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| Winter 1998 |
| A Publication of CNY Elderplanning |
| Volume 3 |
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A Message from the Executive Director Dear Friends: Since our last newsletter we have entered our third year. This year we introduced our new logo which signifies the warmth of a quilt, a metaphor for "putting all of the pieces together." After all, the mission of care management is to put the pieces together and to choreograph the best possible plan for each client. The long term healthcare system is changing dramatically in many ways. It continues to be enormously rewarding to be part of a community which continues to work well together and shows a continued growth in the choices and availability of geriatric services. I thank all of you who have supported us as we introduced private geriatric care management to Central New York. We continue to rely on you to help us to spread the word to those who need us. |
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Kate McGahan, CSW Executive Director |
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The circle of care |
| by Cynthia D. Stevenson |
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Turning to others for personal care and companionship becomes anew experience for most of us. We have been raised to take care of ourselves; to be completely independent. Now the experience of illness, diability or frailty and caring for ourself or family member is overwhelming. Turning to someone for help is hard because we have feelings of fear, mistrust and a sense of loss of privacy in our personal lives. There are at least three circles of help we can turn to with confidence: trusted family members or friends, trained volunteers and professional caregiving services. It requires courage to take that first stepto seek outside help, but the result is improved quality of care, reduction of stress, and pride that we are taking control of our well-being. Frequently professional or volunteer caregivers become like friends or family. Most people experience increased independence because, with help to manage the problem areas, they can focus on their capabilities and truly "live" their chosen lifestyle. |
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Fast Fact: Private Geriatric Care Manager: An unbiased professional who assistes older people and their families in the coordination of home care, residential care, alternative care and how to finance those options. The care manager can serve as a consultant, anadvisor, a mediator, an advocate, a problem solver and a coach. Services range from a one time consultation to create an action plan to ongoing care management for the older person in the absence of family or other supports. |
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GREENPOINT ADULT LIVING COMMUNITY has opened a new 48-room residential care facility at 138 Old Liverpool Road, Liverpool. The mission is to improve the quaility of life for older adults with cognitive impairments. Call Lisa Vigliotti at (315) 451-4567. Lori Lake of SEDGWICK HEIGHTS ASSISTIVE LIVING PROGRAM reports they have received a large grant for renovations of the front lobby. They also have a new respite program and are accepting residents who have oxygen and other medical needs. Try to attend one of their monthly open houses to learn more. Call (315) 234-1100 BELLEVUE, EASTSIDE AND WESTSIDE MANORS are now accepting residents on oxygen therapy. Due to revisions in adult home regulations, the Manors are now categorized as assisted living programs and have increased the services they provide to thie residents. This includes respite care. LORETTO has a new medical day program called Daybreak. It is located at 161 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, and is open and awaiting new participants. Call Cathy Moteyunas at (315) 489-4405. MANAGED CARE HAS ARRIVED! PHP Senior Choices is Central New York's first alternative to traditional fee-for-service Medicare and Medigap insurance. It offers features like low monthly premiums of $55/month. Watch your local papers for informational programs near you or call 1-800-659-1959 for more information. |
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What is Respite Care? Respite care provides relief to caregivers who have the responsibility of caring for an aging (60+) family member at home. Respite care can be provided either at home or in a residential facility for a period of up to 6 weeks. Home Aides of Central NY coordinates the Onondaga County program. Call Mary Ann Cerio at (315)-4295. Short term respite is available through Stafkings for those who need relief for just a few hours on a given day. Call Stafkings at (315)432-5636 for more information. If you are a caregiver, do yourself a favor and investigate these programs. It can be the difference between having a chance to go on that vacation you have been putting off, taking care of your own medical needs or simply getting some much needed rest and relaxation -- so that you can continue to be a good caregiver. "I don't know the secret to success, but the secret to failure is trying to please everybody." - Bill Cosby |
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Certification Achievement We are happy to announce that Kate McGahan has received certification from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. Certification recognizes commitment to excellence in care management and ensures credibility, professionalism and ethics in the geriatric field. www.elderplanning.com With more and more people becoming computer literate, we are findong more and more visitors at our website. If you visit, you will find information on elderplannign services, as well as important referral information. By the year's end we hope to have basic legal, financial, residential, and other useful eldercare information available online. We are happy to respond to "e-mail" questions if you wish to write us. Send your qyestions or comment via our website. Support A Good Cause Help us to support the Syracuse Jaycees by purchasing your 1999 Dine-A-Mate book from our local chapter. These coupon books are $25.00. They pay for themselves quickly and make great holiday gifts. Your purchase supports the Jayceees so they can continue their tremendous service work in our community. Call Kate at 673-9876. |
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Guest's corner court proceedings |
| by Charles F. Sprock, Jr. Esq. |
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One of life's realitles is that many of us will experience a time when we are not able to manage our own business and personal affairs. However, a person can choose an agent to manage his or her affairs by executing a durable power of attorney. The power of attorney gives a person some assurance that all business and personal affairs will be managed by the person of his/her choice--a trustworthy person. A durable power of attorney can be drafted very inexpensively as part of an individual's estate plan. If the power of attorney is properly executed, it will be recognized by banks, creditors, health care providers, and the courts, and it will stay in effect even if the person creating it becomes incapacitated. If a person loses his or her capacity to make decisions and he or she has not already appointed an agent through a power of attorney, then a guardianship proceeding may be necessary. This process involves court intervention, and is an experience that, if it can be avoided, should be avoided. The best way to avoid the emotional and financial costs of a guardian proceeds is witha properly executed durable power of attorney. Charles M. Sprock, Jr. Esq. is an attorney with the firm Rifken, Frankle & Greenman, PC, 5789 Widewaters Parkway, Dewitt, NY where he is a member of the Estate Planning, Estate Administration and Real Estate Departments. |
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Did you know? as the #1 dependent-care issue for employees" (USA Today, July 19,1994) CNY ELDERPLANNING continues to expand itsservices by offering Corporate Eldercare Seminars to corporations, clubs, and organizaztions. Seminars cover the issues of eldercare and how to find solutions. Speaker Kate McGahan has been well-received at public presentations, and has helped to increase public awareness by appearing on WCNY's "Financial Fitness", Cable 13's "Caring Across The Miles" and WFBL's "Dollarwise" programs. For more information on programs for yuour group, call us at (315) 673-9876. |
COMPASS points you in the right direction COMPASS is an organization of professionals involved in various segments of the long term care field. From home care to nursing home care; estate planning to retirement planning, the talents and expertise of COMPASS members creates and extraordinary network of senior services. COMPASS brings no-cost senior resource fairs to local organizations to help current and future retirees and caregivers learn of a multitude of services. To arrange for a fair for your organization or workplace, call us. CNY Elderplanning will be happy to coordinate a COMPASS fair with our corporate seminar program! |
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Medicaid Updates
The following are medicaid allowances for medicaid benefits in 1998 | |||
| assets | income | ||
| individual | at home | $3500 | $584 |
| married | at home | $5100 | $850 |
| individual | in nursing home | $3500 | n/a* |
| married individual in nursing home | w/spouse at home | $74820 | $2019 |
| *contribution towards nursing home is uaually based on total income minus health insurance premiums minus a $50 personal allowance. | |||
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