Senior Life
January 2015
Features Include:
• Buck Funeral Home:
Serving North Country
• Lawrence Funeral Home:
Offers Personal Service
• Stretch Retirement Savings
• Facts About Glaucoma
• Exercise Tips For Seniors
• Reduce Risk For Heart Disease
• Maintain Mental Acuity
• Avoid Scams!
• Hospise Care/Comfort
• Avoid Elder Financial Fraud
• Winter Weather Dangers
And More
Presented by Northern New York Newspapers
• Ogdensburg Journal • Daily Courier-Observer • St. Lawrence Plaindealer
View online at: www.ogd.com • www.mpcourier.com
Page 2 - Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
Stretch Retirement Savings
Many budding retirees plan to travel, relax and enjoy the company of their spouses
when they officially stop working. But such
plans only are possible if men and women
take steps to secure their financial futures
in retirement.
According to a recent survey by the personal finance education site MoneyTips.
com, roughly one-third of Baby Boomers
have no retirement plan. The reason some
may have no plan is they have misconceptions about how much money they will
need in retirement. Successful retirees understand the steps to take and how to live
on a budget.
• Have a plan. Many people simply fail to
plan for retirement. Even men and women
who invest in an employer-sponsored retirement program, such as a 401(k), should
not make that the only retirement planning
they do. Speak with a financial advisor who
can help you develop a plan that ensures
you don’t outlive your assets.
• Set reasonable goals. Retirement nest
eggs do not need to be enormous. Many retirees have a net worth of less than $1 million, and many people live comfortably on
less than $100,000 annually. When planning
for retirement, don’t be dissuaded because
you won’t be buying a vineyard or villa in
Europe. Set reasonable goals for your retirement and make sure you meet those goals.
• Recognize there is no magic wealthbuilding plan. Saving comes down to formulating a plan specific to your goals, resources, abilities, and skills. Make saving a
priority and take advantage of employersponsored retirement programs if they are
offered.
• Don’t underestimate spending. You
will need money in retirement, and it’s
best that you don’t underestimate just
how much you’re going to need. No one
wants to be stuck at home during retirement, when people typically want to
enjoy themselves and the freedom that
comes with retirement. Speak to a financial planner to develop a reasonable estimate of your living expenses when you
plan to retire.
• Pay down or avoid debt while you
can. Retiring with debt is a big risk. Try
to eliminate all of your debts before you
retire and, once you have, focus your energy on growing your investments and/
or saving money for retirement.
• Start early on retirement saving. It’s
never too early to begin saving for retirement. Although few twenty-somethings
are thinking about retirement, the earlier
you begin to invest the more time you
have to grow your money. Enroll in a retirement plan now so you have a larger
nest egg when you reach retirement age.
Midtown
Apartments
January, 2015
The TRUTH about funeral costs
Price is important.......and so is service, options,
personalization displays, flexibility, compassion,
professionalism, and the appearance
of your loved one.
• 100% Service Guarantee
• Veterans Benefits
• Personalized Memorial Packages
• Life Remembered Books
• Videos (with additional copies for family members)
• Online Written and Audio Condolences
• Grief Support Services
• Bereavement Travel Service (a free service that arranges for
airline, rental cars and hotel accommodations, for family
members needing to travel for services)
• 24 Grief Support Services
• Keepsake Items
• Catered Funeral Receptions
• Monument Sales and Service
• Transportation Services
• Payment Options for Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans
We proudly continue to offer our
Cost Matching Assurance and Guarantee
for At-Need and Pre-Arranged Funeral Services
planned with other funeral providers.
Munson St.
