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CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER(716) 858-2177Caregivers: This Day Is For You!Caregiver Workshop & Resource DayThe Erie County Caregiver Coalition & the Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center will offer a day of freeworkshops to help caregivers learn ways to reduce stress and make everyday chores easier. Whether yourloved one is physically frail or has memory loss, you will find useful information. Workshops: Activities forThose with Dementia, Dealing with Challenging Behaviors, Legal/Financial Issues, Who’s Helping theFamily Caregiver?, Managing Caregiver Feelings, The Conversation Project, Partnering with Your Physician,and Laughter for a Happy, Healthy Life.Saturday, November 7, 20158:00 am – 3:00 pmMillennium Airport Hotel 2040 Walden Ave. CheektowagaLunch and materials will be provided.Although there is no cost for the workshop, reservations are required. Please call (716) 858-2177 or emailcaregiver@erie.gov at the Erie County Senior Services Caregiver Resource Center.Supervision for memory impaired adults is available, please inquire when making your reservation.BEATING CAREGIVER SYNDROMEcontinued from page 1facilitate caregivers’ attendance.Under the auspices of the Erie County CaregiverCoalition, certified class leaders with personalcaregiver experience conduct the classes.Time and time again the class leaders witnessthe transforming results of the program.Caregivers are able to reduce personal stress,communicate better with loved ones and healthcare professionals, increase their ability to makedifficult care decisions, and better balance theirown lives. Throughout the series, participantsreceive information about available localresources and brainstorm solutions to commonproblems.After attending the six week series, each of theabove individuals described an improvement intheir outlook:Jim says he is better able to handle his angerover the situation with his wife: There’s comfortin knowing you’re not alone. It helps to talk toothers with similar challenges--and learn newways to handle everyday problems.2Susan reported that her relationships with hermother and her sister were improving. She hadhad to adjust her expectations and her approach: Ihave 2 Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s degree,but I didn’t have a clue about what to do aboutmom. I learned so much in these classes.Julia said the series was life-changing for her.After the first class, I realized I couldn’t help myhusband if I wasn’t ‘around.’ I went right homeand made an appointment with my doctor.Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes are cosponsored by The University at Buffalo-School ofPublic Health and Health Professions and The ErieCounty Caregiver Coalition. Class size is limitedand pre-registration is required. A fee of 25.00defrays the cost of The Caregiver Helpbook,distributed to all participants. Blue Cross/BlueShield of WNY and Independent Health cover thisfee for their members. For more information anda list of upcoming sessions, and to pre-register,call (716) 858-2177, or e-mail caregiver@erie.gov.Submitted by a PTC class leaderNY CONNECTS A newsletter of Erie County Senior ServicesERIE COUNTY DID YOU KNOW?FUN FACTS AND LOCAL NEWSpharmacies, colleges,work places, nutritionsites, adult day cares,grocery stores, banks,salons/barbers,andmanyotherdestinations. “I hadto give up driving dueto poor eyesight. Without Rural Transit, I wouldnot be able to shop or get to my doctor” saidClarence resident Charlotte Carnes.More than 130 volunteers serve as drivers,dispatchers, and driver aides in order to supportthose who need a ride to maintain an independentlifestyle - and more drivers are always needed,especially during the winter months when manysnowbirds head to warmer states.Rural Transit has become more like a family ratherthan an “organization” with lifelong friendshipsbetween fellow volunteers and clients. Volunteersshare holiday celebrations, luncheons, andappreciation picnics. “The passing of my wifecreated a void in my life which RTS and thewonderful clients filled. No amount of moneycan compare to the feeling of happiness I getfrom helping others. I look forward to the daysI volunteer. Actually, volunteering for RTS hashelped me as much as my riders” said 7-yearvolunteer Ralph Miller of Hamburg.If you have any questions about their service,would like to register or volunteer, pleasecontact them at (716) 549-5098 