1. health and fitness
2. nutrition

`
March/
March/April 201
2015
Elizabeth Haskins, Director
753753-5060
(A publication of the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging, 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045)
From the desk of: Elizabeth Haskins, Director
WITH DEEPEST GRATITUDE
2015 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Area Agency on Aging in Cortland County. The Agency
wishes to thank the Cortland County Legislature and the community for many years of support in the
agency’s endeavor to meet the needs of older adults, caregivers, and all people in need of long term
care services and supports in Cortland County.
Older Americans Month
Each May, the Administration for Community Living celebrates Older Americans Month to recognize
older Americans for their contributions to the nation. This year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the
Older Americans Act (OAA), we are focusing on how older adults are taking charge of their health,
getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. Older
Americans Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of community
engagement as a tool for enhancing the wellbeing of older adults. The theme for Older Americans
Month 2015 is ‘Get into the Act’.
Now is the time to “Get into the Act” to make the benefits of community living a reality for more older
Americans. Together we can promote healthy aging, increase community involvement for older
adults, and tackle important issues like the prevention of elder abuse.
Source:(http://www.acl.gov/NewsRoom/Observances/oam/2015/Index.aspx)
As part of the celebration, the Area Agency on Aging is once again seeking nominations for the
“Senior Citizen of the Year”. Nomination forms can be obtained at the Area Agency on Aging.
Nominations will be reviewed by an independent group of judges and should be mailed to Nancy
Hansen at 14 Yong Street, Cortland, NY 13045. The deadline for nominations is April 17.
We will also be holding our annual writing contest, which is open to grades 4, 5 and 6 in elementary
schools throughout the county. Students will be asked to write essays about a special older adult in
their life.
The Older Americans Advisory Board will be recognizing centenarians throughout the county. If you
know someone who is 100 years of age or older or who will be 100 years old in 2015, please contact
the Area Agency on Aging at 753-5060.
Area Agency on Aging - Serving Cortland County older adults and caregivers for 40 years
1
ATTENTION VILLAGE OF HOMER, CITY OF CORTLAND
& TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE SENIOR HOMEOWNERS
It’s that time again…. The 23
23rd Annual
SPRING CLEANCLEAN- UP FOR SENIORS
CORTLAND ROTARY BREAKFAST CLUB, in cooperation with the Area Agency on Aging, wants to
help senior homeowners in the City of Cortland, Town of Cortlandville and Village of Homer with
spring clean-up chores! As part of their service commitment to the community, the Rotarians will
designate an evening or a Saturday this spring to assist with your outdoor clean-up chores. Please
note that this project is limited to homeowners with no other means of having the work done. Rotary
Club members are able to perform the following tasks:
•
•
•
•
RAKE LAWNS
PRUNE SHRUBS (light pruning only)
TAKE DOWN STORM WINDOWS (single story houses only)
CLEAN GUTTERS (single story houses only)
FREE
The number
number of homes that can be helped is limited. If you are interested, just complete and return the
form below. Do not be disappointed, mail early! Persons who return the form will be contacted to
arrange a day for the work to be completed.
To register, return the sign-up coupon below by **March 30, 2015** to:
Area Agency on Aging
60 Central Avenue
Cortland, NY 13045
Spring Clean-up for Seniors Sign-up Coupon
NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________
PHONE: _________________________________________________________________________
TYPE OF WORK REQUESTED (Please list): *NO WINDOW WASHING*
**Forms must be received at the Area Agency on Aging by the March 30, deadline date.**
2
If you insist on measuring yourself,
place the tape around your heart
rather than your head. -- Carol Trabelle
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Are You Really Cut Out To Be a Mentor?
You may have at some point considered being a mentor. Maybe you tossed the idea around in your
head but had some serious worries. After all, how could you possibly relate to someone who was
born in 2000? What would you have to say to them? How could you help someone who has lived
their entire life with access to a computer?
Well, the answer to those questions is that it’s very easy. Though the clothing, the technology, and
the slang may all be different, youth still have the same needs as when you were young. They want
to belong. They want to be liked. And they need role models to look up to. And you may be just the
person they need in their lives to support them, to guide them and teach them!
Mentoring has been shown to significantly improve the lives of young people. Youth that are
mentored are more likely to graduate high school, less likely to use drugs, and more likely to get along
with their families. Having a mentor makes a youth more likely to succeed in life.
But what is in it for you? Not only will you have the opportunity to help improve the life of a young
person in our community but you will have the opportunity to share your history, your talents, and your
values with another generation.
Cortland Community Mentors is comprised of the following agencies in need of volunteer mentors:
YWCA Bridges for Kids, Access to Independence, Cortland Prevention Resources, Youth Assist
Program, and the LGBT Resource Center.
