NEWSLETTER LEWIS COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING 7660 STATE STREET LOWVILLE, NEW YORK 13367 TEL. (315) 376376-5313 OFA Website – www.lewiscountyny.org/ofa
DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 EDITION 2015 2015 SENIORS' GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS It was a very warm summer, one might say perfect golf weather. On September 11th over 110 golfers stepped out onto the Brantingham Golf Course, taking advantage of the beautiful weather in hopes of landing a 2015 Seniors Golf Title. By day’s end the four team titles to be had were won and everyone who participated enjoyed a great day of golf, an opportunity to enjoy good company, and a good meal. Some even won prizes. For the 24th straight year our golfers were able to play without any rain. Despite the warm temperatures, humidity and bright sun, a great day was had by all. In the Men's A Flight, the team of John Dailey, Paul Axtell, John Buckingham, and Bruce Buckingham won with a score of 56 In the Men's B Flight the first place team comprised of Pete Matejcik, Mike Powlin, Gary Edick and Carroll Owens, finished with a score of 61. The team of Donnie Queary, Pat Kloster, Larry Kieffer, and Joe Thomas won the Men’s C Flight, with a score of 64. The team of Vicky Chris Matejcik, Linda Leichtweis, Cindy Edick, and Donna Powlin were crowned as the Ladies’ A Flight champions, with a score of 64. Thank you goes out to all of the individuals that supported this year's tournament. We also say a special thank you to the local businesses listed below for their door prize donations. A thank you is also extended to the owners and staff of Brantingham Golf Club who allow this tournament to be such a success each year. The day would not be a success without the help of everyone involved.
The following businesses donated door prizes: Lowville Farmer’s Cooperative, Farney’s Home and Building Center, Brantingham Inn/Motel, EL Baird Jewelry, Jreck Subs, Lowville Kinney Drugs, Boonville Kinney Drugs, Lowville Producers Dairy Cooperative, Eddie’s Meat Market, Lock 96, Lee Buick GMC, Woodgate Pines Golf Club, WE Aubuchon, All Seasons Power Equipment, Falls Pharmacy, Mr. Sub, Buckingham Hardware, and Eden Windish
Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period You can switch from your Medicare Advantage plan (except MSA plan) to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP). You can only make this coverage change if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. plan The MADP occurs every year from January 1 to February 14. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will be able to switch to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan. Changes made during this period will become effective the first of the following month. For example, if you switched from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare and a stand-alone prescription drug plan in February, your new coverage would begin March 1. Note: If you are enrolled in a PFFS plan with a stand-alone drug plan, you must keep your stand-alone prescription drug plan if you switch to Original Medicare during the MADP. Note: If you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan federal law does not usually give you the right to buy a Medigap plan. The laws in your state might give you more rights. Medigap plans are supplemental polices that help pay for Original Medicare deductibles and coinsurances. You should check with your SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) to find out if and when you can enroll in a Medigap plan in your state. If you have...
You can switch to...
a Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage
Original Medicare and a prescription drug plan*
-OROR-
Original Medicare without a prescription drug plan A Medicare Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plan that does
Original Medicare, but you must keep
not have prescription drug coverage and a stand-alone
your current prescription drug plan
prescription drug plan (MA and PDP) Original Medicare or Original Medicare and a prescription
You cannot switch your plan during this
drug plan
time
* If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and a separate stand alone drug plan (PDP), then you can switch to Original Medicare but cannot change stand alone drug plans
A FRIENDLY REMINDER
Nothing is more frustrating than driving all the way to our office for help with problems and/or questions questions about one of our services, services, only to find that the employee you need to see is busy assisting another client or not available. Given the number and complexity of issues issues we help within within our office, we are asking that you PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO SEE IF YOU NEED AN AN APPOINTMENT BEFORE COM COMING this will also ING INTO THE OFFICE. We want you to get the assistance you desire and this reduce your wait time and increase our ability to see EVERYONE in a timely manner. manner
HEAP IS OPEN NOW EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 16, 2015 Despite the warm days and sunny skies, Old Man Winter is just around the corner. Snow, wind chills, and freezing temperatures will return sooner than we think. To assist with the high heating costs associated with colder temperatures, we are pleased to announce that the 2015-16 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) began November 16, 2015. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance began a staggered early mail out of applications in late August to those who received a benefit last year. It is important that you complete the application following the instructions provided and return to the Office for the Aging as quickly as possible. The regular program is currently scheduled to end March 15, 2016. It is also important to remember that ALL pages of the application are to be completed and returned. Returning all the pages will allow for smoother and quicker processing of your application. The early mail out procedure will allow applications to be processed and approved prior to program start up. It is however, important to remember that: NO MONIES WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE PROGRAM OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON THE NOVEMBER 16TH DATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS ARE MADE AVAILABLE. Income guidelines for the 2015-16 HEAP season are as follows: Household Size
Income Guidelines
1 2 3 4
2,244 2,935 3,625 4,316
Individuals who may be eligible for HEAP according to the above guidelines are encouraged to apply. Now is the time to plan. Don’t wait until cold sets in to wonder how you can receive assistance with your heating bills. Don’t be forced to choose between warmth and food and prescriptions. Again, it is important to remember that HEAP is meant to SUPPLEMENT your heating costs, NOT REPLACE your heating payments. For further information on HEAP or any other benefit programs offered through the Office for the Aging, call 376-5313.
Living Healthy in Lewis County Want to feel better? Have more energy? Have relief from pain or fatigue? Do all the things you want? If you answered YES to any of those questions and would like to get the support you need, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choices, and learn better ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health, it may be time to take a FREE workshop. Living Healthy is a 6 week workshop to assist you in making choices to improve your overall health and take charge of your life. Classes are strategically set up in most areas of the County and are held at convenient times of the day. Take the first step in improving your health by calling us at 376-5313. We look forward to hearing from you.
Holiday Meals Planned The Nutrition Program staff would like to encourage all seniors to join us for the upcoming holiday meals at the congregate nutrition sites. The Christmas dinner meal is planned for Thursday, December 17th with stuffed pork loin on the menu. Then we will be closing out 2015 on December 31st with the New Year’s Eve meal of baked ham. As always, family and friends are welcome to join any senior for lunch at any congregate nutrition site. Anyone under the age of 60 would be expected to pay the guest fee. Meals are served Monday through Thursday at all sites. To make reservations for any nutrition site on either of these days or any day other day, please call 376-5313.
Lewis County 376-5432
(800) 342-9871 NY Connects is a trusted place where you can get the information and assistance you need to make informed decisions for the care you need. Long Term Care can include many services that will help people of all ages remain independent in their daily lives. Finding those services can be confusing. A child or an adult with a disability, an older adult, caregivers, family members, friends or neighbors and even helping professionals should reach out to Lewis County NY Connects, at (315) 376-5432 to discuss needed services.
A POEM FROM ONE OF OUR SENIORS….
Senior Nutrition Program Gift Certificates Available The holiday season is fast approaching. Are you looking for a unique Christmas gift idea or for a special occasion for your favorite senior family member, neighbor or friend? Give the gift of a hot nutritious meal that can be enjoyed in a social setting at one of the six Senior Nutrition Sites in Lewis County. The Lewis County Office for the Aging has gift certificates available all throughout the year for purchase that may be used at any of the Senior Nutrition Sites, or they may also be used for a senior who may be receiving Home Delivered Meals. The cost for a certificate is $3.50, good for one meal. For more information, stop by or call our office located at 7550 State Street (Lowville Commons) or by calling 376-5313.