or http://www.ruraltransitservice.org.HEALTHY LIVINGWORKSHOPSSELF-MANAGEMENTIf you or someone you know has diabetes or a chroniccondition, these evidence-based workshops are just foryou. The Living Healthy Self-Management workshops are6 week programs that are 2 ½ hour class sessions heldonce a week. Our workshops will help teach you differentways to better manage your health and the aches andpains you may feel throughout your day. The goals ofthe workshops are to decrease your time in the hospital,Volume 21, Number 2Fall 2015 (716) 858-8526increase your physical activity, increase your energylevels, and to help you work more effectively with yourhealthcare professionals. Our current participants areseeing incredible results from attending our workshops.We are also looking for Volunteers who may beinterested in peer leading these workshops. If you canread and don’t mind talking to a group you can be aPeer Leader - we will train you. We have a 5-day trainingset up for October 21st, 23rd, 26th, 28th and November4th from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm at the Cheektowaga SeniorCenter located at 3349 Broadway, Cheektowaga wherebreakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost to you.For more information, to register for a workshop, and/orto volunteer to become a Peer Leader please call us at(716) 858-8526 or email us at choosehealthy@erie.gov.WHAT’S IN THE SOCK?Use your fingers to figure out the 4 objects in thesock.1.2.3.4.This is a fun game that is played at our MemoryCafes. Ahead of time put 4 objects in a heavy sportsock. Tie the sock so it is closed at the top. Askpeople to feel the objects thru the sock and try toidentify what they are. It’s more difficult than it looks!Type of objects: Quarter (coin) Sparkplug Clothespin Allen wrench Nail clippers Marble Spoon Bottle of nail polish Spool of thread PenNote: Be sure objects are not sharp enough topierce material.11

From the County Executive.Apply Early for 2012-13 HEERIE COUNTY DID YOU KNOW?CAREGIVING COMES FIRST FOR ERIE COUNTY SENIORSI encourage our older adults in Erie County to apply as early asAMESSAGEFROM ERIECOUNTYEXECUTIVEHomeEnergy AssistanceProgram(HEAP).Income GuidelinesMARKSeason are on pg.15 ofPOLONCARZthis newsletter.FUN FACTS AND LOCAL NEWSTHE CANE CLUBMy name is Ziggy Kucewicz, Sr.,once owner of Ziggy and Zon’sWorld at the Airport Plaza inCheektowaga.I’ve started a project now called the “The CaneClub.” What is it? It’s an informal way to greetthose of us who need the use of a cane to getaround safely and as comfortably as possible.As you maneuver at the mall, grocery store,church, etc. when you, as a ‘cane holder’ approachanother ‘cane holder’ you gently tap their canewith yours and say “Have a great day!”You’d be surprised by how they appreciate thisgesture and respond with a big smile and a “Youhave a great day too!” Give it a try; you’ll behappy and they will be happy that you did it.ROBO CALL SCAM TARGETS OLDER NEWYORKERSThe New York State Office for Aging has beenmade aware of a new robocall scam that attemptsto lure older New Yorkers into providing theirpersonal information over the phone. The voiceon the robocall identifies itself as the New YorkState Office for the Aging and asks the individualanswering the phone to press a button if someonein the home is over 65 and would be interestedin receiving a free Medic Alert pin and 3000 incoupons for food or other items.This is a SCAM. The New York State Office forthe Aging does not give away items, moneyor coupons and will NEVER solicit personalinformation over the phone.If you receive a similar call, you should HANG UPIMMEDIATELY. Reports of financial scams shouldbe reported to the Consumer Protection Divisionof the NYS Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-7717755, the NYS Department of Financial Servicesat 1-800-697-1220 or the NYS Department ofState (518) 474-8583.10VIDEO – “A BEAUTIFUL DEATH”As Erie County Executive, I am honored and humbled to work withoutstandingmenopenand womenall countydepartments who serveHEAP willto theinpublicin mid-November.Buttheirthose agecommunity in many different ways, doing good work to help others d an appimproveErie HEAPCounty. lastThe ErieCountyDepartmentof Senioris hometo many suchindividuals,doingtheir utmostto stamps,make r teour seniors can easily access the programs and services that they need.may not receive an application and need not apply by mail - HEIn one way or another, caregiving is a constant and always