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On Thursday, May 24, 2012, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center will recognize National Older Americans Month with Vitality Day - A Celebration for Seniors. This free event will be held on the hospital campus at 701 N. Broadway in Sleepy Hollow and at locations in the surrounding community. For more information about Vitality Day, click here or call 914-366-3937.

The Livable Communities and WJCS are co-sponsoring two programs of interest for older adults:

 8^th Annual Dobbs Ferry Senior Week: The Embassy Community Center (60 Palisades Street, Dobbs Ferry) is celebrating Senior Week (May 7- 11)with Get in the Loop – Join the Group. Highlights include free lunches, exercise classes, local Business and Health Expo, games, entertainment and a catered dinner dance. WJCS and the West Central/Greenburgh Livable Communities will be among the vendors at the Health Expo on May 9.  For more info, call 693-0024 or 693-7792.

Services the County of Westchester Can Offer to Senior Citizens and Their Caregivers will be presented on Tuesday, May 22 from 5:00 -7:00 PM at the J.H. Community Center (44 Main Street in Hastings-on-Hudson). Keynote speaker Colette Phipps, Westchester County’s Director of Caregiver Support and Livable Communities, will be joined by reps of  various WJCS programs including Project Time-Out,  Family Caregiver Network and Pathways to Care. A light supper will be served for $3.00 per person. For further info or to register, contact lchallop@wjcs.com or 914-761-0600, ext. 314.

 Calling all grandparents.  Looking for a Support Group?   Dr. Shura Saul and her daughter Jennifer Rosvally are starting a support group forgrandparents.  For details, click here. Also, Dr. Saul’s grandson wrote and directed a film, “Bubby,” about her, which you can see on Sunday, June 3 at 1 PM at the Barn in Golden’s Bridge.  To find out more, click here.

It was great seeing so many of you at Salute to Seniors, which is always a fun and informative event.  I hope you take time to read the  materials outlining the various services WJCS offers.  If you have questions or want more information about our senior programs, feel free to conatc me at 761-0600 X340 or jfink@wjcs.com.

Just a quick reminder.  I look forward to seeing all of you at Salute to Seniors on May 2.  The day is packed with fun and informative events. Be sure to stop by the Westchester Jewish Community Services table to say hello and pick up some information about our many programs geared to older adults. To learn more about Salute to Seniors, click here. 

Need some inspiration to stay in active? United Hebrew of New Rochelle has announced an event celebrating active seniors that will take place on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 2:00 pm at United Hebrew of New Rochelle, 391 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, New York and followed by a reception. 

As part of this special salute to active seniors, United Hebrew will screen the Westchester premier of the award-winning documentary, “Age of Champions”, which tells the story of  Senior Olympians and unveil a photographic exhibit entitled “We are Champions” in the Lazarus Gallery of their new nursing home and rehabilitation pavilion.  The exhibit will feature a series of portraits which will capture the spirit and energy of active senior athletes.

For more information, click here.

“Sink or Swim in Tough Economic Times,” a free financial seminar for seniors and caregivers, will take place on April 26 from 3-6pm at the Atria Woodlands, 1017 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley. For more information and to register, click here. 

 I’m looking forward to seeing all of you at this year’s Salute to Seniors on Wednesday, May 2 from 9 AM – 2 PM at the Westchester County Center (198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY). This annual free event will include a Business Expo, Health and Wellness Fair, Arts and Crafts Fair, boutique, live entertainment and more.  A highlight will be a Panel Discussion on Foreclosure and Seniors at 11 AM, click here for details.  For more information call 914-813-6300

Here's some info about upcoming events of interest:

Fair Housing Law -- There will be a panel discussion on the guaranteed protections based on Race and National Origin under the fair housing laws on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 6pm at Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Huson, NY 10520.

Advance Care Directives Lecture -- The Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester presents a community lecture on “The Importance ofAdvance Care Directives” with guest speaker Michael J. Amoruso, Esq. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 1:30 – 3:30pm at the White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY, second floor auditorium. This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Please call 914-682-1484, x148

Salute to Seniors will be on Wednesday, May 2 from 9 AM – 2 PM at the Westchester County Center (198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY). For more information call 914-813-6300

April is National Volunteer Month – a time to pay homage to those who give generously of their time and talents to various causes.  Here at WJCS, many of our programs are enhanced and enriched by dedicated individuals both young and old.  Helping others defines life for many seniors. According to Home Instead Senior Care® network research, seven of 10 seniors who volunteer say they plan on volunteering “forever.”