Recently Renovated Highrise
Downtown Potsdam, NY
HUD Subsidized
Single Bedroom Apartments
For Senior Citizens and
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For Information Write or Call:
Village of
Potsdam Housing Authority
100 Racquette Rd., Potsdam, NY 13676
265-3680
HEARING IMPAIRED TDD RELAY
PHONE 1-800-662-1220
528 Franklin St., Ogdensburg, NY 13669
315-393-4870
Patti Murray,
Licensed Funeral Director & Manager
Serving the community for the past 17 years
We are not just talking about the “Difference in Funeral Homes”
We are showing the families we serve the difference
Fox & Murray Funeral Home & Cremation Services
315-393-4870
Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
January, 2015 - Page 3
Getting The Facts About Glaucoma
As people age, many expect their health to begin to deteriorate at least a little bit.
While science has made many advancements and people are now living longer and
healthier lives, there are still some signs people recognize as signs of aging. And these
signs can begin as early as a person’s 20s, growing more noticeable as time goes on.
One side effect many inappropriately associate strictly with aging is glaucoma.
Though commonly considered a disease of the elderly, glaucoma is not strictly limited
to baby boomers and seniors citizens. While the Glaucoma Research Foundation
notes that the elderly are at a higher risk for glaucoma, they are also quick to point
Making Friends After Retirement
When you’re younger, it seems you can’t wait until retirement. After all, who wants
to deal with going to work every day and coping with coworkers and a boss? However,
many people overlook the opportunities for socialization that working provides. You
get out of the house and see people -- apart from your family -- with whom you can
converse. Many retirees find that life can be a bit boring after the job ends, primarily
because they don’t have access to the same level of socialization as they once did.
Making friends can keep you active and healthy. If you’re a bit rusty in the friendmaking department, it’s pretty much how it was when you were younger. You simply
must find individuals who have similar interests and goals.
* Volunteer in your community and you’re bound to find potential friends who are
like-minded.
* Take classes at a college or university. Many offer free or discounted rates for seniors.
This is a great way to meet people of all ages and walks of life.
* Attend clubs at senior centers or houses of worship. It’s likely that there are plenty of
other people looking for relationships.
* Think about your interests. If you like fishing, sewing or boating, join a club that
caters to those interests. Others who share your hobbies will be there.
* If you’re new to an area, host an open-house party and invite neighbors in for introductions and some socialization.
Your Health
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out that 1 out of every 10,000 babies born in the United States is born with glaucoma,
illustrating the broad expanse of this potentially harmful disease.
With that in mind, consider the following quick facts about glaucoma:
* Roughly half of the 4 million Americans who have glaucoma are unaware they
have it.
* Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. It’s important to get routine eye
examinations, as even those who do and receive adequate treatment for glaucoma will
not necessarily avoid blindness. In fact, roughly 10 percent of people with glaucoma
who receive proper treatment
still experience loss of vision. For
those who never get treatment,
the likelihood of blindness is even
greater.
* There are not necessarily
symptoms of glaucoma. The
importance of eye examinations
is further emphasized by the very
real likelihood there will be no
discernible symptoms of glaucoma,
as doctors often diagnose the
disease before patients know they
even have a vision problem. When
vision loss begins, it does so with
diminished peripheral vision. Many
people subconsciously compensate
by turning their head to the side.
* According to the Glaucoma
Research
Foundation,
AfricanAmericans are particularly susceptible
to glaucoma at a young age.
Page 4 - Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
January, 2015
Exercise Tips For Seniors Starting Anew
Babies today have it better than those that
came before them. That’s because, according
to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, a
baby born today has a lot more life to look
forward to than one born 50 years ago. A
child born today can expect to be around for
the next 78 years, whereas one born half a
century ago had a projected life span of nine
fewer years.
While some might suggest this longer life
expectancy is a product of people taking
better care of themselves, others might say
it’s due in large part to advances in medicine.
Whatever the reason, it’s obvious more
and more seniors are living longer lives, and
many are hoping to add even more miles
to their odometers. One way to do just that
is through exercise. But for seniors who
haven’t hit the gym in a while, starting an
exercise regimen can be an intimidating, if
not confusing, experience. Seniors looking
to make exercise a regular part of their lives
should consider the following tips along the
way.
* Seek medical advice: The first thing you
should do, even before lacing up your first
sneaker, is visit a doctor. Each individual
is different, and a doctor will let you know
what you, personally, should and should
not be doing as you begin a new exercise
regimen. In addition, a checkup could reveal
problems you might not be aware of.