There are over 100 youth and adults waiting for a mentor here in Cortland County. Please consider
calling the RSVP staff at 753-5057 or stop in to our office located in Room B2 of the County Office
Bldg. 60 Central Ave., Cortland for more information on becoming a mentor.
Cortland County Clerk’s office is looking for volunteers to help out with various clerical tasks. The
volunteer would assist with verification of records, mailings, and other duties. Schedule is flexible
Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30. Training to be provided onsite; would prefer someone with basic
computer skills.
WE WANT TO HELP YOU.
The Agency staff each specializes in a
variety of subjects. While walkwalk-ins can
sometimes be seen, the person who can
best assist you may be with someone or
out of the office or doing a home visit.
To make sure that you are served by the
person whose expertise
expertise is in your area of
need, we encourage you to call to
set up an appointment.
Call
Call 753753-5060.
3
Senior
Senior Nutrition Services - Cortland County Nutrition Program – 753753-5061
Congregate
Meals on Wheels
^
Food Pantries
^
Breakfast/Brunch
Hot Lunch including salad bar
Evening Meal from entrée to dessert
Nutrition/Health Education
Activities/Fitness Social Time
Gathering Place
Nutrition Counseling
Emergency Blizzard Bags
Information & Assistance
^
Homebound Delivery
Hot Nutritious Lunches
Supper and Weekend Meals
Monday – Friday Delivery
Nutrition Counseling
Dedicated Drivers
Daily Client Safety Check
Emergency Blizzard Bags
Information & Assistance
Emergency Food
Three Day Food Supply
Nutrition Education
Temporary Food Security
Information & Assistance
Senior Center Locations and Information
Center
Address
Center Manager
Days/Hours
Phone
Cortland
County Office Building
60 Central Avenue
Cortland
Sue Preston
Monday-Friday 7:00am-2:30pm
Thursday until 7:30pm
Breakfast: Monday & Thursday
7:00-9:00am
753-5166
753-5061
Harford
Creamery Hills
Senior Living Complex,
Creamery Rd., Harford
Joyce VanDeWeert
Monday-Thursday
9:00am-2:00pm
844-3808
Monday 2:00-7:00pm
Tues.-Thurs. 9:00am-2:00pm
749-2362
Town Hall
N. Main St., Homer
Debbie Chavoustie
Homer
Marathon
Civic Center
Brink St., Marathon
Anita Doty
Monday-Friday
8:00am-3:00pm
849-3884
McGraw
Community Building
Clinton St., McGraw
Nancy Truman
Monday-Thursday
9:00am-2:30pm
836-8916
Scott
United Methodist Church
Route 41, Scott
Kelly Rotunda
Monday-Thursday
9:00am-2:30pm
Friday 7:30-11:30am
Breakfast Served 7:30-9:30am
749-7973
Truxton
United Methodist Church
Route 13, Truxton
Kay Harvey
Monday-Thursday
9:00am-2:30pm
842-6253
Willet Town Hall
Route 41, Willet
Laurie Snyder
Monday-Thursday
8:00am-3:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-1:00pm
Brunch 8:00-11:00am
863-4887
Willet/
Cincinnatus
Note: All phone numbers are 607 area code
4
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Nutrition Highlight:
March is National Nutrition Month!
Dina Lawson, Registered Dietitian
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition
education and information campaign
created annually in March by the Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The campaign focuses attention on the
importance of making informed food
choices and developing good eating and
physical activity habits.
The Theme for 2015 is ‘Bite into a Healthy
Lifestyle.’ Imagine each of the basic food
groups and how good each one tastes.
Then think about how the vitamins and
minerals in these foods can help you
maintain your health and decrease the risk
of chronic diseases. That is what this year’s
theme is about.
‘Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle’ is a reminder
of the direct link between nutrition and
health. Here are the related messages:
• Consume fewer calories. That means cut
down on your portion sizes!
• Move more to burn calories and lose fat
mass.
• Choose foods that have more good
nutrients and less sodium, sugar,
saturated and trans fat.
• Get yourself to a healthy body weight and
maintain that weight..
• Understand the importance of decreasing
the risk of chronic diseases through
eating healthy foods and getting more
physical activity.
• Make overall health your number one
priority!
Registered Dietitian Day is celebrated on
March 11, 2015. The purpose of this
special day is to increase awareness that
Registered Dietitian-Nutritionists (RDNs)
are important providers of food and nutrition
services in the healthcare field. This day
recognizes RDNs for their commitment to
helping people enjoy healthy lives.
The information above was taken from the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.
For more information,
www.eatright.org.
please
go
to:
From: Allreceipes.com
Ingredients:
1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 ½ Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. lemon juice (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Place the asparagus in a mixing bowl
and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat
the spears, and then sprinkle with
Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and
pepper. Arrange the asparagus onto a
baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until just
tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with
lemon juice just before serving.
