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May/J
May/June 201
2015
Elizabeth Haskins, Director
(A publication of the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging, 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045)
753753-5060
www.aging.cortland-co.org
From the desk of: Elizabeth Haskins, Director
Older Americans Month 2015: “Get into the Act”
Older adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown
their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of this year’s celebration
is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in
their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
The theme also reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act. President Lyndon B.
Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965. Since that time, the Act has provided a
nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the
communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include home-delivered and
congregate meals, caregiver support, community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder
abuse prevention, and much more.
By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness and inclusivity, more Americans than ever before can
“Get into the Act.” While the Area Agency on Aging provides a number of services to older adults and
caregivers year-round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults
can access the home and community-based services they need to live independently in their
communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a
difference in those communities.
Throughout the month, the Area Agency on Aging will be conducting activities and providing tips on
how to access supports designed to empower aging adults to make informed choices on how to
proudly live in the community with maximum independence and dignity.
Source: http://www.acl.gov/newsroom/observances/oam/2015/Index.aspx
40 YEARS OF SERVICE IN CORTLAND COUNTY
SAVE THE DATE: MAY 29
The Staff of the Area Agency on Aging and Older Americans Act Advisory Board invite you join us as
we celebrate the agency’s 40 Year Anniversary on May 29 from 4:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at the
Hathaway House located on Route 41 in Solon. The evening will include dinner, music and dancing.
For more information:
Call the Area Agency on Aging at 753-5060
Website: www.aging.cortland-co.org
Like us on Facebook - Cortland County Area Agency on Aging
Hope to see you there!
Area Agency on Aging - Serving Cortland County older adults and caregivers for 40 years
GETTING AROUND CORTLAND
A number of changes were made to Cortland Transit service starting on April 1:
• Seniors (over the age of 60) will still be eligible for a half fare card, which can be used on fixed
routes but can now also be utilized on the curb-to-curb Dial-a-Ride service. A half fare card is
also available to people with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities. Active duty
military will be able to ride free of charge.
•
The Dial-a-Ride service will only be provided in the greater Cortland area, not in the more rural
areas of the county. In the rural areas, a fixed route bus can deviate up to ¾ of a mile off their
route to pick you up. There are eight new flex routes (Routes 8-15) which cover many parts of
the county. Deviations off these flex routes will also be provided. Deviations will no longer be
allowed within the greater Cortland area wherever Dial-a-Ride is being provided. You can call
Cortland Transit at 758-3383 to check on whether you qualify for Dial-a-Ride or Deviations.
Information on the flex routes can be found at our website but please call ahead to Cortland
Transit to confirm their schedule and your pick-up.
•
Fares (which had not seen an increase since 1993) will increase as follows:
Routes 1-4: $1.00 to $1.50
Routes 5, 6, 8-15: $1.00 to $2.00
Monthly pass: $30.00 to $45.00
For those who are unfamiliar with public transit, Way2Go Cortland and RSVP offer a Bus Buddy
program. A volunteer will be able to ride with you to “show you the ropes.” Call Way2Go Cortland at
756-4198 to set up an appointment.
Check out our website at www.way2gocortland.org for bus schedules, maps and more, including
information on medical transportation, taxis, and ridesharing. Call us at 756-4198 if you have any
questions or issues with your transportation. Getting around can sometimes be challenging but
Way2Go Cortland is here to help.
Jan Dempsey
Way2Go Cortland
Seven Valleys Health Coalition
www.way2gocortland.org
AUGUST 1 FILING DEADLINE
STAR AND Senior Citizens Real Property Tax Exemptions for residents of the
City of Cortland
City of Cortland residents applying for exemptions (both new and renewals) must have their
applications to their assessor by August 1.
Residents outside the City of Cortland have until March 1 yearly.
Applications for the STAR and RPTE programs are available at your local assessor’s office,
Cortland County Real Property Tax Office (in the County Office Building), and at the Cortland
County Area Agency on Aging. If you previously received the Enhanced STAR or Senior
Exemptions it is likely that your assessor will send out your renewal form through the mail. For
more information on the exemptions or assistance with completing the exemption form, please
contact your assessor’s office or the Area Agency on Aging at 753-5060.
2
If you can't go where people are happier,
happier
try to make people happier where you are.
- Ashleigh Brilliant
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Red Cross is looking for a volunteer to help out with providing scheduling support. Volunteer
would be responsible for maintaining blood drive schedule, communicating regularly, through phone
and email, with volunteers to recruit for assignments. Communicate any special circumstances or
changes to assigned volunteers. Receive and share feedback from volunteers regarding
assignments. Perform data entry to ensure accurate records.
Catholic Charities will be sponsoring the Lunch Bunch again this year at various parks. Volunteers
are needed to greet the children and help distribute the food one day per week for approximately one
hour.
