Awards to be presentedIN 6 DIFFERENT CATEGORIES

Jerry Flaschner Humanitarian SPIRITAcademic Award

Established in 2006 in honor of the late Jerry Flaschner, designed to recognize an individual who has demonstrated the same concern for older persons in WNY** $1,000 ACADEMIC AWARDS FOR THE 2017-2018 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR **Submit your award nomination online! The deadline to submit your nomination for the Flaschner Award is May 20, 2017

AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE TASTE OF THE NETWORK

To Benefit the Jerry FlaschnerHumanitarian Spirit Education Award

Tuesday, July 25th12:00-2:00pm

AMHERST CENTER FOR SENIOR SERVICES370 John James Audubon Parkway Amherst, NY 14228

The “Taste of the Network” provides an opportunity for Network members and friends to come together to enjoy the culinary tidbits created by the dining

service departments of several Network in Aging member agencies.

Applications for participation coming soon! Available on a first-come, first-serve basis!

NETWORK AGINGO F W E S T E R N N E W Y O R K , I N C

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Est. 1981

IN THIS ISSUE

APRIL – JUNE 2017

Taste of the Network Event. ............. 1

36th Annual Conference Photos .... 2

President’s Message ........................... 3

Network New Members ..................... 3

Network Committee Info. .................4

SPONSOR ARTICLES .........5-10

Accessible Home Solutions .............. 5

Buffalo Ultrasound .............................. 5

Catholic Health Home Response ....6

Catholic Health Life ............................6

Complete Senior Care ...................... 7

Geriatric Managers of WNY ............. 7

Magavern Magavern Grimm LLP .... 8

Park Creek ............................................. 8

Venture Forthe.....................................9

Mobile Dysphagia ...............................9

Symphony Manor at Lancaster ..... 10

President’s Challenge ...................... 10

Member Ads ....................................... 10

Platinum Members ..............................11

Calendar of Events ............................12

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Est. 1981

OFFICERS

President Kristin Surdej, LMSW, CMCLaping, Surdej Associates, LLC

V.P. UB RelationsBeth DonnerM&T Bank Reverse Mortgage

V.P. SponsorshipsDana R. DeeACSIA Partners

V.P. Network with the Network EventsJane Nogowski Park Creek Senior Living

SecretaryAngie BlackleyThe Dale Association

TreasurerSharon PlantPeople Inc.

Past PresidentDot SwiftSchofield Residence & Home Health Care

Founding PresidentDr. Evan Calkins

BOARD MEMBERS

Louanne Bakk, PHD, MSW, BSWUniversity at Buffalo, School of Social Work

Charles Battaglia, Jr.Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels

Anne Binga, LMSWCenter for Hospice & Palliative Care

Margie Cannon-ZdrojewskiSimplified Solutions of WNY, LLC

James Coats Heathwood Assisted Living

Kevin Connolly, MBABuffalo First Wealth Management, LLC

Sarah HarlockDent Neurologic Institute – Integrative Center for Memory

Beverly A. Kubala, RN, CCMGeriatric Care Managers of WNY

Thomas Lang, JD, MBA Magavern Magavern Magavern Grimm, LLC

Bonnie McMorrowMeals on Wheels for Western New York

Laurie Menzies, Esq.Pfalzgraf Beinhauer & Menzies LLP

Chip MussenCatholic Cemeteries

Pamela PaceCenters Health Care

Larry RainesCaring Transitions

Maria SchenkUnivera Healthcare

Michael StraeckBuffalo Ultrasound

WORKSHOP SCAMMING THE ELDERLY / SENIOR EXPLOITATION

MARCH 21, 2017 HOSPICE EDUCATION BUILDING

JANUARY SOCIALJANUARY 24, 2017 SALVATORE’S ITALIAN GARDENS

Thank you to Harris Beach for

sponsoring the event.

Thanks to Allwel & Univera for

providing the desserts.

Thank you to Bu�alo Ultrasound

for sponsoring the photo booth.“JOURNEY’S END”

TABLE OF DONATIONS

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEKRISTIN SURDEJ

As I write this message I feel like we have truly turned the corner to Spring, a welcome site. Let me take a few minutes to recap for you some of the wonderful activities at the Network we are fortunate enough to have experienced thus far in 2017.