March and April are busy months for
fundraising for the Cortland County Nutrition
Program. We participate in the Meals on
Wheels March for Meals Campaign, as well as
the Feinstein Challenge.
The March for Meals Campaign was created in
March 2002 as a tool to increase partnerships
with area businesses and the public to educate
the community about senior hunger. The
campaign has grown in size and impact into an
annual nationwide month-long celebration in
hundreds of communities around the country.
By participating in the 2015 campaign, our local
Meals on Wheels Program can raise funds,
build partnerships, and be part of what
potentially could be the biggest and most
visible Meals on Wheels campaign to date,
according to the Meals on Wheels Association
of America. Moreover, our local program is
eligible for unrestricted cash grants that will be
awarded for our campaign’s success.
5
Our local Meals on Wheels campaign will
include fundraising events, volunteer drives,
Community
Champions
activities,
and
community outreach. To kick off March for
Meals, the Nutrition Program will host an allday Friendly’s Family Fundraiser on March 3,
2015 at the Friendly’s restaurant located at
170 Clinton Avenue (Riverside Plaza). Come
and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, ice
cream, or carry out from 8:00am-10:00pm, and
we will receive 20% of the proceeds from the
day’s sales when you show the fundraising
voucher with our name on it. On March 20,
2015, the Nutrition Program will host a
Breakfast Pizza Fundraiser in the County
Office Building Activity Room. Start your day
with choice of breakfast pizza with or without
meat with a cup of coffee or juice.
March 28, 2015 is our big event –
the Strike Out Hunger Bowl-aThon, held at Cort-Lanes Bowling
Alley from 1:00-4:00pm. Twentyfour teams of four players each
will bowl, and there will be door prizes, a 50/50
raffle, raffle baskets filled with merchandise
donated by area businesses, pizza and drinks,
a bake sale, and a canned food drive to benefit
the Nutrition Program’s Helping Hands Food
Pantry.
Last year, our fundraising efforts during March
and April helped the Nutrition Program raise
over $4,000, which made us the recipient of a
$1000 award based on our grant application
and participation. Fifteen community members,
including representatives from Congressman
Richard Hanna’s office, and Assemblywoman
Barbara Lifton’s office participated in the
Community Champions Week by delivering
meals to homebound seniors receiving Meals
on Wheels.
Feinstein Challenge
The Feinstein Challenge, founded by Alan
Shawn Feinstein, is a program to help alleviate
hunger. Since 1991, Mr. Feinstein and the
Feinstein Foundation proportionally divide $1
million among non-profit hunger fighting
agencies nationwide that collect food and
monetary donations from March 1-April 30. The
Nutrition Program has taken part in this
challenge every year.
Donations of non-perishable food items (see
list below) may be made to your local senior
center or to the Nutrition Program office.
Food pantry items needed:
Tuna
Cereal
Canned Vegetables
Spaghetti
Ravioli
Canned Chicken
Oatmeal
Rice
Beef Stew
Soup
Jelly
Canned Fruit
Pasta
Dried Fruits Spaghettio’s
Crackers
Juice
Pork & Beans
Instant Potatoes
Macaroni & Cheese
Beef & Gravy
Peanut Butter
Spaghetti Sauce
During the month of March, Wal-Mart will have
pre-assembled food bags ready for purchase to
benefit the Helping Hands Food Pantry. Bag
prices vary to accommodate most budgets.
Thank you for your continued support.
We look forward to another successful
campaign and thank you in advance for your
continued support of the Area Agency on
Aging, the senior centers in Cortland County,
and the Meals on Wheels Program.
6
From
the
“Safe Keeping your
Loved One’s Important
Documents
Are you the one who helps your loved one
manage their affairs? One unpleasant aspect
of our lives today is the steady stream of
papers and documents we must deal with in
our everyday lives. As caregivers, it is hard
enough to stay on top of our own, let alone
keep track for a loved one. Which to keep?
Where to keep them? How to get our hands on
them when we need them? Under the calmest
of circumstances it is difficult to decide and
know what to do. In an emergency it can be
downright overwhelming.
The following steps may help you make
decisions about your loved one’s documents
and where to store them.
1) COLLECT THE DOCUMENTS.
DOCUMENTS
Personal and Family Records such as birth,
marriage, divorce and death certificates;
Social Security card; license or other ID;
education and employment records; military
records; and health records.
Property Records such as real estate
abstracts; deeds and mortgages along with
payment records, property insurance, and
home improvement records; burial lot
deeds; and motor vehicle titles.
Financial Records such as account books,
bank statements and cancelled checks,
credit card accounts, savings and
investments records, and tax returns.
Legal and Health Records such as a will,
living will, Durable Power of Attorney,
Health Care Proxy, current chronic
conditions and medications, medical
history, and physician contact information.