Catholic Charities is in need of volunteers help with their Food Pantry on Tuesdays, Thursdays,
and Fridays from 1:00-4:00pm. Training is provided.
The Rescue Mission would appreciate volunteer clothing assistants to help with sorting,
organizing, and restocking. This is a current, ongoing need with flexible days and times. Training is
provided on site.
The Area Agency on Aging and RSVP
RSVP would appreciate volunteers to assist in preparing the
bimonthly agency newsletter for distribution. Work groups take place on the last Thursday of every
other month from 8:00am-11:00am in the dining room. The next work group is scheduled for
Thursday, June 25.
The Area Agency on Aging and RSVP are looking for volunteer Bonesaver leaders to lead
weekly exercise groups. This is a weight-bearing exercise program designed to help with
osteoporosis prevention. Training for interested volunteers will be held this summer.
OCM BOCES, Adult Education Program,
Program, is looking for tutors to assist adult learners with
improvement of literacy skills one or two hours per week. Training times are adapted to the schedule
of the volunteer and adult learner. Meeting space is available at the McEvoy Center, the
Susquehanna Train Station Community Center and area libraries. Training is provided.
If you are willing and able to help with any of these assignments, contact the RSVP staff at 753-5057
or stop in to our office located in Room B2 of the County Office Bldg. 60 Central Ave., Cortland
WE WANT TO HELP YOU.
The Agency staff each specializes in a
variety of subjects. While walkwalk-ins can
sometimes be seen, the person who can
best assist you may be with someone or
out of the office or doing a home visit.
To make sure that you are served by the
person whose expertise is in your area of
need, we encourage you to call to
set up an appointment.
Call
Call 753753-5060.
3
Senior Nutrition Services - Cortland County Nutrition Program – 753753-5061
Congregate
Meals on Wheels
^
Food Pantries
^
Breakfast/Brunch
Hot Lunch including salad bar
Evening Meal from entrée to dessert
Nutrition/Health Education
Activities/Fitness/Social Time
Gathering Place
Nutrition Counseling
Emergency Blizzard Bags
Information & Assistance
^
Homebound Delivery
Hot Nutritious Lunches
Supper and Weekend Meals
Monday-Friday Delivery
Nutrition Counseling
Dedicated Drivers
Daily Client Safety Check
Emergency Blizzard Bags
Information & Assistance
Emergency Food
Three Day Food Supply
Nutrition Education
Temporary Food Security
Information and Referrals
Senior Center Locations and Information
Center
Address
Center Manager
Days/Hours
Phone
Cortland
60 Central Avenue
County Office Building
Cortland
Sue Preston
Monday-Friday 7:00am-2:30pm
Thursday until 7:30pm
Breakfast: Monday & Thursday
7:00-9:00am
753-5166
753-5061
Harford
Creamery Hills
Senior Living Complex ,
Creamery Rd., Harford
Joyce VanDeWeert
Monday-Thursday
9:00-2:00pm
844-3808
Monday 2:00-7:00pm
T-Th 9:00am-2:00pm
749-2362
Monday-Friday
8:00am-3:00pm
849-3884
Monday-Thursday
9:00am-2:30pm
836-8916
Homer
Town Hall
N. Main St., Homer
Marathon
Civic Center
Brink St., Marathon
Debbie Chavoustie
Anita Doty
McGraw
Community Building
Clinton St., McGraw
Scott
United Methodist Church
Route 41, Scott
Kelly Rotunda
Monday-Friday
9:00am-2:30pm
Breakfast:
Friday 7:30-9:30am
749-7973
Truxton
United Methodist Church
Route 13, Truxton
Kay Harvey
Monday-Thursday
9:00am-2:30pm
842-6253
Willet Town Hall
Route 41, Willet
Laurie Snyder
Monday-Thursday
8:00am-3:00pm
Friday: 8:00-1:00pm
Brunch 8:00-11:00am
863-4887
Willet/
Cincinnatus
Note: All phone numbers are 607 area code
4
Working Together To End
Senior Hunger
Partnering with local businesses and agencies
to host food drives is one way the Area Agency
on Aging Nutrition Program Food Pantries keep
their shelves stocked.
All year long the
pantries accept non-perishable food items, but
especially during the month of March when the
March for Meals campaign is in full swing. This
year, the Cortland County Nutrition Program
partnered with Wal-Mart Store #1781 to have
pre-assembled food bags for purchase to then
be donated to the Helping hands Food Pantry.
They also generously donated the $1.50 cost of
each bag the food was sold in. Access to
Independence held a food drive for staff and
clients to participate in and collected four full
boxes. Participants in the Strike out Hunger
Bowl-a-Thon also donated food items for the
pantry.
