LIFESPAN Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

A private, not-for-profit agency

Volume XVIII No. 6 Serving Montgomery County Older Adults since 1975 November/December 2015

Glenn Snyder was recently recognized as Caregiver of the Year by the Montgomery County Legislature.

Glenn is the primary caregiver for his 93 year old father. Over the past couple of years, the need for care has become around-the-clock. Glenn is determined to keep his dad at home, which has always been his wish. He provides all aspects of personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, yard work and companionship. According to Glenn, his mission is to provide safety, dignity, happiness and well-being for his father. He sleeps there five nights a

week. Glenn’s wife and sisters are very supportive and also help out. Glenn was employed at Liberty in the maintenance department as Lead Mechanic. He is a licensed plumber and serves on the City of Amsterdam Plumbing Board. His job now is taking

care of his dad. The Office for Aging assists the

family through the Caregiver Respite Program. A home health aide comes for a few hours a week to give him a much needed break. He uses the time to relax with his wife and three grandchildren.

Caregiver of the Year Honored

Glenn Snyder

The Montgomery County Office for Aging held a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the “OFA Giving Tree.” The tree is dedicated in memory of Helen Black, an OFA volunteer of 20+ years, who left a bequest of $150,000 that initiated our Foundation in 2004.

The OFA began a fundraising campaign this year in honor of our 40

th anniversary. The

campaign is called “40 for 40” with the intent of raising $40,000 for the OFA Foundation. The fundraising campaign has already raised more than $48,000 so far this year, with pledges continuing to come in each day. The

funds will be utilized to revitalize the OFA Foundation and ensure the perpetuity of OFA services for many years to come. The agency is truly grateful for the overwhelming support from individuals and businesses in our community. Contributions for the Giving Tree will continue past 2015

and the Tree will be erected later this year in OFA’s reception area at 135 Guy Park Ave in Amsterdam. The ceremony was emceed by Jason Gough, WNYT meteorologist and speakers were Del Salmon, 40

th year

committee chair of the Salmon Law Firm, Peter Capobianco, OFA Board President and David Jordan, OFA Executive Director.

If you or your company would like to participate or learn more about the OFA Giving Tree, please call us at 843-2300.

Mark your calendar as we will host a 40th Year Wrap-up Celebration on Dec. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Healthcare Carondelet Auditorium.

OFA Tree Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Boxwood Trees We have boxwood trees available

for purchase for the holiday season!! $50 vouchers can be purchased at our office to be redeemed for a 20+ inch, holiday decorated boxwood tree provided by White Cottage Gardens located at 194 Guy Park Avenue in Amsterdam. Once you purchase your voucher you may make arrangements for pickup directly with White Cottage Gardens (there is an additional fee if you prefer delivery). These trees are a beautiful gift that your recipient can enjoy for months.

2 - November/December 2015

With everyone’s increased dependence on technology, we all need to be aware of some enhanced risks that come with having so much information so readily available on items like our cell phones. Here are a couple of examples that highlight heightened risks that we may not ordinarily think about. There are lessons that can be learned from each of these examples to decrease the chances that any of these scenarios could happen to you.

Garage Door Opener: A couple left their car in long-term parking at the airport while on vacation. While they were away, someone broke into their car (parking lots almost ALWAYS have notices that they are not responsible for break-ins). Using the information on

the car’s registration found in the glove compartment, the criminals went to the couple’s home, used the garage door opener that had been in the car to enter the home and took everything of value.

Lesson: If you’re parking in an unsecured place for an extended period of time, take your registration/insurance cards and garage door opener out of the vehicle.

GPS: While at a football game, a family has their car broken into. Two things taken from the car were the GPS (prominently displayed on the dashboard) and their garage door remote control. While the family was at the game, the criminals used the GPS to guide them to the family’s house and ransacked the house since they knew that the family was going to be at the football game for several hours.

Lesson: Don’t put your home address in your GPS. Put a nearby address (i.e. gas station or store) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else who gets hold of your GPS would be able to know where you live.

