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Caregiving Is Not An Easy Task

Are you someone who is always willing to help others? Do you do things like help manage medication, assist with daily tasks, or even just worry about the health of a family member, neighbor or friend? You’re most likely a caregiver. You may think, “I’m just a spouse” or “I’m just a good friend,” but what you are doing is caring for a loved one. While it’s often an honor, it can also be very stressful and intense. What’s the good news? There are things that can help. ANY CARE COUNTS – New York is a partnership between the State Office for the Aging, Aging-NY, and ...

Consumer Directed Home Care Services

Have you seen the ads that say, “You can get your Grandchildren or daughter paid to care for you? We see these all the time on Facebook, television, and in other areas. What does this mean? How do you get this type of care? The answer depends on your individual situation. Let’s start by looking at what the service is all about. Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a program funded under NY State Medicaid and locally by our Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services. They are two different programs- but with a similar name: Consumer Directed Personal Care ...

Nonagenerians Celebrate A Lifetime Of Bridge-Playing

CULPEPER, Va. (AP) — Two pals, for an incredible length of 80 years, recently celebrated one’s 90th birthday with the sharing of separate and shared memories from a friendship lasting a lifetime, and recently renewed. And to think—it all started with a game of bridge. “Bennie’s ...

Don’t Throw That Away! Ways To Use Leftovers

Are you looking forward to the holidays? Imagine the lovely aromas of the meals we grew up with and creating memories with loved ones. However, we end up with a fridge full of leftovers that we tire of eating. It is estimated that 40% of the food grown, processed, and transported in the U.S. will never be eaten. Nearly one-third of the food waste happens because we buy and make more than we serve and eat. Many of you are probably familiar with taking those leftovers of turkey and re-making it into Turkey Soup, Turkey Tetrazzini, or Turkey Potpies. But, the holidays are not the only time ...

Tips On Giving Care For Seniors During The Holidays

National Family Caregivers Month is celebrated each November and it is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers (also known as care partners) across the country. The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (like our counterparts across the state and nation) are charged with not only assisting older adults but also helping caregivers of any age. However, our biggest challenge is getting people to realize they are a caregiver. This month’s national caregiving theme is “Caregiving Happens” to reflect that most people do not sign up to be a caregiver, the reality is that ...

Are Medicare Calls Really From Medicare?

Question: I have gotten numerous phone calls from individuals saying they are calling from Medicare. Are they really from Medicare? Answer: This is my most commonly asked question this year. I can confidently say no, that caller is not from Medicare. These types of calls are probably from an insurance company that contracts with Medicare to provide insurance coverage to individuals with Medicare (many are representing a Medicare Advantage Plan). Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Plans pay commissions to brokers who enroll people into the plans. Commissions are how these ...