A warm thank you goes out to everyone
involved in collecting, assembling, purchasing
and donating food. It is with the generosity and
support of the Cortland community that we are
able to serve over 30,000 meals per year to
more than 1,500 households.
Willet Senior Center Fill
Backpacks for Kids in Care
From left to right: Irma Kenyon, Mary Eccelston, Bev
Doty, Donna Warnstorff, Jane Sheldon, and Kitty Brewer.
The Backpacks for Kids in Care program was
started in 2010 as a concerted effort for a
Leadership Cortland Project. Since then, it has
grown into an annual Seven Valleys Health
Coalition event, collecting over 275 backpacks
to date filled with personal items for children
transitioning from their homes to the foster care
system. For many children, this transition can
be an unexpected and traumatic experience,
and often they are unable to collect any
personal items before being placed in the
system. The backpacks collected through this
program give children in foster care something
special and personal to call their own.
Backpacks are assembled by age group.
The Willet senior center participants put
together three backpacks; one for an infant,
one for a child age 2-4, and one for a child age
5-7.
Did you know…
Medicare covers blood tests to screen for diabetes if
you are at risk for diabetes or have pre-diabetes.
You are eligible for one Medicare covered diabetes
screening every 12 months if you: have
hypertension, dyslipidemia, prior blood test showing
low glucose, obesity; or meet at least two of the
following: you are overweight, you have a family
history of diabetes, you have a history of diabetes
during pregnancy or you are 65 years of age or
older.
5
What’s The Scoop On
Yogurt?
Carolyn Allen, MS, RD
Getting tired of hearing about yogurt this,
yogurt that? Well, there is reason for all the
hype! Yogurt has some great health benefits
when fit into a healthy lifestyle. There are live
bacteria, called probiotics, which can help your
digestive tract and immune system function
more efficiently. Probiotics may help with
lactose intolerance, constipation, diarrhea,
colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and
H. pylori infection. They may also decrease
your risk of having vaginal yeast infections by
naturally lowering your pH.
In addition to
these bacteria, yogurt has other valuable
nutrients needed in your daily lives including
calcium, vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B12,
potassium, magnesium, and protein. Along with
calcium, some yogurts have added Vitamin D,
which when combined may help fight against
osteoporosis. The protein in yogurt may also
help you feel fuller longer and curb your
appetite and arm’s reach for unhealthier
snacks!
So, which yogurt is best? That is up to you!
There are many types to choose from: full fat,
low fat or non-fat; Greek or non-Greek;
sweetened with sugar, fruit juice or artificial
sweeteners; blended or with fruit on the bottom;
added vitamin D; or specific probiotics added.
Can’t decide? Go with taste! Greek yogurt
may be too tangy or certain brands taste better.
Plus, the price may be a deciding factor. Try
different flavors and brands to find out which
you like the best!
But what else can you do with yogurt? Yogurt is
a unique food that can be used in many
everyday cooking practices and meals. Some
options are listed below:
- A healthier substitution for sour cream (top
on baked potatoes, tacos, soups, and it
can even be a replacement for sour
cream/butter/oil in baked goods)
- A lower calorie snack option instead of
cookies, chips, pastries, and ice cream
- Blend your favorite yogurt with frozen fruit
for an instant smoothie
- Top your favorite fruits with vanilla yogurt
and cinnamon as a tasty topping!
- Mix Greek yogurt with diced garlic, lemon
juice, olive oil, dill and diced cucumbers for
a great Tzatziki dressing or topping for
chicken
Source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/benefits-of-yogurt?page=1
Ask the Dietitian:
Caroline Allen, MS, RD
Q: My doctor says I have to decrease my salt
intake. How am I supposed to do this?
A: Salt, or sodium, is a mineral found naturally
in foods and the environment. It is used in
food as a flavoring and a way to preserve
foods, making them last longer. Too much
salt in your diet may raise your blood
pressure, increase water retention and
may increase your risk of heart disease,
kidney disease and stroke. The USDA
recommends that you consume no more
than 2,300mg of sodium a day. Can you
believe that is 1 teaspoon? Don’t worry,
there are a few things you can do at home
to decrease your salt intake throughout the
day.
- One great way is to not add extra salt to
your foods when cooking or to flavor your
foods just before you eat them. If extra
flavor is needed, try using different spices,
garlic, herbs or no-salt seasonings to get
that added flavor punch. Put the salt
shaker in the cupboard!
- Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in
salt, especially fresh or frozen. If you are
buying canned foods, look for phrases
like: low sodium, reduced salt or sodium,
or no salt added on the food label. If you
cannot find these or they are more
expensive, drain and rinse your canned
vegetables to get rid of the extra salt that
was added during processing.