comes first inclientsare processedautomaticallyandbenefits appearall sethatthe Departmentdoes, andthey work hardto demonstratethat on Deevery day.This video discusses end-of-life issues facedby Americans today. Take the time to view thisinformative video as it follows Paul Scheier, hisfamily and his Hospice doctor over the final 38 daysof this life. Go to http://web.consumerreports.org/endoflife.htm to view the video.Consumer Reports will be adding more soon thatyou should know about. It’s called the ConversationProject and it’s exactly that: a project to guide andsupport you and your family as you start to talk aboutthese difficult, at times painful and scary, subjects.The centerpiece of the project is a downloadable“conversation starter kit” that you can use to clarifyyour own end-of-life feelings and begin talkingwith your loved ones about them. It even givessuggestions for icebreakers to get the conversationgoing, like “I was thinking about what happenedto Uncle Joe, and it made me realize ” The kit isavailable in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.In addition you can download a kit that will help youhave the conversation with your doctor—possiblyan even more challenging prospect than havingit with your family, given our health care system’ssingle-minded focus on aggressive curative care.You can find this info at http://theconversationproject.org/.RURAL TRANSIT SERVICECELEBRATES 25 YEARS OFPROVIDING TRANSPORTATION HERE’S TO 25 MORE!In 1990, Rural Transit Service began its missionof providing transportation in the Towns ofEvans and Concord. Twenty-five years later, in2015, Rural Transit services 25 municipalitiesand gives between 10,000 and 15,000 safe ridesper year to seniors, disabled and low/moderateincome residents of Erie County. Their familiarvans and gracious volunteer drivers are on themove Monday through Friday, 8 am – 4 pm, todialysis clinics, medical offices, physical therapy,NY CONNECTS A newsletter of Erie County Senior ServicesJanuary heating bills.It can be exhausting to care for a loved one, with caregivers often neglecting themselves due to theEligible applicantswill receivebenefitsToolsto assistwith the cost ofstress of providing care. The Departmentof Senior Servicesoffers “Powerfulfor Caregivers”classes that can help individualsHEAPin this situation;is helpfulto hearmonthlythe experiencesof not onbenefitsmanyare times,baseditonhouseholdincome,others caringfor their own loved ones and the classes also offer information on how to handle stress,County Executiveheating bills.There is no reason to wait to apply until heating bPoloncarzimproveMarkself-confidence,better communicate feelings, and locate helpful resources. Participants alsolearn how to improve their abilitycolderto makewinterdifficultmonths.decisions andfind balancein theirlives. TheseRegularHEAPbenefitsrangetoolsfrom 20 (help caregivers take care of themselves, so please contact caregiver@erie.gov for more information.included in their rent), to 650 (for those who pay heating bills directly). The Erie CountyHEAPofficededicateSeptemberandOctoberto processingapplicationThis monthwe willare wishinga fondfarewell toMiriamCallahan,who recentlyseniorretiredmail-infrom SeniorServices after many years of being a passionate and articulate spokesperson and advocate for seniorpanieswill be notified of HEAP benefits approvals in November. First time applicants orissues. As Project Coordinator in the Department, Miriam was up to her elbows in projects such asnotreceivedToolsan classes,applicationby Nov.1 maythecallMemorythe HEAPapplicationrequestline at 858the PowerfulCaregivers’Workshops,Café, workshopson ChronicDiseaseand DiabetesSelf-Managementforatseniors,and manyothers.Miriam’s constant search for ways forto detailePleasecall theHEAP hotline858-7644or visitwww2.erie.gov/seniorservices“spread the word” on these programs led to more seniors and caregivers accessing information that’stheprogram.Seniorsalsoandspeakwith awillDepartmentrepresentativeabout a wide arrayimportantto them,and hercanenergyenthusiasmbe missed whileher spirit remains.and services available to older adults in Erie County by calling Information and AssistanThe Senior Services department is also involved in caregiving in many other ways, reaching out toassist seniors and keep them involved and active as they age. Helping to provide nutritious meals andfitness classes at area senior centers, providing van transportation for senior needs through the “GoingPlaces” program, and