GENESEE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING Batavia

2 Bank Street
Batavia, N.Y. 14020
Phone: 343-1611
Website:
www.co.genesee.ny.us
PAMELA WHITMORE
Director
Email: ofa@co.genesee.ny.us
“INFORMATION FOR
ADULTS 60 AND
OVER”
March/April 2007
From the Desk of Pam Whitmore, Director
Sharing Your Wishes is a grant funded project which Genesee County’s Long Term Care Task Force has
undertaken in our county during the past two years. The purpose of this initiative is to promote good advanced
care planning.
Advance care planning is defined as a process of communication to plan ahead and prepare for future needs and
medical care (before a crisis occurs). It encourages people to explore, clarify and document their goals, values
and preferences and to communicate these to their loved ones, spiritual advisors and physicians.
Advanced care planning encourages the completion of Health Care Proxy and Living Will forms, with a regular
system for updating these documents. It promotes open and ongoing communication about health care wishes
with your health care agent and medical professionals as your circumstances and needs may change.
In this edition of the Gene-Senior, you will find a Community Survey on Sharing Your Wishes which I encourage
you to complete and return to the Office for the Aging in the pre-paid envelope enclosed in this newsletter. Your
response will help us target our outreach and education efforts in the third year of this grant in ways that are
identified through the survey process. Thank you in advance for assisting us by completing this survey: It helps
us to serve you better.
GENESEE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING
Batavia - Genesee Senior Center
2 Bank St.
Batavia, New York 14020
PERMIT NO. 194
Batavia, N.Y. 14020
PAID
PRE-SORT STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
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 - $4.00
Gene-Senior
2
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
ADVISORY COUNCILS
Disabled American Veterans
Monday, March 5th & April 2nd................................ 7:00 p.m.
VAMC Recreation Hall
Office for the Aging
Thursday, March 1st & April 5th............................... 1:00 p.m.
Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc.
Thursday, March 15th & April 19th........................... 2:00 p.m.
R.S.V.P. Advisory
Monday, March 5th & April 2nd.............................. 12:30 p.m.
By: Barbara A. Matarazzo, Clerk/Typist
MEETINGS
Doehler-Jarvis
Monday, March 12th & April 9th............................. 12:00 p.m.
St. Nicholas Club, 245 South Swan Street
Graham Retirees
Wednesday, March 14th & April 11th..................... 12:00 p.m.
To Be Announced
I.A.R.P. Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 7th & April 4th........................... 1:00 p.m.
Senior Center
I.A.R.P. Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 14th & April 11th....................... 1:00 p.m.
Senior Center
N.A.R.F.E. Meeting
Tuesday, March 27th & April 24th............. 11:45 a.m. (Lunch)
Bohn’s ..................................................... 1:00 p.m. (Meeting)
For more information, call 343-2479 or 591-1044
Us Too Prostate Cancer Support Group (Batavia Chapter)
No Meeting in March, 2007
Monday, April 16th................................................... 7:00 p.m.
United Memorial Medical Center Board Room - North Street
TRIAD/SALT (Seniors & Law Officials Together)
Wednesday, March 7th & April 4th........................... 1:00 p.m.
Senior Center
BATAVIA - GENESEE SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES
By: Sue Thaine, Recreation Program Assistant
BLOOD PRESSURE MORNINGS
Senior Center - 2 Bank Street
Wednesday, March 14th & April 11th
.......................................................... 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Bethany - East Bethany Church
Wednesday, March 7th & April 4th
.......................................................... 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Corfu - Corfu Presbyterian Church
Thursday, March 1st & April 5th
.......................................................... 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Gillam Grant Community Center
Blood Pressure Screenings are held two (2) times during the
month. Call 494-1621 for dates.