Cell Phones: A woman has her purse stolen, which contains her cell phone, credit card, wallet, etc. 20 minutes later when she calls her husband to tell him what had happened, her husband says that he received her text and responded with their bank pin number. They rushed to the bank but were told that all of the funds in their account had already been withdrawn. The thief had used the stolen cell phone to text “hubby” in her contact list and got the bank pin number.

Lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and people in your phone contact list (i.e. Home, Hubby, Mom, etc.). Also very

importantly, never provide sensitive information (i.e. pin number, social security number, etc.) via text without confirming by calling that person back.

I have one more additional caution regarding cell phone use. Be careful when you are being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere. Be sure to call back to confirm that the message actually came from them. If you don’t reach them, be very careful about going places to meet “family and friends” who text you. It could be a stranger who is either luring you to a specific area or enticing you away from your home so they can have easy access to your unoccupied residence. Texting can be convenient but, with that convenience, comes an impersonal touch that others can take advantage of.

Overall, technology can be a very useful thing and make all of our lives easier. However, we can be a lot safer by taking some precautions and being diligent on how we all use the technology in our lives.

From the Director David Jordan Executive Director

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

The Designated Area Agency on Aging

Staff

Megan DePasquale Laura Penge-Burda John DiMezza Stephen Prohaska

Sharon Heroth Elizabeth Smitka Mary Ellen Houlihan Meeghan Stock David Jordan Jason Walrath Jennifer Moyer Tim Yager

Board of Directors

* Emeritus

Sheriff Michael Amato* Vincent Rossi Peter Capobianco Dorothy Savarese Joan Conboy Thomas Sorbero Ronald Dievendorf Nancy Vertucci Mike McCoy Mike Wancewicz Ted Madej Roberta Winsman* Donald Massey* William Winsman Thomas Mickle* Barbara Wool* Dolores Partyka

Advisory Council

Evelyn Bianchi Lisa Mirabile Phoebe Boschi Robin Moller Joan Cimino Carmen Nieves Sandra DiGiandomenico Elizabeth Niski David Dybas Cathy Smith Krissy Gillmore Jeffrey Smith Martin Kelly Karen Sylvia Michelle Kumar Lynne Van Eps Carl Marucci

LIFESPAN is published bi-monthly by the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. and funded by Title III B of the Federal

Older Americans Act.

HEAP 2015-16 Income Guidelines are:

Household Size Income 1 $2,244 2 $2,935 3 $3,625 4 $4,316 5 $5,006 6 $5,697

If you receive SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, you will not need to fill out an application as you will receive an automatic HEAP benefit. Don’t forget the program does not open until Nov. 16 and if you have requested an application, you will not receive it until after the program opens.

Being Safe with Technology

November/December 2015 - 3

Most wounds on healthy people heal quickly when kept clean and free of infection. Other types of wounds are more serious and often require medical intervention. Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure or bed sores, are wounds that develop where bones are close to the skin (for example ankles, back, and hips.) They are common in people who are bedridden, use a wheelchair or are unable to change their position. People with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing foot ulcers and cellulitis and they can take weeks or months to heal. Food choices and nutritional status influence wound healing since serious wounds require an increased intake of calories,

vitamins, minerals and protein to promote healing. It is also necessary to replace nutrients that are lost in the fluid that weeps from wounds. Follow these nutrition tips for wound healing: 1. Eat sufficient calories from a balanced diet of nutritious foods. Consume healthy, balanced meals and snacks that include plenty of foods from all the food groups - protein, fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains. 2. Eat enough protein. Aim for 20-30 grams of protein at each meal and 10-15 grams of protein with each snack. A piece of cooked chicken, lean meat or fish the size of a deck of cards (about 3 ounces) contains 20-25 grams of protein. One egg, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and 1 ounce of cheese each contain 6-7 grams of protein. One cup of low-fat milk or yogurt contains 8 grams of protein. Add powdered nonfat dry milk (NFDM) to hot beverages and smoothies, yogurt and pudding, hot

and cold cereals, casseroles and creamed soups. Each tablespoon of NFDM provides 2.25 grams of protein. 3. Stay well-hydrated with water and other unsweetened beverages such as tea, coffee, 100% fruit juice and milk (which also contains protein.) 4. For people with diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is one of the best ways to prevent and treat a wound. Work with your physician and registered dietitian to develop a personalized blood sugar management plan. 5. Some wounds may require a higher intake of certain vitamins and minerals. Talk with a registered dietitian for an individualized eating plan with optimum amounts of calories, protein, fluids, vitamins and minerals for your specific needs. Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