* Recognize limitations: If you have not
lifted a weight or run a step in 20 years,
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you’re not going to be able to simply pick up
where you left off. Recognizing your physical limitations is paramount to the success
of your new program. For seniors, the point
of exercise is not to become a pinup guy or
girl, but to get healthy or maintain existing
health. Set realistic goals and acknowledge
what you can and cannot do.
* Choose an enjoyable program: Choose
an exercise program you know you will enjoy. An enjoyable program will encourage
participation and increase the likelihood
that you’ll stick with it. Whether it’s a daily
walk with friends or a structured workout
at the local gym with a trainer, the program
you choose should be one you look forward
to, and not one you see as a necessary evil.
* Take it easy: Whenever a new program is
started, be it by a teenager, professional athlete or senior citizen, the temptation to overdo it is omnipresent. However, flying out
of the gates is a great way to get hurt, particularly if you do not yet know your physical limitations. Take it slow as you begin a
workout, and make a daily journal of what
you do at the beginning. That way, should
you encounter any aches or pains, you can
always look at the journal or share it with
your physician or trainer to determine what
might be the root of the problem. As you
grow accustomed to physical activity, you
can then make adjustments to your routine
accordingly.
* Do your homework on facilities: You
may, especially if you are retired, prefer to
workout during the mid-morning hours
when kids are in school and working professionals are at the office. That can make
choosing a gym easier for you than it is for
students or professionals.
However, when looking for the right facility, do your homework and find a gym
that has all that you want. Some gyms, for
example, heavily emphasize weight training,
and don’t offer other amenities such as racquetball courts or a swimming pool. Find a
gym that best fits your needs. Many gyms
offer free passes for up to a week so prospective customers can get a better grasp of what
the gym has to offer. Take advantage of this
common practice when choosing a facility.
* Make stretching a regular part of your regimen: Young or old, stretching is an integral
part of any successful workout routine. For
seniors, however, stretching becomes especially important, as you are more susceptible
to injury than you were in your more youthful days. Stretching helps prevent muscle
pulls and other injuries, and should be done
both before and after a workout.
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
STARTS HERE.
"A Great Place To Live"
Resident Leona Wendel (left) with
Physical Therapy staff member
Allison Sharpe
If you are 62, have a handicap or are disabled
• Natural Gas Heat & Hot Water Included
• Small Pets Allowed
• Vegetable & Flower Gardening Available
Rent is 30% of Adjusted Income & Includes
Heat, Hot Water & Trash (to qualified applicants)
Qualified applicants must be 62, handicapped or disabled
Call
265-5550 or Pick Up Applications at
3 Debra Drive • Potsdam
Professionally Managed by Renewal Housing Corp.
Resident Betty Goodrow (left)
with Physical Therapy staff member,
Chelcey McDonald
Twenty-Four Hour Skilled Nursing Care
Physical Rehabilitation Therapies
Highland Nursing Home
Serving the Community For Over 50 Years
182 Highland Rd. Massena • Ph: 769-9956 Fx: 769-9955
Email: [email protected]
Using a team approach to enrich lives through quality care. Stop for a
tour of our facility. Contact our Social Workers for more information
The Highland Nursing Home does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, national origin or handicap, sex or age.
Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
January, 2015 - Page 5
Reducing Risk For Heart Disease
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate, affecting
men and women regardless of their age
or where they live. In the United States,
cardiovascular disease is the number one
cause of death, according to the American
Heart Association. North of the border, one
Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke
every 7 minutes. So says the Heart & Stroke
Foundation of Canada, a charity that annually
spends millions of dollars researching heart
disease and promoting healthier lifestyles.
For most men and women, the prevalence
of heart disease is no great surprise. Nearly
every adult can point to a loved one who
has dealt with heart disease. Many men and
women can even point to a friend or family
member who lost their battle with heart
disease. That familiarity should make people
even more willing to adopt a heart-healthy
lifestyle, something the AHA admits is the
best defense against heart disease and stroke.