2) DECIDE
WHERE
DOCUMENTS.
DOCUMENTS
TO
PUT
THE
Safe Deposit Box
Pros – Least vulnerable to theft or disaster
Cons – Limited access (Contents are
inaccessible when the bank is closed, and
even a co-renter may not have access in
the event of your death. Other locations
are
recommended
for
documents
necessary to handle the unexpected, such
as Durable Power of Attorney, Health
Care Proxy, or will.)
Fireproof Box or Safe in Your Home
Pros – Easier access 24/7 in your own
home,
Cons – More vulnerable to theft or
disaster.
Standard File Cabinet in Your Home
Pros – Easiest access
Cons – Most vulnerable to theft or disaster
Carry With You
Some things just need to be with carried
with you, such as ID, driver’s license,
credit card, and insurance card. Your
Social Security card is better left in a
secure place unless there is a specific
need for it.
3) CREATE COPIES OF APPROPRIATE
DOCUMENTS.
DOCUMENTS
After you have decided where to keep
the originals, create copies as
appropriate to give to a trusted relative
or friend for backup, or to keep in an
alternative location of your choice.
Following these steps will give you peace of
mind by ensuring that you will be able to find
your loved one’s important documents when
they are needed.
Save the Dates!
Learn More about Alzheimer’s Disease
and Dementia
Have you or someone you love been
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another
form of dementia? Mark your calendar now
and plan to attend “Early-Stage Alzheimer’s for
the Caregiver” and “Mid-Stage Alzheimer’s for
the Caregiver” to be presented by the CNY
Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Each
topic has been scheduled as a three-part
“Brown Bag Lunch and Learn” series. Bring
your lunch and join us from 12:00 to 1:00pm in
Room 302 of the County Office Building, 60
Central Ave, on Thursdays June 4, 11, and 18
for the “Early-Stage” series, and on Thursdays
July 30, Aug 6, and 13 for the “Mid-Stage”
series. Call 607-753-5060 to register for these
free events sponsored by Caregivers Resource
Center of the Area Agency on Aging.
7
occupancy vehicle and there is a reduced
need for parking spaces.
(www.way2gocortland.org)
Family Caregivers
Support Group
• Note: New meeting time and place
Family Caregivers Support Group will meet
12:30-2:30pm in the dining room of the
Cortland County Office Building the fourth
Thursday of the month. If you would like to
come early and have lunch before the meeting,
the senior center dining room is open for lunch
11:30am-12:30pm.
There is a suggested
donation of $3.00 for those age 60 and over,
$6.00 for those under 60. Please call Carole
Leach at 753-5060 if you plan to come to lunch.
Come join us and meet other people who are
also coping with caregiving issues!
•
•
•
The group is open to those who provide
care and support for a loved one, friend
or neighbor who is 60 or older.
Walk-ins are welcome.
For more information call the Caregivers
Resource Center at 753-5060.
Meeting Dates:
March 26, 2015
April 23, 2015
May 28, 2015
Why Take the Bus?
•
•
•
•
•
Savings – Bus riders can save more than
$9,000 annually by taking the bus instead
of driving a vehicle.
Safety – The National Safety Council
reports that riding the bus is 170 times
safer than driving or riding in a car.
Less Stress – Read, listen to music, talk to
a neighbor, or catch 40 more winks.
Healthier – The short walks to and from the
bus can make a real difference in your
health and our dependence on cars is a
significant factor in weight gain.
Environmentally friendly – Buses produce
95% less carbon monoxide per passenger
mile than driving alone in a single
Senior Citizens (60 +) and people with
disabilities of any age can ride half fare ($.50)
on any Cortland Transit Bus! There is also a
monthly pass available for $30 a month. This
allows you unlimited transportation on Fixed
Routes (except Cornell) within the month for
which your pass is valid. There is a $65
monthly pass for the Cornell route.
Cortland Transit currently operates seven fixed
routes and a Dial-A-Ride service. The buses
utilize hand-flagging stops. You may hand flag
the driver to stop the bus for your pickup. If you
are unable to see or flag the bus or you are not
on a fixed route, you can call Cortland Transit
30 minutes prior and make alternate
arrangements. All buses are equipped with
wheelchair lifts. If you have difficulty seeing
your location your bus driver can alert you of
your stop.
Cortland Transit offers Dial-A-Ride, a curb-tocurb system to help with transportation to
medical and other appointments. Requests are
called in 24 hours in advance. Riders and
needed attendants ride for one price. There is
a minimum charge of $3.00 and a maximum
charge for $6.00 (one way) for all Cortland
County destinations. You must call MAS to
schedule your trip if you are a Medicaid rider
(855-733-9397). If the trip is non-Medicaid, call
Cortland Transit at least one day in advance
(607-758-3383).
Got Rent?
