Spring Allergies: They’re Not Just for “Spring Chickens ... · Spring Allergies: They’re Not...
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What kind of medical care would you want if you were too ill or injured to express your wishes? Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on. VNA Homecare Options encourages all of our members to implement an advance directive. If you don’t have one and would like to implement one, or if you need more information, your Care Manager can assist you. If you do have an advance directive in place, please discuss and share it with your Care Manager so that he or she is up-to-date and we have a copy for your records. Do You Have an Advance Directive? The most current Plan information and Provider Directories can be found on the VNA Homecare Options website, http://vnahomecareoptions.org/ member-materials/. To request printed copies of these materials, or to obtain a copy of the Member Handbook, please contact our Member Services department at 1.888.477.HOME (4663). Updated Plan Information 1050 West Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13204 P: 1.888.477.HOME F: 315.477.9590 www.vnahomecareoptions.org if you need long term care, now you have options. 1050 West Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 www.vnahomecareoptions.org We’re pleased to announce that VNA Homecare Options has been awarded a large grant under the New York State Department of Health’s Managed Long-Term Care Technology Demonstration RFA (Request for Applications). The grant will enable the Plan to provide members in rural communities with devices that can assist with health task reminders such as medication and blood sugar testing and help keep them connected to their families and communities through messaging and activities. The services will be offered at no cost to our members. If you reside in one the following counties, you’ll receive a letter with more information, including the qualifications for participation in the programs the grant will fund: DOH Technology Grant Funds Support New Programs in Rural Areas At VNA Homecare Options, we focus on what matters most - the healthcare needs of our members. In an effort to better meet these needs, we’ve created a Member Advisory Committee to promote open discussion between members, caregivers, and VNA Homecare Options employees. During each Committee meeting, members and their caregivers will be invited to share their experiences; provide feedback on member materials; and discuss communication needs, healthcare services, educational priorities, and coordination of care. VNA Homecare Options representatives will provide updates on quality assurance and performance improvement activities. Feedback received at the meetings will help to shape the future of the program and improve its quality and value to our members. By becoming a participant of the Member Advisory Committee, Members and caregivers can get involved and take an active part in their healthcare. If you or your caregiver is interested in participating, please contact Member Services at 1.888.477.HOME (4663) . Member Advisory Committee Help Shape the Future of Your Plan • Allegany • Cattaraugus • Cayuga • Chautauqua • Chenango • Clinton • Columbia • Cortland • Delaware • Essex • Franklin • Fulton • Genesee • Greene • Hamilton • Lewis • Montgomery • Otsego • Schuyler • St. Lawrence • Steuben • Sullivan • Wyoming Volume 17 Issue 2 Spring 2017 Are You Prepared for an Emergency? Winter Storm Stella struck with a vengeance this past March, dropping record amounts of snow and knocking out power across the Northeast. Travel bans were issued, schools closed and businesses - including VNA Homecare Options - activated their emergency plans. With the nor’easter behind us, and winter just a distant memory, one question remains: were you prepared? Emergencies - both natural and man made - can occur at any time or place with little-to-no warning, making it crucial that you’re prepared in advance, especially when it comes to your food and nutrition needs. Many VNA Homecare Options members depend on home-delivered meals. Unfortunately, when inclement weather blows in or an emergency occurs, roads may become dangerous, and these meals may not be delivered. Most meal delivery agencies operate on the same standards as schools, so if the schools in your area are closed due to bad weather or any other emergency, you can assume that your meal won’t be delivered (closings are listed on most local TV stations). Other members depend on home care aides to grocery shop for their food needs. If the day of your scheduled service is stormy, or if an emergency has occurred, it may not be safe for your aide to travel, and your service may be canceled. If this is the case, your groceries won’t be available when expected. Whatever food/meal delivery method you rely upon, it’s important to be prepared. Stock-up on shelf stable, non-perishable foods such as canned chicken and tuna fish, peanut butter, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, beef stew, soups, boxed or powdered milk, cereal and nuts. Also be sure to have at least a three- day supply of all your medications on-hand. The most important thing is not to wait. Many people make the mistake of waiting to stock up on supplies until bad weather or an emergency is already underway, but preparing in advance can save you time and trouble. Take an inventory of what you have on hand and make