If you are going to be sent home from the hospital, there are some things you should ask before you leave. 1. Will you get home care? If yes, do you have options of who to choose? 2. Ask about any problems you need to watch out for and how will they manifest themselves. 3. Do you need medical equipment? If yes, who arranges to get it? 4. Review your medicines with the discharge planner. Will you be on the meds from the hospital or will you go back to what you took before? 5. Ask if you are ready to do your normal activities, such as stairs, bathing, cleaning, shopping and getting to doctors’ appointments. 6. Make sure you know how to change dressings or any task that requires a special skill. 7. If you are wearing elastic stockings in hospital, how long do you need to wear them? 8. Ask to speak to a social worker if you have concerns about how you and your family are coping with your illness.

9. Make sure you get written discharge instructions. Be sure you understand them before you sign anything. Keep a pad of paper with you in the hospital. Write down questions as you think of them. Remember it is always wise to have an advocate with you when you are given any instructions. We often get nervous and do not remember everything we are told or shown.

At Home

Elizabeth Smitka Case Manager

Hospital Discharge

Bon Appétit!

Tracy Hojohn Registered Dietitian

Wound Healing

CAFÉS Bring a friend and have lunch at one of our cafés. Lunch is

served Monday through Friday at 12 p.m.

Call 843-2300 or 673-2000 to make a reservation or to cancel a reservation.

Daily sites

Amsterdam Garden Towers Café

52 Division St. (New Amsterdam Apartments)

Canajoharie Café Arkell

55 Montgomery St. (Arkell Center)

St. Johnsville Westside Café

16 Washington St. (Community House)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Under 60 guest fee: $8.30

Over 60 participants: $3.00 suggested donation

Donations are greatly appreciated.

Free Venison The Montgomery County Republican

Club, in conjunction with Senator George Amedore’s Office, will donate venison to persons in need, aged 60 and older, who live in Montgomery County. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis and all venison is harvested from this season. It will be cut and packaged into steaks, ground meat and sweet sausage by a professional, local butcher. Roughly, 5 lbs. of venison will be delivered to each signed-up household. Deliveries will be made by local volunteers after Jan. 1. Please call the Senator's Montgomery County office, at 853-3401, if you would like to donate venison or to be put on the list to take part in this program.

4 - November/December 2015

Lottery Calendar Winners To Date

It is that time of year for my shameless plug for financial support for the Montgomery County Office for Aging, with whom I have had a close relationship as Legal Service Provider for the past twenty years.

The Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Charity, celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2015. Our Foundation’s 40 for 40 fundraising campaign to raise $40,000, to celebrate OFA’s history and to secure its future, has been tremendously successful. As of this writing, we have exceeded our goal by nearly $10,000. With several months remaining in the year, we hope to raise even more than $50,000 to strengthen our Foundation.

Thank you for supporting the Montgomery County Office for Aging’s mission to serve older Montgomery County citizens and their families, by helping them to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life. While the Office for Aging keeps its doors open with governmental funding, it is the generous support of

private donations which allows the organization to excel! This public/private partnership, which is endorsed by our County Executive, Matt Ossenfort, is the wave of the future and is absolutely necessary to perpetuate the good work done by the Office for Aging.

Charitable giving is an important aspect of estate planning. Lifetime gifts to charities organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code qualify for income tax deductions. Such gifts not only accomplish important tax planning, they also help individuals make an important impact upon organizations and causes that are important to them.

Philanthropy is defined as an individual’s desire to improve the quality of life of our communities through charitable activities such as contributing financially to charitable organizations. An individual does not have to be “wealthy” to make a financial contribution that will benefit humanity. Every little bit makes an enormous difference, as is evidenced by the success of our 40 for 40 campaign.

