From the Desk of Diana Fox, Director

EVERYDAY THINGS ARE WORTH NOTICING AND ARE REASSURING!

You may or may not be aware that we put together our newsletter articles about 6 weeks before

they actually get to you. I have procrastinated on May’s article as I am struggling with what to

write. You see, as I am writing, the COVID-19 has really started to change our lives and I am not

sure what the coming weeks and months will look like for all of us, or what you will need or want

to hear about, so please forgive me if I miss the mark!

What I do know, is that as uncertain as life can be, and how uncertainty can produce anxiety, it is

often very helpful to notice the little things and how reassuring they can be. Things we may

overlook as we go from this to that are sometimes the best things for us to notice. Today, I woke

up with a purring cat wrapped around my head and the sun was shining. I inhaled the fresh

coffee beans before I ground them, looking forward to my first cup. I took my dog out for her

morning “business” and there were two bluebirds in a nearby tree. I looked closer at one of the

bushes and noticed some buds forming; blossoms to look forward to, I thought. I noticed the

warmth of the sun and the chill of the wind, I should have put gloves on. Inside, I had already

started my morning coffee and the smell of the brew was so inviting as I came in from outside.

The water for my shower was nice and hot. My husband baked some banana bread, which

inspired me to make soup - a new recipe - it did turn out tasty. If I turn on the television, or listen

to the radio, or follow social media, I can get caught up with things that I have no control over, but

if I shut those things off, I can focus on the “normal”, everyday things that bring peace and calm

and reassurance.

2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020 585-343-1611

Website: www.co.genesee.ny.us Email: ofa.dept@co.genesee.ny.us

Special Issue 2020

Worth noticing: a purring cat, the sun shining, a good cup of coffee...

������������������������

Your local resource for

information and assistance!

585-343-1611

NY CONNECTS GENESEE CARE

OPTIONS

in Genesee County

1-800-342-9871

NY Connects Genesee Care Options is here

to help you. Whether you are a senior,

disabled person, or caregiver, we have a

fair and easy way for you to get connected

to the long term care help you need.

We make the hard choices simpler for you.

Information is available in printed form

(585) 343-1611

or

Reach us on the web at:

www.co.genesee.ny.us

From the main menu select:

NY Connects Genesee Care Options

The work of the NY Connects Genesee Care

Options is funded through grants from

NYS Office for the Aging, Older Americans

Act, NYS Dept. of Health,

and the generous support of the

Genesee County Legislature.

YOUR SUPPORT OF MEALS ON

WHEELS IS APPRECIATED!

Because needs are always greater than the

funds available to meet them, the Genesee

County Office for the Aging encourages

monetary donations to our not-for-profit

Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc.

We have experienced a significant

increase in the number of individuals in

our community needing Meals on

Wheels. Your help in serving these

individuals, whether monetarily through

the Genesee Senior Foundation, or as a

volunteer delivering meals once we get

through this situation, would be greatly

appreciated!

Name________________________________________

(May we publish your name? �Yes �No)

_________________________________________

(Street Address)

_________________________________________

(City, State, Zip)

Gift amount: $ __________

In Memory/Honor of: ________________________

All donations are greatly appreciated and

are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Please make checks payable and send to:

Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc.

2 Bank Street

Batavia, NY 14020

THANK YOU!

2 Gene-Senior

MEDICARE/INSURANCE ASSISTANCE

Submitted by: Kimberly Perl

HIICAP Coordinator

A

t the Office for the Aging, we offer a

free, unbiased look at your plan

choices for Medicare. We counsel you

on your options. We are not sales

agents, we do not get commissions

or kick-backs.

We allow insurance companies to utilize space

in our building from time to time, to meet with

our clients in a safe, comfortable space - after

we have counseled you on your choices. We do

not endorse companies. We will not tell you

who to choose; we will give you the best options

for your needs and you choose from there. We

will ensure all your medications are covered and

your physicians and facilities are in network.

We will screen you for low-income assistance

programs. We are here for you, and we thank

you for the opportunity to assist you.

