LIFESPAN Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

A private, not-for-profit agency

Volume XVII No. 3 Serving Montgomery County Older Adults since 1975 May/June 2014

Pictured above: David Jordan, OFA Executive Director serves supporters, Gene Dumlao, Representative of StateWide Senior Action Council and Connie Sing.

The Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. recently received a $3,000 donation from Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation to support the home-delivered meals program, Meals of Montgomery. This donation is greatly appreciated and will go directly into the meals program.

Thank you Golub Foundation!

Pictured, left to right: Tom Coman and Vicki Culnan, Amsterdam Price Chopper Co-Managers; Tracy Hojohn, OFA’s Registered Dietitian; and David Jordan, OFA Executive Director.

Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation Makes

Donation to OFA

Amsterdam Rotary Names OFA as Beneficiary of

Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser The Amsterdam Rotary held its Annual Fish Fry on Good

Fri., Apr. 18 at the Raindancer. Amsterdam Rotarians and OFA staff and volunteers served sit down and takeout meals to almost 350 supporters. The Amsterdam Rotary chose the Meals of Montgomery program to receive the proceeds from the event. We appreciate the Amsterdam Rotary’s commitment to our community and their continued support of the Office for Aging. Thank you Rotarians!

The home-delivered meals program helps to keep vulnerable older adults healthier and able to remain in their own homes. Unfortunately, the Office for Aging, a private, not-for-profit agency, currently has nearly 150 individuals waiting to receive these meals. It costs the OFA a little more than $2,000 a year to provide one participant a hot noon meal, 5 days a week. There are no income guidelines for this program and we do not charge a fee for this service. No one will ever lose their service due to their inability to donate. Therefore, donations help to keep this program running.

With the help of friends like Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, the Amsterdam Rotary and other private donors we will continue to work toward getting people off the waiting list so they can receive this valuable service.

Donations to this cause are greatly appreciated.

Our agency works with seniors and their families to help people maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life. However, sometimes the need for nursing home or rehabilitative care is necessary, either for short-term or long-term care.

If you don’t think this will pertain to you, here is a scenario to consider: You (or someone in your care) takes a fall and is brought to the hospital for treatment for a possible hip fracture. While in the hospital, it becomes apparent that you will be in need of longer-term care until you are well enough to return home. For this care (after a few days in the hospital), you are admitted into a nursing home/rehabilitation facility. After about a month, you are fully recovered and well enough to return home. Upon

discharge, you are presented with a $10,000 bill that is not covered by Medicare. How did this happen? Well, if you know how “observation status” is determined, this can be avoided.

On Jan. 19, 2014, NY’s Observation Status Law went into effect requiring hospitals to notify Medicare patients when they are placed in “observation status” instead of being admitted within 24 hours of the billing decision being made. Hospitals must alert patients in observation status that they should immediately contact their insurance company to determine if there are any changes in their coverage.

Knowing patient status is critical because if follow-up rehabilitation care is needed in a nursing home setting, Part A of Medicare will only cover the cost for patients who have been actually admitted for 3 days and observation status days do not count. Prior to the law, hospitals were not required to inform patients of their status and many have been shocked

with large bills for nursing home care. You are encouraged to call the Medicare Patient’s Rights Helpline at 1-800-333-4374 if you have any observation status related questions. If you have been hospitalized after Jan. 20, 2014, or are hospitalized in

the future, here are some things to consider: • You should receive a notice from the hospital that you were in observation status. (You should ask about your admission status anytime you are in the hospital, THIS IS CRITICAL!) • Was there an explanation of what “observation status” meant? • Did the hospital give you timely notice of observation status? (upon admission) • You have the right to appeal to have your status changed to be formally admitted. • Before being transferred into a nursing /rehabilitation facility, be sure that you have been formally admitted in the hospital for at least 3 days. (Again, observation days DO NOT COUNT!)