- The Nutrition Facts Label on the back of
the packages is a great tool to help you
find out if a processed food is low in salt.
Processed foods include: chips; boxed
rice, pasta and dinners; any canned
condiments or pickled foods, meals,
vegetables, and sauces; dry seasoning
packets; dressings; processed meats like
hot dogs, deli meats, bacon, and sausage;
frozen meals, side dishes and vegetables
6
-
-
with added seasoning or sauces. On the
nutrition facts label, look at “Sodium” to
see how many milligrams (mg) are in 1
serving. If a food is low in sodium, it will
state 140mg or less per 1 serving.
If you like cheese, ask your deli about low
sodium cheese. If you cannot find any, try
choosing yogurt or low-fat milk instead.
Research shows that eating foods that are
higher in potassium may help lower your
blood pressure. Foods with a good source
of potassium include: potatoes (white and
sweet), beet greens, tomatoes, bananas,
beans (like black, kidney, lima),
oranges/orange juice, yogurt and milk.
However, if you are on medication and
need to watch your potassium intake,
please talk to your doctor before you
increase your intake of these foods.
If you are having a hard time decreasing your
sodium, always talk to your doctor and never
hesitate to talk to your Office for the Aging
Registered Dietitian. Your dietitian can take a
closer look at what foods you are buying,
preparing and eating and help you identify
which foods you want to change to help
decrease your salt intake.
Sources: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm315393.htm
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet14SaltAndSodium.pdf
CORTLAND HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Cortland Housing Authority has 380 high quality apartments
available in its senior/disabled and family developments
throughout Cortland County. A single person could earn up to
$33,350; and a family of five up to $51,450 and still qualify to live in
one of our apartments.
We have senior/disabled efficiency and one bedroom apartments
located in the City of Cortland. We also have one bedroom
senior/disabled units in Homer, McGraw, Marathon, Truxton and
Cincinnatus.
Our large family apartments (3, 4 and 5 bedrooms) are located in
the City of Cortland. We also have two and three bedroom family
apartments scattered throughout the county in Homer, Truxton,
McGraw, Cincinnatus and the City of Cortland.
Call 607607-753753-1771 today for an application.
Celebrate
Older Americans
Month at the Senior Centers
The Cortland County Nutrition Program invites
you to celebrate Older Americans Month at one
or all of our eight senior centers during the
month of May. This national event of honoring
older Americans for their time and commitment
has become a local tradition. Our senior
centers host a special meal and many will also
have entertainment and winners of the essay
contest will read their winning essays. Please
join us for a good meal and conversation.
Reserve your seat for one of the following
evenings:
Marathon - May 5 at 4:30pm
Willet - May 12 at 4:30pm
Homer - May 18 at 4:00pm
Harford - May 20 at 4:30pm
Cortland – May 21 at 4:30pm
Truxton - May 26 at 4:00pm
Scott - May 27 at 4:30pm
McGraw - May 28 at 4:30pm
For more information on these events, call the
Cortland County Nutrition Program at
607-753-5061.
Learn More About
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Have you or someone you love been
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another
form of dementia? Mark your calendar now
and plan to attend “Early-stage Alzheimer’s for
the Caregiver” and “Mid-stage Alzheimer’s for
the Caregiver” to be presented by the CNY
Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
Each topic has been scheduled as a three-part
“Brown Bag Lunch and Learn” series. Bring
your lunch and join us from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in
Room 302 of the County Office Building,
60 Central Ave, on Thursdays
Thursdays June 4, 11, and
18 for the “Early-stage” series, and on
Thursdays July 30, August 6, and 13 for the
“Mid-stage” series.
Call 607-753-5060 to register for these free
events sponsored by Caregivers Resource
Center of the Area Agency on Aging.
7
20th ANNUAL ENRICHMENT DAY CONFERENCE
Monday, June 8, 2015
8:00am-3:15pm
at
Corey Union Building
SUNY Cortland
Cortland, NY
Twenty years, can you believe it? It excites us all that we
are providing yet another enjoyable day with a wide
variety of workshops and interesting topics.
The day will begin with the keynote speaker, Barbara
Bruce, Successful Aging Facilitator, who will enlighten
everyone on the concerns of being forgetful.
ENRICHMENT DAY WORKSHOPS
Workshop Session I
Enrichment Day Schedule:
8:00-8:45am - Registration
Community Resources Fair
8:45-9:45am - Welcome and Introductions
Keynote Presentation: Barbara Bruce
Successful Aging Facilitator
“Where Did I Park My Car?”