If you have Medicare or insurance questions,

please feel free to call us at 585-343-1611.

Gene-Senior 3

Feeling the Stress?

Care & Crisis Helpline

585-283-5200

Text Line: 741741

Mental Health Hotline

Free service

1-844-863-9314

Grief Groups go to Grief.com

Over 70, following Matilda’s Law and

need supplies?

NY Connects/Office for the Aging

Information & Assistance

In Genesee County

585-343-1611

MATILDA’S LAW during COVID-19

STRICTEST RULES FOR MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS:

Seniors over 70, Immune-compromised people,

and those with underlying illnesses

• Remain indoors

• Can go outside for solitary exercise

• Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their temperature

• Do not visit households with multiple people

• All vulnerable persons should wear a mask when in the company of others

• To the greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people

should wear a mask

• Always stay at least six feet away from individuals

• Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary

“Do You Remember These?”

With Hosts Bob & Connie

Listen to our radio show! Tune in to WBTA at 1490 AM or 100.1 FM

Sundays 9:00 a.m. and again, at 9:00 p.m.

Or listen afterward online at: http://wbtai.com/do-you-remember-these/

We’d love to hear your feedback about the radio show!

Write DYRT@WBTAi.com or drop a line to

OFA, Attn: Diana Fox, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020

Lots of topics & music to take you back to fun memories!

CENSUS 2020/BE COUNTED: WHAT

PROGRAMS THE CENSUS ASSISTS

Submitted by: Kimberly Perl,

Specialist, Aging Services

B

y now, you have already received your

census forms – but – have you

returned them, called, or gone online

to be counted? If not – PLEASE DO

ASAP! If you need help, call our office at 343-

1611. It is VERY importantCas, for every

person UNCOUNTED, our County will lose

$30,000 in services. Here are some of those

services the census helps pay for:

SNAP (Food stamps), Medicare Part B

Physicians Schedule Services, Section 8

Housing Programs, Highway Planning and

Construction, HEAP, Crime Victim Assistance,

Social Services, Mental Health Services, Water

& Waste Disposal for Rural Communities,

Assistance to Firefighters, Emergency Food and

Shelter Grants, Weatherization, Senior Farmers

Market Nutrition Program, Rural Cooperative

Development grants, and Special Programs

for Aging.

Again, if you need help, or have questions,

please call us at 343-1611. Thank you and –

let’s ALL be counted!

4 Gene-Senior

HELP WITH PAYING YOUR MEDICARE

PART B & PRESCRIPTION COSTS

Submitted by: Kimberly Perl,

Specialist, Aging Services

A

re you on Medicare, and have a gross

income below $1,456/month (single) or

$1,960/month (married)? You may

qualify to get your Part B money

placed BACK into your Social Security check!

Assets are not looked at!

Currently, $144.60/month is taken out of your

Social Security check to pay for your Medicare

Part B. With this program, not only would you

get that money back, you would also be able to

receive your medications at a lower cost AND

the “donut hole” goes away!

To apply, call our office at 343-1611.

Medicare covers preventive screenings, and

almost all are covered at 100%. Talk to your

doctor and get your screenings scheduled

today!

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, Alcohol

misuse screenings & counseling, Bone mass

measurements (bone density), Cardiovascular

disease screenings, Cardiovascular disease

(behavioral therapy),Cervical cancer screening

(Pap Smear & Pelvic Exam), Colorectal cancer

screenings, Depression screenings, Diabetes

screenings, Diabetes self-management

training, Glaucoma tests, Hepatitis C screening,

HIV screening, Lung cancer screening,

Mammogram (screening), Medical Nutrition

therapy, Obesity screenings & counseling, One-

time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit,

Prostate cancer screening, Sexually transmitted

infections screening & counseling, Flu shots,

Hepatitis B shot & Screening, Pneumococcal

shot, Smoking & Tobacco use cessation, and

Yearly "Annual Wellness" exam.

Genesee County Office for the Aging

www.co.genesee.ny.us

and now, look for us on Facebook!