The Cortland Housing Authority has a rental
assistance program that may be able to help you!!
The Section 8 Housing Program helps qualified
people meet their monthly rent bills by paying a
portion of their rent directly to their landlord.
Interested persons may pick up applications at the
Housing Authority offices located at
42 Church Street or 51 Port Watson Street
Monday thru Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm or call
607-753-9364 or 607-753-1771 and request to
have an application sent by mail.
8
Long Term Care
Volunteer Advocates Available
Managing Concerns
About Falls
An ombudsman is a trained and certified
volunteer who advocates for residents in long
term care facilities. The ombudsman can help
resolve issues and/or complaints.
The
ombudsman is supported by the New York
State Ombudsman Office and by the local Area
Agency on Aging, and is not an employee of
the nursing home or adult home.
Have you turned down a chance to go out with
family or friends because you were concerned
about falling? Have you cut down on a favorite
activity because you might fall? If so, A Matter
of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is
a program for you.
The role of the ombudsman is to educate
residents, their families and the facility staff of
resident rights and strives to enhance the
resident’s quality of life.
The resident is
encouraged and assisted to advocate for
himself/herself whenever possible.
The
ombudsman
receives
and
investigates
residents’ complaints or problems and works
with the facility staff to find the best possible
solution. All communication with the resident is
confidential unless the resident gives
permission to use their name in the complaint.
For more information about the Long Term
Care Ombudsman Program for all facilities in
Cortland County, contact the Area Agency on
Aging at 753-5060.
Elizabeth Brewster House
Adult Care Facility
A Matter of Balance is a free eight-week class
series designed to reduce the fear of falling
and increase activity levels among older adults.
Participants learn to set realistic goals to
increase activity, change their environment to
reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple
exercises to increase strength and balance.
Cortland County Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
(RSVP) will be offering A Matter of Balance:
Managing Concerns About Falls at the Homer
Senior Center/Town Hall from March 17 to
May 5, every Tuesday from 1:00-3:00pm. A
Matter of Balance is an eight class series, with
each week building upon the previous class,
making it important to attend all sessions.
Pre-registration is required as class size is
limited. Please call RSVP at 753-5057 for
more details and to pre-register.
~Established in 1891~
“Enhancing a Tradition of Care”
Now offering two new programs:
“Elder Respite Care and Social Adult Day Care Program”
41 South Main Street, Homer, N.Y. 13077-1323
(607) 749-2442
9
Highlights in History:
"Erastus Cravath,
Freedom Fighter"
Cathy A. Barber, Town of Scott Historian
Cortland County was a hotbed of abolitionism
during the turbulent times before the Civil War.
One man who made a difference was Homer's
Erastus Milo Cravath, who lived in the big white
house at the end of Cold Brook Road.
Cravath was born in Homer in 1833. He was
the son of Oren Cravath, one of the original
founders of the Homer Abolition Society. Their
home was a busy stop for slaves seeking
refuge on their way to Syracuse and eventually
to freedom. It was also a popular stop for
abolitionists.
One can only imagine the
conversations young Erastus witnessed,
impressing the need in his mind for freedom for
all human beings.
The end of the Civil War brought about the
reconstruction of the south. Establishment of
schools for the newly-freed blacks was key to
Cravath, who was an agent for the American
Missionary Association and worked with the
Freedman's Bureau to accomplish this, no
small task in the bitter atmosphere of the south.
While the Union occupied Nashville, Cravath,
fellow worker John Ogden and two black
businessmen, Richard Harris and Nelson
Walker, founded Fisk Free Colored School in
January of 1866.
The school was later
renamed Fisk University a year later.
Cravath would serve as the first official
president of Fisk University from 1875-1900.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers were organized with
Cravath serving as tour guide, raising funds for
construction costs at the university.
W.E. B. DuBois in his book The Souls of Black
Folks called Cravath "an apostle of human
culture". Cravath would go on to help found
Atlanta University, where DuBois would later
teach.
TIME WARNER
CABLE DISCOUNT
(Time to Recertify!)
Time Warner has a cable discount for
persons age 65 or older. The discount is
approximately $10 off of the cable bill for
consumers that have the basic/standard
package only. You must live in one of the
following areas and meet the income
guidelines for the area in order to qualify
for the discount:
• City of Cortland
• Town of Cortlandville,
Cortlandville, Town of Virgil,
Virgil,
Village of McGraw,
McGraw, Village of Homer,
Homer,
and Town
Town of Homer
New applications or recertification for the
cable discount should be received by
June 1. Proof of 2014 income, proof of
age, and a current cable bill will be
required at the time of application or
recertification.
To apply or recertify for the cable discount,
contact the Cortland County Area Agency
on Aging at 753-5060.