offering free adult education classes with University Express are just a few ofthe many ways that the Department iskeeping seniors connected and caredfor. Is there a specific concern or issueWWW2.ERIE.GOV/SENIORSERVICESthat is important to you as you age?If so, you’ll want to take part in one Everyone has an opinion about what matters most asof the upcoming public hearings the they age and Erie County Senior Services is interested indepartment is holding this fall, giving hearing what’s important to you. Commissioner Randyseniors, their families and caregivers, Hoak invites all seniors, their families, and friends toand community agencies an opportunity attend the department’s public hearing.to discuss what matters most to them Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at the Americanas they age. The information gatheredRed Cross, 786 Delaware Avenue fromat these hearings will help us to build a3:00-4:00 PMcommunity that is more senior-friendlyand inclusive, so we hope you’ll plan on This is an opportunity to voice your opinions about theattending. For more information, please future plans for our Erie County programs and servicescall (716) 858-7532.for adults 60 and older.PULBLIC HEARINGVolume 21, Number 2Fall 2015 (716) 858-85263

ERIE COUNTY HERE FOR YOUERIE COUNTY STAY FITLOCAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMSSENIOR WISHESPROGRAM BRINGSJOY TO LOCALSENIORSTed, 90, is a lifelongbaseball fan and hischildren and grandchildrenall played the game. Hiswish was to be in a suitewith his family and sharetheir love of baseball. Senior Wishes and theBuffalo Bisons granted his wish and made it evenmore memorable by having Ted, dressed in hispersonalized jersey, throw out the first pitch of thegame on July 1. He was also honored as VeteranHero of the game. Tears of gratefulness and joyflowed from everyone as Ted, his wife Alice, and hischildren and grandchildren experienced a true VIPevening together.aging, it doesn’t mean you give up on your dreams.Senior Wishes grants low income seniors, aged65 and over, meaningful experiences that theyare hoping, wishing and dreaming of. No medicaldiagnoses is necessary and you must be physicallyand cognitively capable of experiencing your wish.Visit www.seniorwishes.org for wish guidelines andan application, or call (716) 508-2121.FOOD, FRIENDSHIP AND FUNAdviceAdviceon Preventingon PreventingFallsFallsas Givenas Givenby Membersby Membersof theof tely,therethereare areseveralseveralthingsthingsthatthatcan canbe donebe doneto reduceto reducethe therisk riskof falling.of falling.TheThefollowingfollowingis someis of theof am,PresidentPresidentat Touchingat TouchingHeartsHeartsat Homeat HomeFallingFallingis theis rindividualsindividualsenterenterthe theemergencyemergencyroomroombut butit is it isalsoalsothe opingstrongerstrongerlegslegswill willsignificantlysignificantlyreducereducethe thechanceschancesof offalling.falling.SeniorsSeniorshereherein Eriein ErieCountyCountyare eoveroverthe theage ageof 60ofis60 iseligibleeligibleto participateto participatein thein theCLUBCLUB99 body99 ionssessionsbeingbeingheldheldat ieErieCounty.County.GOING PLACES VAN SERVICEAs a service to older adults (aged 60 ) in ErieCounty, the Department of Senior Servicesoffers the Going Places Transportation Program.The curb-to-curb van service is available toseniors without access to regular transportation.Reservations for health-related trips may bescheduled up to two weeks to the day in advance.Non-medical trips may be scheduled one week tothe day in advance. A brief registration is requiredfor service.AmyAmyBraun,Braun,BSW,BSW,CCMCCMat BlueCrossat BlueCrossBlueShieldBlueShieldof Westernof WesternNewNewYorkYork1. Talk1. Talkto yourto yourlovedlovedoneoneaboutaboutthe therisksrisksof falling.of falling.2. Encourage2. Encourageseniorsseniorsto talkto talkto theirto theirhealthhealthcarecareprovidersprovidersto assessto assessthe thefall risk.fall risk.3. Ask3. Askif theyif theyare areexperiencingexperiencingany anyvision,vision,hearing,hearing,or balanceor balancechanges.changes.4. Talk4. Talkaboutaboutthe themedicationsmedicationstheytheyare aretakingtakingandandany anysidesideeffects.effects.5. Make5. rregulareye eyeandandhearinghearingcheckups.checkups.6. Encourage6. Encourageolderolderlovedlovedonesonesto attendto .programs.Joan’s, 74, wish was simple. She dreamedof having her family altogether again for a familydinner. Senior Wishes provided dinner for the 14members of her family to