a plan to purchase any additional items you may need in the event of an emergency. A good rule of thumb is to have enough food on hand to last at least three days. Remember, emergencies often strike without warning. Take the time to prepare for the unexpected, and you’ll be ready for whatever may come your way. Spring Allergies: They’re Not Just for “Spring Chickens” Spring is in the air, and along with the sunshine and warm weather come pollen, dust and other allergens that cause great discomfort to allergy sufferers. Unfortunately, older adults are not immune to springtime sniffles and sneezing. In fact, a growing number of seniors are developing allergies for the first time in older age. Though allergies are best known for affecting children, rates of adult-onset allergies are skyrocketing, and it’s not uncommon for an adult over age 75 to be diagnosed with allergies for the very first time in his or her life. To compound matters, allergies pose a higher risk for seniors than for any other age group. Allergies can complicate other chronic medical conditions, including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). What’s more, the most common medication for allergy relief contains antihistamines, which are potentially dangerous if taken with blood pressure medication. Antihistamines can also cause drowsiness and dizziness, which could increase the risk of a fall. As the spring season progresses, allergies are more likely to appear. If you experience any of the traditional symptoms of an allergic reaction, including sniffling, sneezing, runny nose or itchy eyes, be sure to let your Care Manager know. Transportation Updates & Reminders We’re pleased to announce that VNA Homecare Options now has drivers available to provide transportation in Broome, Jefferson, Warren, Oneida and the surrounding counties. Our well- trained, courteous drivers offer a level of service second-to-none and look forward to serving you. As a reminder to all of our members, please contact the transportation division of our Member Services department at 315.477.9503 (Syracuse area) or 1.855.877.8868 (long distance/toll free) whenever you are in need of non-emergent medical transportation. Our dedicated, courteous staff will assist in arranging your transportation and getting you to your appointment as efficiently as possible. In order to guarantee your transportation, you must call to schedule it at least three days in advance. Also, please remember to let us know if you require an attendant or any other special arrangements. Finally, please be advised that, while you are permitted one adult assistant for each ride, he/she must be over the age of 18.
Transcript of Spring Allergies: They’re Not Just for “Spring Chickens ... · Spring Allergies: They’re Not...
What kind of medical care would you want if you were too ill or injured to express your wishes? Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on.
VNA Homecare Options encourages all of our members to implement an advance directive. If you don’t have one and would like to implement one, or if you need more information, your Care Manager can assist you. If you do have an advance directive in place, please discuss and share it with your Care Manager so that he or she is up-to-date and we have a copy for your records.
Do You Have an Advance Directive?
The most current Plan information and Provider Directories can be found on the VNA Homecare Options website, http://vnahomecareoptions.org/ member-materials/.
To request printed copies of these materials, or to obtain a copy of the Member Handbook, please contact our Member Services department at 1.888.477.HOME (4663).
Updated Plan Information
1050 West Genesee StreetSyracuse, NY 13204
P: 1.888.477.HOME F: 315.477.9590
www.vnahomecareoptions.org
if you need long term care,now you have options.
1050 West Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204www.vnahomecareoptions.org
We’re pleased to announce that VNA Homecare Options has been awarded a large grant under the New York State Department of Health’s Managed Long-Term Care Technology Demonstration RFA (Request for Applications).
The grant will enable the Plan to provide members in rural communities with devices that can assist with health task reminders such as medication and blood sugar testing and help keep them connected to their families and communities through messaging and activities. The services will be offered at no cost to our members.
If you reside in one the following counties, you’ll receive a letter with more information, including the qualifications for participation in the programs the grant will fund:
DOH Technology Grant Funds Support New Programs in Rural Areas
At VNA Homecare Options, we focus on what matters most - the healthcare needs of our members. In an effort to better meet these needs, we’ve created a Member Advisory Committee to promote open discussion between members, caregivers, and VNA Homecare Options employees.
During each Committee meeting, members and their caregivers will be invited to share their experiences; provide feedback on member materials; and discuss communication needs, healthcare services, educational priorities, and coordination of care. VNA Homecare Options representatives will provide updates on quality assurance and performance improvement activities. Feedback received at the meetings will help to shape the future of the program and improve its quality and value to our members.