October Song Fall trees swaying in a frisky wind Time for the fall dance to begin Tossing their limbs to a bright blue sky As the wind goes whistling by Dropping leaves of colors bold Littering the ground with red & gold Now, a pause from the playful wind Then starts the dance all over again The wind is like young boys & girls Running through leaves, making them whirl Come join the dance too Wind and trees are inviting you! Written by: Marjorie Smith Submitted by: Esther McCinney
STAY ALERT!! The holiday season is fast approaching and so are scammers. It is unfortunate but true: older adults are often targeted for financial exploitation. The main reason older adults are targeted is that’s where the money is. Our seniors citizens often have retirement savings and paid off homes. Some are facing health problems or cognitive decline, putting them at particular risk for being scammed. Many older adults live alone and can be easily drawn into conversations in which they reveal more information than they realize. One of the fastest growing scams is called the Obituary Scam. Scammers read local obituaries and then begin calling the grieving spouse, usually selecting women, soon after the funeral. They target female spouses because many times the men of this generation handled the finances of the household leaving the grieving widow more financially vulnerable. From the obituary, the scammers are able to obtain all sorts of information from birth date, associations they belonged to, employment history, etc. They tell the widow their spouse had outstanding credit card bills and want to get them cleared up quickly so they don’t have to turn them over to collection companies.
CAREGIVER CORNER For most families, holidays are filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter, and memories. But holidays can also be a difficult time for those who have a family member suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Due to the changes he or she has experienced, the person with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed maintaining holiday traditions while caring for their loved one. In addition, caregivers may feel hesitant to invite family and friends over to share the holiday for fear they will be uncomfortable with behavior changes in the family member. Here are some suggestions that may help to make holiday’s happy, memorable occasions. •
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Some quick tips you can remember during the holiday season and beyond…… 1. NEVER give your personal financial information to someone you don’t know or who contacts you.
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2. A legitimate lottery or content will NEVER make you send them money for taxes, shipping, etc.
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3. Please be aware of high pressure pitches that require immediate decisions.
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4. Legitimate firms will give you time to think things over.
Familiarize family and friends with your situation by calling or writing them. Let them know any changes in your loved one and that they may not remember who everyone is. Make sure everyone understands your caregiving situation and have realistic expectations about what you can and cannot do. If you’ve always invited 15-20 people to your home, consider a smaller group or asking others to host the holiday at their home. Maintain the person’s normal routine so that holiday preparations don’t become disruptive or confusing. Consider celebrating over a lunch or brunch, rather than an evening meal, to work around the evening confusion or sundowning that sometimes affects people with Alzheimer’s. Build on past traditions and memories. Your family member may find comfort in singing old holiday songs, wrapping gifts, baking or packaging cookies. Advise people not to give gifts such as dangerous tools or utensils, challenging board games, complicated electronic equipment or pets. If friends and family members ask what you want for a gift, suggest something that will help you out as you care for your loved one. Some ideas include, gift certificate for a sitter for the day, once a week home cooked meal with delivery, massage, or housekeeping services. Prepare for post-holiday letdown. Arrange for in-home care so you can enjoy a movie or lunch with a friend or family member to reduce - From the Alzheimer’s Association stress.
5. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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If you think you’re a victim of abuse, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to file a complaint. The situation can become worse if you do nothing. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at 376-5313.
If you’re interested in joining our Caregiver Support Group, please contact Lisa Monks at our office.
December 2015 Season’s Greetings!!! Monday 1% Milk and Bread Offered Daily
Tuesday 1 Fish on a Bun Rice Pilaf Creamed Corn Peanut Butter Cookie 8
LEWIS COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM (315) 376-5313 COPENHAGEN, CROGHAN, HARRISVILLE, LOWVILLE, LYONS FALLS, OSCEOLA
Menu subject to change without advance notice. Suggested donation: $3.50 Guest Fee – Please check with Your Site Manager The Nutrition Program accepts cash, checks, & Food Stamps Wednesday 2 Tuna Noodle Casserole Peas & Carrots Garlic Roll Vanilla Pudding 9 Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Capri Blend Veggies Apple Sauce 16 Baked Lemon Pepper Fish Rice Pilaf Coleslaw Apple Cobbler
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Chicken Parmesan Side of Pasta Green Beans Pineapple Tidbits 14 Chipped Beef Over Mashed Potatoes Broccoli Peaches
Baked Ham w/ Pineapple Glaze Sweet Potatoes Broccoli & Cauliflower Birthday Cake!! 15 Cook’s Specialty For HDMs. Closed @ Sites See your site manager