9:45-10:00am - BREAK
10:00-10:45 - Workshop Session I
10:45-11:00am - BREAK
11:00-11:45 - Workshop Session II
11:45-1:15 - Lunch
1:15-1:30 - BREAK
1:30-2:15 - Workshop Session III
2:15-2:30 - BREAK
2:30-3:15 - Workshop Session IV
1. Oriental Dance (Belly Dance). Learn the many benefits of belly dance with a demonstration of a basic
veil dance. Learn fundamental dance moves. Julie Taibi, Dance Orientale/Belly Dance Instructor
2. Laugh Your Stress Away. The aging process, often coupled with caring for a loved one, brings new
stress to our lives. During this session learn how to laugh that stress away! Jessica Daily, Director of
Sales and Marketing, Walden Place
3. CNY Living History Center. Learn what the CNY Living History Center is and what it has to offer to the
community, visitors and volunteers. Doreen Bates, Executive Director, CNY Living Center
4. Organizing and Planning for That Final Curtain Call. An organized written approach for you to convey
your financial wishes and leave a concise list of the crucial financial and estate planning documents.
Kimberly Cawley, Financial Advisor
5. Emergency Preparedness. A discussion on the types of disasters that may occur in our area, and how to
plan and prepare for an emergency/disaster. Kathy Hammond, Aging Services Specialist, Cortland County
Area Agency on Aging
Workshop Session II
6. Care and Feeding of Your Brain. Caring for your BRAIN is one of the best ways to age well. Learn great
strategies for keeping your brain fit and functioning optimally. Barbara Bruce, Successful Aging Facilitator
7. Gardening for Butterflies. Learn about the life cycle of our native butterflies, what plants and flowers
benefit them and how to plan a simple garden. Claudia Hitt, Horticulture Program Educator at Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Cortland County
8. Medicare – Then to Now. Medicare’s progression throughout the years. Sara Hazard, Aging Services
Specialist, Cortland County Area Aging on Aging
9. Funeral Planning. Funeral Directors from Wright Beard Funeral Home will discuss and answer any
“advance” or “at need” funeral related topic or detail. Harold Pallone and Christopher Fontana, Funeral
Directors, Wright Beard Funeral Home
8
Workshop Session III
10. The Ins and Outs of Estate Planning. What is an estate plan? How to prepare and review one. How to
put it into practice. Donald Yager, Attorney-at-Law
11. Easy Steps to Being Organized. Learn easy methods to organize your life and reduce stress. Pat
Walter, Active Retiree
12. Keeping Active and Fit – Exercise for Older Adults. Exercise for older adults has many benefits. Learn
how to get started toward a more active lifestyle. Be prepared for some light fitness activities. Laurie
Greene, Assistant Health and Fitness Director, YWCA of Cortland Class Size Limit: 25
13. Is Your Back Pain a Back Problem or a Pain Problem? Many sources of back pain are assumed to
be arthritis or other conditions. There is only one source of pain: The Nervous System. Dave Boyland, PT,
DPT, SCS, ATC, Owner, Goldwyn and Boyland Physical Therapy
14. Cortland County Historical Society: 90 Years of Preserving Cortland County’s History. A visual
program to learn the history of the Cortland County Historical Society and what it takes to preserve the
county’s history. Mindy A. Leisenring, Director, Cortland County Historical Society
Workshop Session IV
15. Staying Strong, Balanced and Independent. Attendees will understand the four key components of
active aging; come join us for a fun session on successful aging! Judy Daniel, MSPT, GCS, CEEAA,
Regional Director of Therapy for HCR Homecare
16. Chair Yoga. Slow and easy yoga poses that bring energy to the body and encourage movement in every
muscle and joint. Celebrate what your body can do and reap the physical, mental and emotional benefits of
Liane Bracciale, Certified Svarvopa® Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist
this yoga practice.
Class Size Limit: 15
17. A Liveable Community: Exploring the Livability of Cortland County and Our Ability to Age in Place.
Aging in place is the ability to remain in one’s own home or community despite potential changes in health
and functioning in later life. Debbie Walls, Aging Services Specialist, Cortland County Area Agency on
Aging
18. Not Your Grandmother’s Quilts. Come see a variety of my quilts and hear their stories. They will have
you laughing, shaking your head – and enjoying. Sharon Stroud, Quilter, Teacher, Author
Please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 753-5060 for an Enrichment Day
Conference brochure. (Previous participants will be mailed a brochure.)
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
The Paid Parking Lot will be available this year at no charge to participants. Parking is
also available behind VanHoesen Hall. Please do not park in Faculty/Staff parking
spaces. Parking is allowed on the street, if available. If you park in a metered space,
you will be expected to pay the meter. DO NOT PARK in the Child Care Center
Parking area – you will be ticketed and the ticket will not be waived.