.......................................................... 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Breakfast Meal Announcement
A
re you a morning person? Do you frequent
fast food restaurants for your early day
meal? We would like to invite you to the
Senior Center on the 3rd Tuesday of every
month to join us for a hot breakfast! The cost is only
the suggested contribution for our congregate meal
program…$2.50!! Our first breakfast will be served
on Tuesday April 17 at 9:30 AM. Please call the
Senior Center no later than the day before 9:00AM.
Linda Smith will take your reservation at 343 1611 ext
7019.
(Meet at the Senior Center)
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
Mondays.
Bridge .................................................................... 12:30 p.m.
Learn to Waltz ......................................................... 1:00 p.m.
Square Dancing ....................................................... 3:30 p.m.
Tuesdays
Bridge .................................................................... 11:30 a.m.
Cribbage.................................................................. 1:00 p.m.
Wednesdays
Quilters .................................................................... 9:00 a.m.
Knit & Crochet ....................................................... 12:30 p.m.
Euchre ..................................................................... 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays
Bone Power ........................................................... 10:00 a.m.
Bridge ...................................................................... 1:00 p.m.
Cribbage.................................................................. 1:00 p.m.
Fridays
Line Dancing............................................................ 9:30 a.m.
Art Class................................................................ 10:00 a.m.
Keyboard Music Lessons......................................... 1:00 p.m.
Card Group.............................................................. 1:00 p.m.
Open Pool Table...................................................... 2:00 p.m.
OTHER PROGRAM OFFERINGS:
2ndTuesdays
Adult Diabetes Support Group
VA Medical Center - Ambulatory Care Area
For Information call Michele Gaylord, CDE at 297-1000,
ext. 72555. This is Open to the Public..................... 6:30 p.m.
3rd Tuesdays
Caregivers Support Group
Sponsored by LeRoy Christian Community Project
For Information Call 768-7540
Garden View - 124 East Main Street,
LeRoy, NY ............................................................... 7:00 p.m.
1st Wednesdays
Crafters........................................................................... 1:30 p.m.
3rd Wednesdays
Alzheimer's/Dementia Related Disease Support Group
Genesee County Nursing Home
1st Floor Community Room
278 Bank Street, Batavia
For Information Call Peggy Young at 343-1611….…7:00 p.m.
Insurance Counseling
Insurance Counseling Offered on an Appointment Basis
ONLY. Call 343-1611
I
Mission Statement:
Genesee County Office for the Aging
t is the goal of the Genesee County Office for the
Aging to enhance, support, and maximize the
capabilities of Genesee County residents 60
years of age and older and their caregivers. We
aim to improve their quality of life by promoting their
independence and self-sufficiency.
Gene-Senior
3
You Can Control Your Future and Protect Your Assets.
Join us in an informal “Nothing-to-Sell” Meeting every
3rd Thursday of every month at the Office for the Aging
from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm to get your questions answered
about Long-Term Care Insurance.
Cancer screenings save lives!
Are you…
Become an informed consumer and get the unbiased
information you need from the people you know.
Genesee County Office for the Aging
585-343-1611
www.planahead.ny.com
Without health insurance?
18 years or older?
Receive a FREE $10.00 gift certificate
To Wal-Mart or Martins
When you complete your cancer screening
by 2/28/07.
Cancer screenings available for uninsured or under
insured:
Cribbage Results
December, 2006
Free mammogram for woman 40 years and older
Free breast exam, pap smear for woman 18 years and
older
Free colon screening for men and women 50 years and
older
Call
344-5497
Healthy Living Partnership
For confidential information
1st Place - Ken Dehm
2nd Place - Joe Guppenberger
3rd Place - Glen Scott
4th Place - Elinor Rice
January, 2007
1st Place - Marv Krauss
2nd Place - Joe Guppenberger
3rd Place - Jane Laesser
4th Place - Eleanor Johnson
NEWSLETTER SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION
Are you uninsured?
We can help!