21 Chicken Cordon Bleu Red Skinned Potatoes Green Beans Pineapple Tidbits Lucky Plate Day!
22
Spaghetti w/Meatballs Garden Salad Bread Stix Fruited Yogurt
23 Squash Soup Mac & Cheese Brussel Sprouts Cookie
28 Salisbury Steak w/Gravy Mashed Potatoes Sliced Carrots Apricots
29 Baked Chicken Thigh Baked Beans Oven Roasted Potatoes Diced Peaches
30 Red Lasagna Tossed Salad Sweet Peas Berry Cobbler
Thursday 3 Macaroni & Cheese Stewed Tomatoes Brussel Sprouts Mixed Fruit 10 Roast Turkey w/Gravy Seasoned Stuffing Butternut Squash Choc Pudding 17 Christmas Dinner Stuffed Pork Loin Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy Cranberry Relish Green Beans/Red Peppers/Mushrooms Cheesecake w/ Topping 24 Christmas Eve Chef Salad w/Fresh Veggies Tuna Salad Dinner Roll Cottage Cheese w/Mandarin Oranges 31 New Year’s Eve Baked Sliced Ham Whipped Sweet Potatoes Veggie Blend Holiday Cookie
Friday 4 HDM’s Only Spanish Rice Spinach Apricots 11 HDM’S ONLY BEEFY CHILI Chuck Wagon Blend Corn Muffin Mandarin Oranges 18 HDM’s Only Beef Goulash Spinach Creamed Corn Cookie
25 Christmas Day!! Closed
LEWIS COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM (315) 376-5313 COPENHAGEN, CROGHAN, HARRISVILLE, LOWVILLE, LYONS FALLS, OSCEOLA
January 2016
Menu subject to change without advance notice. Suggested donation: $3.50 Guest Fee – Please check with Your Site Manager The Nutrition Program accepts cash, checks, & Food Stamps
Happy New Year!!! MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY 1
1% Milk and Bread Offered Daily
New Year’s Day!! Closed
4 Stuffed Cabbage Roll Green Beans Cottage Cheese Peaches
5 Pork Chop Oven Roasted Potatoes Sweet Peas Birthday Cake!!
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11 Hearty Beef Stew Mashed Potatoes Capri Blend veggies Fruited yogurt
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13
18
19 Chicken Parmesan Side of Pasta Green Beans Pineapple Tidbits
Martin Luther King Day! Closed
25 Chipped Beef Over Mashed Potatoes Broccoli Peaches
Fish on a Bun Rice Pilaf Creamed Corn Peanut Butter Cookie
26 Cook’s Specialty for HDM’s. Closed at Sites See Your Site Manager.
Codfish & Gravy Mashed Potatoes Butternut Squash Vanilla Pudding w/Whip Topping
Chef Salad w/Fresh Veggies Grilled Chicken Potato Salad Dinner Roll Mandarin Oranges 20 Baked Ham w/ Pineapple Glaze Sweet Potatoes Broccoli & Cauliflower Applesauce 27
Chicken & Dumplings Sweet Peas Cranberry Sauce Fruited Yogurt
7 Breaded Chicken Patty on Bun w/ Lettuce & Tomato Coleslaw (at sites) Broccoli (HDM) Fruit Crisp 14 Macaroni & Cheese Stewed Tomatoes Brussel Sprouts Mixed Fruit
HDM’s Only Cream of Broccoli Soup & Tuna Fish Sandwich Corn Nibblets Mixed Fruit 15 HDM’s Only Cook’s Specialty!
