IN THIS ISSUE OFA STAFF SPOTLIGHT Victoria Cascia, Aging Services Aide Page 3

DECEMBER ATTORNEY SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2019 Page 4

There’s a chill in the air and colds. With a little planning and THE HOLIDAYS AND children are starting to dream determination, winter can be ALZHEIMER’S about Santa and a white enjoyed rather than just CAREGIVER CORNER …..December is upon us. endured. Prioritize your health Page 8 The is December and well-being to make the most WINTER HOLIDAYS AROUND 22nd and as temperatures drop it of the winter season. THE WORLD can become more challenging to Page 10 stay healthy and active. Seniors can be especially prone to the “winter blues”, so its more important than ever to be mindful of your habits and mood during the colder months. Exercise is a proven mood-booster, and eating MAIN OFFICE healthy can help you feel strong 111 Main Street, Suite 101 enough to fight off those winter Lockport, NY 14094 p: 716-438-4020 MISSION STATEMENT e: [email protected] w: www.niagaracounty.com/aging The Niagara County Office for the Aging brings together the programs, services and supportive facilities which help our 47,000 older adults maintain independence whenever possible. Established in 1973, the OFA coordinates community services as Follow us and Like us on well as plans, develops and administers needed programs and promotes new and Niagara County Office for the Aging better services for all persons age 60 and over.

STAFF DIRECTOR’S COLUMN ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION NY CONNECTS 10 tips on how to effectively Healthy Living for Your Brain and 716-438-3030 communicate with someone who has Body Education Program dementia: MAIN OFFICE LINE Thursday, December 12th at 3:00PM 716-438-4020 1. Recognize what you’re up against. Lockport Public Library Dementia inevitably gets worse with Director time. 23 East Ave., Lockport Darlene DiCarlo 2. Avoid distractions. Try to find a Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease place and time to talk when there and Dementia Education Program Deputy Director aren’t a lot of distractions present. Monday, December 2nd at 3:00PM Kara Donovan 3. Speak clearly and naturally in a warm and calm voice. Refrain from Youngstown Free Library Alzheimer’s and other Dementia ‘baby talk’ or any other kind of 240 Lockport St., Youngstown Case Manager condescension. Maggie Hempel 4. Refer to people by their names. DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT Care Transitions (Hospital/Rehab to Avoid pronouns like “he”, “she”, and GROUPS Home) Case Manager “they” during conversation. Cathy Hummel 5. Talk about one thing at a time. Burt

Someone with dementia may not be 2nd Tuesday, 5:30PM Home Delivered Meals Coordinator Mindi Doran able to engage in the mental juggling St. Andrews Episcopal Church involved in maintaining a Wilson In Home Services Coordinator conversation with multiple threads. Burt & West Creek Rd. Sherrill Koithan 6. Use nonverbal cues. For example,

maintain eye contact and smile. Lewiston* Insurance Counseling Coordinator/ 3rd Wednesday, 6:00PM Caregiver Coordinator 7. Listen actively. If you don’t Susan Christian understand something your loved Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital one is telling you, politely let them 5300 Military Rd., Room 723A Partnership for Healthy Aging know. *Day and location may change— Case Manager 8. Don’t quibble. Your conversations Connie Terranova please call 800-272-3900 before are not likely to go very far if you try Registered Dietitian to correct every inaccurate attending Lisa G. Smith, RD, CDN statement your loved one makes. Lockport Colleen B. Eder, RD, CDN 9. Have patience. Give your loved one 2nd Tuesday, 10:30AM extra time to process what you say. If Transportation Coordinator Trinity Lutheran Church you ask a question, give a moment to Jennifer Schumacher 67 Saxton St. respond. Advisory Board Members 10. Understand there will be good and North Tonawanda Rebecca Wydysh Joe Kibler bad days. People with dementia will 3rd Wednesday, 1:00PM Nancy Bowes Phil Lange have ups and downs just like anyone Jeff Glatz Alicia Scott Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Adult Day else. Kathy Harrington Mary Jo Tamburlin 3780 Commerce Court #100 If you are interested in serving as a ~Darlene DiCarlo, Director member, please call 438-4020.