By becoming a participant of the Member Advisory Committee, Members and caregivers can get involved and take an active part in their healthcare. If you or your caregiver is interested in participating, please contact Member Services at 1.888.477.HOME (4663).
Member Advisory CommitteeHelp Shape the Future of Your Plan
• Allegany• Cattaraugus• Cayuga• Chautauqua• Chenango• Clinton• Columbia• Cortland
• Delaware• Essex• Franklin• Fulton• Genesee• Greene• Hamilton• Lewis
• Montgomery• Otsego• Schuyler• St. Lawrence• Steuben• Sullivan• Wyoming
Volume 17 Issue 2 Spring 2017
Are You Prepared for an Emergency?Winter Storm Stella struck with a vengeance this past March, dropping record amounts of snow and knocking out power across the Northeast. Travel bans were issued, schools closed and businesses - including VNA Homecare Options - activated their emergency plans.
With the nor’easter behind us, and winter just a distant memory, one question remains: were you prepared? Emergencies - both natural and man made - can occur at any time or place with little-to-no warning, making it crucial that you’re prepared in advance, especially when it comes to your food and nutrition needs.
Many VNA Homecare Options members depend on home-delivered meals. Unfortunately, when inclement weather blows in or an emergency occurs, roads may become dangerous, and these meals may not be delivered. Most meal delivery agencies operate on the same standards as schools, so if the schools in your area are closed due to bad weather or any other emergency, you can assume that your meal won’t be delivered (closings are listed on most local TV stations).
Other members depend on home care aides to grocery shop for their food needs. If the day of your scheduled service is stormy, or if an emergency has occurred, it may not be safe for your aide to travel, and your service may be canceled. If this is the case, your groceries won’t be available when expected.
Whatever food/meal delivery method you rely upon, it’s important to be prepared. Stock-up on shelf stable, non-perishable foods such as canned chicken and tuna fish, peanut butter, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, beef stew, soups, boxed or powdered milk, cereal and nuts. Also be sure to have at least a three-day supply of all your medications on-hand.
The most important thing is not to wait. Many people make the mistake of waiting to stock up on supplies until bad weather or an emergency is already underway, but preparing in advance can save you time and trouble. Take an inventory of what you have on hand and make a plan to purchase any additional items you may need in the event of an emergency. A good rule of thumb is to have enough food on hand to last at least three days.
Remember, emergencies often strike without warning. Take the time to prepare for the unexpected, and you’ll be ready for whatever may come your way.
Spring Allergies: They’re Not Just for “Spring Chickens”Spring is in the air, and along with the sunshine and warm weather come pollen, dust and other allergens that cause great discomfort to allergy sufferers.
Unfortunately, older adults are not immune to springtime sniffles and sneezing. In fact, a growing number of seniors are developing allergies for the first time in older age. Though allergies are best known for affecting children, rates of adult-onset allergies are skyrocketing, and it’s not uncommon for an adult over age 75 to be diagnosed with allergies for the very first time in his or her life.
To compound matters, allergies pose a higher risk for seniors than for any other age group. Allergies can complicate other chronic medical conditions, including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). What’s more, the most common medication for allergy relief contains antihistamines, which are potentially dangerous if taken with blood pressure medication. Antihistamines can also cause drowsiness and dizziness, which could increase the risk of a fall.
As the spring season progresses, allergies are more likely to appear. If you experience any of the traditional symptoms of an allergic reaction, including sniffling, sneezing, runny nose or itchy eyes, be sure to let your Care Manager know.
Transportation Updates & RemindersWe’re pleased to announce that VNA Homecare Options now has drivers available to provide transportation in Broome, Jefferson, Warren, Oneida and the surrounding counties. Our well-trained, courteous drivers offer a level of service second-to-none and look forward to serving you.
As a reminder to all of our members, please contact the transportation division of our Member Services department at 315.477.9503 (Syracuse area) or 1.855.877.8868 (long distance/toll
free) whenever you are in need of non-emergent medical transportation. Our dedicated, courteous staff will assist in arranging your transportation and getting you to your appointment as efficiently as possible. In order to guarantee your transportation, you must call to schedule it at least three days in advance. Also, please remember to let us know if you require an attendant or any other special arrangements. Finally, please be advised that, while you are permitted one adult assistant for each ride, he/she must be over the age of 18.