We started the new year with the January Social at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. The Special Events Committee did a smashing good job, as usual, pulling the event together. A special thank you to our sponsors – event sponsor Harris Beach PLLC, the sponsor for desserts were Allwel, Univera Healthcare and People, Inc. and the photo

booth sponsor was Buffalo Ultrasound. Our honorary charity was Journey’s End Refugee Services, Inc., which welcomes and assists refugees in becoming healthy, independent and contributing members of our community. It was an enjoyable and successful evening.

In February, Network with the Network paid tribute to our service men and women. The theme was USO: the Swing Era at the event hosted by Brookdale Williamsville along with co-host Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLC. WNY Hero’s, Inc., an initiative to provide service animals to veterans in need, was on hand for the event and the recipient of donations from guests.

The Network had some March Madness of its own going on. First, we had to postpone our Network with the Network due to the weather. We are a hardy group and it was a difficult decision by our hosts and the Membership Committee that came down to the wire. Next, thanks to the hard work of the Education Committee we had a very well attended and informative workshop in March held at Hospice Buffalo in Cheektowaga. The topic was Scamming the Elderly/Senior Exploitation. The afternoon started with lunch and a video called “Fleeced”, followed by our presenters from the FBI. We closed out the month of March with the rescheduled Network with the Network hosted by Meals On Wheel and co-hosts GCM of Western New York, Pfalzgraf, Beinhauer & Menzies, LLP and Home Instead Senior Care. If you were in attendance, Irish eyes were smiling. Those who attended were entertained by Irish dancers and had the chance to meet the Network’s very own leprechaun.

I close by wishing all our members good health and happiness. May you have a spring in your step as we welcome all the sights and signs of the spring time season.

“We are a hardy group and it was a difficult decision by our hosts and the Membership

Committee that came down to the wire.”

THE NETWORK WELCOMES ITS NEWEST MEMBERSWE WELCOME EIGHT NEW MEMBERS!

GOLDSAGE MANAGEMENT

SILVERNATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION OF WESTERN NEW YORK ST. ANN’S COMMUNITY AT CHERRY RIDGE

BRONZEAGING WITH PURPOSE LLCCANNON DESIGNCLEAR CAPTIONSFOX RUN ORCHARD PARKGLENWELL A. DEPAUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITYUNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

When you go to the Network in Aging website the first thing you should do is Log In, located at the top right of the page. If you forgot or lost your password, there is a prompt that allows you to reset the password. Logging in will ensure you have access to all areas of the website, including the Member Directory. The Member Directory is a great tool to find a member you are looking for by allowing you to perform a search. Logging in is also the first step to use the website to register for a Network in Aging event that requires payment, such as the Taste of the Network, a workshop, the annual meeting or the January Social. One way to make the most of your membership is to access the Network in Aging website regularly to check the Event Calendar.

WEBSITE TIP

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NETWORK AGINGO F W E S T E R N N E W Y O R K , I N C

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NETWORK MEMBERSHIPBY JOINING A COMMITTEE TODAY

COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS & MEETING INFORMATIONPlease be sure to verify meeting date, time and location as there are occasional changes!

The Network has four working committees and ad hoc committees as needed. Please contact our committee chairs directly if you’d like to join a committee, or if you want more information.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEEEstablishes and directs the Network’s print and online communications with its members and the public. The committee meets every other second Tuesday of the month; next meeting June 13th at 9am at Panera Bread, 1593 Niagara Falls Blvd, near Consumers Square in Amherst

CHAIRDot Swift (swift@hanci.com) (716) 285-8224 x215 Pamela Pace (ppace@centershealthcare.org) (716) 863-9035

EDUCATION COMMITTEEPlans and carries out educational programs on aging related issues and develops seminars on manners of public policy affecting older persons. This committee meets the second Thursday of each month at 8:45 AM at Meals on Wheels for WNY, Inc., 100 James E. Casey Drive, Buffalo.

CO-CHAIRSAngie Blackley (angie.blackley@daleassociation.com) (716) 433-1886

Maria Schenk (maria.schenk@univerahealthcare.com) (716) 860-9015

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEEReviews and recommends changes in membership dues and benefits; coordinates ongoing membership recruitment efforts. This committee meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 8:00 AM at Panera Bread, 1593 Niagara Falls Blvd, near Consumers Square in Amherst. There are NO committee meetings in August or December.