It is important to know your rights and your admission status to help avoid a financial burden in the future. Ask questions if you are unsure of something and don’t assume that you are covered by your insurance until you check for yourself. Most hospitals do a wonderful job in notifying their patients of their rights and their status, but you should always be vigilant in knowing your rights to avoid the possible nightmare I’ve described above. Source: New York Statewide Senior Action Council, Inc. (www.nysenior.org)

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From the Director David Jordan Executive Director

The Cost of Nursing Home Care

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

The Designated Area Agency on Aging

Staff

Kelly Casler Meeghan Lyons Sharon Heroth Jennifer Moyer

Mary Ellen Houlihan Stephen Prohaska David Jordan Elizabeth Smitka Lynn La Salle Jason Walrath

Board of Directors

* Emeritus

Sheriff Michael Amato* Charles S. Pedersen* Peter Capobianco Claritza Reyes-Malavé Vincent Rossi Jesse Quackenbush Joan Conboy Dorothy Savarese Ronald Dievendorf Thomas Sorbero Ted Madej Jeannette Stevens-Daury Donald Massey* Michael Wancewicz Thomas Mickle* Roberta Winsman* Dolores Partyka Barbara Wool*

Advisory Council

Evelyn Bianchi Robin Moller Phoebe Boschi Jacob Sammons Joan Cimino Cathy Smith Sharlene Cornacchia Jeffrey Smith Sandra DiGiandomenico Robbie Smith David Dybas Karen Sylvia Anne Keiley Lynne Van Eps Michelle Kumar Nancy Vertucci

LIFESPAN is published bi-monthly by the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. and funded by Title III B of the Federal Older

Americans Act.

Lottery Calendar Winners to Date Thanks to everyone who purchased

calendars in support of our services. Congratulations to all of our winners: Rick Allen, Paula Baldwin, Gary Brooker, Dorothy Carter, Mike Cetnar, Ronald Collins, Tracy Conboy, Jeannette Cretser, Fr. Robert DeMartinis, Kim Dingman, Kathleen Dorn, Laurie Dyer, Barbara Francisco, Joan Hyland, Alice and Ed Janusz,

Arlene Madej, Matt Moyer, Betty and Ed Niski, Donna Panzl, Esther Porcello, Ron and Linda Potwin, Daisy Rivera, Pete Rose, Margaret Rosenzweig, Kathy Smith, Claudia Stack, Sheila Stearns, Larry Strack, James Suits, Anne Marie Tibbetts, Eileen Vargas, Nancy Vertucci, Rosanne Warres, Kari Wenskoski, Donna Wilmot and Karen Young.

May/June 2014 - 3

Spring is almost here and soon you’ll be able to take advantage of warmer weather, fresh spring vegetables and more outdoor time. Staying active every day and eating plenty of spring produce can reap big health benefits, including lowering the risk for cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Get ready by giving your kitchen a healthy spring-cleaning, too. If you eat smarter now you’ll boost your energy, improve your health and feel better just in time for spring!

Your spring-cleaning project starts with a get-tough attitude on unhealthy foods in your cupboards and your refrigerator. 1) Throw out moldy or outdated foods. 2) Pull out foods loaded with sugar (candy,

pastries) and drinks (sodas, energy drinks). 3) Gather the bags of chips and other processed high calorie, salty snacks. 4) Choose a couple of your absolute (unhealthy) favorites to keep in the back of the cupboard or refrigerator for a once-a-week indulgence and GET RID OF THE REST.

Do a little planning for a big payoff. Plan some simple, healthy meals for the week. Be realistic - know what you are comfortable making and what you enjoy eating. Make a grocery list and STICK TO IT. It may save money too!

Refresh Your Refrigerator. 1) Stock green vegetables like salad greens, baby spinach, asparagus, fresh peas, green bell peppers, cucumber, avocado and zucchini. 2) Include red and orange bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, yellow squash, mushrooms and carrots. 3) Add fruits like strawberries, blueberries, oranges, apples, grapes, lemons. 4) Choose low fat or non-fat milk, or calcium fortified soy, almond or rice milk; feta cheese, parmesan cheese, regular and Greek yogurt. 5) Don’t forget lean protein: eggs, prepared hummus, fresh fish, chicken and other meats.

Fill Your Freezer. 1) Select bags of plain fruit like blueberries, strawberries and mango. 2) Stock boxes or bags of plain vegetables (no sauce or seasoning) like corn, peas or green beans. 3) Add whole grains for

convenience-cooked brown rice, whole grain tortillas, ready to bake whole-wheat bread or rolls. Update Your Cupboards. 1) Soups and broth - choose canned or boxed reduced-sodium varieties. 2) Canned no-salt added tomatoes – include diced, whole or sauce. 3) Beans, canned with

no salt added. Garbanzo (chick peas), black and kidney are great staples. 4) Cans of tuna, salmon or sardines. 5) Bags of brown rice and other whole grains, like barley or whole wheat pasta are perfect for spring one-pots. Whole grain cereals including rolled oats or ready-to-eat muesli and low fat granola. Whole-grain breads including whole-wheat pita. 6) Don’t forget vegetables and fruit needing cool, but not cold storage-onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, pears and apples. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research

Bon Appétit!