FREE Mammogram
FREE Pap Tests
FREE Colorectal Kits
O
By: Pamela Whitmore, Director
ur suggested annual contribution for this “GeneSenior” newsletter is $4.00. It is costly to mail
the newsletter and your contribution will help to
ensure that we will be able to provide the
information included in a timely and cost effective manner.
This is only a suggested contribution amount. We
appreciate any donation that you can make.
We provide FREE cancer screening for breast, cervical
and colorectal cancer. If caught early, many cancers can
be prevented or stopped!
Please return the form provided below with your
contribution to: Office for the Aging, 2 Bank Street, Batavia,
The life you save may be your own!
Newsletter Contribution
For confidential information and eligibility call:
Healthy Living Partnership 344-5497
Name ______________________________________
Address ____________________________________
___________________________________________
Telephone # ________________________________
Amount of Contribution $ ______________________
Gene-Senior
4
Website Address for the Genesee County
Office for the Aging
“Gene-Senior” Newsletter is collated by RSVP Volunteers
www.co.genesee.ny.us
Dementia?/Alzheimer’s?
Office for the Aging Contributions made in Memory of:
Fred Reiss by Laura Eggers
Fred Reiss by Deborah Reiss
Fred Reiss by Martha Vollenweider
Ken Lewis by Living Well with Cancer Support Group
Ken Lewis by Kathy Klippel
Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc. Donations:
William Perkins
Anonymous
Herb Galliford
Shirley Wortzman
Betty & Richard Schauf
Lee Allyn
Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc. Contributions made in
Memory of:
Judy McPhail by Florence Bernard
Computer Training
Are you looking for advanced
training?
Beginner or Intermediate training?
Let us know your interest.
Do you feel like you need help putting the pieces
of your life back together?
Do you have questions and thoughts you would like to
bounce off others that are in
the same boat as you?
Please join us!
No reservations necessary!
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month at the
Genesee County Nursing Home – 7:00pm-8:30pm
Be a part of a supporting group of people that are
Caregivers to loved ones with Dementia/Alzheimer’s
*For more information, contact the Genesee County
Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611*
Please call us at 343-1611 or see Barbara or Sue at
the Front Desk.
Classes will be held at the Batavia BOCES/Batavia
High hopefully in the spring and in conjunction with
our RSVP Program.
THANK YOU & WELCOME SPRING!
RSVP of Genesee County
Submitted by: Dorian Ely, RSVP Coordinator
SOCIAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
Submitted by: Wendy Fustino, Transportation
Coordinator
T
his program is made possible by a grant from the
Genesee Senior Foundation with funds from the
Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Muriel H.
Marshall Fund for the Aging.
Groups in size from 4 to 44 people can receive free
transportation by school bus to concerts, museums, plays,
restaurants, gardens, etc. within a 120 mile distance, one
way. Trips can be up to 10 hours in duration. The group
leader is responsible for any tickets, reservations, etc. that
may be required. Groups choosing to contract with a limo
or motor coach bus can receive a pro-rated amount
towards their transportation cost. Reservations for a bus
need to be made three weeks in advance.
This is a wonderful way to enjoy a day out, without worrying
about parking, tolls, or even driving; just sit back and enjoy
the view!
For more information, please call Wendy Fustino,
Transportation Coordinator, at 343-1611.
T
hank you to the tax volunteers who are just
wrapping up another season! By the time they
are done, they will have helped over 500
individuals complete over 1,000 tax returns.
Great job! Thank you!
Spring will be here soon and with it come many ways to
help others in our community. With the nicer weather
people will be going to local parks. What a great
volunteer assignment – patrolling park trails or leading
groups on nature hikes. There are dogs that need to be
walked at the Animal Shelter, yard work to be done at
Crossroads House and the Holland Land Office Museum.
Or, you could roll down your car windows, let the fresh air
roll in, and deliver a meal to a homebound individual or
drive someone to a doctor’s appointment. Perhaps you’d
enjoy helping with the seasonal change-over at one of the
thrift stores. There is so much that needs to be done,
please consider helping. For these and other volunteer
opportunities call RSVP at 343-1611.