Though not all risk factors for heart disease
can be controlled, there are ways to reduce
that risk considerably.
Control Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the number one
risk factor for stroke and a major risk for
heart disease. Blood pressure measures the
pressure or force of blood against the walls
if your blood vessels, also known as arteries.
Having your blood pressure taken is a routine
on most doctor visits, but many people are
unaware what the number actually measures.
The top number measures the pressure
when the heart contracts and pushes blood
out, while the bottom number is the lowest
pressure when the heart relaxes and beats.
Blood pressure that is consistently above
140/90 is considered high. A normal blood
pressure is one between 120/80 and 129/84.
Because of the relation between blood
pressure and heart disease and stroke, men
and women must take steps to control their
blood pressure. Having your blood pressure
checked regularly is a good start. Once you
get checked, reduce the amount of sodium
in your diet, replacing high-sodium snacks
with healthier fare and monitoring sodium
intake during the day. The Heart & Stroke
Foundation recommends eating less than
2,300 mg of sodium per day, and that includes
salt added when making meals or eating at
the table.
Maintaining a healthy body weight and
successfully managing stress are additional
ways to control blood pressure.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
The AHA notes that excessive consumption
of alcohol can contribute to high triglycerides,
produce irregular heartbeats and eventually
lead to heart failure or stroke. There is some
evidence that people who drink moderately
have a lower risk of heart disease than
nondrinkers. But it’s also important to note
that people who drink moderately also have
a lower risk of heart disease than people
who drink excessively. So when it comes to
alcohol, moderation reigns supreme. One
or two standard drinks per day is enough
depending on gender. The Heart & Stroke
Foundation suggests that women who drink
should not drink more than nine drinks a
week, while men should not exceed 14 drinks
in a single week.
Of course, if there are extenuating
circumstances then all bets are off. Men and
women with liver disease, mental illness
or a personal or family history of alcohol
problems should avoid alcohol entirely. In
addition, those taking certain medications
should avoid alcohol consumption as
well. For the latter group, discuss alcohol
consumption with your physician when he
or she writes you a prescription.
Quit Smoking
The decision to smoke tobacco is the decision
to invite a host of potential physical ailments,
not the least of which is heart disease.
Smoking contributes to the buildup of plaque
in the arteries, increases the risk of blood clots,
reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood
and increases blood pressure. As if that’s not
enough, smoking also harms those around
you. According to the American Cancer
Society, secondhand smoke is responsible for
3,400 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers
in the United States each year. In Canada,
nearly 8,000 nonsmokers lose their lives each
year from exposure to secondhand smoke.
What might surprise some people, however,
is how quickly quitting smoking can reduce
a person’s risk for heart disease. According
to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, within 48
hours of quitting a person’s chances of having
heart disease have already started to go down.
For those who successfully avoid smoking for
one year, the risk of a suffering a smokingrelated heart attack has been cut in half. After
15 years, the risk of heart attack is the same as
someone who never smoked at all.
Embrace Physical Activity
People who are physically inactive are twice
as likely to be at risk for heart disease or
stroke than people who are physically active.
The AHA notes that research has shown that
getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity
on five or more days of the week can help
lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol
while helping to maintain a healthy weight.
If starting from scratch, even light physical
activity can provide some health benefits.
Gradually work your way up to more
demanding activities, and make physical
activity a routine part of your daily life.
Representing Your Interests
The North Country’s Best Kept Secret
for Safe and Affordable Senior Living!
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• Large studio and one-bedroom apartments
• Conveniently located in the Village of Potsdam
• Attactive and well maintained grounds and buildings
• All utilities included with very affordable rent
• Real Estate
• Business & Corporations
• Criminal Law
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Daniel S. Pease
Eric J. Gustafson
Virginia A. Gettmann
Lynn M. Fountain
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
315-265-4070 or [email protected]
Mayfield Apartments, 22 Mayfield Drive, Potsdam
Mayfield Apartments is an equal opportunity moderate income housing project for senior citizens
ages 55 years and older. Admissions preference given to qualified Veterans.