CO-CHAIRSJane Nogowski (jnogowski@parkcreek.com) (716) 632-3000

Larry Raines (lraines@caringtransitions.com) (716) 553-4538

SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEEPlans social functions and fundraising events for the Network in Aging. This committee meets the fourth Tuesday each month at 8:30AM at Heathwood 815 Hopkins Road, Williamsville, NY 14221. There is NO December/January meeting.

CO-CHAIRSJames Coats (jcoats@heathwoodassistedliving.com) (716) 688-0111

Sharon Plant (splant@peopleinc.org) (716) 817-7419

NOMINATING COMMITTEEThis Committee solicits and accepts nominations for positions on the Network in Aging Board of Directors and presents a slate of officers and directors to the membership for their consideration. Meetings are scheduled as needed.

CO-CHAIRSAnne Binga, LMSW (annebinga@gmail.com) (716) 209-0999

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ACCESSIBLE HOME SOLUTIONSWhile most of us would rather not think about aging, few would argue that opportunities to bring more convenience, safety and independence into our lives are welcome. For those facing injury, chronic or progressive illness or simply the natural changes that occur while aging, the home environment may begin to pose challenges to living comfortably, independently and safely at home.

Accessible Home Solutions (AHS) provides comprehensive in-home assessments and specific recommendations for modifying or designing the home to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring the highest quality of life possible. Founded in 2013 by Jill Eppolito, a national award-winning Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and a New York State licensed physical therapist, the company serves people of all ages and abilities.

According to Jill, “Our goal is to help people stay in their homes and to ensure the best life possible for each client. Many people don’t realize that even simple changes can make a big difference in their quality of life, such as widening a doorway, installing handrails, grab bars, roll-in shower or better lighting.” Jill points out that even in major renovations, the investment in home modifications is substantially less than moving to assisted living or nursing home care.

“Even when facing a chronic or progressive illness or a sudden injury, it’s natural to think you can just “get by” in your current

environment. However, that may not work long term and there is really no reason to be at risk when home modifications can make life so much easier, safer and more enjoyable. Instead of you adapting to an unsafe environment, your home environment should match your needs and support your independence”, says Jill.

The first step to better living at home is a thorough in-home assessment that includes an interview with each client and/or a caregiver to understand their health, daily function and home environment. AHS takes measurements and provides computer-aided drawings and a written report outlining recommended modifications and/or specialty products to maximize safety, independence and that meet both immediate and future needs.

Many home modifications include the necessary design features and products that provide both family and professional caregivers the opportunity to provide a high level of care at home over a much longer period of time avoiding a move to a costly care facility.

Jill also emphasizes that home modifications don’t have to sacrifice beauty for functionality. There are thousands of products and options that integrate beautiful design while addressing convenience, safety and provide greater independence.”

To learn more, visit www.AccessibleHomeSolutions.org or contact Jill Eppolito at 716-628-5479.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE IN THE HOME OF YOUR CHOICE!

So, you renewed your 2017 membership to the Network in Aging, now what?

The next step is to plan so you maximize the benefit of your membership. Membership is an excellent value! Membership at the Bronze level starts out at $250 annually and tops out at $750 for Platinum level. Individual, student and retiree memberships are also available. Check the website for specifics benefits, depending on the level of your membership benefits vary. Some benefits have limited availability.

• Receive the Network in Aging newsletter and email update.

• Registration at the member rate for all Network in Aging sponsored events.

• Display table at the annual meeting with registration and a reservation, space limited.

• Host or co-host a Network with the Network event, limited availability.

• Network in Aging ad or short article in quarterly newsletter, space limited.

• Member agency logo and link on the Network in Aging website, one log per paid membership.

These are just some of the membership benefits available. Silver, Gold and Platinum sponsorship have additional benefits found on our website, www.networkinaging.com.

There are also sponsorship opportunities available throughout the year for different events. Another wonderful way to highlight your business through the Network in Aging. For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact Dana Dee, VP of Sponsorship at dana.dee@acsiapartners.net.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS …

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The Catholic Health LIFE/PACE model consolidates care and financing to meet the needs of nursing home eligible elderly persons. The features of the model are: a guiding principle of care that emphasizes maximum independence and dignity; an exclusive focus on the frail elderly; a comprehensive package of services; vigorous management of all care by a multi-disciplinary team of health care providers.