Gene-Senior
5
Sharing Your Wishes, Planning Ahead & Aging Well
Community Survey
Please check the following statements that are most true for you:
(1) Have you seen or heard any information about the Sharing Your Wishes Campaign?
Yes
No
N/A
(2) Have your health care wishes changed as a result of information you received from
Sharing Your Wishes?
Yes
No
N/A
(3) I know where to go for information about health care and in-home care services
available for seniors in Genesee County.
Yes
No
Unsure
(4) I am familiar with the health care and in-home care services available for seniors in
Genesee County.
Yes
No
Unsure
(5) I have started planning for the last few years of my life (advance care planning).
Yes
No
Unsure
(6) During the last few years of my life the following are important to me:
Having support of family and friends
Yes
No
Having spiritual support
Yes
No
Deciding where I will receive care needed
Yes
No
Having peace of mind
Yes
No
Having pain control/comfort
Yes
No
Having realistic answers from my Physician
Yes
No
Not being a burden to loved ones
Yes
No
Outside help for family and friends
Yes
No
Unsure
Unsure
Unsure
Unsure
Unsure
Unsure
Unsure
Unsure
(7) A health care agent is someone you appoint to make health-related decisions in the
event you can no longer speak for yourself. By completing a Health Care Proxy form,
you can appoint your agent.
I have already completed my Health Care Proxy form
I understand the need to complete a Health Care Proxy form, but have not started
I do not need or want to complete a Health Care Proxy form
(8) A “Living Will” is written instructions explaining your health care wishes for lifesustaining treatment. (example: breathing machine, feeding tubes)
I have already completed my Living Will
I understand the need to complete a Living Will, but have not started
I do not need or want to complete a Living Will
(9) I have not completed a Health Care Proxy form or Living Will because:
Check all that apply:
I do not understand the reason to complete the forms
I do not know how to complete the forms
I do not know where to get the forms
I do not feel it is important to complete the forms
Other, please explain _________________________________________
Gene-Senior
6
(10) If you have completed your Health Care Proxy form or Living Will, have you updated
them periodically when there has been a change in your wishes or health care
condition?
Yes
No
N/A
(11) My primary motivations for completing the Health Care Proxy form and/or Living
Will are (check all that apply):
My age
My health
Admission to a hospital or nursing home
My family/loved ones encouraged me
I wanted to be sure my wishes were known
Other (Please Explain)
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(12) I have had thorough discussions with the following people about my concerns and
wishes regarding the last few years of my life, including health care decisions
expressed in my Health Care Proxy and Living Will:
(a)
Family/Loved Ones
Yes
No*
(b)
Physician
Yes
No*
(c)
Spiritual Advisor
Yes
No*
(d)
Health Care Agent
Yes
No*
(e)
Friend
Yes
No*
(f )
No one
Yes
No*
*If you have selected “No”, please explain:______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Please check one of the following:
‫ٱ‬
Under Age 60
Age 60 - 74
Age 75 - 84
Age 85 and Over
OPTIONAL:
I would like to receive more information about the following:
Services available for seniors in Genesee County
Health care decision forms (health care proxy, living will)
Name __________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________
Phone # ________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your time. Together we can make a difference in our community
This project is made possible by a grant from the Community Health Foundation of Western
and Central New York. The Community Health Foundation is a non-profit private
foundation whose mission is to improve the health and health care of the people of Western
and Central New York.
Please Return This Completed Survey Form in Pre-Paid Envelope Provided
Or Return To:
Genesee County Office for the Aging
2 Bank Street
Batavia, New York 14020
Gene-Senior
7
To make a reservation for any of our activities, please call the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 343-1611.