Tracy Hojohn Registered Dietitian

CAFÉS Bring a friend and have lunch at one of our cafés. Lunch is

served Monday through Friday at 12 p.m.

Call 843-2300 or 673-2000 to make a reservation or to cancel

a reservation.

Daily sites

Amsterdam Garden Towers Café

52 Division St. (New Amsterdam Apartments)

Canajoharie Café Arkell

55 Montgomery St. (Arkell Center)

St. Johnsville Westside Café

16 Washington St. (Community House)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Under 60 guest fee: $8.15

Over 60 participants: $3.00 suggested donation

Donations are greatly appreciated.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

4 - May/June 2014

While there are not many people who are fluent in Latin today, it doesn’t mean that the ancient language is something we can just forget about. Legalese is difficult enough to comprehend, and since so many of our legal terms are derived from Latin, I thought it would be helpful to provide my readers with a Legal Latin Glossary of selected Latin legal terms to help you navigate legal documents.

Legal Latin Glossary ad hoc - Generally means a solution designed for a specific problem or task, like an “ad hoc committee” ad infinitum - To continue forever ad litem - A person appointed (often by a court) to represent another person who is incapacitated because of age or cognitive capacity affidavit - A sworn statement of fact, usually sworn to in front of a Notary Public alter ego - A second identity living within a person amicus curiae - A person who offers information to a court regarding a case before the court ante - Before arguendo - For the sake of argument bona fide - Implies sincere good intention regardless of outcome caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware. Also refers to a legal doctrine wherein a buyer could not get relief from a seller for defects present on property which rendered it unfit for use certiorari - A type of summons seeking judicial review compos mentis - Of sound mind contra - Against

de bonis non administrates - The representative appointed an estate administrator after the death, resignation or removal of a designated estate administrator de facto - Often used to mean something that is true in practice, but has not been officially instituted or endorsed de jure - Something that is established in law, whether or not it is true in general practice de minimis - About things that are minor or insignificant ex parte - A decision reached, or brought, by or for one party without the other party being present ex post facto - After the fact habeas corpus - A writ of habeas corpus is a court order that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court in rem - Used with regard to a case against real property intervivos - A gift or transfer between parties during lifetime jurat - Where the party signing an affidavit swears to its truthfulness at the end of an affidavit lis pendens - Public notice that a law suit is pending mens rea - Intention to commit a crime nunc pro tunc - An action by a Court to correct a previous procedural or clerical error per capita - Distribution of an estate by the blood line to all beneficiaries in equal shares per stirpes - Distribution of an estate by the blood line to each branch of a family in equal shares

prima facie - A matter that appears to be true pro bono - Professional work done for free pro rata - A calculation based on proportion pro se - Representing oneself without counsel quasi - Similar but not the same

quid pro quo - An equal exchange of goods, services, or money for some other goods or services res - The thing, matter, issue, or affair sua sponte - When a court takes action on its own motion, rather than at the request of one of the parties subpoena - A summons compelling testimony or the

submission of evidence, under a penalty for not doing so sui juris - One who is legally competent to manage his or her own affairs supra - Term used in a citation to refer to a previously cited source trial de novo - a new trial to replace a previous one, not an appeal of a decision veto - the power of an executive to prevent the enactment of legislation vis - Namely

LegalEase

Del B. Salmon Legal Services Representative

Latin Terms

May/June 2014 - 5

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are programs that help pay your Medicare premiums and sometimes also coinsurance and deductibles. There are three main Medicare Savings Programs:

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI) program. Each program has different eligibility limits. If you enroll into a Medicare Savings Program, you will also automatically get Extra Help, which is the federal program that helps pay

most of your Medicare Part D drug costs.

If you decide to apply for a Medicare Savings Program, you will be asked to send an original, signed application and copies of the following documents: Social Security card, Medicare card, proof of date of birth, proof of address and proof of income. The 2014 New York State Gross Monthly Income Limits are: QI Individual-$1,333.00 Couples-$1,790.00 No Asset limits SLMB Individual-$1,187.00 Couples-$1,593.00 No Asset limits

QMB Individual-$993.00 Couples-$1,331.00 No Asset limits Medicaid Individual-$829.00 Couples-$1,212.00 Asset Limits: Individual-$14,550.00 Couples:-$21,450.00 (**These income limits include a standard $20 disregard. You may qualify even if your income is slightly higher.)