Feinstein Challange
March 11-April 30
CORTLAND HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Cortland Housing Authority has 380 high quality apartments
available in its senior/disabled and family developments throughout
Cortland County. A single person could earn up to $33,350; and a
family of five up to $51,450 and still qualify to live in one of our
apartments.
We have senior/disabled efficiency and one bedroom apartments
located in the City of Cortland. We also have one bedroom
senior/disabled units in Homer, McGraw, Marathon, Truxton and
Cincinnatus.
Our large family apartments (3, 4 and 5 bedrooms) are located in
the City of Cortland. We also have two and three bedroom family
apartments scattered throughout the county in Homer, Truxton,
McGraw, Cincinnatus and the City of Cortland.
Call 607607-753753-1771 today for an application.
10
WELLNESS WATCH
Cortland County Health Education Department
Nutrition and
Older Adults
As people get older, they tend to experience
less pleasure from food, so they have less
desire to eat. That’s among the reasons why
older adults often skip meals or snack on fast
foods. This results in poor nutrition, which can
seriously threaten their health.
In recognition of Nutrition Month in March, the
Cortland County Health Department advises
older adults and those who care for them that
healthy nutrition remains important throughout
their lives.
When you choose healthy nutrition, you help
to reduce the risk of disease and help to
control the symptoms and reduce the severity
of health problems. Good nutrition can
decrease the risks of heart disease,
osteoporosis, high blood pressure, some
cancers, gastrointestinal problems, obesity
and underweight. Poor nutrition increases the
risk and severity of illness, and makes it more
difficult to recover.
A lack of physical strength or depression
made worse by poor health are among the
reasons older adults need assisted living care.
Healthy nutrition helps to maintain strength,
independence and better mental health.
There are many reasons why older adults may
fail to get the nutrients they need to protect
themselves and maintain a good quality of life.
In many cases, people have physical
problems, such as loss of teeth or stomach
aliments, which keep them from eating. For
them, vegetables and fruits may be easier to
consume when canned or prepared as juice,
purees or stews.
Older adults may have financial difficulties, or
they may be living alone and feel socially
isolated and, as a result, lose interest in
cooking and mealtime.
Older people may skip meals, lose weight and
become undernourished. Or, they may snack
on unhealthy foods, frequently eat at fast food
outlets, and choose frozen dinners, lunch
meats and other highly processed foods. The
result is that they may consume too many
empty calories, fat and sodium without getting
a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals.
New York State provides funding for nutrition
programs to help older adults maintain their
health. Meals are served to those age 60 and
over in their homes and at many senior
centers, schools and other public buildings
throughout the state.
By law, each meal must comply with the federal
Dietary Guidelines for Americans and provide
at least one-third of the recommended dietary
allowances for an older adult. These meals
also provide opportunities to socialize, which
encourages good mental health.
Other nutrition services include nutrition
education, screening, counseling and physical
activity programs. For those who qualify, food
stamps are available to help purchase healthy
foods.
Family members and friends can help older
adults by talking to them about nutrition
programs and helping them complete the
necessary forms.
Newsletter Attempting
to Go Green!
Alternate Means of Receiving Senior News
In an effort to Go Green, the Senior News
offers alternate ways of receiving the
newsletter.
Sign up to receive the newsletter delivered
electronically by email. Simply email us at
[email protected]. Be sure to provide
your name, email address, and current mailing
address so we can remove your name from our
postal delivery mailing list.
Don’t have email? You can still help our
newsletter Go Green by picking up a copy at
your local Senior Center or the Area Agency on
Aging office located at 60 Central Ave., Room
B6, Cortland, NY 13045. If you are willing to do
that, please give your current mailing address
to the secretary or center manager so we can
delete you from the postal delivery mailing list.
11
What does “Observation Status”
at the Hospital Mean for Rehab?
How can a patient stay in a hospital room
overnight but not be admitted? When they are
admitted as an outpatient under “observation
status.” This is happening more and more to
the senior population.
When a patient is placed on observation status
their care is not covered under Medicare Part A
(hospital coverage). Outpatient care is covered
by Medicare Part B (medical coverage) and is
subject to co-insurance costs including
prescription medications costs covered by
Medicare Part D.
Why does observation status matter so much?
Medicare has a regulation called the “three-day
rule.” This guideline states that Medicare will
not pay for rehabilitation services in a skilled
nursing facility unless a patient has first been
admitted to a hospital for at least three days.
The key word here is ADMITTED.
ADMITTED Even though
a patient stayed overnight or even multiple
nights in a hospital bed, received care from
hospital staff, underwent testing and received
medications from hospital staff, time spent in
the hospital under observation status does not
count towards the three days. Patients can
experience significant costs not only for the
hospital stay but also for the costs associated
with inpatient rehabilitative care. In Cortland
County the average daily cost for nursing home
care is $316.