In observance of The Niagara County Office for the Aging is a member of the Association on Christmas, OFA will be Aging New York and is supported by the NYS Office for the Aging, the closed on Niagara County Legislature, and donations from individuals and Wednesday, organizations. December 25th.

2 | NIAGARA COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING

OFA STAFF SPOTLIGHT Victoria Cascia, Aging Services Aide

Victoria joined the Office for the Aging in 2013 as a part-time Aging Services Aide, and in 2016 she became full-time as part of our NY Connects program. She is knowledgeable, helpful and always ready to answer your phone calls and assist you as part of the Information and Assistance program. Victoria is a certified Medicare HIICAP counselor. You can find her at Bishop Gibbons the first Friday of every month from 10:00 - 12:00 PM during the lunch program as well as at the North Tonawanda Senior Center every Wednesday from 10:00 - 1:00 PM. Victoria enjoys working with and assisting the senior population in Niagara County. You can reach Victoria and the rest of the NY Connects staff at 716-438-3030.

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NY CONNECTS DECEMBER ATTORNEY SCHEDULE

Please note that due to the Christmas and New Years Holidays, Gary Billingsley, Attorney for the Elderly will be at the Office for the Aging on Monday, December 23rd and 30th.

3 Tuesday Lewiston Sr. Ctr. 754-2071* 11:30—12:30 PM 4361 Lower River Rd. NY Connects can assist people of all ages, any disability, and 3 Tuesday Office for the Aging 111 Main St. 1:30—3:30 PM caregivers. Lockport 5 Thursday Wheatfield Com. Ctr. 731-4835* 11:00—12:00 PM NY Connects can also help you: 2790 Church Rd.  Find care and support 5 Thursday Woodlands Sr. Village 3979 Forest Pkwy 12:00—1:00 PM  Remain independent Wheatfield  Understand care options 10 Tuesday Office for the Aging 111 Main St. 1:30—3:30 PM  Find transportation Lockport  Learn about supports in caregiving 12 Thursday LaSalle Sr. Center 283-6257* 10:00—11:00 AM  Find supported employment 9501 Colvin Blvd programs 12 Thursday Wrobel Towers 800 Niagara Ave. 11:15—12:15 PM  Get answers about Medicare Niagara Falls  Apply for Medicaid and other 13 Friday Lockport Senior Ctr. 433-1886* 12:00—1:00 PM benefits 33 Ontario St. Please call NY Connects at 17 Tuesday John Duke Sr. Ctr 297-9324* 9:30—11:00 AM 716-438-3030 or access or NY 1201 Hyde Park Blvd. Connects Resource Directory at: https:www.nyconnects.ny.gov 17 Tuesday Spallino Towers 720—10th St. 11:15—12:15 PM Niagara Falls

Niagara County Veterans 17 Tuesday Office for the Aging 111 Main St. 1:30—3:30 PM Lockport 111 Main St., Suite 200 Lockport, NY 14094 18 Wednesday N. Tonawanda Sr Ctr. 695-8582* 11:30—1:00 PM 716-438-4090 110 Goundry St. [email protected] 19 Thursday Olcott Fire Hall 1691 Lkpt-Olcott 11:30—12:30 PM Rd. Olcott

Benefit screening for Veterans and 23 MONDAY** Office for the Aging 111 Main St. 1:30—3:30 PM their families, including Low Lockport Income Pension, Aid and 30 MONDAY** Office for the Aging 111 Main St. 1:30—3:30 PM Attendance, Healthcare and more! Lockport

*Denotes site that require an appointment. All others are walk-ins. “Serving Those Who Have Served”