A Hand at Home, LLC.Consumer Direct ProgramsMonroe & Wayne Counties
242 Inspiration Point RoadWebster, NY 14580585-285-0594
Aaron Manor Rehab & Nursing Center, LLC.Nursing Home FacilitiesMonroe County
100 St. Camillus WayFairport, NY 14450585-377-4000
Access Lifts & RampsSocial & Environmental SupportsAllegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming & Yates Counties
1523-A Mount Read BoulevardRochester, NY 14606585-247-1210
Advantage Transit Group, Inc.TransportationAlbany, Rensselaer, Saratoga & Schenectady Counties
137 Lark StreetAlbany, NY 12210518-433-0100
Associated Healthcare Systems, Inc. Durable Medical EquipmentErie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans & Wyoming Counties
505 Duke RoadSuite 200Cheektowaga, NY 14225716-685-3964
Belvedere Health Services, LLC. d/b/a Belvedere Home CareConsumer Direct ProgramsAlbany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren & Washington Counties
1 Van Tromp StreetAlbany, NY 12207518-694-9400
Canton Potsdam HospitalPERS & Medication DispensersSt. Lawrence County
50 Leroy StreetPotsdam, NY 13626315-361-5264
Cayuga County OFA Senior Nutrition ProgramHome Delivered MealsCayuga County
160 Genesee StreetAuburn, NY 13021315-253-1427
CCG Home Care, LLC. Consumer Direct ProgramsAlbany, Schenectady & Schoharie Counties
109 North StreetCobleskill, NY 12043518-231-0866
Chenango County Area Agency on AgingHome Delivered MealsChenango County
5 Court StreetNorwich, NY 13815607-337-1770
Ciambella Home Care, Inc.Home CareAllegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans & Wyoming Counties
4245 Union RoadSuite 101Cheektowaga, NY 14225716-634-2273
Compassionate Care of NiagaraTransportationErie & Niagara Counties
1122 Whitney AvenueNiagara Falls, NY 14301716-524-2498
Dependable Medical TransportationTransportationLivingston, Monroe, Ontario & Wayne Counties
26 Taft AvenueRochester, NY 14609585-802-3411
Donson Transportation Services, Inc.TransportationBroome, Cortland, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
3000 Wayne StreetEndwell, NY 13760607-786-4444
Dr. Melita J. Mertz, D.P.M.PodiatryCortland, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
52 ½ North StreetDryden, NY 13053607-844-9699
Elite Choice, LLC. Consumer Direct ProgramsAllegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Cortland, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming & Yates Counties
1554 63rd Street2nd FloorBrooklyn, NY 11219718-925-2900
New Providers - 1st Quarter, 2017Please join us in welcoming the newest members of our growing Provider Network. A complete listing of providers can be obtained by calling 1.888.477.HOME (4663) or by visiting http://vnahomecareoptions.org/member-materials.