PLEASE POST FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Make/Cancel Reservations: Suggested Contribution $2.50
Batavia: Mon., Wed., & Fri. - 343-1611
Bethany: Wed. Corfu: Thursday - 599-3248
Havenwood: Monday-Friday - 344-1260
LeRoy: Garden View - 768-6039
March, 2007
March 1st - Savory Meatballs/Gravy
March 2nd - Cheese Stuffed Shells/Sauce
March 5th - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
March 6th - Roasted Chicken Leg
March 7th - Italian Sausage/Peppers & Onions
March 8th - Oven Roasted Turkey Au Jus
March 9th - Tuna Noodle Casserole
March 12th - Chicken Tenders/Gravy
March 13th - Beef Stew/Biscuit
March 14th - Savory Turkey Chili
March 15th - Pot Roast Au Jus
March 16th - Vegetable Lasagna
March 19th - Low Sodium Hot Dog/Bun
March 20th - Chicken Cordon Bleu
March 21st - Baked Low Salt Ham
March 22nd - Roast Beef Sandwich
March 23rd - Egg Omelet/Cheese
March 26th - Roasted Loin of Pork
March 27th - Salisbury Steak
March 28th - Seasoned Chicken Breast
March 29th - Low Fat Polish Sausage
March 30th - Macaroni & Cheese
April, 2007
April 2nd - Cheese Stuffed Shells/Sauce
April 3rd - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
April 4th - Roasted Chicken Leg
April 5th - Italian Sausage/Peppers & Onions
April 6th - Baked Breaded Fish
April 9th - Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
April 10th - Roasted Boneless Chicken Breast
April 11th - Beef Stew/Biscuit
April 12th - Savory Turkey Chili
April 13th - Pot Roast Au Jus
April 16th - Vegetable Lasagna/Cream Sauce
April 17th - Low Sodium Hot Dog/Bun
April 18th - Chicken Cordon Bleu
April 19th - Baked Low Salt Ham
April 20th - Broccoli/Cheese Quiche/Cheese Sauce
April 23rd - Cube Steak/Mushroom Gravy
April 24th - Roasted Loin of Pork/Au Jus
April 25th - Salisbury Steak/Mushroom Gravy
April 26th - Manicotti/Sauce/Grated Cheese
April 27th - Low Fat Polish Sausage
April 30th - Turkey Burger/Bun
UPCOMING EVENTS
March, 2007
Friday, March 16th - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
“Blarney!” It is our Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
Wear your Green and enjoy a delicious vegetable lasagna
dinner. We will be dazzled with Irish Tunes during our
“Sing A Long” led by entertainer, Chuck Buscemi on
accordion, keyboard, and banjo.
Wednesday, March 21st - Bingo
Gather your good luck charms and bring them with you and
make a wish that you have the chance to yell out those
famous words - BINGO! Bingo will be played following our
noontime luncheon. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Friday, March 23rd - Make Your Own Sundaes
Celebrate Spring by Making Your Own Ice Cream Sundae
following our noontime meal. It will make the winter blues
go away.
Friday, March 30th - March Birthdays
On this day you will want to come on over for lunch and
then celebrate the birthdays of our friends born in the
month of March.
April, 2007
Wednesday, April 4th - Easter Celebration
A luncheon is being planned featuring roasted chicken leg
and baked potato as we celebrate at our annual Easter
Celebration. Entertainment will be provided by Art
Leeming’s “Two Tymers”.
Wednesday, April 18th - Bingo
“Bingo” is the game and you will want to be part of this
monthly chance to win a prize following our noontime
luncheon.
Saturday, April 21st - Shea’s Theater - Riverdance
A Modified Coach is scheduled to pick you up at the
Senior Center at 10:30 am. Our first stop will be at the
Blackthorn Restaurant and Pub for a family style luncheon
where you will be served a garden salad, baked chicken,
roast pork, oven roasted red skin potatoes, green beans
almandine, bread, coffee, tea, and dessert (Sundaes!).