4 | NIAGARA COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING

HEAP

LOCKPORT, NY | 5

DECEMBER MENU FOR DINING SITES MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 2 3 4 5 6 Spaghetti and Meatballs Seasoned Greek Stuffed Cabbage Roll Oven Roasted Chicken Homemade Macaroni w/Tomato Sauce Chicken Breast w/Feta with Meat Sauce Leg w/Gravy & Cheese Chef Salad Crumbles Mashed Potatoes Italian Bread Greek Style Potatoes French Green Beans Seasoned Rice w/ Steamed Broccoli Chilled Cinnamon Pears Pepper Pot Soup with Dinner Roll Parsley Wheat Bread Crackers Fruited Gelatin w/ Mixed Vegetables Hello Dolly Bar 1/2 Whole Wheat Pita Whipped Topping Whole Wheat Dinner Banana Roll Pumpkin Bavarian 9 10 11 12 13 Sliced Turkey with Gravy Chili Con Carne with Center Cut Pork Chop Cheeseburger Manicotti w/Tomato Bread Stuffing Crackers Ranch Mashed Potatoes Supreme Sauce Carrots White Rice Peas Potato Wedges Spinach Warmed Biscuit Green Beans Wheat Bread Tomato Florentine Dinner Roll Grapes Cornbread Applesauce Soup w/Crackers Carnival Cookies Chilled Fruit Cocktail S'more Pudding

16 17 18 19 Christmas Meal 20 Grilled Chicken Breast Beef Stroganoff over Vegetable Lasagna with Broccoli Stuffed Stuffed Pepper with Sandwich on a Wheat Linguine Cream Sauce Chicken Breast Tomato Sauce Bun Mixed Vegetables Seasoned Spinach Twice Baked Potato Au Gratin Potatoes Baked Beans Wheat Dinner Roll Italian Bread Prince Edward Veggies California Blend Scandinavian Veggies Heavenly Hash Chilled Peaches Whole Wheat Roll Veggies Apple Crisp w/Whip Cheesecake w/Cherry Dinner Roll Topping Topping Snickerdoodle Cookies

23 24 25 Closed—No Meals 26 27 Hot Roast Beef Sandwich Turkey & Cheese Goulash Baked Chicken Fingers w/Gravy on Wheat Submarine Mixed Vegetables w/Barbecue Sauce Hamburger Bun Potato Salad Wheat Dinner Roll O’Brien Potatoes Garlic Mashed Potatoes Minestrone Soup w/ Deluxe Fruit Mix Three Bean Salad Peas Crackers Dinner Roll Brownie Apple Tapioca Pudding

30 31 Meatloaf with Gravy Glazed Ham w/Fruit Mashed Potatoes Sauce Carrot Coins Scalloped Potatoes Wheat Bread Peas Orange Dinner Roll Peach Polka Dot Dessert All meals served with bread, butter, 1% chocolate milk, 1% or 2% milk, coffee or tea. Eat Well...Stay Well Lunch Sites are located throughout Niagara County. Menu approved by Lisa G. Smith, RD, CDN Suggested contribution for meals is $3.25.