enjoy time together.She said they sat around for hours after the meal,“making memories.”Who takes care of the caregiver? Mary, 81, is thecaregiver for her husband. She is unable to leavethe house very often so her yard is her respite. Shehoped to one day be able to replace the old, tornglider she was using to sit and read during thequiet moments of her day. Senior Wishes providedher with a new glider and patio set to create acomfortable sanctuary for her to read and pray.Syd MacDougall, Resident Services Coordinatorat Belmont Housing Resources, notes the impact ofthe Senior Wishes program: “The wishes that havebeen granted to a couple of my residents have beenlife transforming for them. They walk taller, smilemore broadly, and exude a joyful spirit of gratitudeand thankfulness. It has given them a confidencethat I hadn’t observed before, combined with hopefor their futures. It has been a joy to watch!”BethBethMoses,Moses,BSN,BSN,RN, RN,AEMTAEMT- Trauma- ducationCoordinatorCoordinatorat ECMCat ECMCMakeMakeyouryourhomehomesafersaferby pickingby pickingup theup theclutter,clutter,removingremovingtrip to tothe s,stairs,installinginstallinghandhandrailsrailson bothon bothsidessidesof anyof sor assistiveor assistivedevicesdevicesin thein thebathroom.bathroom.It’s upIt’stoup ll chanceschancesof falling.of falling.A suggested contribution is 3 per one-way tripor 6 per round-trip; wheelchair service is 8 perone-way trip or 16 per round-trip. Contributionsare voluntary. Any amount you wish to give isgreatly appreciated and will be used to expandthe transportation program. All contributions areconfidential and no one will be denied service ifunable to donate. Because of the demands forsenior transportation, travel may be limited to thenearest available facilities (with the exception oftrips for health purposes).Call (716) 858-RIDE - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Mondaythrough Friday.Senior Wishes knows that just because you are4NY CONNECTS A newsletter of Erie County Senior t,Therapist,Cert.Cert.MDTMDTat Sistersat SistersHospitalHospital1. Keep1. suchas walking,as walking,exerciseexerciseclasses,classes,Tai Chi,Tai Chi,YogaYogaandandline linedancing.dancing.2. Vision:2. riptionprescriptionis up-to-dateis up-to-dateandandthatthatyouryourlenseslensesare areclean.clean.3. Vestibular3. playplayan importantan importantpartpartin balance.in balance.If theyIf theyare areweak,weak,you youmaymayget dizzy,get ticePracticekeepingkeepingit strongit strongby movingby movingyouryoureyeseyesandandneckneckto theto therightrightandandleft to tostanding/walking.standing/walking.If youIf gthesethesethenthenseekseekthe theadviceadviceof aofhealtha healthprofessionalprofessionalto helpto helpyou.you.4. Appropriate4. Appropriate(sensible)(sensible)footfootwearwearfor thefor theactivityactivityyouryourwill willbe beperformingperforming-don’t-don’twearwearflip flopsflip flopsor highor highheelsheelswhilewhilewalkingwalkingfor exercise.for exercise.KeepKeepyouryourlife lifeandandhealthhealthin balance.in aluations,CLUBCLUB99 s,classes,MatterMatterof Balanceof Balanceclassesclasses- for- ctsConnectsat (716)at (716)858-8526.858-8526.Volume 21, Number 2Fall 2015 (716) 858-85269

INSURANCE RESOURCE CENTER(716) 858-7883DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME):WHAT FAMILY CAREGIVERS NEED TO KNOWDurable Medical Equipment (DME) is one of the mostimportant aspects of home health care. It’s importantfor family caregivers to know what DME is, what isusually covered by insurance, and how to choose anduse the right DME.From Medicare’s perspective, DME is equipmentthat is: Durable. That means the DME is strong enough tobe used over and over again. Medically necessary. The DME is prescribed by adoctor, and used only by the person who needs itto treat or manage a disease, injury, or disability.Examples are diabetic supplies, hospital beds,oxygen tanks, walkers, and wheelchairs. Used at home. Homecan be a residence,assisted living facility, ornursing home.Medicare will pay for DMEonly when it is orderedfrom a vendor that participates in Medicare. (SeeMedicare’s guidance at http://www.medicare.gov/c

Millennium Airport Hotel 2040 Walden Ave. Cheektowaga Caregivers: This Day Is For You! Caregiver Workshop & Resource Day Lunch and materials will be provided. Although there is no cost for the workshop, reservations are required. Please call (716) 858-2177 or email caregiver@erie.gov at the Erie County Senior Services Caregiver Resource Center.