CARPOOLING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
9
From
the
New to Caregiving
It has happened. Maybe your
mom has just been diagnosed
with dementia. Perhaps your
husband has recently had knee surgery. It
could be that your aunt who moved to Florida
years ago has had a slight stroke and is
moving back to be near family. They were
getting along just fine on their own, but now
these family members are in need of help. You
suddenly have a new role: CAREGIVER.
Where do you start?
background. Online and in-person groups
can be very helpful in connecting with
others in the same circumstances.
The Cortland County Area Agency on Aging
Caregiver Resource Center is ready to help
you locate local caregiver resources. We also
offer individual caregiver counseling and host a
monthly in-person caregiver support group. For
more information call 753-5060.
It is easy to become overwhelmed as a new
caregiver. Here are five steps that can help you
navigate your new responsibilities:
•
Start with a diagnosis. Learn about your
family member's diagnoses and medical
conditions. Go with them to their medical
appointments. Understanding disease
processes, treatments, and recovery
expectations helps both caregivers and
care recipients plan ahead realistically for
care needs.
•
Talk about finances and healthcare
wishes. Having these conversations can
be difficult, but completing documents to
assign Durable Power of Attorney for
finances and Health Care Proxy for
healthcare can help relieve anxiety and
better prepare for the future.
•
Consider inviting family and close friends
to come together and discuss the care
needed. If possible, it's helpful to include
the care recipient in this meeting. This
meeting gives caregivers a chance to say
what they need, plan for care and ask
others for assistance.
•
Take advantage of community resources
such as home delivered meals, respite and
other inin-home services. These resources
help relieve the workload and offer a break.
Look for caregiver educational programs
that will increase knowledge and
confidence.
•
Find support. It is important for caregivers
to keep from becoming isolated as they
take on more responsibility and as their
usual social life moves into the
Family Caregivers
Support Group
• Note: New meeting time and place
Family Caregivers Support Group will meet
12:30-2:30pm in the dining room of the
Cortland County Office Building the fourth
Thursday of the month. If you would like to
come early and have lunch before the meeting,
the senior center dining room is open for lunch
11:30am-12:30pm.
There is a suggested
donation of $3.00 for those age 60 and over,
$6.00 for those under 60. Please call Carole
Leach at 753-5060 if you plan to come to lunch.
Come join us and meet other people who are
also coping with caregiving issues!
•
•
•
The group is open to those who provide
care and support for a loved one, friend
or neighbor who is 60 or older.
Walk-ins are welcome.
For more information call the Caregivers
Resource Center at 753-5060.
Meeting Dates:
May 28, 2015
June 25, 2015
July 23, 2015
_____________________________
10
Highlights
in History:
Proper Gravestone Care
Cathy Barber, Town of Scott Historian
It's springtime! The long, cold winter of 20142015 is behind us and with the snow thaw and
warmer weather, thoughts turn to an annual
ritual for genealogists... researching in
cemeteries. Often, this includes trying to read
worn stones, and in turn, cleaning those stones
for a better view. Here are some tips on how to
safely and respectfully clean gravestones:
• Keep this key thought in mind:
the less
impact to the stone, the better. That means
leaving the hard wire brushes, scouring
pads and caustic cleaners at home. This
includes bleach. The surface of the stone,
whether sandstone or marble, is fragile.
Wet the stone completely with water, then
clean gently from the bottom up with a soft
nylon bristle brush. Use a popsicle stick to
gently work moss or lichen off. If using a
cleaner, make sure it is non-ionic (like
Orvis) and use as little as possible. Rinse
thoroughly.
• Keep the chalk, charcoal and paper at
home.
Stone rubbing can cause an
already-fragile stone to flake or chip further.
Some people have been known to spread
shaving cream over a stone to make the
inscription stand out better. Shaving cream
is acidic and has no place near grave
stones. It can discolor the stone and the
fatty substances in it feed moss and fungi.
An alternative that will not damage the
stone is to shine a mirror onto the stone.
The reflected light helps highlight the
carving. Taking a photograph can be a
good alternative as well.
Home Repair Funds
Available
Funds are available to help repair homes in
Onondaga, Tompkins, Cortland, Chenango,
Tioga, Broome, and Cayuga counties. USDA
Rural Development’s Rural Housing Service
Loan and Grant Home Repair Program offers
very-low income homeowners living in eligible
rural areas, loans to make general home
repairs or modifications, which may improve or
modernize a home.
Loans of up to $20,000 for a maximum of 20
years are available. Under these terms, a
$5,000 loan would have a monthly payment of
just $23. Applicants must own and occupy the
home in need of repair and meet the ‘very-low
income’ criteria.
To be eligible for home repair loans, an
applicant must have the ability to repay the
loan, an acceptable credit history, live in a rural
area and an income that falls within the verylow income category for the size of their
household.