The PACE model was pioneered by On Lok, a community based non-profit agency in San Francisco, California. By 1983, On Lok was operating a comprehensive, consolidated program with capitation financing from Medicare and Medicaid. On Lok’s success led to the federal government replicating the model under the name Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

The philosophy of the program is to maintain participants in the community for as long as medically and socially feasible. Continued community residence, independence, family support and minimal disruption of the older person’s life are the guiding precepts.

Eligibility: At least 55 years of age; a resident of Erie County; assessed by New York Medicaid Choice – Conflict Free Education and Evaluation Center (1-855-222-8350)and determined to be eligible for a nursing facility level of care; determined to be capable of safely residing in the community with Catholic Health LIFE support services at the time of enrollment; qualify for Medicaid and/or Medicare or agree to pay the private pay amounts set forth in the Enrollment Agreement; in need of the long term care services of the plan for more than 120 days. For more information call Catholic Health LIFE at 1(716) 819-5433 or find us on the web at www.chsbuffalo.org/life.

CATHOLIC HEALTH LIFEA PROGRAM OF ALL INCLUSIVE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

Who would benefit from having a Personal Emergency Response Service?Those living alone or with chronic illnesses that put them at risk for medical emergencies are perfect candidates for this type of service. It does not require a physician order so virtually anyone wanting this type of service would be eligible.Is the service affordable? For a little more than a dollar a day subscribers get 24/7 access to emergency assistance at the touch of a button. Lower fees may apply. Pricing based on income.Does insurance pay for this service? Most insurances do not pay for a Personal Emergency Response service. Can I cancel service at any time? There is no long term contract. The service is on a month-to-month basis.Is the button waterproof? The basic button is water resistant and can be worn when showering or bathing.What is the range of the button? The basic button can activate the unit that is installed in the home from about 550 ft. What if I no longer have a landline phone? We offer a unit that does not require a landline but works with AT&T cell towers.Do you offer different types of services such as a Fall detection button or GPS button? We offer a Fall detection button for use specifically in the home. We also have a GPS/Fall button combination that can be used anywhere. Higher fees apply for enhanced services.

I don’t want Police/Fire/Ambulance showing up at my door if I have pressed my button accidentally. How can I prevent this from happening? The Care Center has a specific Call List that is provided by you and your family. They will first try to contact you directly. If they get no response they will then start to call your responders. If no one can assist you then P/F/A will be called as a last resort.There are many types of these services advertised. Why should I choose Catholic Health Home Response? At Catholic Health we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. We are local and will install the unit and service your equipment as necessary for no additional cost. As with anything mechanical, there are times buttons and units need to be replaced. We also do not charge the subscriber if they lose their button.Other services may appear to be less expensive but often the unit is shipped to you and you’re responsible for installing it. Should something go wrong with your system you will have to mail it back to the company for repair. During this time, you would be without service while still paying the monthly fee.Many companies require that you sign a contract for a specific period of time. Catholic Health Home Response service is on a month-to-month basis. Also, other companies may offer an introductory rate for the first few months and then the rate will increase once the time for this has elapsed. We are consistent with our pricing and do not charge for installation. The first month is free for you to “try” the service.

Who would benet from having a Personal Emergency Response Service?Who would benet from having a Personal Emergency Response Service?  Those living alone or with chronic illnesses that put them at risk for medical emer‐gencies are perfect candidates for this type of service.  It does not require a physi‐cian order so virtually anyone wan�ng this type of service would be eligible. Is the service affordable?Is the service affordable?  For a li�le more than a dollar a day subscribers get 24/7 access to emergency as‐sistance at the touch of a bu�on.  Lower fees may apply.  Pricing based on income. Does insurance pay for this service?Does insurance pay for this service?  Most insurances do not pay for a Personal Emergency Response service because it does nothing medical.  It is designed for early interven�on should the subscriber fall or suddenly become ill. Can I cancel service at any �me?Can I cancel service at any �me?  There is no long term contract. The service is on a month‐to‐month basis. Is the bu�on waterproof?Is the bu�on waterproof?  The basic bu�on is water resistant and can be worn when showering or bathing. What is the range of the bu�on?What is the range of the bu�on?  The basic bu�on can ac�vate the unit that is installed in the home from about 550 �.  This means that the bu�on will ac�vate the unit from the basement, upstairs & the area immediately outside the home. The installer will test the bu�on from the furthest point in the home or outside. (Mailbox, garage, back yard etc.) What if I no longer have a landline phone?What if I no longer have a landline phone?  We offer a unit that does not require a landline but works with AT&T cell towers. Do you offer different types of services such as a Fall detec�on bu�on or GPS Do you offer different types of services such as a Fall detec�on bu�on or GPS bu�on?bu�on?  We offer a Fall detec�on bu�on for use specically in the home. We also have a GPS/Fall bu�on combina�on that can be used anywhere.  Higher fees apply for enhanced services. 

