Fall 2014 1

Niagara County Office for the Aging 111 Main Street, Suite 101 Lockport, NY 14094 438-4020 www.niagaracounty.com/aging Office for the Aging News Who to call at the Office for the Aging OFFICE FOR THE AGING Do you ever wonder who to ask for when you call the Niagara County Office for Message from the the Aging? You can always call our main num- Director ber, 438-4020, and ask who can best answer your question, or you can call the same num- ber and ask for one of the people below. Also The Niagara County Office for the Aging’s you can go to our web site at www.niagaracounty.com/aging. mission is to help older adults remain active, engaged and independent in their homes and Director communities, through providing the neces- Ken Genewick 438-4021 sary information and services to them and Information and Assistance Program, their caregivers. It is through a coordinated Susan Christian 438-4023 effort between our office and the many or- Health Insurance Counseling (HIICAP), Susan Christian 438-4023 ganizations throughout Niagara County that Expanded In-home Service to the Elderly we strive to meet their growing needs. Program (EISEP), We are also looking at ways to improve how Tim Sexton 438-4013 or 278-8612 we are delivering our vast array of services to Legal Services, you, our client, throughout Niagara County. Gary Billingsley This will include a collective effort to analyze Home Delivered Meals, where we are currently providing services , Kara Donovan 438-4031 such as Congregate Dining, Insurance and Congregate Meal Program Nutrition Education and Counseling, Legal Counseling, etc., where these services Mary Degnan MS RD CDN CDE 438-4030 may be lacking, and how we may be able to Caregiver Program, restructure our offerings in order to ensure Nancy Smegelsky 438-4033 that all of our county’s older adults have an HEAP 438-4016 opportunity to receive our services. This will Newsletter Editor, include collaboration with various groups, in- Nancy Smegelsky cluding our advisory council, county officials Medical Van, and legislators, community leaders, and most Jennifer Schumacher 438-4038 NY Connects, importantly you, our clients and customers. 438-3030 To help with this endeavor we are excited to

Fall 2014 2 be holding our 2nd Annual “Niagara County How to handle and store fresh Healthy Connections” Senior and Caregiver fruit and vegetables? Resource Fair. It will be on Sept. 26th at the By Mary Degnan MS RD CDN CDE

Cornell Cooperative Extension in Lockport, NY It’s the season for fresh fruits and vegeta- from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. We encourage you bles! After buying your fresh fruits and to attend and talk to the vendors, listen to our vegetables at the farmer’s market or local public officials and take part in the Annual Pub- produce aisle, how do you keep them fresher longer? Use this table as a guide lic Hearing. The information about the services to keep fruits and vegetables fresher that you provide is valuable will help us make longer. our priorities on funding allocations and pro- gram development activities for the future. Please make every effort to attend and I look forward to seeing you then. Sincerely,

Ken Genewick Director Niagara County Office for the Aging

Cool Facts  Did you know your foot and your forearm are the same length?  Time slows down near a black hole; inside it stops completely.  The first non-human to win an Oscar was Mickey Mouse. Riddle me this?  Venus is the only planet in the so- What is once in a minute, twice lar system to spin backwards. in a moment but never in a thousand years?  Antarctica has only one ATM See page 5 for answer

Fall 2014 3 Seasonal Recipe: Niagara County Senior Citizen of the Year for 2014 Mexican Cucumber Robert Shively is extremely active in Salad his community. He's been a valued Serves 2 1/4 to 1/3 of medium cucumber, chopped member of the Town of Niagara Li- 8 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained ons Club since 1989, as both presi- 16 oz. can of diced tomatoes or 1 ½ fresh to- dent and current treasurer. Robert served as a District Governor, overseeing the activities of 56 mato diced 1/4 to 1/3 of green bell pepper, chopped Lions Clubs. Also, he is a current member and 1/4 to 1/3 of red bell pepper, chopped past president of the Hooker/Occidental Retirees Club and current President of the Council for Old- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes er Adults of Niagara County. As current Director 1/8 teaspoon garlic, minced of the New York State & Bermuda Lions 1/8 teaspoon cumin "SEE" (Screening Eyes Early) Program, Robert visits local Head Start Programs and takes pic- 1/8 teaspoon dried cilantro 1/8 teaspoon salt tures of young children's eyes with a special cam- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper era, then sends them to the University of Buffalo for ophthalmologist review and possible treat- Directions: In a large bowl, toss together the cucumber, ment. He has personally screened over 8,000 corn, tomatoes, green and red bell peppers children's eyes. Robert is involved in countless other programs and red wine vinegar. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, cumin, cilantro, salt and fundraisers benefiting children, seniors, vet- and pepper. Cover and chill at least 30 erans and families throughout Niagara County. Robert began volunteering when he was asked minutes before serving. Calories: 120 Protein: 5g Carbs: 29g Sodium: 30 mg Fat: 3 g by his supervisor to attend a Lions Club meeting and got involved from there. He enjoys having HIICAP News 2014 the opportunity to give back to others in his com- (Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and munity. As deserving as he is, Robert doesn't do