6 | NIAGARA COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING

NUTRITION PROGRAM NEWS UNUSED MEDICATION

White Chicken Chili DROP BOXES Ingredients: Unused medications can be 1 can (10 oz.) white chunk chicken dropped off at the following 2 cans (15 oz. each) low-sodium white beans, drained Niagara County locations: 1 can (14.5 oz.) low-sodium diced tomatoes  Lockport City Police Dept. 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 Locks Plaza, Lockport 1 medium onion, chopped  Niagara County Sheriff’s Dept. 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped 5526 Niagara St. Ext., Lockport 1 medium red pepper, chopped  Niagara Falls Police Dept. 2 garlic cloves, minced 1925 Main St., Niagara Falls 2 teaspoons chili powder  North Tonawanda Police Dept. 1 teaspoon ground cumin 216 Payne Ave., N. Tonawanda 1 teaspoon dried oregano  Town of Newfane Cayenne pepper, to taste 2737 Main St., Newfane 8 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese  Middleport Police Dept. 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 22 Main St., Middleport Directions:  Town of Lewiston Police Dept. In a large soup pot, add the chicken, beans, tomatoes and chicken broth. 4059 Creek Rd., Youngstown Cover and simmer over medium heat.  Town of Wilson Town Hall Meanwhile, spray a nonstick frying pan with cooking spray. Add the onions, 375 Lake St., Wilson peppers and garlic and sauté until the vegetables are soft, 3-5 minutes.  Tops Pharmacy Add the onion and pepper mixture to the soup pot. Stir in the chili powder, 7200 NF Blvd, Niagara Falls cumin, oregano, and, as desired, cayenne pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are soft. MEDICATION PICK UPS Ladle into warmed bowls. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese Medication pick ups by the and garnish with cilantro. following area law enforcement agencies can be arranged for In the event of inclement weather and congregate dining sites are closed and/or those who are homebound, home delivered meals will be cancelled, the disabled or who may have following television stations will be informed difficulty getting to a community channels 2, 4 and 7. Radio stations to tune into are: WBEN 930 AM and WLVL 1340 AM. drop box. Lewiston Police Dept. 754-8477 Television stations will put this message on the bottom of the television screen: “The Office for the Aging Nutrition Program” or it may say “Niagara County Officers cannot accept liquids or Home Delivered Meals and Congregate Dining”. needles. Niagara Falls Police Dept. The nutrition program is open to those 60 and older. Transportation is 286-4543 available to some sites for $1.00 suggested donation. Advanced Unused medications will be picked reservations are required. For more information call 716-438-3030. up NFPD narcotics detectives.

LOCKPORT, NY | 7 CAREGIVER CORNER

The Holidays and Alzheimer’s Holiday Time and Caregiver Stress The Holidays are often filled with opportunities for The holidays can cause large amounts of stress for togetherness, sharing, laughter and memories. But they people caring for elderly parents. In addition to can also bring stress, disappointment and sadness. A caregiving duties, this time of year also adds shopping, person living with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense holiday parties and family gatherings to your growing of loss during the holidays because of the changes he or to-do list. Many caregivers struggle to get through the she has experienced. At the same time, caregivers may holiday season. The following tips may help you to feel overwhelmed maintaining traditions while minimize stress and make time for yourself. providing care. Everyone is unique and finding a plan  Take a Break— Reducing stress is vital to your that works can involve trial and error. health. Family caregivers have higher illness rates Preparing the person with Alzheimer’s than non-caregiving peers. Respite care offers short-  Begin showing a photo of the guest to the person a term care for dependent adults and provides you week before arrival. Each day, explain who the some relief—even more important during the visitor is while showing the photo. holidays. Types of respite include adult day care, in-  Arrange a phone call for the person with home help, and assistance from family and friends. Alzheimer’s and the visitor. The call gives the visitor  Ask for Help—Many caregivers avoid asking for help an idea of what to expect and gives the person with and try to do everything themselves. But once you Alzheimer’s an opportunity to become familiar with ask for help, you might find it easier than you the visitor. expected. Many times, family members and friends Involve the person living with Alzheimer’s are willing to help, but don’t know how.  Involve the person in safe, manageable holiday  Make a “To-Do List” - Making daily lists helps you preparation activities that he or she enjoy; help you stay organized during this busy season. prepare food, wrap packages, help decorate or set  Simplify—Pare down the cookies, leave the the table. bookcase full of Santa figures for another year—but Adapt gift giving keep the . You can “decorate lite.” Let  Provide people with suggestions for useful and family and friends know that the holidays are being enjoyable gifts for the person, such as an simplified this year. identification bracelet, or membership in a  Accept Imperfections—You might feel you’re not wandering response service. Or, suggest doing enough or that someone else would do better, comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing; favorite but no one is perfect. There is no such thing as a music; photo albums of family and friends; or perfect caregiver. Do your best, stop feeling guilty favorite treats. and forgive yourself for imperfections.  Depending on his or her abilities and preferences, These tips ensure you will have time to enjoy the involve the person in gift giving. Someone who holidays, while also taking care of yourself. This is vital once enjoyed baking may enjoy helping to make for your health and well-being. And it can help you to be cookies and pack them in tins or boxes. Or you may a better caregiver who is more rested, healthier—both want to buy the gift so that the person can wrap it. physically and mentally—and less apt to feel resentful. It  If friends or family members ask you what you’d like might even make caregiving a little easier. If you need for a gift, you may want to suggest a gift certificate help with your caregiving needs contact the Niagara or something that will help make things easier, or County Office for the Aging NY Connects at 716-438- even volunteer to visit with the person for an 3030. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a afternoon so you can have some time off. Healthy and Happy New Year! ~Robin Bayer