S��� ������ �� �������� ���� ������� ��� � M������ A���� S����� ��� �������� �� � ����� ��� Is there an extra charge if more than one person is wearing a bu�on?  Is there an extra charge if more than one person is wearing a bu�on?    $2.00 charge per month for the extra pendant. (Basic Service) I don’t want Police/Fire/Ambulance showing up at my door if I have pressed I don’t want Police/Fire/Ambulance showing up at my door if I have pressed my bu�on accidently.  How can I prevent this from happening?my bu�on accidently.  How can I prevent this from happening?  The Care Center has a specic Call List that is provided by you and your fami‐ly.  They will rst try to contact you directly.  If they get no response they will then start to call your responders.    If no one can assist you then P/F/A will be called as a last resort.   There are many types of these services adver�sed.  Why should I choose There are many types of these services adver�sed.  Why should I choose Catholic Health Home Response?Catholic Health Home Response?  At Catholic Health we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service.  We are local and will install the unit and service your equipment as necessary for no addi�onal cost.  As with anything mechanical, there are �mes bu�ons and units need to be replaced.  We also do not charge the subscriber if they lose their bu�on. 

Other services may appear to be less expensive but o�en the unit is shipped to you and you’re responsible for installing it.  Should something go wrong with your system you will have to mail it back to the company for repair.  During this �me, you would be without service while s�ll paying the monthly fee. 

Many companies require that you sign a contract for a specic period of �me. Catholic Health Home Response service is on a month‐to‐month basis.   Also, other companies may offer an introductory rate for the rst few months and then the rate will increase once the �me for this has elapsed.  We are con‐sistent with our pricing and do not charge for installa�on. The rst month is free for you to “try” the service. 

CATHOLIC HEALTH HOME RESPONSE

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When families find themselves in crisis, or near crisis with their elderly loved ones, it is often overwhelming to know where to start to look for help. Managing health issues, financial considerations, long-term care options, and family dynamics often requires someone with more expertise than most families have. An Aging Life Care Professional may be the answer to help families navigate the fragmented, overwhelming system many families have to confront.

Aging Life Care™, commonly referred to as Geriatric Care Management, is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. Professionals help families with assessment and monitoring, planning and problem-solving, education and advocacy and Family caregiver coaching.

Geriatric Care Managers of Western New York is a local option for Aging Life Care that has deep experience and expertise working with families. The company was founded to guide families through the complex issues that must be addressed as loved ones age and long-term care needs become more apparent.

According to Beverly Kubala, president of GCM of WNY, “We are an advocate and a resource for families when they don’t know where to start in addressing the myriad of needs faced by their loved ones. As a central resource for assessing the situation, providing resources and offering options and solutions for your loved one, we help families gain peace of mind.”

Because the firm stays up to date on the rapidly changing healthcare environment, it can help families understand options for care and how to access appropriate resources such as Medicare, Medicaid and Veteran’s benefits to help pay for them. GCM of WNY also connects families to available community resources and can help facilitate communication, especially with out of town family members.

To learn more, visit www.gcmofwny.com or contact Beverly Kubala at bkubala@gcmofwny.com or 204-1063.

COMPLETE SENIOR CAREIt’s a difficult decision when you have to find services that will provide your loved one with social, emotional and medical care that’s needed on a daily basis. Complete Senior Care PACE is here to help! As a “Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly,” we provide all health, medical and social services needed to ensure our participants enjoy their independence while maintaining their quality of life.

Complete Senior Care PACE is designed specifically for those 55 years or older who live in Niagara County and want to remain living independently and safely in their home and community. Our team of medical professionals will work with participants and caregivers to determine their unique needs and develop a personalized care plan.

Our team consists of highly qualified health care professionals that specialize in elder care, including: physicians, a nurse practitioner, day center manager, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, recreational therapists, dietician, personal care assistants, drivers, and more.

Complete Senior Care offers programs and services that are individualized, integrated and innovative – where families are in control and always part of the process. Our goal is to help our participants’ age with dignity and independence – while providing peace of mind to caregivers.