Assistance Program) it for the praise. It gives Robert a good feeling to Medicare Reminder do something positive for someone else. If one You can have both Medicare and Medicaid. child's eye problems are detected and treated, it's You may qualify for Medicaid coverage of a all worth it to him. broad range of health services, including doc- Robert was born in Pennsylvania and moved to tors’ visits, hospital care, and medical equip- New York in 1950. After graduating high school, ment if you meet the financial requirements. he worked for Hooker/Occidental Chemical for Each state has its own Medicaid program with over 36 years, retiring in 1996. different eligibility limits and slightly different He works part-time at the Niagara Falls Country benefits. Club. He and his wife, Joan, have five children, If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Medicare will pay first for all Medicare- covered services and Medicaid will pay sec- ond by covering your remaining costs, such as the Medicare coinsurances, copayments and deductibles. Medicaid will also pay for The Health Insurance Information Counseling certain medical services that Medicare does and Assistance Program needs volunteer coun- not cover, such as transportation to medical selors to help people understand health insur- appointments, some dental services and addi- ance options and long term care insurance op- tional home care. You will most likely be re- tions. quired to have a Part D prescription drug plan, Training and certification is provided. Make your but Medicaid will help cover your costs. own hours at a senior center near you. For more information, call HIICAP at 438- Call 438-4023 for more information. 4023 Fall 2014 4

Caregiver Corner Loss of interest in work, hobbies, social life and sex Nip Depression in the Bud: Difficulty in making decisions Warning Signs to Look For Lack of energy and feeling slowed By Mary Damiano, Caregiver.com down

While caregivers are defined as the Restlessness and irritability people taking care of those needing Loss of appetite and loss of help, they sometimes overlook the fact weight that caregiving responsibilities can take Disturbed sleep, especially early a toll on their own health. morning waking Depressive, gloomy or desolate In addition to physical ailments, caregiv- dreams Suicidal thoughts ers are at risk for depression. Depres- sion can strike anyone, at any age. If you feel yourself exhibiting these be- Caregivers need to be especially aware haviors, do not discount them. They of depression because of the great load should be taken as seriously as you they carry. Many caregivers work at a might treat a fever that won't go away or full-time job and take care of a family in a persistent cough. addition to their caregiving responsibili- Below are some expert tips on what ties. They often sacrifice their own caregivers in particular can do to stop health, well-being and social life in or- depression before it gets out of control: der to do everything that needs to be done. Talk regularly with family, friends, or mental health professionals - it is very One common denominator among care- important that you do not isolate your- givers is the desire and the belief that self. Join a local support group, or find they must do everything themselves. one online. Share your feelings so they Often, caregivers do not ask for help, don't build up and escalate into prob- opting instead to inadvertently play the lems. part of the martyr. This leads the care- Set limits - this can be hard for caregiv- giver to become overwhelmed and an ers, because they are used to taking on overwhelmed person is fertile ground everything that needs to be done. It's for depression to dig in and take root. okay to say no to taking on more than you can handle. The great strain caregivers face on a Eat nutritiously, exercise regularly and daily basis can lead to depression. One get enough sleep - this can be difficult way to stop depression before it strikes because of irregular schedules caregiv- is to be aware of the warning signs. Ac- ers must keep. But think of it this way: cording to the Administration on Aging, your body and mind are machines, and here are some red flags that depression they must be properly maintained in or- might be creeping in: der to function at their best. Nutritious food, exercise and sleep are the things

Fall 2014 5 that fuel these machines. Just as you EPIC provides secondary prescription would not let your car run out of gas, don't coverage for Medicare Part D and EPIC let your body run out of its fuel. covered drugs after any Medicare Part D deductible is met. By using EPIC togeth- Let go of unrealistic expectations - care- er with Medicare Part D, members save givers often have unrealistic expectations more money on the cost of their prescrip- of themselves, and therefore push them- tion drugs. selves to meet these goals. Accept the For many seniors, it is less expensive to fact that you can't do everything. Ask for enroll in EPIC and Medicare Part D than and accept help, from friends, family and just Medicare Part D alone. EPIC pays local agencies. Whatever you do, don't be the Part D drug plan premiums up to a martyr. $37.23 per month in 2014 for members