‘Very-low income’ varies
throughout New York State. For example, a
household of two in Cortland County whose
income is at or below $23,100 may be incomeeligible for the program. A one percent interest
rate for a maximum term of 20 years may allow
eligible homeowners the opportunity to make
the home improvements they have been
planning.
Applicants may obtain multiple
loans, with a maximum outstanding loan
balance at a given time of $20,000.
Grants are available to senior rural home
owners age 62 or older who cannot afford a
loan. Grants are limited to a lifetime assistance
of $7,500 and must be used to remove health
and safety hazards or make a home more
handicap accessible.
For more information on the Home Repair
Program, please contact the Cortland office at
(607) 753-0851, ext. 4. The Cortland office
services Onondaga, Tompkins, Cortland,
Chenango, Tioga, Broome, and Cayuga
counties.
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WELLNESS WATCH
Cortland County Health Education Department
IS YOUR HOME HEALTHY?
own a home to participate; tenants are
welcome and encouraged to participate! For
more
information
about
the
Healthy
Neighborhoods Program please contact Nicole
Anjeski @ (607) 428-5410 or email @
nanjeski@cortland-co.org.
Nicole Anjeski, Public Health Educator
Is your home HEALTHY? Have you tested
your smoke alarms and do you have a carbon
monoxide alarm? Have you tested for radon in
your home? The Cortland County Health
Department’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program
(HNP) may be able to help. The goal is to
promote healthy homes in specific areas of
Cortland County. The goals of the Healthy
Neighborhoods Program are to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Prevent Indoor Air Pollution
Prevent Asthma Hospitalizations
Prevent Residential Fire Deaths
Prevent Lead Poisoning
Reduce Indoor Tobacco Use
Increase Radon Testing and Mitigation
Reduce Falls among Children and
Residents over 65
HNP staff will work with you to schedule a time
for your FREE healthy home assessment.
During the assessment we will discuss different
ideas on promoting a healthy home and offer
educational materials. Although the HNP staff
is in your home, we are not there to judge or be
invasive. We may identify areas of possible
concern and will offer information or
recommendations to correct those concerns.
The program staff will work with you to develop
a plan to help make your home safer! We will
also provide products to help you meet these
goals. Products may include (based on
availability and need):
• Smoke Alarms
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Home Fire Extinguisher
• Outlet Covers
• Child Safety Items
• Personal First Aid Kits
• Radon Kits
• Flashlights
Elizabeth Brewster House
Adult Care Facility
~Established in 1891~
“Enhancing a Tradition of Care”
Now offering two new programs:
“Elder Respite Care and Social Adult Day Care Program”
41 South Main Street, Homer, N.Y. 13077-1323
(607) 749-2442
If you live in the 13101 zip code area or in the
City of Cortland you are eligible for the Healthy
Neighborhoods Program! You do not need to
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Your link to long term services
and supports
HIICAP NEWS
Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program
2015 Extra Help
Income and Resource Limits
Cortland County
607 756-3485
NYConnects@Cortland-co.org
What are long term services and supports?
Long term services and supports (also known
as long term care) includes a range of services
and supports that can help people of all ages
remain independent in their daily lives.
Long term services and supports are both
medical and non-medical services that help to
maintain or improve daily functioning and
health. Services can be provided at home, in
community-based settings such as a senior
center, community center or day care, or
residential settings such as Assisted Living
Residences, or in nursing homes.
What is NY Connects?
Finding the right services and supports to meet
your needs can be very confusing.
NY Connects is a trusted place that gives you
information about available options whether
you are paying for services yourself, through
insurance, or eligible for a government
program.
Who does NY Connects serve? Anyone who
needs information on long term services and
supports:
• A child or an adult with a disability
• An older adult
• Family members and caregivers
• Friends or neighbors
• Helping professionals
Options Counseling
NY Connects helps you make informed choices
about what services and supports will meet
your needs and preferences.
Help with Linking to Care
NY Connects staff can also help link you to
available long term services and supports.
The income and asset/resource limits for Part
D Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS) have
increased for 2015.
Full Extra Help:
Income Limits: $15,889.50 - single person
$21,505.50 - a couple
Asset Limits: $8,780 - single person
$13,930 - a couple
Partial Extra Help:
Help:
Income limits: $17,655 - single person
$23,895 - for a couple
Asset limits: $13,640 - one person
$27,250 - a couple
Unlike the Medicare Savings Programs, where
applicants are budgeted only as either a single
or couple, family size may vary when applying
to Social Security for Extra Help/LIS. The
dollar amount increases as the family size
increases, by $5,616 per person annually for
the Full Extra Help and $6,240 per person
annually for the Partial Extra Help.
Any relatives who are living with the individual,
and who are dependent on the individual or the
individual’s spouse for at least one-half of their
financial support, can be counted in
determining family size.