Afterwards you will be taken to Shea’s Theatre for the
award winning show, “Riverdance”, that is a celebration of
Irish music, song, and dance. The cost of this trip is $71.00
that will need to be paid at the time of signing up. Walking
Alert: M
Friday, April 27th - April Birthdays
Following our usual Friday luncheon, you will want to be
part of the group singing “Happy Birthday” to our friends
born in the month of April.
New Trip Reservation Policy
When you make your reservation for a trip through the
Genesee County Office for the Aging, it is necessary to
make payment at the same time in order to be placed on
our trip list. No names will be placed on our trip list until
full payment is received.
Gene-Senior
8
GENESEE CAREGIVER
Coping With Hearing and Speech Problems
Submitted by: Carol Taddei, Services Coordinator
D
id you know that almost 42
million Americans suffer
from a communication
disorder - a problem with
their speech, voice, language, or
hearing? That number includes
people in all stages of life, but those
most likely to be affected are the most vulnerable in our
society: older adults and the very young. May is Better
Hearing and Speech Month, and NIH’s National Institute on
Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
wants you to know that you can do something about
communication disorders.
Each year, approximately 2 or 3 out of every 1000 babies
born in the U.S. have a detectable hearing loss, a problem
that can affect their speech, language, social, and
intellectual development. Hearing loss increases with age,
too; almost half of those 75 years old or older have hearing
loss.
Early detection of hearing loss in newborns is especially
critical. Results from NIDCD-funded research show that if
children with hearing loss are identified by 6 months of age
and receive help early, they can make bigger strides in
developing language skills than children whose hearing
loss is identified later.
Treatment for hearing loss may include hearing aids or
cochlear implants. Adults and children who are deaf and
hard-of-hearing can also learn to communicate using
American Sign Language or cued speech, a system that
uses hand shapes along with natural mouth movements to
represent speech sounds.
If you think you are losing your hearing, see an audiologist,
a professional who can measure your hearing, or an
otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes of the ear, nose,
and throat, to have your hearing checked.
People can also have difficulty speaking, problems with
their voice or trouble understanding and using language.
One language disorder called aphasia is often the result of
a stroke that damages portions of the brain. Speech and
language disorders such as this can make it difficult to
succeed in school or work, and can cause social problems
as well.
The good news is that most people with speech and
language problems can be helped. A speech-language
pathologist is a health professional trained to evaluate and
treat people with voice, speech, and language disorders. A
speech-language pathologist can help you improve or
regain your capacity to speak and understand language.
Even if the problem can’t be eliminated, people with
language and speech problems can learn communication
strategies that help them cope better and achieve a better
quality of life.
Noise Pollution
A Different Environmental Problem
Submitted by: Carol Taddei, Services Coordinator
Y
our mother was right when she told you to turn
down the volume. Too much noise not only
pollutes the environment; it can permanently
damage your hearing.
Some 22 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 69
have already permanently damaged their hearing by
exposure to loud sounds. And research is finding that an
ever-increasing number of young people have the hearing
loss typically found in older adults.
It’s easier than you think to permanently damage your
hearing. The blast of a firecracker at close range can do it
in an instant. Repeated exposures to loud engines like
motorcycles or long hours spent listening to loud MP3 and
other portable music players can erode hearing more
slowly.
If you’re a construction worker, farmer, factory worker, or
airline employee, harmful sounds may be a regular part of
your job. Harmful noises at home include vacuum
cleaners, gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and
shop tools. Noisy recreational activities include target
shooting and hunting, snowmobiling, riding go-carts,
woodworking, and other noisy hobbies. Even some
children’s toys produce sounds in the danger zone.
How loud is too loud? Prolonged exposure to sounds
louder than 85 decibels (dB) can cause gradual hearing
loss. A normal conversation is about 60 dB. Many
personal stereo systems at maximum level are over 100
dB. Rock concerts and firecrackers can be 140 dB and
higher.