LOCKPORT, NY | 8 HIICAP CORNER

This month’s topic is Medicare Advantage Plan supplemental Benefits. A supplemental benefit is an item or service covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan that is not cover by Original Medicare. These items or services do not need to be provided by Medicare providers or at Medicare-certified facilities. Instead, to receive these items or services, you need to follow your plan’s rules. Some commonly offered supplemental benefits are: Dental Care, Vision Care, Hearing Aids and Gym Memberships. For the most part, supplemental benefits must be primarily health-related. Beginning in 2020, however, Medicare Advantage Plans can begin covering supplemental benefits that are not primarily health related for beneficiaries who have chronic illnesses. These benefits can address social determinants of health for people with chronic disease. A social determinant of health is a part of your life that can affect your health in some way, such as not having access to transportation. Some examples of the kind of benefits that plans can now cover are: meal delivery services, and transportation for non-medical needs. In order to be eligible for this new category of supplemental benefits, you must be considered chronically ill. This means that you must have at least one medically complex chronic condition that is life-threatening or significantly limits your health or function. Medically complex chronic conditions include cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, chronic lung disorders, neurologic disorders, chronic heart failure, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, cancer, dementia, chronic alcohol or drug dependence, autoimmune disorders, stroke, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), severe hematologic disorders, end-stage liver disease, and HIV/AIDS, have a high risk of hospitalization or other negative health outcomes, and require intensive care coordination. If you meet the above criteria, a Medicare Advantage Plan may offer you one of these new benefits if it has a reasonable expectation of improving or maintaining your health or function. Since Medicare Advantage Plans will be able to create sets of supplemental benefits for people with specific chronic illnesses, not every member of a Medicare Advantage Plan will have access to the same set of benefits. Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan that has these new supplemental benefits, check if you meet the plan’s criteria for coverage. Contact your plan to find out how to access these and other supplemental benefits. Call 716-438-3030 to speak to a HIICAP Counselor, the answer to your question is only a phone call away! Services are unbiased.

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WINTER HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD

December is upon us and holiday lights and decorations are is the Pagan winter festival that was celebrated by the going up in neighborhoods all around Niagara County. You may Germanic people from late December to early January. As have noticed that many stores have already been decked out part of the rituals for the festival, families would light Yule logs for weeks! and would then eat until the log burned out—which could Of course, there are many holidays, particularly this time of take up to 12 days. Sacrifices were made to the god Odin, year, that we may not celebrate and may not even know much while celebrants were feasting and drinking ale. about. Learning about holiday traditions outside of our own Yalda is an Iranian celebration of the winter solstice and can help us to see other cultures in a clearer light and to longest night of the year. Shabe Yalda is the Iranian festival understand the world in a broader and more diverse light. It celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Celebrants stay up can be satisfying to learn about other cultures’ traditions and all night, and fruits such as pomegranates and watermelons to have a better understanding of how our traditions fit into and nuts are eaten. the wider human experience. Here are some holidays that is a Slavic winter festival celebrated in late people from around the globe have celebrated or will be December with parades and singers who visit homes and celebrating: receive candies and small monetary gifts. Some claim it was Krampusnacht is celebrated December 5th is some Central named after Kolyada, the Slavic god of winter or Koliada, the European countries. is the devilish counterpart to St. goddess who brings up a new sun every day. Nicholas who punishes “bad children” the night before St. Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26-January 1st and is to Nicholas’ Day. honor African heritage in African-American culture. It St. Nicholas’ Day is celebrated in many European countries culminates with a feast and gift giving on the last day. Each of and commemorates the December 6th 343 A.D. death of St. the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the Nicholas. St. Nicholas was believed to be a very poor man who following principles: unity, self-determination, responsibility, had three daughters who were also destined to suffer lives of collective economics, purpose, creativity and faith. poverty. It is said that St. Nicholas threw a bag of gold into Newtonmas is celebrated by some humanists and atheists as each daughter’s window which landed in stockings or shoes left an alternative to the religious holiday of Christmas. December to dry by the fireplace. Today, children place a shoe outside 25, 1642 is the birthday of scientist and mathematician Sir their door before St. Nicholas’ Day in hopes that some treat will Isaac Newton. It is a celebration of science, reason, be left in it for them. community and technology. St. Lucia Day is celebrated in Sweden, Norway and Finland on Festivus is held December 23rd and is a parody secular December 13th and is also known as Church Feast Day. St. holiday created by Daniel O’Keefe made popular as a Lucia is believed to come as a young woman with twinkling Christmas alternative on the TV comedy Seinfeld. It’s comical lights and sweet treats. highlights include the festivus pole, airing of grievances, and Saturnalia historically was recognized from December 17- feats of strength. It’s a “festivus for the rest of us!”. 23rd. It was an ancient Roman winter solstice festival in honor of the deity Saturn and was celebrated with sacrifice, a public Whatever way you and your loved ones may celebrate this banquet, private gift-giving, festivities and a carnival. December, HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! ~Sherrill Koithan Las Posadas is celebrated in Mexico from December 16th-24th with processions to various family members’ homes for celebration and prayer and re-enactments of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem prior to the birth of Jesus. Longest Night is usually held on the eve of the winter solstice, December 21st, and is observed in many Christian churches. It is sometimes referred to as Blue Christmas and is a recognition that the holidays are sometimes “blue” or filled with difficult feelings surrounding painful life events such as death, disease, poverty. Some services honor people who have lost loved ones that year, similar to an All Saint’s Day service.

10 | NIAGARA COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! CLIP & RETURN Make checks payable to: Niagara County Office for the Aging 111 Main St., Suite 101 Lockport NY 14094 CONTRIBUTION SERVICE CONTRIBUTION RATES—ACTUAL COSTS CONGREGATE MEALS $3.25 per meal age 60+ | $5.00 required under age 60 Actual Cost -$8.65 per meal HOME DELIVERED MEALS $3.25 per meal age 60+ | $5.00 charge under age 60 Actual Cost -$8.65 per meal NUTRITION COUNSELING $20.00 per consultation | Actual Cost—$45.00 per hour HOMECARE/PERSONAL CARE $5.00 hour | Actual Cost—$37.92 per hour LEGAL SERVICES $20.00 per consultation | Actual Cost—$125.00 per hour SOCIAL ADULT DAY CARE $10.00 half day and $20.00 full day Actual Cost— $35.75 half day and $57.20 full day HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING $10.00 per session | Actual Cost - $72.00 per hour MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION—To and From $7.00 round trip– Within city of residence Medical Appointments $10.00 round trip—Within County $25.00 round trip—Out of County Actual Cost—$18.94 per one-way trip *The rates listed are only suggested contribution amounts for participants aged 60 and older. No one over the age of 60 will be denied service if they do not contribute.

LOCKPORT, NY | 11 111 Main Street, Suite 101 Lockport, NY 14094

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