For more information on our programs and services, please call our Director of Marketing & Enrollment, Melissa Mastantuono, directly at 716-285-8248, ext. 105.

GERIATRIC MANAGERS OF WNY

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PARK CREEKSpring is here! This season fits perfectly with Park Creek Senior Living Community’s motto of: “Embrace Seasons Past...Begin Life Anew.” However, at Park Creek it is practiced all year long, not just in the spring time as it’s never too late to blossom, and to bring your past seasons along with you to share your experiences with others.

There’s always something happening at Park Creek; from fun-filled events to community involvement. On Thursday, April 27th from 1:30-4:30 pm, in conjunction with UNYTS, there will be the Scott & Christopher Robinson Annual Memorial blood drive and donor registry. To schedule a priority appointment, please call Jane at 632-3000. Walk-ins are welcome. Photo ID is required.

Then *Save the Date*: for Park Creeks’ “Music to Remember” fundraising event.

A very special happening will occur on their campus on Sunday May 21st from 1-5pm. This is the first time that they are holding a fundraiser of this magnitude. Park Creek would like to thank Robin Grandin, owner of Grandin Graphics, musician, and daughter of a Resident at Park Creek for taking this effort under her wing and making this happen. Also they would like to thank Musician Medics and Quick Solutions Printing for their sponsorship and involvement in this worthy cause. There will be 5 areas of music, including Buffalo famed musicians, Chinese Auction and refreshments. The proceeds will be divided evenly between Park Creek and The Alzheimer’s Association of WNY. Starting April 15th Chinese auction tickets can be purchased at Park Creek as well as admission tickets. Advanced Sale Donation is $5 and $7 donation at the door

Park Creek is an affordable Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, located at 410 Mill Street in Williamsville between Sheridan and Main Street.

Please call Jane at 632-3000 for more details or visit the website at www.park-creek.com

Robin Didas-Mott, BSWCommunity Outreach Coordinator

I have yet to run across anyone who wants to live in a nursing home. I work daily with individuals that are aging and struggling with chronic medical conditions trying to stay healthy and safe enough to remain in their homes. Skilled Nursing Facilities are a necessary option for some, however, I have found, most people prefer staying in their own homes if at all possible. When I talk to people in the community who need services they are always shocked to find out that Medicare Insurance does not cover long-term care services. If you need an aide to come in and help you with meals, household chores or take a bath on an ongoing basis it is not covered by Medicare, the primary insurance of most people over the age of 65. I wanted to write this article to let people know that there are other options to consider if you want to stay in the community safely with supports and have limited income and resources. That other option is Medicaid Insurance with community long-term care services. Medicaid Insurance covers long-term care services

if medically necessary. Our community and Venture Forthe Inc. offers many options for Medicaid Long-Term Care. Are you afraid that you or your loved one would not be Medicaid eligible? It is worth exploring with someone knowledgeable of the criteria. Individuals with chronic medical conditions or who are already deemed disabled can get eligible for Medicaid Insurance even if they are over the income guidelines. Medicaid allows for a “spend-down” which means pay the excess income to get the insurance. People can also legally put excess resources and income into a Special Needs Trust account to get Medicaid eligible. Venture Forthe along with Schofield Care and Fallon Health Weinberg are sponsoring a Free Lunch and Learn for Caregivers who desire to understand the Medicaid option more fully. The event will be held at the Doris Jones Family Resource Center in Niagara Falls NY on June 28, 2017 from 1030 until 200. Please join us as we discuss this opportunity for your loved ones. This is very clearly a complicated topic and I could never go into all intricate details in one article. My primary goal is to inform people that other options may exist. Please join us on June 28th to learn more about this important opportunity.