Noise-induced hearing loss usually happens slowly, with no
pain. Right after exposure to noise, you may notice some
“ringing” in your ears. You might have trouble hearing
people talk. After several hours or even a few days, these
symptoms may go away. However, when you are exposed
to loud noise repeatedly, you could have hearing loss that
lasts forever.
Exposure to loud sounds can damage or destroy the inner
ear’s sensory hair cells. Once damaged, the hair cells
don’t grow back. Scientists once believed that loud noises
damage the hair cells by the pure force of the loud sound
vibrations. Recent studies, however, have found that
exposure to noise triggers the formation of molecules called
free radicals that are known to kill off hair cells.
Article Continues on Page #9
Gene-Senior
9
Noise Pollution Article Continued from Page #8
Caregiver Alert: Protecting Your Loved One
From Fraud
Scientists supported by NIH’s National Institute on
Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
have shown that antioxidants such as aspirin and vitamin
E, which can protect against damage caused by free
radicals, can reduce hearing loss in guinea pigs when given
as much as three days after noise exposure. Future
studies will explore if this strategy works in humans.
Seniors compromise 75 percent of fraud victims, according
to estimates by The National Center on Elder Abuse, so
caregivers need to be aware that their elderly loved one
may become a victim of fraud.
One day, gene transfer may be used to help restore lost
hearing. NIDCD-supported researchers transferred a gene
involved in the regrowth of hair cells into deaf guinea pigs,
and restored hearing. This type of therapy, however, is still
a long way from human use.
Studies show that No. 1 target of con artists
are widows in their 70s living alone. But
anyone can become a victim of fraud.
Today’s con artists are sophisticated and slick
and scam Americans out of about $40 billion dollars a year.
To protect your hearing, practice good hearing health in
your everyday life. Turn down the volume on all household
noise sources and wear hearing protection when you mow
the lawn, vacuum, blow dry your hair, or operate power
tools. Encourage children to wear hearing protection in
noisy environments and take the time to show them how to
prevent hearing damage from MP3 and other portable
music players. Make hearing health a part of your lifestyle.
More than ever, consumers need to protect themselves
from fraud. The hard fact is that even if the con artist is
caught, the money they scammed may never be recovered.
Wise Choices - Protect Your Hearing!
Know which noises can cause hearing damage.
Wear earplugs, earmuffs, or protective devices when
involved in a loud activity.
Teach your children to lower the volume on their
portable music players and to limit listening time.
Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment.
Protect children who are too young to protect
themselves.
Tell family, friends, and colleagues about the hazards
of noise.
If you think you have a hearing loss, see your doctor.
Reprinted/Permission by NIH News In Health
BECOME AN OMBUDSMAN VOLUNTEER!
LIFESPAN IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS, 21 YEARS
OF AGE OR OLDER, TO ACT AS ADVOCATES FOR
RESIDENTS OF NURSING AND ADULT HOMES IN
GENESEE COUNTY. OMBUDSMEN ADVOCATE FOR
RESIDENTS BY LISTENING TO THEIR NEEDS,
HELPING THEM RESOLVE THEIR
PROBLEMS, AND PROTECTING
THEIR RIGHTS.
THE NEXT OMBUDSMAN
CERTIFICATION TRAINING WILL BE
HELD THIS MAY. CALL 585-244-8400
EXT. 178 OR 1-800-454-5030 FOR
MORE INFORMATION.
THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR
INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERS!
Submitted by: Carol Taddei, Services Coordinator
We have heard a lot about identity theft, but caregivers
need to warn their elderly loved ones about other scams.
As more seniors invest in their later years, they have
become prime targets for investment fraud. Many seniors
rely on investments to provide up to 25 percent of their
retirement income. Seniors are especially at risk when they
lose money because, unlike younger people with jobs who
can replace lost funds, seniors have no way to recoup their
losses.
