It’s no secret that Community Connections at Findley Lake has helped many elderly residents to remain living in the area, but now, through a new state program, it will take a huge leap forward in its mission. At a special community gathering at the gazebo, CCFL board of directors ...

WESTFIELD — MaryAnn Spanos, Chautauqua County Office for the Aging director, was the guest presenter during the July 23 meeting of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville in Westfield. She was welcomed to the session by John “Doc” Hamels, Club President. Hamels was the program’s sponsor. ...

It’s time to start planning for the next four years. Like other departments who receive state and federal funding, Office for the Aging must develop and submit a plan to describe what programs and services we will be providing in the community. In-home services, insurance counseling, ...

SINCLAIRVILLE — Members of the Sinclairville Senior Citizens met at the Sinclairville Firehall Dining Room for a lunch and meeting. President June Whipple welcomed all to the gathering, and Pastor Phil Shay led all in a blessing prior to the meal. Festival summer table decorations were ...

Question: Do I need to carry my Medicare Card? I can’t find it. How do I get a new one? Answer: Your question came at the perfect time. During 2018 and early 2019 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) worked very hard to mail out new ...

Question: My pharmacy is closing and the old pharmacy switched my meds to another chain pharmacy. Do I have to use that pharmacy? What should I do? Answer: I can’t begin to tell you how many calls we got this week with this same scenario. Sometimes I feel like “everything” in the ...

Question: I am turning 65 in a few months. My parents always were happy with their AARP Medigap plan. I am just not sure I want to join AARP. They send so much “other” mail. What do you suggest? Answer: Well congratulations on approaching Medicare age. I believe you will be pleased and ...

There are many reasons why people slow down and become more sedentary with age. It may be due to health problems, weight or pain issues, or worries about falling. Or perhaps you think that exercising simply isn’t for you. However as we grow older, the main ingredients to staying healthy ...

Question: I get Medicare Summary Notices (MSN), but I don’t understand them. The amount on the MSN does not match my doctor bill. How do I read this? Answer: Whenever you go to see your doctor or are admitted to the hospital, your benefits are processed through your insurance provider. ...

Question: I have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. I keep getting notices from them and don’t know why. I get a print out from my pharmacy when I pick up my medications. Why am I getting this as well? Answer: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets a standards of ...

Question: When I called your office to make an appointment, Karen said you are all moving in the coming days. I did not need an appointment immediately, so your move didn’t impact my needs. Where are you moving and why? Answer: For those clients who have known me for a number of years, you ...

CHICAGO — New research shows fatal falls have nearly tripled in older Americans in recent years, rising to more than 25,000 deaths yearly. The findings highlight the importance of fall prevention. A separate study bolsters evidence that programs focusing on improving muscle strength and ...

On Saturday we once again celebrated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder Abuse is a growing problem as our world population is getting older and as families have become more spread out geographically. No longer does grandma or grandpa live in the same neighborhood with children and ...

Medical identity theft is serious business, and 1.5 million Americans are victims of Medical ID theft yearly. The average cost to fix medical ID theft for someone is more than $20,000 per incident. Medical ID theft occurs when someone steals personal information — such as your name and ...

June is Alzheimer’s and brain awareness month. You may be seeing ads on TV or in the paper talking about the longest day. June 21 is the day of the year with the longest amount of daylight- the summer solstice. It is a day when the Alzheimer’s organization hopes that people with consider ...

MAYVILLE — The Chautauqua County Office for the Aging has announced this year’s distribution of Senior Farmer’s Market coupon books. Coupons will be distributed on: ¯ Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until coupon books are gone at the Westfield Farmer’s Market, Moore ...

The Chautauqua County Genealogical Society will hold an open house on Tuesday from 1-7:45 p.m. in the Garland Room of Barker Library/Museum. The business meeting will commence at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The Barker Museum will also be open during these hours. Members of the ...

Question: I just received a document from Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services, telling me I have Medicaid and need to recertify within two weeks. I do not have Medicaid and I do not think I should fill out this form/application. What do you think? Answer: There are many ...

Question: I help my parents, but I worry about them when I am away, or I can’t get there as often as I would like. What can you tell me about those safety buttons? How do they work? Answer: As an adult child we want the best for our family, young or old. As our parents and family members ...

Question: Why do I need a prescription drug plan if I can get my medications through GoodRx? Answer: I have been hearing about GoodRx more and more. I see the commercials continuously on the TV and in magazines. I have many clients ask me about GoodRx. First, let me clarify “why you need ...