If you are interested in learning more about the
benefits of the Extra Help Program for
Medicare Beneficiaries please contact Cortland
County Area Agency on Aging at 607753-5060.
This information was provided by National Government Services
NOT JUST AN APARTMENT
BUT A HOME
SHERBROOK APARTMENTS
ONE & TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS
(640-850 SQ.FT.)
$15.00 SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT
756756-6145
www.sherbrookapt.com
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WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Because needs are always greater than the resources available to meet them, the Cortland County
Area Agency on Aging encourages and appreciates financial contributions. Thank you!
Name
Address
Phone
I designate my contribution of $
All donations are greatly appreciated.
All contributions are tax deductible to the
extent of the law.
for:
Newsletter
Legal Services
Handyman
Nutrition Program
RSVP
Clip and return this coupon with your donation.
Use Where Most Needed
Caregiver Respite Program
In-Home Services
Meals on Wheels
AARP DRIVER SAFETY
You must register in advance through Cortland County Health Dept.
ept. at 758758-5509
Month M T W Th F S
May
2
May 18 19
June 1
June
3
26
Time
Location
9:00am3:30pm
2:005:00pm
5:308:30pm
9:004:00pm
Virgil Town Hall
1176 Church St., Virgil
Marathon Senior Center
Civic Center, Brink St., Marathon
Cortland Regional Medical Center
lower level, 134 Homer Ave., Cortland
Grace Christian Fellowship
1250 Fisher Ave., Cortland
Instructor
Jean
Ellsworth
John
Hartman
Joann
Dukelow
John
Hartman
Special
instructions
Bring lunch ½
hour break
12:00 Lunch available
@ Senior Center
Bring Beverage if
needed
Bring lunch
1 hour break
Class Fee Is $20 for AARP Members and $25 for Non-members
14
Newsletter
Attempting
to Go Green!
Alternate Means of Receiving Senior News
In an effort to Go Green, the Senior News
offers alternate ways of receiving the
newsletter.
Sign up to receive the newsletter delivered
electronically by email. Simply email us at
ccaaa@cortland-co.org. Be sure to provide
your name, email address, and current mailing
address so we can remove your name from our
postal delivery mailing list.
Don’t have email? You can still help our
newsletter Go Green by picking up a copy at
your local Senior Center or the Area Agency on
Aging office located at 60 Central Ave., Room
B6, Cortland, NY 13045. If you are willing to do
that, please give your current mailing address
to the secretary or center manager so we can
delete you from the postal delivery mailing list.
Bonesavers Exercise Program
Bonesavers is an hour-long gentle routine
geared toward participants 60 years of age and
older that provides strength training done
slowly with hand and ankle weights. Balance
training to prevent falls is also a benefit.
Current Class Sites
Got Rent?
The Cortland Housing Authority has a rental
assistance program that may be able to help you!
The Section 8 Housing Program helps qualified
people meet their monthly rent bills by paying a
portion of their rent directly to their landlord.
Interested persons may pick up applications at the
Housing Authority offices located at 42 Church
Street or 51 Port Watson Street Monday thru Friday
from 8:30am to 4:30pm or call 607-753-9364 or 607753-1771 to request to have an application sent by
mail.
Harford Senior Center
Mondays and Thursdays 9:30-10:30am
Homer Senior Center
Wednesdays and Fridays 2-3pm
Cincinnatus Presbyterian Church
Mondays and Wednesdays 3-4pm
For more information and to register please call
RSVP (607)753-5057.
The Cortland County Area
Agency on Aging is a member of
the National Association of Area
Agencies on Aging and is
supported by the NYS Office for
the Aging, the Cortland County
Legislature, and donations from
individuals and organizations.
15
Cortland County
Area Agency on Aging
60 Central Avenue
Cortland, NY 13045
PRESORTED STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
CORTLAND, NY 13045
PERMIT NO. 1
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? PLEASE LET US KNOW.
Whether it is temporary or permanent, the Area Agency on Aging appreciates knowing your new
address. This will avoid the expense of mail returned to us by the post office (we are charged
approximately $1.00 for each undeliverable newsletter) and help us to keep our mailing list up to date.
If your change of address is temporary, or you do not have second-class mail forwarded, please let us
know. We’ll send your newsletter to your temporary address until you notify us of your return.
To notify us of your change of address, call the Area Agency on Aging at (607)753-5060; write us at
60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045; or use the convenient form below. We appreciate your help.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Name ______________________________________
Mail to: Area Agency on Aging
Current Address ______________________________
60 Central Ave
New Address ________________________________
Cortland, NY 13045
Effective from (Date) __________________________
□ Please remove my name from the
If temporary, to (Date) _________________________
mailing list
16