If you meet the income limits above and would like more information or to apply, please call OFA, 843-2300, to schedule an appointment. Source: Medicare Rights Center www.medicareinteractive.org

HIICAP Hotline Meeghan Lyons Client Services Representative

Medicare Savings Program

The OFA is seeking volunteers to deliver meals to home-delivered meals participants. Volunteers will be reimbursed mileage. The program runs Mon. through Fri. The time commitment each day would be approximately 1 hour between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or other volunteer opportunities, please contact OFA at 843-2300.

Volunteers Needed

What is Grief? Often when I introduce myself to

someone as “the bereavement counselor with Community Hospice”, I can almost see the wheels turning in their mind, wondering what I mean by bereavement. The terms grief, bereavement, and mourning, are often used interchangeably to define the things we experience in our hearts and in our heads when someone close to us dies. Let’s take a moment to define these words, and more importantly, take time to consider the changes you and your family may have experienced as a result of a recent death. This article examines the term “grief”, while articles in future newsletters will examine bereavement and mourning.

Grief is a normal and universal response to a loss and is the result of the attachments we form with others. The stronger the attachment, the stronger our response to the death. Grief can impact us emotionally, mentally, and physically. Many people are aware of the emotional side of grief, the tears, despair, and feelings of loneliness are all too familiar. Less familiar are the physical and mental impact of a death. Grief is exhausting and can wear you down. People who are grieving a recent loss may see changes in their sleep and appetite, may lack energy, or may feel achy due to the accumulation of stress. Sometimes it is hard to hold a thought in your head. Grievers are often

distracted, find it hard to complete tasks, or are even forgetful. These changes are all very normal and is your bodies way of accommodating to changes and new routines. Be patient and gentle with yourself, as patient and gentle as you would be with a good friend or family member. From my experience of working with grieving people, I have come to know that the intense feelings of grief do not last, but instead ebb and flow, like the tides in an ocean. You cannot control the tides in the ocean and sometimes you cannot control the feelings of grief. Let it come, for the only way through grief is to experience it completely. Sometimes talking with a trusted friend, family member, clergy, or counselor can help. If you are grieving, I encourage you to identify a safe person, seek them out, and begin your journey. The Community Hospice offers a range of grief and bereavement services to support our community members who have experienced a loss due to a death. Please contact us at 843-5412, and ask to speak with the bereavement counselor. Next time: exploring the mourning process Amy S. Weinar, LCSW Bereavement Counselor The Community Hospice of Amsterdam

Flag Day Pulled Pork BBQ The Montgomery County Office for

Aging, Inc. will host its 2nd Annual Flag Day Barbeque fundraiser to benefit its programs and services. The barbeque will be held on Fri., June 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Inman Senior Center in Amsterdam. This will be takeout only and will be held rain or shine. There will be no presale tickets.

The dinner will include a pulled pork sandwich, baked potato, coleslaw, and dessert. The cost is $8 per meal.

6 - May/June 2014

* * * WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT * * *

Because needs are always greater than the resources available, the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. encourages and appreciates donations.

Name___________________________________ Address_______________________________________

I designate my donation of $____________ for:

“Save a Stamp” please do NOT acknowledge my donation by mail

Please do NOT acknowledge my donation in LIFESPAN

Clip and return this coupon with your donation to 135 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010 Thank you! All donations are greatly appreciated!

All contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. For tax purposes, we will send you a receipt for single donations of $250 or more.