Is there recourse for nonnon-admittance to the
hospital? Yes, on the HINNs there is a phone
number for IPRO. IPRO, formerly known as the
Island Peer Review Organization, is now under
contract with CMS (Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services) to improve health care for
people with Medicare in New York State. The
patient or patient’s family on their behalf can
start the appeals processes by calling IPRO at
1-888-880-9976. A patient or their advocate
has 30 days to call IPRO from the patient’s
“admission” date. If IPRO denies the appeal,
they will issue a written denial and the patient
can appeal that decision further.
If 30 days has elapsed and it’s too late to
appeal the HINN, the patient can request that
the hospital bill Medicare even though the
hospital believes the patient’s care will not be
covered. If Medicare denies, the Medicare
appeals process can be used to challenge the
denial as well.
If you or a family member on Medicare has a
question on observation status, HINNs appeal,
or Medicare appeals please contact the Area
Agency on Aging’s Health Insurance
Information Counseling Assistance Program
(HIICAP) at (607) 753-5060.
To help defray the cost of printing and mailing, the Area
Agency accepts paid advertisements for Senior News.
Acceptance of ads does not constitute endorsement of any
service, product or business.
What you should know: The hospital must
present the patient with a Hospital-Issued
Notices of Noncoverage (HINNs) in order to
shift financial liability to the patient if the
services rendered by the hospital are seen by
Medicare as not medically necessary. The
HINNs can be given to the patient prior to
admission, as part of the admission, or at any
point during the patient’s hospital stay. If a
patient has no initial knowledge that services
may not be paid by Medicare (the patient has
not been presented with a HINN and it is not a
Medicare excluded service), the patient should
not be held liable for the cost. That’s why a
HINNs can play such a vital role to the patient
in the future.
12
Cortland VITA
Offering Free Tax Preparation
Over 20 SUNY student volunteers have taken and passed the IRS certification test and are waiting to
do your taxes for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
To see if you qualify and for specific dates and times, visit our website at www.cortlandfreetaxes.org
or contact us by phone at: 607-745-2114.
Thanks to our hosts:
• Access to Independence:
• Cincinnatus Rural Services:
• YWCA:
• Cortland Free Library:
• United Presbyterian Church:
Saturdays 9:00am-5:00pm
alternating Tuesdays 1:00-5:00pm
alternating Tuesdays 4:00-8:00pm
Thursdays 2:30-8:00pm
Fridays 3:00-8:00pm
Medicine Disposal Program
Cortland Prevention Resources and the Cortland Area Communities that Care
(CACTC) have once again scheduled a Cortland County drug take-back event. The
next taketake-back event will be on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00am
9:00am to 1:00pm at the
Cortlandville Fire Department.
If getting your unused drugs/medications to the take-back event is absolutely not possible, you do
have the option of mixing the medicine with water and then adding it to an undesirable substance
such as ashes, kitty litter, or old coffee grounds to discourage the consumption of a scavenger. Then
place it in a sealable plastic bag or container which can then be thrown in the trash (www.dec.ny.gov).
Be sure to remove labels that contain personal information from all empty pill bottles and medication
containers before placing them in the trash. For more information please call the Cortland County
Area Agency on Aging at 607-753-5060.
____________________________________
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Because needs are always greater than the resources available to meet them, the Cortland
County Area Agency on Aging encourages and appreciates financial contributions. Thank you!
Name
Address
Phone
I designate my contribution of $
All donations are greatly appreciated.
All contributions are tax deductible to the
extent of the law.
for:
Newsletter
Legal Services
Handyman
Nutrition Program
RSVP
Clip and return this coupon with your donation.
Use Where Most Needed
Caregiver Respite Program
In-Home Services
Meals on Wheels
Make-A-Ramp®
13
AARP Smart Driver - March thru May 2015
Month M T W Th F Sat
MAR
4 5
MAR 24 25
APR
5
APR
MAY
MAY
9 10
5
Time
Location
5:308:30pm
Cortland Senior Center, Cortland County Office
Building, Rm. B-1, 60 Central Ave., Cortland
2:005:00pm
Marathon Senior Center
Civic Center, Brink St, Marathon
12:00 Lunch available
@ Senior Center
9:00am4:00pm
Homer Elks Lodge No 2506
82 Cortland St., Homer
Bring lunch
1 hour break
1:004:00pm
Scott Senior Center
United Methodist Church, Rte. 41, Scott
12:00 Lunch available
@ Senior Center
5:30Cortland Regional Medical Center,
8:30pm Auditorium lower level, 134 Homer Ave, Cortland
6
7 8
9:00am12:00pm
Special instructions
Bring Beverage if
needed
Virgil Town Hall
1176 Church St., Virgil
Please call Cortland County Health Dept. at 758-5509 to make a reservation.