Gene-Senior 5

LIFESPAN’S FINANCIAL

MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM

Submitted by: Karen Hall, Coordinator

The following information was obtained from the

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle:

How to take charge of your credit in 2020

Whatever your financial goals this year. Your

credit is likely to play a role in achieving them.

Take a fresh approach to your credit by

brushing up on the basics: What really matters

for your credit score? What’s the difference

between a credit score and credit report? Here’s

a crash course on credit, and tips to make your

score shine.

How many credit scores do I have?

The short answer: Many. There are two major

credit-scoring companies: FICO and

VantageScore. FICO and VantageScore make

different versions of scores that lenders,

employers and landlords use to size up your

credit habits. Mortgage lenders generally

consider older versions of your FICO score,

while auto lenders look at an auto-specific FICO

score. Both scores range between 300 and

850. When you’re tracking your score, look at

the same version each time – otherwise you’re

comparing apples to oranges.

What really matters for your score?

Following two rules puts you on the path to a

good score: Pay bills on time and use less than

30% of your credit card limits – the lower, the

better. Other factors, such as how long you’ve

had credit, the mix of installment loans and

credit cards you have and how recently you

applied for credit matter much less in your

scores.

What doesn’t affect my score?

Knowing what doesn’t affect your score will

spare you from needless worry. For example,

checking your own credit score never hurts it,

whether you do it once a day or once a year.

What’s the difference between credit score

and a credit report?

The credit report is the detailed history of how

you borrowed money. You have three: one each

from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, the

major credit bureaus. Your credit reports

contain loan and credit card payment records,

personal data to identity you, addresses and

information from public records such as

bankruptcies and foreclosures. While it may

seem strange, credit reports don’t include your

credit score.

FICO and VantageScore use data from your

reports to calculate scores. Errors on your

reports can hurt your scores, so disputing them

with the bureaus is a smart move. You’re

entitled to at least one free copy of each report

annually, which you can get by going to

AnnualCreditReport.com.

NUTRITION NEWS

EDIBLE FLOWERS

Submitted by: Ellen Foster

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

D

id you know that some flowers are

edible? We have seen pictures of

pansies decorating the top of a

springtime salad, or brightly colored

nasturtium blossoms as a garnish on the dinner

plate at a fancy restaurant or wedding

reception. However, in addition to the odd or

fancy way to use flowers, there are some flower

blossoms we eat routinely and think nothing of

it. For example –

Broccoli – Those tightly

curled little balls at the top

of the broccoli stem are

what we call “florets”. They

are actually the blossom or

flower (floret) of the broccoli plant. We cook

them as a vegetable for our dinner, but we

Lifespan offers assistance on fraud,

scams and identity theft. Call Karen

at (585) 259-2781 for assistance with

budgeting and bill paying.

Article continued on page 9

Gene-Senior 6

Gene-Senior 7

8 Gene-Senior

GENESEE CAREGIVER

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): TIPS FOR DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

Most likely, dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new

coronavirus, just like dementia does not increase risk for flu. However, dementia-related behaviors,

increased age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk.

For example, people with Alzheimer's disease and all other dementia may forget to wash their hands

or take other recommended precautions to prevent illness. In addition, diseases like COVID-19 and

the flu may worsen cognitive impairment due to dementia.

Tips for dementia caregivers at home

Caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia should follow guidelines from

the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consider the following tips:

• For people living with dementia, increased confusion is often the first symptom of any illness. If a

person living with dementia shows rapidly increased confusion, contact your health care provider

for advice. Unless the person is having difficulty breathing or a very high fever, it is

recommended that you call your health care provider instead of going directly to an emergency

room. Your doctor may be able to treat the person without a visit to the hospital.

• People living with dementia may need extra and/or written reminders and support to remember

important hygienic practices from one day to the next.

♦ Consider placing signs in the bathroom and elsewhere to remind people with dementia to

wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds.

♦ Demonstrate thorough hand-washing.