VENTURE FORTHEAging in Place - Not Easy or Cheap

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MOBILE DYSPHAGIAResearch has shown a 70% error rate in bedside swallowing exams where recommendations were either too restrictive, leading to dehydration/malnutrition, or silent aspiration leading to pneumonia was missed. You would never want a physical therapist to tell your grandmother who has a suspected broken hip to get out of that bed and walk without an X-ray, in the same way that speech-language pathologists should not make appropriate dietary recommendations without imaging. Some exercises and strategies such as thickened liquids have been shown to actually cause harm to a patient and potentially a subsequent re-hospitalization, if they are indicated for an unnecessary reason. Residents often come from the hospital on a modified diet and/or thickened liquids and as their overall condition approves, a diet upgrade is necessary, but the diet upgrade doesn’t always occur. Some residents will live at a SNF for several months, and even years before someone

acknowledges that they may be appropriate for an upgrade. The cost of keeping 1 resident in your facility on thickened liquids for 1 year costs approximately $1,000 in annual operating costs, not to mention the decreased quality of life. Just think of how many residents may be living at your facility that have been on thickened liquids for an extended period of time!The traditional protocol is to send your frail, elderly resident back out in to the blizzard for a modified barium swallow study done at the hospital that costs approximately $1200-$1500, utilizes barium, and exposes the resident to radiation. We perform fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES) which is ALSO considered the GOLD STANDARD in swallowing diagnostics right at the bedside! Our procedure costs 1/4 of the amount, is a non-binding agreement, and is completely painless! Call us today for a FREE demo.

SYMPHONY MANOR AT LANCASTER

Symphony Manor at Lancaster formerly St. Elizabeth’s Home offers a supportive, compassionate community while providing individualized care. When you move into Symphony Manor you become part of a family, our associates are part of that family as well and build strong relationships with each individual.

We have immediate openings if interested in more information please contact us at 716-683-5150

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MEMBER ADS PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGEWe all are busy professionals and social media has become a necessity in the business world. There are many types of social media and we may not have time for all of them, so we must pick and choose where to spend our time and where to be listed. We hope the Network in Aging website is one of those places. We value your membership and want to see our members achieve maximum potential from the benefits they have access to. So, let’s make this challenge fun, productive and useful all at the same time. I challenge all members to Log In to the Network in Aging website between now and the end of June and take a little time to update your profile and add a profile picture. I think it is safe to say most of us have been in a situation where we run into someone we know but can’t put a name to the face. It is my hope by updating your profile and adding a picture it will help me and other members to get to know you better.

So, what is the challenge? Upload a picture to your Network in Aging profile before July 1st and you will be entered in a drawing. The winner will be announced at the Taste of the Network in July.

What is the incentive or prize? I will take the winner out for lunch or dinner and we will have the opportunity to get to know each other better, going along with the spirit of the challenge.

Good luck to all!

Kristin Surdej

ADDITIONAL PICTURES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NETWORKINAGING.COM

NETWORK WITH THE NETWORKMARCH 28, 2017 MEALS ON WHEELS

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If your loved one is no longer safe at home, we should talk.

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We can help! We have over 10 years of experience optimizing and developing websites. Our optimization strategies and techniques completely follows search engine rules and policies. Call us today for a FREE consultation.

Do you want your website on PAGE ONE of Google?

Services Include:Responsive Web Site Design & DevelopmentEmail and Website HostingContent Management SystemsSocial Media MarketingSearch Engine OptimizationGraphic & Logo DesignE-Commerce Web Sites

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(716) 634 -5966w w w.Al legraCheek towaga.com

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Est. 1981

Est. 1981

The Network in Aging of Western New York, Inc. is a non-profit, voluntary corporation, which brings together individuals and organizations involved in aging and long-term care. Our diverse membership includes educators, health and social service professionals, community leaders, government agencies and area businesses. Our mission is “to help our members enhance their efforts to improve the quality of life for older persons and their families by providing them with opportunities for resource exchange, professional development and stimulation of interdisciplinary collaboration.”

For more information about the Network in Aging of Western New York, Inc., call Lisa Boron, Network in Aging Coordinator, at 716-829-3712 or for more information about the Network in Aging, you can go online to www.NetworkInAging.com

University at Buffalo515 Kimball Tower3435 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14214-3079

Est. 1981

NETWORK SPONSORED CALENDAR OF EVENTS

For more information, go to www.NetworkInAging.comor call the Network office: 716-829-3712

APRIL 25, 2017 NETWORK WITH THE NETWORK

FallonHealth Weinberg PACE

MAY 24, 2017 NETWORK WITH THE NETWORK

The Amberleigh

JUNE 22, 2017ELDER LAW DAYAdam’s Mark Hotel

120 Church Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

JUNE 27, 2017NETWORK WITH THE NETWORK

Harris Beach

JULY 25, 2017TASTE OF THE NETWORK

12:00-2:00pm Amherst Senior Center

370 John James Audubon Parkway Amherst, NY 14228

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