Use where most needed Home-care services HIICAP Meals program Legal services LIFESPAN Caregiver/Respite services Foundation

Please make check payable to: Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

Gabe Agosta Hermine Anderson

Stella Bedzis Mr. & Mrs. Robert Blissinger Canajoharie Senior Citizens

Irene Carpe Mr. & Mrs. Frank Chichester

Sharlene Cornacchia Barbara Furman David Gomula

Richard Gomulka Frances Hallenbeck

Kathryn Harbey Iroquois Senior Citizens

Marjorie Jackson Barbara Josephs Victoria Karaban

Lucia Kern Joyce Knapik

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Makarowsky Walter & Sophie Malkowicz Mr. & Mrs. Robert Markert

Josephine Mroczek William Pacelli

Isabelle Pastalaniec Mr. & Mrs. Edward Paton

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Pawlowski Dolores Pereicich

Paul Ryba Dorothy Savarese

Eileen Show Mr. & Mrs. David Smith

Kathryn Turnbull Julianne Wormuth

In memory of Joseph Billis Vincent Rossi

In memory of Joseph DiCaprio The Savarese & Pascuito families

In memory Nicholas J. DiCaprio Edie DiCaprio

In memory of Shirley Dufel Robert & Marilyn Hotaling and

Walter & Thelma Frisch

In memory of Catherine Filanova Sinicropi Galluccio

Marion Bienick Mr. & Mrs. Robert Brown

Yolanda Francisco Mr. & Mrs. Shane Gardner Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Karchesky Mr. & Mrs. Domenic Marzio

Mr. & Mrs. John Naple Albert & Sylvia Palmieri

Frances Phillips Sophia Sardonia Frances Stanklus Barbara Tomasik

In memory of Frank Kardash Frances Kardash

In memory of Michelle Markert Elma Phillips

In memory of our son, Robert Moissonnier Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Moissonnier

In memory of Angelo Ottie Natale Mom-Amelia Natale

In memory of Nancy Pakeltis Joseph Pakeltis

In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Pereicich Dolores Pereicich

In memory of John S. Pikul and Mary & Ralph Iannotti

Mary Pikul

In memory of Carl Salmon Jr. & Bertha Green Karen Salmon

In memory of Patricia Sobkowicz John & Evelyn Bianchi

In memory of Richard Sponable Sr. Shirley Sponable

In memory of Robert Swietlicki Warren & Rita Clark

In memory of Raymond Syzek Carol Syzek

In memory of Elvada Torsiello Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Shubert

Corrections from Mar/Apr issue. Our sincere apologies.

In memory of Eileen Rosatell John & Evelyn Bianchi

In memory of Stanley Roszak Felix & Linda Persico

In memory of Herb Scialabba Theresa Scialabba

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the following contributors:

May/June 2014 - 7

Montgomery County Office for Aging

135 Guy Park Avenue Amsterdam, NY 12010

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15th Annual Awards Dinner: 6 p.m., Wed., June 4, The Community Hospice and Mountain Valley Hospice will each receive the Crystal Pillar of the Community Award and Jeannette Stevens-Daury will receive the Humanitarian Award. Call OFA, 843-2300, for an invitation.

Decision-Making Days: 10:30 a.m., Thurs., May 8, Arkell Center, Canajoharie; 10:00 a.m., Fri., May 9, Inman Senior Center and 1:30 p.m., Wed., May 14, St. Johnsville Community House.

Montgomery County Senior Citizens Council Meeting: 9:30 a.m., Wed., Jun. 11, Sheriff’s Office in Fultonville. Matt Ossenfort, County Executive will speak. All older adults are invited. Call OFA, 843-2300, for more details.

Public Information Sessions: 9:00—10:30 a.m., May 8, Arkell Center in Canajoharie. This session offers information and assistance with regard to seniors and OFA services. Call OFA at 843-2300 for more information.

Senior Picnic: 9:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m., Fri., Sept. 19, Fonda Fairgrounds. Tickets will be available June 2 for $8.

**If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, receive more than one copy, or have an address change, please cut out your address label from this page and send it to OFA at 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.**

Office Closings:

Mon., May 26, Memorial Day

Weds., June 4, Closing at 12 p.m.,

Annual Awards Dinner

Tues., June 24, Closed 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.,

Agency Retreat

Fri., July 4, Independence Day

Happenings

8th Annual Golf Tournament The Montgomery County

Sheriff’s Department along with the Office for Aging will hold their 8th Annual Golf Tournament on Sun., July 27 at the Canajoharie Country Club. Proceeds to benefit the K-9 Unit, D.A.R.E., and Office for Aging.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The tournament

is a four person scramble and will be held rain or shine. Cost is $75 per player. Club members will pay $65. There are limited openings and

reservations must be made by July 12. We are seeking donations for prizes

and sponsorships from individuals and businesses.

Call OFA for more details, 843-2300.

HELP US GO GREEN! You have the option of receiving

LIFESPAN via email. Call us to sign up today, 843-2300.