♦ Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be a quick alternative to hand-

washing if the person with dementia cannot get to a sink or wash his/her hands easily.

• Ask your pharmacist or doctor about filling prescriptions for a greater number of days to reduce

trips to the pharmacy.

• Think ahead and make alternative plans for the person with dementia should adult day care,

respite, etc. be modified or cancelled in response to COVID-19.

• Think ahead and make alternative plans for care management if the primary caregiver should

become sick.

Tips for caregivers of individuals in assisted living

The CDC has provided guidance to facilities on infection control and prevention of COVID-19 in

nursing homes. This guidance is for the health and safety of residents. Precautions may vary based

on local situations.

• Check with the facility regarding their procedures for managing COVID-19 risk. Ensure they have

your emergency contact information and the information of another family member or friend as a

backup.

• Do not visit your family member if you have any signs or symptoms of illness.

• Depending on the situation in your local area, facilities may limit or not allow visitors. This is to

protect the residents but it can be difficult if you are unable to see your family member.

• If visitation is not allowed, ask the facility how you can have contact with your family member.

Options include telephone calls, video chats or even emails to check in.

• If your family member is unable to engage in calls or video chats, ask the facility how you can

keep in touch with facility staff in order to get updates.

Gene-Senior 9

really like to dip them into bleu cheese or ranch

dip at parties! The name “broccoli” is the plural

of the Italian word “broccolo” meaning “the

flowering top of a cabbage”. This is appropriate

as broccoli evolved from a wild cabbage more

than 2,000 years ago in Europe.

Cauliflower – Does this surprise you given that

‘flower’ is part of its name? That was combined

with the Latin caulis meaning cabbage. Flower

was added to caulis to note how unusual to

have a flowering member of the cabbage family.

And yes, cauliflower and broccoli are related!

The white part of the cauliflower, the part we

eat, is known as the curd. It is not really a

flower but performs some of the same functions

for the plant as the blossoms due for broccoli.

Chamomile – Who hasn’t had a cup of

chamomile tea at some time. It helps put

children to sleep, aids in indigestion, and some

say helps cure diarrhea. The chamomile flower

is dried and often sold as a powder so it is not

Staying healthy

Pay attention to flu or pneumonia-like symptoms in yourself and others and report them to a medical

professional immediately.

Follow current guidance and instruction from the CDC regarding COVID-19. Tips to keep yourself

and your loved ones healthy include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick; work from home.

• If you or the person you are caring for have regular doctor’s appointments to manage dementia

or other health conditions, call your health care provider to inquire about a telehealth

appointment. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare has recently expanded telehealth

benefits to allow seniors to access health care from the safety of their homes.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning

spray or wipe.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to

the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least

60% alcohol.

• Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/coronavirus-(covid-19)-tips-for-dementia-care

GENESEE CAREGIVER

always recognizable as a flower but we do

consume it and it tastes very good! The name

derives from a Greek word meaning “earth

apple” so named because it has an apple-like

scent but grows near the ground, not on trees.

Squash blossoms – You may have seen

these, tied with twine, if you have ever visited

the Rochester Public Market. Rick Bayless, who

you may have seen on television food channels,

makes a squash blossom soup from chicken

stock and a touch of cream, blended with

sautéed squash blossoms, a little garlic and

onion. In Italy, squash blossoms are usually

stuffed with a mild cheese such as fresh

mozzarella or ricotta, dipped in batter and deep-

fried. Prepared in this manner, they make a

delicious appetizer or accompaniment to an

al fresco meal of poultry or salad.

And there you have some May

flowers for your garden and

your table!

Edible Flowers Article continued from page 5

DERRICK MONUMENTCo., Inc

Established 1915Visit our shop & showroom

37 Myrtle St., LeRoyDavid Carlsen

Days 768-8470www.derrickmonumentcompany.com

CEMETERY MEMORIALS

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIALROOFING SIDING CONTRACTORS

Richard Wendt | 343-2400Fax: 343-2401

BERGEN MEADOWS APTS.6619 N. Lake Rd.Bergen, NY 14416585-494-2168

Apartments for Seniors 62 yrs or over, or Disabled regardless of age.One-bedroom includes appliances, off-street parking, laundry on-site.