Impaired TDD relay phone 1-800-662-1220
Pease and Gustafson, LLP
attorneys at law
Tel# (315) 769-3898 Fax# (315) 769-5018
40 Main St., Massena
Page 6 - Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
January, 2015
Lawrence Funeral Home Offers Personal Service
CANTON - The Lawrence Funeral Home is currently
owned by Paul P.B. MacKay and managed by Sharon A.
Lawrence. Paul has been with the funeral home since 2004
and recently took over ownership. Paul looks forward to
a long relationship with Canton and its surrounding communities. “We take great pride in the service we provide
to our families,” Mr. MacKay says. “We tailor services to
their needs and wants, at a price that is fair and reasonable.
Personal Service, Quality Personalized Selections and Affordability.”
The Lawrence Funeral Home has provided information
about “Frequently Asked Questions” about funerals and
related topics.
Funerals provide surviving family members and friends a
caring, supportive environment in which to recognize the
death of a loved one, and to share thoughts and feelings
about that person.
Funerals are the first step in the healing process. The ritual of attending a funeral service provides many benefits
including:
• Providing a social support system for the bereaved
Are you turning 65 this year?
• Integrating the bereaved back into the community
• Providing a safe haven for embracing and expressing pain
• Allows the community an opportunity to give support
and share
• Providing a time to say good-bye while remembering the
life well-lived.
It is possible to have a full funeral service even for those
choosing cremation.
The importance of the ritual is in providing a social gathering to help the bereaved begin the healing process.
When death occurs, our personnel are available to assist
you at any hour, seven days a week.
Please call (315) 386-8513 for assistance. If there is no
need for a coroner to come, our staff will come when the
time is right for you.
Lawrence Funeral Home
Do you have questions
about your medicare?
Call Today For Answers!
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Paul P.B. MacKay
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Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in the privacy
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EDWARDS
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TDD Users 1-800-662-1220
Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
Maintain Mental Acuity
Many people know that a combination of a healthy diet and routine exercise is the best way
to maintain their physical health. But what about mental well-being? Memory lapses are often
assumed to be an accepted side effect of aging, but such an assumption is incorrect, as there are
many steps men and women can take to maintain their mental acuity well into their golden years.
• Find time for cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can help men and women
maintain healthy weights and reduce their risk for potentially deadly ailments like diabetes and
heart disease. But cardiovascular exercise also can boost brain power. Cardiovascular exercise
pumps oxygen-rich blood to the brain, and that blood contains glucose that can fuel brain cells.
Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens blood vessels, which can help prevent potentially devastating diseases, such as stroke, that can have a lasting and negative impact on cognitive function.
• Find time for friends and family. Many people need no reason to socialize, but those
that do can now cite boosting brain function as a great reason to get together with family
and friends. Routine socialization can keep a brain sharp by reducing its levels of cortisol, a
potentially destructive hormone brought on by stress. Researchers also believe that routine
interaction with other people stimulates structures in the brain’s frontal lobe that are likely
responsible for planning, decision making and response control.
• Squeeze in a nap every so often. Naps can have a reenergizing effect on men and women,
but a study from German researchers also found that naps also can improve memory. In
the study, researchers divided participants into three groups: people who would stay awake
for 60 minutes; people who would sleep for six minutes; and people who would sleep for 30
to 45 minutes. After the hour was up, participants were given a word recall test, and those
who slept performed better on the test than those who hadn’t. But the development that
was perhaps most interesting was that those who slept for just six minutes performed just
as well on the test as those who slept for far longer, leading researchers to suggest that men
and women need not take long naps to improve their memories.
• Include fish in your diet. A study from researchers at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center found that people who eat fish once per week have a 60 percent lower risk of
developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who do not include fish in their weekly diets.
Researchers credit this lower risk to DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is found in both the
brain and in fish such as salmon and tuna.