Because seniors are healthier and living longer, they are no longer content to simply play golf and mah jong. Vital and active participants in their churches, synagogues and community organizations, today’s seniors find that volunteering gives their lives additional purpose and new dimension.

Studies also have shown that volunteers are happier and healthier than non-volunteers and that regular volunteer work increases life expectancy. Using your skills keeps your body and mind active and, as an added bonus, offers the opportunity to develop new friendships and learn new things.

The Home Instead Senior Care network has outlined tips for how seniors can continue to volunteer "forever.”  Click here for details. Closer to home, The Volunteer Center of United Way will interview you and suggest placements in various agencies throughout Westchester. Click here to learn more.

 Free tax preparation services are available at several Westchester locations:

White Plains Senior Center
65 Mitchell Place -- White Plains, NY  10601
(914) 422-1423
(914) 422-1352
Monday – Thursday 10:00 am to 2:30
Friday – 1:00 to 3:30

Theodore D Young Community Center
32 Manhattan Avenue -- White Plains, NY 10607
(914) 989-3600
(914) 682-3622
Friday & Saturdays until April 14, 2012
10:00 to 2:00

Ossining Public Library
53 Croton Avenue -- Ossining, NY 10562
(914) 941-2416
Thursdays: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29
10:00 am
free in the Budarz Theater

Greenburgh MultiPurpose Center
11 Olympic Lane -- Ardsley, NY 10502
(914) 693-8985
Every Wednesday 2/1/2012 – April 11, 2012
10:00 to 2:00

Dobbs Ferry Public Library
55 Main Street -- Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(914) 693-6614
Mondays 10:30 to 2:30

Warner Public Library
121 N. Broadway -- Tarrytown, NY 10591
(914) 631-7734
Check on hours

Make No Bones About It: You Can Help Prevent Osteoporosis

If you know anyone who has broken a hip, no doubt you want to do everything in your power to prevent it from happening to you. And key to that is keeping your bones strong and healthy. Osteoporosis, which causes bones to become brittle, affects nearly 45 million Americans. Half of the women and a quarter of the men who are afflicted with it are in danger of breaking bones. Because a broken bone can alter your life causing disability, pain or loss of independence, prevention of osteoporosis really is vital.

There are several things you can do to help prevent osteoporosis including:

            -- Don’t smoke.

            -- Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink daily.

   -- Make sure your diet is rich with calcium and vitamin D food sources such as non-fat dairy products, broccoli and canned salmon. 

    -- Consider taking a calcium supplement if you are older because aging affects the body’s ability to absorb calcium. The recommended dose is 1,000 milligrams/day to age 50 and 1,200 milligrams/day after 50 with vitamin D to assure proper absorption.

 -- Reduce caffeine consumption since it can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Coffee isn’t the only culprit, caffeine in cola drinks does the same. Children and adolescents who shun milk in favor of colas are affecting  the acquisition of peak bone mass.

 -- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to build stronger muscles and bones. A combination of strength training and cardiovascular works best. 

 -- Reduce your chances of falling by making your home safe:

 ·        Use a rubber bath mat in the shower or tub.

 ·        Keep your floors clutter free.

 ·        Remove throw rugs or make sure they have non-skid backing.

 ·        Install grab bars in the bath or shower.

 Helping mature drivers find their ‘Safest Fit’

 An Educational CarFit Event is scheduled for

 Saturday, March 24 from 9AM – 3 PM

 LakeIsle Country Club (660 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY10709)

Appointments must be made by contacting:Kathleen Golisz at 914-674-7814 or kgolisz@mercy.edu

 Helping mature drivers find their ‘Safest Fit,’ CarFit is designed to give you a quick but comprehensive check of how well you and your vehicle work together. A trained professional will ask you simple questions and complete a 12-point CarFit checklist. The entire process takes about 20 minutes, and you leave with recommendations for car adjustments and adaptations, and a list of resources in your area that could enhance your safety as a driver.

CarFit was created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AARP, the American Occupational Therapy Association and AAA.

Transportation is a huge issue for Westchester residents who don’t drive. Last fall, a new program – RideConnect -- was launched to help residents who find themselves without transportation options. Run by Family Services of Westchester, the program serves older adults and the disabled as well as home health care workers.  

RideConnect helps clients coordinate the fastest and most cost-effective means of transportation—be it a local provider like a taxi, a Para Transit vehicle (an extension of the public bus system designed for people with disabilities) or a ride from one of their volunteer drivers. The service ferries clients to doctor appointments or the supermarket, hairdresser or cultural events.