with income up to $23,000 single or Keep a sense of humor - we all know that $29,000 married. Higher income mem- laughter is the best medicine, so go bers are responsible for paying their ahead and take a few spoonfuls daily. Re- Medicare Part D premiums but will re- lax with a funny movie or TV show. Put on ceive Part D assistance in the form of re- a comedy tape to listen to while you do duced EPIC deductibles. your chores. Find the humor in everyday things. Seniors may apply for EPIC at any time during the year even if they do not have a EPIC INCOME LEVELS EXPANDED TO Medicare Part D Plan. Enrolling in EPIC PROVIDE DRUG COVERAGE FOR will provide eligible seniors a Special En- MORE NYS SENIORS rollment Period from Medicare allowing As of April 1, 2014 them to join a Medicare Part D drug plan GOOD NEWS! The New York State 2014 or switch to another Medicare Part D plan -15 budget included the expansion of the outside of their Open Enrollment Period. Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Cover- Join EPIC today for additional savings age Program (EPIC) to cover the pre- on your Medicare Part D prescription scription needs of more seniors. Eligible drugs. income brackets were expanded from $35,000 to $75,000 for singles and from For an application or more information, $50,000 to $100,000 for married couples. please call the toll-free EPIC Helpline at 1-800-332-3742 Monday through Friday The new income brackets will be added from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or visit the EP- to existing ones and current EPIC mem- IC website at www.health.ny.gov and click bers will not be impacted. EPIC income is on EPIC for Seniors on the left side of the based on the previous income year and page. does continue to include the reporting of net Social Security Income. Seniors must also be a NYS resident, 65 or older and Answer from riddle on page 2 be enrolled or eligible to enroll in a Medi- care Part D drug plan and not be receiv- The letter M. ing full Medicaid benefits.

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Niagara County Contribution Rates

Service Contribution Rates Congregate Meals $3.25 per meal age 60+ * $5.00 charge under age 60 Home Delivered Meals $3.25 age 60 + Nutrition Counseling $20 per visit Homecare/Personal Care $20 per month Social Adult Day Care $2.50 per half day Personal Emergency Response Unit $5 per month Health Insurance Counseling $10 per session Legal Service $ 20 per consultation Transportation $7 round trip within city of residence $10 round trip within county $25 round trip out of county

*Includes individuals under age 60 if the spouse of a senior 60+, or a disabled resident residing in a housing center that is a designated congregate meal site.

These contribution rates have been established by the Niagara County Office for the Aging Advisory Council.

These rates are only suggested contribution amounts. No one will be denied service if they do not contribute. All contributions are voluntary and confiden- tial. Checks can be made out to the Niagara County Office for the Aging and mailed to our office at 111 Main Street, Suite 101, Lockport, NY 14094. Please indicate the program you are contributing to when submitting.

All contributions received will be used for program costs. We thank you for under- standing the importance of your contribution, which helps us continue to provide val- uable services to Niagara County residents.

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They have the choice Drivers Needed! to live independently. We are seeking volunteers across Niagara County es- pecially Niagara Falls. Our home de- livered meal volunteers make a differ- ence in so many people's lives. Bring- ing a hot meal to someone in need as well as making new friends and social You have the choice contacts is extremely rewarding. If an- to yone is interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities or help them do it. would like to receive meals please contact Kara Donovan at 438-4031.

We have the 2nd Annual Niagara County “Healthy Connections” Senior and information Caregiver Information and to help. Resource Fair Sept. 26, 2014 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Cornell Cooperative Extension 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport Vendor Tables, Health & Wellness Information Flu & Pneumonia Shots

Care Consultations w/ Alzheimer’s Association

10:00 - 11:00 Public Discussion w/ elected officials (716) 438-3030 11:00 - 12:00 Niagara County Office for the Aging Public Hearing

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3. Funeral & Cemetery The FBI is warn- ing about scammers trying to claim Senior Fraud money from a deceased person’s loved one. They may claim they owed The Federal Bureau of Investigation says a debt or when a funeral director will that seniors are attractive to con artists, insist a grieving family needs additional based on their trusting instincts and also services and/or caskets (in the event of retirement nest eggs saved for many dec- a cremation) ades for their golden years. The number 4. Anti-aging Products. The senior one cause for senior fraud is financial. population is not in the dark about the Billions of dollars are lost every year to abundance of anti-aging products in this type of crime. the market today, or immune from the The people looking to commit financial desire to remain young. Con artists fraud are smart and know how to manipu- are aware and will sell fake products late a senior into giving them what they which can have severe effects on a want, knowing the likelihood of it being re- person's health. ported is small. 5. Telemarking This is the most com- Caregivers can help their loved ones by mon scheme. Preying on the loneli- having an awareness of finances, watch- ness of seniors. ing for unusual withdrawals and talking to them about what is happening with to- 6. Internet The nation’s older generation day's crime trends. are on line but may not be savvy of scams that ask to verify personal infor- Top Ten mation. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) identifies the nation’s top 10 popular 7. Investment Pyramid schemes have scams. been around for a long time. 1. Medicare and Insurance Fraud 8. Mortgage Reverse mortgage This is when a scam artist may pose schemes are putting people in danger as an insurance representative to get a of losing their homes when it is not an senior’s private information, or provide official refinancing option. false services in order to bill Medicare and keep the cash. 9. Sweepstakes The lure of free money is appealing to anyone, while the scam 2. Prescriptions These scams are most is simple, it is commonly used. popular online, where seniors are try- ing to find lower priced medications 10. Grandparents A popular scam now and are buying pills that are counter- is the “Grandparents Scam”, they pre- feit. There are 2 dangers here: the first tend to be grandchild in trouble and being the loss of money and second, ask for money. taking a pill that could be harmful phys- If you suspect a scam call your local po- ically. lice and report it.