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January, 2015 - Page 7
Quiet
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If you are 62, have a handicap or are disabled,
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LBSH Housing, nestled
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Or visit 32 Church Street South, Brasher Falls
Page 8 - Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
Senior Donors, Avoid Scams!
Con artists masquerading as charities can victimize anyone, but seniors are especially
vulnerable to such criminals. Men and women who perpetrate charitable fraud often target
older men and women, feeling that seniors are more likely to have a significant amount of
money in their bank accounts and less likely to report crimes for fear of embarrassment.
But even if seniors are prime targets for charitable fraud, they still can take steps to safeguard
themselves from scammers looking to exploit their generosity.
• Never donate over the phone. No reputable charity will insist on a donation over the phone.
When a person calls and says they represent a charity, they should be willing to send you information in the mail so you can further explore their organization before making your final
decision. If a caller attempts to pressure you into donating over the phone, hang up.
• Keep a list of organizations you have donated to in the past. Many people who perpetuate
charitable fraud reference a past relationship or donation history between their victims and
the charity the criminal is claiming to represent. Maintain a list of your donation history, including the organizations you have donated to and the amount of those donations. This can
help you verify if the person calling, emailing or visiting you is telling the truth.
• Do not feel obligated to give. Many charities send gifts to their donors as a token of appreciation for their support. Some criminals masquerading as charities will send gifts to potential victims in an attempt to fool them into writing a check. Whether a charity is legitimate
or not, seniors should not feel obligated to donate simply because they received a gift. If you receive a gift and want to donate, confirm that the organization that sent you the gift is legitimate
and not an imposter organization that is baiting you with a gift. If the gift was accompanied
by a donation form, do not fill out that form, choosing instead to make a direct donation via
the organization’s website, a site you should find independent of the mailer/gift you received,
or mail a check directly to the organization after you independently confirm its address, be it
through your own research or by contacting the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
• Insist that your personal information is not shared. Before making a charitable donation,
donors are often notified that their contact information is likely to be sold to or traded with
other charities. This can lead to an influx of charitable solicitations that elderly men and
women may find overwhelming.
January, 2015
A Friend In Need
Is a Friend Indeed
“There Is A Difference In Funeral Homes”
Family Owned For Over 75 Years
FRARY FUNERAL HOME
and Cremation Services
www.fraryfuneralhome.com
OGDENSBURG
Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
January, 2015 - Page 9
Hospice Care Offers
Comfort In Final Days
Sometimes patients succumb to a disease,
in spite of the best treatments and support.
When the time comes for a family to confront
a loved one’s declining health, hospice care
can be a dignified way to make that person’s
final days as comforting as possible.
Hospice is a type of care designed to make
the final moments of a person’s life as painfree and manageable as possible. It can take
place in a medical facility, but very often
hospice care occurs at home or wherever the
ill person feels most comfortable.
Hospice care is usually the last step when all
other options have been exhausted. Making
the decision to move a loved one to hospice
care can be an emotionally wrenching
time. Decisions such as these may be better
made at a time in a person’s life when he or
she is not sick. That is why living wills that
spell out details for end-of-life care can be
quite valuable. Decisions are made with a
level head and not wrought with emotions.
Such living wills also can take the pressure
off of family members who may not feel
comfortable making such decisions on their
own or in concert with relatives.
Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy
that focuses on the palliative care of terminally
ill patients. Rather than providing medication
to try to treat the illness, medicine is offered
to make a person more comfortable and
remove any pain. Psychological therapy may
also be offered to help the person come to
terms with the end of life. Although hospice
is a concept that has gradually evolved since
the 11th century, the principles of modern
hospice care can trace their roots to the
1950s and Dame Cicely Saunders, a nurse
and social worker who is known as the
creator of the hospice movement.
If hospice care is outlined in a dying
person’s living will or expressed wishes, there
are some guidelines that can be followed by
the sick individual.