RideConnect is a lifesaver for many county residents, especially in Northern Westchester, for whom the lack of public transportation options, prohibitive taxi costs, or their own physical limitations, can cause isolation and loneliness and strip them of their independence.

To learn more about the program or to volunteer to be a driver for RideConnect, click here.

Sometimes it’s crystal clear that an older adult should no longer remain alone at home perhaps due to a serious illness or accident. Othertimes it’s a gradual process as the senior and his/her loved ones start to see warning signs (see blog below). When an older adult begins to show signs of health deterioration or the condition of the home declines, loved ones should take notice and take action. To avert a crisis, family members should come together to consider what are the best alternatives and begin to introduce the idea of making a change to the senior. For some in-home care can be an option. For others moving in with a family member might be the solution. And for yet others assisted living is the answer. 

We at WJCS Geriatric Care Management can help you identify if your senior loved one is at risk living alone and we can collaborate on a plan that will keep your loved one safe. To find out more, contact me at 761-0600 X340 or jfink@wjcs.com.

More than words can describe…

This phrase has been used to express the essence of WJCS and the people who play a part in its caring community. But these words are not enough…In conjunction with the WJCS Gala 2012, we sponsored a Friends with Words challenge to capture the true spirit of WJCS.

The prize: Won by WJCS COMPEER volunteer Jesse Krawitz - Dinner for Two at the fabulous Moderne Barn in Armonk.

The WINNING slogan:  WJCS:  - A Welcoming World of Help, Hope and Healing

Read all the submissions from friends, community and staff below.  Congratulations to Jesse and many thanks to all who responded with their comments.  

 Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) has kicked off its signature 2012 initiative: a survey of county residents age 60+ to learn if seniors’ income covers their basic expenses without public or private subsidies.

The survey will measure the economic security of older adults by determining whether or not they have sufficient income to pay for their basic needs such as food, transportation, health insurance and housing.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino praised the survey and hopes the data will give a better picture of where to put our tax dollars to benefit seniors and have the most impact. DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter, who feels the feedback will be a blueprint for its projects in future years, urges every senior to make it a priority to take this survey.

Click here for info on how to participate.

Here's some food for thought...  In honor of National Nutrition Month, the registered dieticians at Westchester County’s Department of Senior and Services are presenting programs about healthy diets at senior centers and nutrition sites. Seniors will learn that a plate is “in shape” if half of it has fruits and dark green, yellow and orange vegetables; one-quarter, whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, pasta and brown rice and one-quarter, protein such as lean meat, poultry or fish. Experts says it’s also important to include low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.

A series of informative lunch programs are scheduled throughout the month at local senior centers. To view a schedule, click here. Reservations are required.  For more information, call 914-813-6432.

Should 91-year-old Betty continue to live alone? Are octogenarians Phil and Sue able to maintain their four-bedroom home that they raised their family in? How much longer can Isabel, who will turn 79 soon, keep climbing the stairs in her third-floor walk-up?

When it comes to answering such questions, there is a lot of gray area and the answers are not always clear cut. There is often an evolutionary process with many warning signs that indicate when an older adult’s safety might be compromised by living alone such as:

• Change in eating habits and weight loss as a result of skipping meals or not eating
• Change in mood, seeming depressed, irritable, excessively fearful or boisterous
• Increased isolation. No longer enjoying visits or other social outlets.
• Hygiene neglect resulting in bad breath or body odor
• Frequent bruising, burns or injuries, signaling increased falling, weakness or confusion
• Ignoring mail and newspapers, forgetting and missing appointments
• Inadequate or spoiled food in the house
• Misusing medication or abusing alcohol
• Decline in household upkeep and maintenance
• Mishandling finances: not paying bills, appropriating funds to questionable causes, spending beyond means or hoarding cash

 Challenging economic times require creative solutions. That’s why the Westchester Financial Alliance is offering this free event to help you navigate your financial future. Interested in planning your retirement, safeguarding your savings, elder care issues or learning about investment opportunities?  Hudson Valley’s leading experts and financial firms will present 18 different workshops to set you on the path to financial freedom. Keynote address will be given by Jean Chatzky, an award-winning journalist and best selling author, as well as the financial editor for NBC’s Today show. Space is limited! For more information and to register, click here

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) has received a Fall Prevention Grant from the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services funded by the United Health Group through AARP. Targeted to vulnerable seniors who need equipment that can help to prevent falls in their homes, the funding will provide an in-home assessment, the purchase of the equipment and installation. Criteria for potential applicants are based on the following:

• Income in the range of $21,660 and not to exceed $35,000
• A demonstrated need due to an unsteady gait
• Limited access to the purchase of the equipment
• Restricted mobility
• Previous falls
• Discharge from hospital

The primary focus of this grant will be to equip seniors with fall prevention items that can support their ability to remain in their homes and communities. Seniors will receive education about ways to prevent falls within their daily activities. Below are examples of equipment:

• Grab bars
• Railings installed in homes
• Installing a hand held shower head
• Toilet extension
• Long Handled Reachers
• Non Skid Treads and Color strips
• Bed railings

 Seniors who qualify for fall prevention equipment, can contact Marilyn Joyce at WJCS at 914-761-0600, Ext. 336.

--  Stay alert.  Use common sense.  Trust your instincts.

--  Avoid walking alone, particularly at night.

--  If you feel you are being followed, head to the nearest home or shop to ask for help.

--  Stay away from isolated areas such as parks, parking lots or shortcuts that might put you in danger.

-- Try not to carry a lot of packages that can make you look vulnerable.

--  Carry a whistle to use if you feel threatened.

--  Bring only what you need.  Keep you purse close to your body and your wallet in a front or inside pocket.

--  Avoid wearing items that call attention to yourself such as furs or expensive jewelry.

--  Report strangers who are loitering or people who ask you suspicious questions to police.

According to NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, IRS impersonation schemes flourish this time of year with college students and the elderly the primary targets. The AG's office reported that it logged multiple complaints about “spoofing” technology, used phishing phone calls. This creates a false caller ID, which a criminal could use to impersonate the IRS. To avoid falling victim to such schemes, here are some helpful tips.

Upcoming groups include:

--Wednesday, February 8 from 7:00-8:30 PM at  B'Nai Yisrael in Armonk

--Thursday, February 16 from 9:30 -10:30 AM at James Harmon Community Center in Hastings

--Wednesday, February 22 from 9:30-10:30 AM Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt Kisco

For more info, contact Jane Slevin, LMFT, at 761-0600 X143.

This free program is supported by a grant from UJA-Federation.

February is Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one person every minute will die from one. You may know that it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the US.  But, did you know that women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths? To bring greater awareness to women and heart disease, Friday, February 3 is National Wear Red Day.  To find out more, click here.

Locally, Westchesterites can learn how to keep their hearts in shape at a presentation on Friday, Feb. 3, at The Westchester Mall.  For details, click here.

To learn more about heart disease risk factors, keeping your heart healthy and warning signs of a heart attack, click here.

The Journal News reports that two Chappaqua seniors have reported telephone scammers to the local police. For details, click here. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous people who prey on the elderly in various ways.  In fact, a Met Life Mature Market Institute study on financial exploitation, conducted with the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, found that financial exploitation costs older Americans at least $2.6 billion each year.  Don’t let this happen to you or someone you love.  To learn how to recognize and avoid fraud, click here.

You or your family members may be eligible if you earned $57,000 or less in 2011. You don’t have to be a tax expert or a computer whiz to use Free File because the commercial software companies offer very user-friendly and secure online programs.  You’ll learn about important credits and deductions you might be eligible for, such as the earned income tax credit.

To be sure that you can Free File both your federal and State tax returns, you must access Free File on the New York State Tax Department Web site. Some people have accessed a Free File offer advertised on TV or on the IRS Web site and were surprised to find that, although their federal return is free, there’s a charge for the state tax return.

Use the NYS Free File wizard to see if you qualify and learn about each participating software company’s eligibility rules.

 The Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers Opens Wait List for HCV Program (Section 8)

 Beginning January 23 through January 30, preliminary applications will be accepted via telephone only at: 914-513-0164 (TTDY: 866-227-7126).  Telephone lines will be open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. No applications will be accepted after 10:00 PM on January 30, 2012.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or Residents with eligible immigration status and a total household income at or below 50% of median income ($53,950.00 for a family of 4).

Preference will be given to those who live or work in Yonkers; are veterans; are displaced; have a total household income at or below 30% of median income; are currently receiving no housing subsidy.

The Family Health Care Decisions Act, The Palliative Care Information Act & The Palliative Care Access Act: What Are They and How Do They Affect Clinical Practice?

We all know that the only way to make important decisions is to be well informed. To help you learn more about life-impacting decisions such as the Family Health Care Decisions Act, the Palliative Care Information Act & The Palliative Care Access Act there will be a workshop on Tuesday, January 31 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM at Gilda’s Club Westchester, 80 Maple Avenue, White Plains.  For details, click here.