TDD Relay 711

Visiting NursingAssociation of WNY61 Swan St., Batavia, NY

(585) 344-2894

HOME CARE

Free In-home bill paying, budgeting & benefits

assistance for older adults.

To learn more, call Karen

(585) 259-2781We are accepting clients

and volunteers (training provided).

Serving Genesee County since 1979“We’re Here When You Need Us”

10 Munson St. • LeRoy, NY(585) 768-2561

0-D-0-0 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0475

Richmond Memorial Library 343-9550 option 6 • LibraryVisits@nioga.orgA Muriel H. Marshall funded program administered through the Rochester Area Community Foundation

We deliver library services

to older adults in Genesee

County who are unable to

visit the library.

Turning 65 or new to Medicare?Turn to someone who cares. We’re here to help. Visit UniveraForMedicare.com to find a nearby seminar that works for you, or call Maria Schenk at 716-860-9015.

For accommodation of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-800-201-0484, TTY users call 1-800-421-1220. Univera Healthcare contracts with the Federal Government and is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Univera Healthcare depends on contract renewal. Univera Healthcare complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-201-0484 (TTY: 1-800-421-1220) 注意 ：如果您使用繁體中文 ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-800-201-0484 (TTY: 1-800-421-1220) 。

Y0028_5913_C

One State Street, Batavia

Subsidized Senior Housing Complex

Managed by VJ Gautieri Constructors, Inc.

Serving Genesee County Since 1981We are accepting applications and our waiting list is

shorter than it has been in years. Call, Stop in or Visit our Website. Visit the best Senior Housing in Genesee County! Conveniently

located in downtown Batavia. Rent based on Income. Serving Low income seniors, 62 + or Disabled (w/ Mobility Impairment).

www.wtbatavia.comOffice Hours: 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday

585-344-0200Joshua Dibble to place an ad today!

jdibble@lpiseniors.com or (800) 950-9952 x5836

We Have a Beautiful Apartment Just for You!HAVENWOOD APARTMENTS

240 Richmond Ave., Batavia | (585) 344-1260GENESEE PARK PLACE APARTMENTS

145 Park Rd.., Batavia | (585) 343-2804For Seniors 62+ and Disabled

Pay only 30% of adjusted income as rentGVRPC Inc (585) 658-4870 / TTY 800-662-1220

Maintenance Free LivingCall Megan today:

585-813-5611

0-D-0-0 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0475

Medical & Surgical Eye Care

Eric C. Wu, M.D.Peter Paulus, M.D.

229 Summit • Suite 9 • Batavia, NYOffice Hrs. : Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

344-0933

LET US PLACE YOUR AD HERE.

This Newsletter is funded through grants from the New York State Office for the Aging, the Older American’s Act, and the generous

support of the Genesee County Legislature. SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION - $5.00

PRE-SORT

STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Batavia, N.Y. 14020

PERMIT NO. 194

GENESEE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING

Batavia - Genesee Senior Center

2 Bank St.

Batavia, New York 14020

Or Current Resident

0-D-0-0 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0475

C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc.

P.O. Box 3384-6 Main Street

Corfu, N.Y. 14036Phone 585-599-4520

CHARLES A. HERMAN, Funeral DirectorJULIE A. HERMAN, Funeral Director

WHERE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE MEANS EVERYTHING.

CENTER FOR NURSING AND REHABILITATION278 Bank Street, Batavia NY 14020

Phone (585) 344-0584

Catholic Charities Home Visitation ProgramOffering free weekly 1 hour social visits to homebound seniors in

Genesee County who are living independently.Seeking volunteers interested in making a difference in the life of a senior. Give just one hour of your time a week playing cards, crafts or just talking.

Contact Catholic Charities (585) 343-0614Funded from a grant by the Muriel H. Marshall Fund

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