* Visit various medical care centers to
see if away-from-home options provide
the care and environment you desire. If Be
sure to establish what type of hospice care
you prefer. This may include care within a
nursing home or hospital, or in the comfort
of your own home.
* Sign a medical durable power of
attorney. This signed document gives
authority to an adult age 18 or older,
who then has the right to make necessary
medical and healthcare decisions for you
in the event you become incapacitated.
* Clearly indicate your wishes regarding
resuscitation. A signed document may alert
emergency healthcare personnel or others
of your wishes not to be resuscitated. This
document must be signed by you and a
doctor and witnessed by others.
* Decide on the duration of care. Hospice
care generally lasts six months. This enables
a long stretch of palliative care. Should you
live beyond the time period, hospice care can
continue. Studies have shown that patients
who receive hospice care for at least 30 to 60
days gain greater benefit than those who are
placed in hospice only in their final days.
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Page 10 - Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
January, 2015
Understand And Avoid Elder Financial Fraud
Elder fraud is a financial crime that targets
older men and women who are often unable
to recognize they are being victimized. Elder financial fraud is a broad term that can
be applied to a host of crimes, from stealing
money or property directly from an individual to using an older person’s property or
possessions without permission.
Many seniors are targeted through telemarketing scams in which elders are scared
into giving money out of fear of losing their
homes. Some are exploited by people closer
to home who forge signatures or get an older
person to sign over deeds or power of attorney.
Criminals often see elderly men and women as easy targets. Seniors may be suffering from declining physical and/or mental
health, which compromises their ability to
defend themselves or even recognize they
are being taken advantage of. Seniors also
may be embarrassed that they were duped
Buck Funeral Home Serving
The North Country Since 1920
The Buck Funeral Home was established in 1920 in Norwood, NY by Harold Buck
Sr. His son Harold Jr. joined his father in Funeral Service in 1947. When Harold
Sr. passed away in 1958, Harold Jr. took over as manager and later purchased the
McLaughlin Funeral Home in Norfolk. A subsequent acquisition of the Hawley
Funeral Home was acquired from Jean Hawley in Colton.
John P. Plonka, an Essex County Native and Vietnam Veteran, graduated from Simmons School of Embalming in Syracuse in 1968. He joined the firm in 1972, and in
1984 purchased the funeral homes with his wife, the late Carol Phinney Plonka. Their
son Brian S. Plonka, a 1995 graduate of SUNY Canton Mortuary Science Program,
obtained his N.Y. State Funeral Directors license in 1996 and worked with his family.
In 2013, Brian along with his wife, the former Jessica Haggett, purchased the Buck
Funeral Homes from his father.
The Buck Funeral Home has been proudly serving Norwood, Norfolk, Colton and
the surrounding communities for 95 years. For additional services and information,
please feel free to call Brian or John Plonka at the funeral home or visit their website
at www.buckfuneralhome.com .
Buck
Funeral Home, Inc.
Est. 1920
95 Years of Dedicated Service
OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to care for you as we would care for
members of our own family by providing information,
services, and merchandise that is of the highest quality
in a dignified and professional manner.
We pledge to maintain the reputation our firm has
earned by acting with honesty, integrity, and sensitivity.
It is our policy to offer our families the finest in personal
care before, during and after a death has occured.
Directors
JOHN P. PLONKA
BRIAN PLONKA
Buck Funeral Home, Inc.
buckfuneralhome.com
Norwood - Norfolk - Colton
315-353-2112
“Our Family Serving Your Family”
and not share their experiences with others
as a result. But elder fraud also can be perpetrated by family members who aim to acquire an elderly relative’s assets.
Recognizing scenarios where fraud may be
committed can help men and women protect their elderly relatives from being victimized by elder fraud.
• Confirm professionals are who they say
they are. More than 170 designations and
certifications are used within the financial
industry to identify professionals. Some of
Seniors in declining health are
vulnerable to elder fraud.
them do not necessarily mean a person is
qualified or can be trusted to handle an individual’s assets. Always ask a financial advisor if he is overseen by a government agency
or is authorized to provide advice under the
“fiduciary standard of care.” Be especially
careful when dealing with advisors who try
to push certain products or those who suggest shortcuts and blending services. Such
professionals are not necessarily criminals,
but they may have ulterior motives in mind
and not be overly concerned about you or
your loved one’s financial well-being.