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22 HDM’s Only Roast Turkey w/Gravy Seasoned Stuffing Butternut Squash Choc Pudding 29 HDM’s Only Baked Lemon Pepper Fish Rice Pilaf Coleslaw Apple Cobbler
Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Capri Blend Veggies Oatmeal Raisin Cookie 28
Boiled Ham Dinner Cabbage Potatoes Carrots Roll Chocolate Pudding w/Topping
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Processed Foods – Good or Bad? By: Melissa Forney, Nutrition Coordinator, MS, RDN, LPN
Processed foods – they’re offered everywhere, available to most everyone, are convenient, and unfortunately tend to have a bad reputation. So, what defines a ‘processed’ food, why the bad reputation, and do they all need to be avoided? In the world of food, ‘processed’ simply refers to any changes that the food item may go through before reaching our mouths – this can range from slicing and dicing to removal and addition of nutrients. For example, completely unprocessed refers to food that did not require any preparation before eating (banana); whereas completely processed may refer to something that did not come from nature at all (cookie)1. Ultimately, most foods end up processed to some extent, whether it is from the store or home grown; however, what goes into the food during processing is what matters. So, what differentiates the ‘bad’ from the ‘good’ in the world of processed foods? The answer is in the food label and looking for added sugar, sodium (salt), and fat – all of which we typically get too much of in our diets! Therefore, be aware of what is in your food by getting to know your food label and keeping an eye out for these nutrients! Here are a few guidelines to help you out: -
If a food item has greater than 300mg of sodium per serving it is best left on the shelf If the first few ingredients are sugar, maltose, brown sugar, corn syrup, cane sugar, honey, or fruit juice concentrate, it has added or high amounts of sugar2 Look for ‘partially hydrogenated vegetable oil’ in the ingredient list, which indicates trans fat (and is not good for cholesterol levels). Companies are allowed to label foods as ‘zero trans fat’ if a serving size contains less than a half gram per serving; however this can add up if you will be eating more than one serving2
However, do not get discouraged - not all processed foods have to be avoided! In fact, there are processed foods that are even beneficial – here are a few: - Canned tomato products offer a more easily absorbed lycopene (antioxidant)1. Just be sure to choose the low sodium version if you are watching your salt intake! - Probiotics result from the processing that occurs with some yogurts1 - Milk & Juice offer added calcium & vitamin D2 - Cereals & bread items may have added fiber2 In conclusion, when choosing processed foods, try to choose more foods that are minimally processed and be sure to read your labels. The answer is there – you just have to look for it! Resources: 1) http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/05/14/is-all-processed-food-unhealthy 2) http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/nutrition/nutrition-facts-and-food-labels/avoiding-processedfoods 3) http://www.undergroundwineletter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/CARTOON-THINKING.jpg
Winter Words
Attention - Atención -注意 注意 – Aufmerksamkeit - Uwagi Lewis County Office for the Aging offers interpretation services for more than 200 languages. To inquire about our agencies services for the aging at no cost to you, please call (315) 376-5313. Oficina del Condado de Lewis para el envejecimiento ofrece servicios de interpretación para más de 200 idiomas preguntar acerca de nuestros servicios de agencias para el envejecimiento, sin costo para usted. Por favor llame al (315) 376-5313. 刘易斯县办公室为老化提供超过200种语言来查询有关我们机构服务的老化，无代价地你的口译服务。 请致电 (315) 376-5313。 Lewis County Office für das Altern bietet Dolmetschdienste für mehr als 200 Sprachen über unsere AgenturenDienstleistungen für das Altern, ohne Kosten für Sie zu erkundigen. Bitte rufen Sie (315) 376-5313. Lewis County urząd starzenie oferuje ustnych dla ponad 200 języków zapytać o nasze usługi agencji na starzenie, bez kosztów dla Ciebie. Proszę zadzwonić (315) 376-5313