
your emergency contact information and the information of another family member or friend as a
backup.
• Do not visit your family member if you have any signs or symptoms of illness.
• Depending on the situation in your local area, facilities may limit or not allow visitors. This is to
protect the residents but it can be difficult if you are unable to see your family member.
• If visitation is not allowed, ask the facility how you can have contact with your family member.
Options include telephone calls, video chats or even emails to check in.
• If your family member is unable to engage in calls or video chats, ask the facility how you can
keep in touch with facility staff in order to get updates.
Gene-Senior 9
really like to dip them into bleu cheese or ranch
dip at parties! The name “broccoli” is the plural
of the Italian word “broccolo” meaning “the
flowering top of a cabbage”. This is appropriate
as broccoli evolved from a wild cabbage more
than 2,000 years ago in Europe.
Cauliflower – Does this surprise you given that
‘flower’ is part of its name? That was combined
with the Latin caulis meaning cabbage. Flower
was added to caulis to note how unusual to
have a flowering member of the cabbage family.
And yes, cauliflower and broccoli are related!
The white part of the cauliflower, the part we
eat, is known as the curd. It is not really a
flower but performs some of the same functions
for the plant as the blossoms due for broccoli.
Chamomile – Who hasn’t had a cup of
chamomile tea at some time. It helps put
children to sleep, aids in indigestion, and some
say helps cure diarrhea. The chamomile flower
is dried and often sold as a powder so it is not
Staying healthy
Pay attention to flu or pneumonia-like symptoms in yourself and others and report them to a medical
professional immediately.
Follow current guidance and instruction from the CDC regarding COVID-19. Tips to keep yourself
and your loved ones healthy include:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick; work from home.
• If you or the person you are caring for have regular doctor’s appointments to manage dementia
or other health conditions, call your health care provider to inquire about a telehealth
appointment. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare has recently expanded telehealth
benefits to allow seniors to access health care from the safety of their homes.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning
spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to
the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least
60% alcohol.
• Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/coronavirus-(covid-19)-tips-for-dementia-care
GENESEE CAREGIVER
always recognizable as a flower but we do
consume it and it tastes very good! The name
derives from a Greek word meaning “earth
apple” so named because it has an apple-like
scent but grows near the ground, not on trees.
Squash blossoms – You may have seen
these, tied with twine, if you have ever visited
the Rochester Public Market. Rick Bayless, who
you may have seen on television food channels,
makes a squash blossom soup from chicken
stock and a touch of cream, blended with
sautéed squash blossoms, a little garlic and
onion. In Italy, squash blossoms are usually
stuffed with a mild cheese such as fresh
mozzarella or ricotta, dipped in batter and deep-
fried. Prepared in this manner, they make a
delicious appetizer or accompaniment to an
al fresco meal of poultry or salad.
And there you have some May
flowers for your garden and
your table!
Edible Flowers Article continued from page 5
DERRICK MONUMENTCo., Inc
Established 1915Visit our shop & showroom
37 Myrtle St., LeRoyDavid Carlsen
Days 768-8470www.derrickmonumentcompany.com
CEMETERY MEMORIALS
COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIALROOFING SIDING CONTRACTORS
Richard Wendt | 343-2400Fax: 343-2401
BERGEN MEADOWS APTS.6619 N. Lake Rd.Bergen, NY 14416585-494-2168
Apartments for Seniors 62 yrs or over, or Disabled regardless of age.One-bedroom includes appliances, off-street parking, laundry on-site.
TDD Relay 711
Visiting NursingAssociation of WNY61 Swan St., Batavia, NY
(585) 344-2894
HOME CARE
Free In-home bill paying, budgeting & benefits
assistance for older adults.
To learn more, call Karen
(585) 259-2781We are accepting clients
and volunteers (training provided).
Serving Genesee County since 1979“We’re Here When You Need Us”
10 Munson St. • LeRoy, NY(585) 768-2561
0-D-0-0 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0475
Richmond Memorial Library 343-9550 option 6 • [email protected] Muriel H. Marshall funded program administered through the Rochester Area Community Foundation
We deliver library services
to older adults in Genesee
County who are unable to
visit the library.
Turning 65 or new to Medicare?Turn to someone who cares. We’re here to help. Visit UniveraForMedicare.com to find a nearby seminar that works for you, or call Maria Schenk at 716-860-9015.
For accommodation of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-800-201-0484, TTY users call 1-800-421-1220. Univera Healthcare contracts with the Federal Government and is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Univera Healthcare depends on contract renewal. Univera Healthcare complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-201-0484 (TTY: 1-800-421-1220) 注意 :如果您使用繁體中文 ,您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-800-201-0484 (TTY: 1-800-421-1220) 。
Y0028_5913_C
One State Street, Batavia
Subsidized Senior Housing Complex
Managed by VJ Gautieri Constructors, Inc.
Serving Genesee County Since 1981We are accepting applications and our waiting list is
shorter than it has been in years. Call, Stop in or Visit our Website. Visit the best Senior Housing in Genesee County! Conveniently
located in downtown Batavia. Rent based on Income. Serving Low income seniors, 62 + or Disabled (w/ Mobility Impairment).
www.wtbatavia.comOffice Hours: 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday
585-344-0200Joshua Dibble to place an ad today!
[email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x5836
We Have a Beautiful Apartment Just for You!HAVENWOOD APARTMENTS
240 Richmond Ave., Batavia | (585) 344-1260GENESEE PARK PLACE APARTMENTS
145 Park Rd.., Batavia | (585) 343-2804For Seniors 62+ and Disabled
Pay only 30% of adjusted income as rentGVRPC Inc (585) 658-4870 / TTY 800-662-1220
Maintenance Free LivingCall Megan today:
585-813-5611
0-D-0-0 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0475
Medical & Surgical Eye Care
Eric C. Wu, M.D.Peter Paulus, M.D.
229 Summit • Suite 9 • Batavia, NYOffice Hrs. : Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
344-0933
LET US PLACE YOUR AD HERE.
This Newsletter is funded through grants from the New York State Office for the Aging, the Older American’s Act, and the generous
support of the Genesee County Legislature. SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION - $5.00
PRE-SORT
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Batavia, N.Y. 14020
PERMIT NO. 194
GENESEE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING
Batavia - Genesee Senior Center
2 Bank St.
Batavia, New York 14020
Or Current Resident
0-D-0-0 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0475
C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc.
P.O. Box 3384-6 Main Street
Corfu, N.Y. 14036Phone 585-599-4520
CHARLES A. HERMAN, Funeral DirectorJULIE A. HERMAN, Funeral Director
WHERE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE MEANS EVERYTHING.
CENTER FOR NURSING AND REHABILITATION278 Bank Street, Batavia NY 14020
Phone (585) 344-0584
Catholic Charities Home Visitation ProgramOffering free weekly 1 hour social visits to homebound seniors in
Genesee County who are living independently.Seeking volunteers interested in making a difference in the life of a senior. Give just one hour of your time a week playing cards, crafts or just talking.
Contact Catholic Charities (585) 343-0614Funded from a grant by the Muriel H. Marshall Fund
MEMBER BENEFITS• Savings & Checking • Debit Card • Payroll Distribution • Auto Loan • Bill Pay• Personal Loan • Mortgage • Master Card• Online Banking • Mobile Banking