Elizabeth Church ManorNursing Home FacilitiesBroome County
863 Front StreetBinghamton, NY 13905607-722-3463
Embrace Care, LLC. Consumer Direct ProgramsGenesee, Livingston, Monroe & Orleans Counties
1672 Monroe AvenueSuite ARochester, NY 14618585-512-8797
Five Star Medical TransportTransportationGenesee, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne & Wyoming Counties
803 Woodbine AvenueRochester, NY 14619585-222-5555
Hamilton Manor Nursing HomeNursing Home FacilitiesMonroe County
1172 Long Pond RoadRochester, NY 14626585-225-0450
Herkimer County Office for the AgingHome Delivered MealsHerkimer County
109 Mary StreetSuite 1101Herkimer, NY 13350315-867-1121
Home Helpers – Direct LinkConsumer Direct ProgramsAlbany & Schenectady Counties
11 Computer Drive WestAlbany, NY 12205518-459-4663
HTM MedTransTransportationBroome, Chenango, Delaware & Tioga Counties
420 Old Mill RoadVestal, NY 13850607-321-8520
Independent Health Care ServicesConsumer Direct ProgramsOnondaga County
1050 West Genesee StreetSyracuse, NY 132041-800-234-2211
Integrated Family HearingAudiology/Hearing AidsAllegany & Cattaraugus Counties
2626 West State Street#201Olean, NY 14760716-790-8480
James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing HomeNursing Home FacilitiesBroome County
286 Deyo Hill RoadJohnson City, NY 13790607-798-1002
Jonathan A. Nickel, MDVision CareFulton, Montgomery & Saratoga Counties
185 Second AvenueGloversville, NY 12078518-773-2700
Latta Road Nursing Home East, LLC.Nursing Home FacilitiesMonroe County
2102 Latta RoadRochester, NY 14612585-225-0920
Latta Road Nursing Home West, LLC.Nursing Home FacilitiesMonroe County
2100 Latta RoadRochester, NY 14612585-225-0910
Leon Ber, D.P.M.PodiatryEire & Niagara Counties
9 Royalwoods CourtWilliamsville, NY 14221716-895-5454
Liberty Yellow Cab TransportationErie County
1524 Kenmore AvenueBuffalo, NY 14216716-877-7111
Livingston Area Transportation Service, Inc. TransportationGenesee, Livingston, Monroe & Wyoming Counties
4390 Gypsy LaneMount Morris, NY 14510585-658-4690
Massena Meals on Wheels, Inc.Home Delivered MealsSt. Lawrence County
70 East Hatfield StreetMassena, NY 13662315-769-5083
Mead Square PharmacyDurable Medical EquipmentGenesee, Monroe & Ontario Counties
53 West Main StreetVictor, NY 14564585-924-7970
Meals on Wheels of Niagara FallsHome Delivered MealsNiagara County
1920 18th StreetNiagara Falls, NY 14305716-282-3468
Mohawk Ambulance ServiceTransportationAlbany, Rensselaer, Saratoga & Schenectady Counties
357 Kings RoadSchenectady, NY 12304518-374-5190
Monroe County d/b/a Monroe Community Hosp.Nursing Home FacilitiesMonroe County
435 East Henrietta RoadRochester, NY 14620585-760-6341
Olean General HealthcareDurable Medical EquipmentAllegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua & Erie Counties
234 Homer StreetOlean, NY 14760716-373-0676
Plan-It Staffing, Inc.Consumer Direct ProgramsDelaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego & Otsego Counties
2614 Genesee StreetUtica, NY 13502315-793-0090
Podiatry Associates, P.C.PodiatrySchenectady County
2317 Balltown RoadSchenectady, NY 12309518-374-2468
RTS GeneseeTransportationGenesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans & Wyoming Counties
153 Cedar StreetBatavia, NY 14020585-343-3079
RTS OntarioTransportationLivingston, Monroe, Ontario & Wayne Counties
2930 County Road 48Canandaigua, NY 14424585-394-2250
RTS OrleansTransportationErie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans & Wyoming Counties
225 West Academy StreetAlbion, NY 14411585-589-0707
RTS SenecaTransportationMonroe, Ontario, Seneca & Wayne Counties
1 DiPronio DriveWaterloo, NY 13165315-539-1844
RTS WayneTransportationMonroe, Ontario & Wayne Counties
7227 Route 31 Lyons, NY 14489315-946-5617
RTS WyomingTransportationErie, Genesee, Livingston & Wyoming Counties
18 West Buffalo StreetWarsaw, NY 14569585-786-6050
Schofield Certified Home Care (LHSCA)Home CareErie & Niagara Counties
2757 Elmwood AvenueKenmore, NY 14217716-874-2600
Sunnyside Care CenterNursing Home FacilitiesOnondaga County
7000 Collamer RoadEast Syracuse, NY 13057315-656-7618
Thompson Health System – The Brighter DayAdult Medical Day CareOntario County
30 Fort Hill AvenueCanandaigua, NY 14424585-396-6021
Thompson Health System d/b/a MM Ewing Continuing Care CenterNursing Home FacilitiesMonroe & Ontario Counties
350 Parrish StreetCanandaigua, NY 14424585-369-6021
Wyoming County Comm. Health System Nursing FacilityNursing Home FacilitiesGenesee, Livingston &Wyoming Counties
400 North Main StreetWarsaw, NY 14569585-786-2233