Prevention is Key
Prevention is the key to keeping our loved ones safe from
fraud. Here are some ways caregivers can help:
Talk to your loved one about finances.
Make sure they read and understand completely any
documents before signing. Tell them you can look over
documents and ask questions for them if they want.
Make sure they understand the risk involved in any
investments. Many seniors don’t know they could lose
all their money in an investment, not just the interest.
Have them direct-deposit any checks they receive
regularly, and have them store valuables in a bank
safety deposit box.
Have them consult a lawyer before deeding or willing
their house or other assets.
Help them get their credit report and check for any
discrepancies.
Another way to help your loved one is to role-play how to
respond to con artist, who are good actors who use a
“script” when approaching a possible victim. They want to
keep the potential victim on the phone for as long as
possible to establish a friendly relationship and can get
their victim’s personal information. By preparing your care
receiver with possible scenarios and responses, you help
them feel at ease with a scam and help prevent them from
being a victim.
Most criminals take the path of least resistance. If a senior
appears resistant, they usually move on. Savvy seniors
can use “scripts” too. Practice with your loved one on how
to react.
Article Continued on Page #10
Gene-Senior
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Caregiver Alert: Protecting Your Loved One From Fraud Article Continued From Page #9
SCAMMING SENIORS
Caregivers and seniors should be aware of scams and deceitful techniques employed by con artists. Here are some
popular scams and advice on foiling con artists:
The “Sweepstakes Scam”. Either by letter or phone, a potential victim is told they have won money but first must
send money to receive it. They are told they have to pay a fee, taxes, or even make a charitable contribution to get
it. When the senior sends in the money, they do not receive the money or items they “won”.
Con artists have been known to slip quit-claim deeds into other paperwork and steal a senior’s house right from
under them. Read everything and know what you are signing!
Con artists play on seniors’ fears, knowing they worry about outliving their savings. They promise large returns on
investments that never materialize.
Con artists appear very helpful. They will urge you to leave everything in their hands; they will take care of
everything. In fact, they are “helping” themselves to your hard-earned money.
They frequently try to pressure you into a decision by saying, “This is a one-time offer that must be acted on
immediately”. Don’t fall for it.
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Deal with reputable and established brokers.
Be suspicious if an investment has “no risk”. Most investments carry risk and you should seek all the information you
need to determine if the investment is worth the risk.
Be extremely careful on the Internet. Don’t give out personal information. Be careful that the Web site you are on is
actually legitimate and not just a site to get your personal information.
Reprinted/Permission by Westchester Generations
Online Calendar A Handy Reminder About Social Security “Payday”
M
Submitted by: Carol Taddei, Services Coordinator
any people’s lives are hectic and are run by the calendar - even when they are retired.
It can be surprisingly easy to forget exactly which day of the month you get your
Social Security benefit payment. At one time, it was simpler, since all Social Security
payments went out on the 3rd of each month. But since 1997, new beneficiaries get
their payments on different dates.
If you are someone who doesn’t get your payment on the 3rd of the month and if you’re not familiar
with the Social Security “payday” schedule, the following should help.
Generally, the day that you receive your benefit depends on the birth date of the person on whose work record you
receive benefits. For example, if you receive benefits as a retired or disabled worker, your benefit will be determined by
your birth date. As a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by his or her birth date.
Here’s how it works:
Birth Date On
Benefits Paid
1st - 10th
2nd Wednesday
11th - 20th
3rd Wednesday
21st - 31st
4th Wednesday
For example, if your date of birth is June 16th, your monthly retirement check will be paid on the third Wednesday of
every month. Of course, that Wednesday date could be the 18th of this month, but the 15th of November and the 20th of
December.
For that reason, you may want to take advantage of a really handy and convenient calendar showing Social Security
payment dates at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/2007calendar.htm.
If you happen to retire abroad or receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments, you will
receive your Social Security payments on the 3rd of each month.
Reprinted/Permission by Senior Times