• Pay attention to your accounts. Unusually large withdrawals from automated teller
machines or cashed checks with signatures
that do not match the signature on the account are both indicative of fraud. If you are
monitoring a loved one’s accounts, question
any surges of activity in accounts that are
normally somewhat inactive.
• Ask a loved one to keep you abreast of
changes in their will. Abrupt changes in a
will or other financial documents should
also cause concern. Family members caring
for a senior should be aware of any major
changes to important documents.
• Monitor a loved one’s purchases. Sudden
purchases, whether it’s an updated insurance policy or unnecessary home repairs,
may be indicative of elder fraud.
Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
January, 2015 - Page 11
Seniors Beware Of Winter Weather Dangers
Whether you’re a fan of winter or more of a hot fun in the summer sun type, once the
cold weather hits you’re often at the mercy of the elements. Slick roadways, driveways
full of snow and wind can be dangerous for any of us, but even more so for seniors.
Older adults who don’t travel to warmer climates once the temperature drops can
find winter a formidable foe. Seniors on the cusp of another harsh winter should
consider the following safety tips to make it through the season in one piece.
* Understand hypothermia and frostbite: Hypothermia is a condition in which
a person’s body temperature is abnormally low, typically at a dangerous level.
Symptoms of hypothermia might be misconstrued as normal side effects of a cold
winter. However, hypothermia can be fatal. Symptoms of hypothermia include:
- excessive shivering
- loss of energy
- feelings of confusion and sleepiness
- cold skin that is ashy or pale
- slowed breathing
- reduced heart rate
Frostbite is somewhat easier to detect, but can lead to loss of limbs in some cases.
Frostbite is characterized by skin damage that can go all the way to the bone, typically
affecting the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, or toes. To protect against frostbite, cover up
all parts of the body when leaving the house and immediately get indoors if your skin
starts to redden, turn dark or even ache.
Hire a professional to look after your property: Each winter, seniors put themselves
at great risk of injury when they attempt to shovel their own driveways and walkways.
Because the strength of our bones begins to deteriorate as we age, a fall for a typical
senior citizen will result in far more damage than it would for a younger person or
child. Rather than risk personal injury, hire a professional to clean up your driveway
and walkways should it snow. Oftentimes, landscapers provide this service during the
winter months when there’s no grass to cut.
* Modify any items needed for getting around: If you need to walk with a cane,
modify the cane before the winter weather hits. A metal grip on the bottom of the
cane will increase stability. In addition, if the hand grip is worn, replace it with a fresh
grip to help you maintain balance should you be forced to walk on patches of ice or
snow.
* Remove your shoes when entering the home: If possible, keep a bench or chair
inside the doorway you most use when entering your home. This will provide a place
for you to sit down and remove your shoes when entering the home. Frequently, after
a snowstorm, snow or ice will attach to shoes, only to melt once a person enters the
warmer air of the house. If you keep your shoes on when coming in from the cold,
this ice or snow will melt throughout your home, creating a few slippery puddles in
the process. This will leave you susceptible to falls and increase your risk of injury.
* Exercise whenever possible: Regular exercise enables muscles to stay strong while
maintaining coordination and balance. Each of these things will reduce the risk of
injury during the winter months, not to mention benefit your overall health in the
meantime.
* Embrace what you cannot change: If you’re not a fan of winter, try to view it in a
new light. Try taking up a wintertime activity such as skiing to enjoy the season.
Helping people live healthier lives.
Medicare Solutions
Paul Willer
Independent Sales Agent
License LA-8890B0
12 Prospect Avenue
Massena, NY 13662
[email protected]
p (315) 250-3277
Authorized to offer
from
Page 12 - Northern New York Newspapers
Senior Life
January, 2015