Class fee is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
NOT JUST AN APARTMENT
BUT A HOME
Bonesaver Exercise Class To Be
Offered
SHERBROOK APARTMENTS
The Area Agency on Aging and RSVP program will
be offering the Bonesaver Exercise Program, a
weight-bearing exercise class geared toward
seniors. This class will be offered at the United
Presbyterian Church in Cincinnatus starting at the
beginning of March. This will be a twice weekly
class, and will be offered every Monday and
Wednesday from 3:00-4:00pm. The Bonesaver
Exercise Program is an hour-long gentle routine
that provides strength training done slowly with
hand and ankle weights and will be led by trained
RSVP volunteers. There are required forms to be
completed before someone can participate on a
regular basis, including a physician’s release.
Registration is required for the class, and can be
done by calling the RSVP office at 753-5057.
Space is limited. Please call with any questions or
to register for the Cincinnatus class site.
ONE & TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS
(640-850 SQ.FT.)
$15.00 SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT
756756-6145
www.sherbrookapt.com
Did you know….
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan,
your plan will not be able to charge you for
preventive services that are free for people
with Original Medicare as long as you see
in-network providers. Excellus, Today’s
Options, Fidelis, MVP, United Healthcare,
and Humana are examples of Advantage
plans in Cortland County.
The Cortland County Area Agency on Aging is a member of the National
Association of Area Agencies on Aging and is supported by the NYS Office for
the Aging, the Cortland County Legislature and donations from individuals and
organizations.
14
Hospicare Bereavement Program now Available in Cortland County
In response to their recent expansion to Cortland County, Hospicare & Palliative Care Services is pleased to
announce the addition of Barb Blom, M.Div. as a bereavement counselor with the Cortland-based team. In
addition, Hospicare is now offering two monthly support groups in Cortland County.
Barb has been a per diem spiritual counselor at Hospicare for six years, filling in when needed. As a
bereavement counselor in Cortland County, she will be leading monthly support groups and will be available for individual
counseling as well. Barb has a Master of Divinity and did her clinical pastoral education at Strong Memorial Hospital in
Rochester.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult things we do in life,” Barb says. “It can be overwhelming. But
grief is not insurmountable. We can learn, with time and support, how to find a place within ourselves to gently wrap the
sorrow up for safe keeping, while the memories and the love we shared give us comfort and the strength to carry on with joy
and gratitude.”
Hospicare offers two support groups for anyone in the community who is mourning a loss. The morning support group is
held the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00–11:30 a.m. The afternoon support group is held the third Thursday of each
month from Noon–1:30 p.m. Groups are held at Hospicare’s Cortland office at 11 Kennedy Parkway.
As part of hospice services covered under Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, Hospicare offers bereavement
support for 13 months to families of patients who have died on hospice, including individual counseling, literature, mailings
and supportive calls from trained volunteers. Hospicare also extends bereavement services to the community at large,
offering support groups and limited one-on-one counseling to anyone who has suffered a loss, no matter whether their loved
one died on hospice or not.
For more information about the new support groups or about Hospicare’s bereavement program, contact Donna George,
LMSW, FT, at 607-272-0212 or [email protected].
English as a Second Language Service Offered
English as a Second Language is being offered by the Cortland Community Group at the Train Station, 94-96 Central Ave.
in Cortland. RSVP volunteers are providing this service on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am-12pm every week. This
is a free service, with no testing involved, and will provide individualized assistance. This service is being offered as a
way to help individuals struggling to learn English as a second language. There is no specific time requirement, as the
volunteers are available as needed for interested individuals. If you would like more information about receiving this
service, you may stop in at the Train Station during the specified times, or call Mary Van Miller at (607)591-0494 or
(607)299-4140. You may also email her at [email protected]. Please share this anyone you know that might
benefit from this service.
15
Cortland County
Area Agency on Aging
60 Central Avenue
Cortland, NY 13045
PRESORTED STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
CORTLAND, NY 13045
PERMIT NO. 1
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? PLEASE LET US KNOW.
Whether it is temporary or permanent, the Area Agency on Aging appreciates knowing your new
address. This will avoid the expense of mail returned to us by the post office (we are charged
approximately $1.25 for each undeliverable newsletter) and help us to keep our mailing list up to date.
If your change of address is temporary, or you do not have second-class mail forwarded, please let us
know. We’ll send your newsletter to your temporary address until you notify us of your return.
To notify us of your change of address, call the Area Agency on Aging at (607)753-5060; write us at
60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045; or use the convenient form below. We appreciate your help.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Name ______________________________________
Mail to: Area Agency on Aging
Current Address ______________________________
60 Central Ave
New Address ________________________________
Cortland, NY 13045
Effective from (Date) __________________________
□ Please remove my name from the
If temporary, to (Date) _________________________
mailing list
16