Our 40 for 40 campaign was designed to kick start our Foundation to begin to increase our endowment.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Charitable giving can be as simple as writing a check or as complicated as establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust. It can be accomplished by giving a gift of highly appreciated stock now, or by leaving a legacy to a charity in your will. It can be done by making the charity a beneficiary of an Insurance Policy or by creating a gift annuity.

Regardless of how or when it is done, charitable giving has significant benefits to both the giver and the receiver.

The Office for Aging’s Foundation is blessed to be the beneficiary of several planned gifts, such as Wills and Trusts. This is just the beginning, however. We need additional private funding to continue to render exceptional services. Won’t you please join me in contributing to The Montgomery County Office for Aging’s Foundation as a part of your Estate Planning? Thank you!

There are many other ways to effectively accomplish charitable giving in one’s estate plan. Individuals should consult with their attorney or financial planner to determine if charitable giving fits in their plans.

LegalEase

Del B. Salmon Legal Services Representative

Thank you to all who purchased calendars in support of our services and to those who wished to donate their winnings back. Congratulations to our winners: Veronica Agosta, Bill Bernat, Ann Bianchi, Luznell Cabrera, Kelly Casler, Jed Conboy, Linda Connors, Ken Covey, Steve Furman, Daniel Gomez, Michael Greco, Dave Hawker, Kathryn Hermance, Cheryl Himme, Nicholas Hovick, Rose Jubar, Duane

King, Jennifer Koch, Stanley Korona, Ed Krzysko, Dave & Karlyn LaBate, Rose Leneger, Ali & John McDonald, Daniel McNamara, Janet McCarty, Robert Montenaro, Charles Nowicki, Barb Partyka, Linda Paturso, Linda Pettey, The Pritchard Family, Kathleen Rajter, Ann & Joseph Reynolds, Maxine Roberson, Sally Taylor, Cecilia Thomas, Barbara Tomasik, Susan VanAlstine, & Peg Voth.

Charitable Giving

With winter almost upon us we are

starting to receive calls from older

adults who are looking for help with

shoveling. Anyone of any age that is

interested in providing this service to

our seniors should contact our office

at 843-2300.

Looking for ways to make a difference?

November/December 2015 - 5

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the following contributors:

Grief and the Holidays

Gabe & Ann Agosta Karl & Ann Albrecht

Irene Carpe Mike & Joan Cimino

Florence Giuffre Glen Mohawk Senior Citizens

David Gomula Mr. & Mrs. Walter Malkowicz

Isabelle Pastalaniec Mr. & Mrs. Edward Paton

Dolores Piska Eileen Show

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Stone Arabia Ladies Aid Society

Regina Trzaskos Kathryn Turnbull

Phyllis Wood

In honor of Del B. Salmon Brian Krohn

Mike & Pat Schuttig

In memory of William Abballe John & Evelyn Bianchi

In memory of Helen Shatas Augun Karl & Christine Andrzejczyk

Robert & Elaine Pallotta Michael Radzevich

In memory of Marion B. Betz Caroline Kruger

In memory of Roseanne Carlucci Gladys Queeney

In memory of Antoinette Carozza Isabelle Pastalaniec

In memory of Charles Caruso Patricia Mannino

In memory of Michael DiCaprio Mom, Dad & David

In memory of Palma & Louis Druschell Peter & Patricia Marcucia

In memory of Mary & Ralph Iannotti, John (Jack) Pikul, & Maurice Felski

Mary Pikul

In memory of Walter E. Frisch Thelma Frisch

In memory of Ada H. Hotaling Mary Lou Coughlin

In memory of Robert Koshak, & Anthony & Irene Pawlowski

Diane, Valerie, Jim, Kimmy & Anthony

In memory of Paul Krong The Krong Family

In memory of Peter Szyjkowski, Stella Taboleski & Mary Ann Opalka

Virginia Szyjkowski

In memory of Gloria Orlosky Vincent J. Rossi

In memory of Sally G. Rogers Caroline Kruger

In memory of John Shandorf

Marjorie Jackson

In memory of Richard Sponable, Sr. Shirley Sponable

In memory of “Skip” Stanley

Betty Stanley

In memory of Eleanor P. Wills Victoria Fryc

Barbara Hollenbeck-Jones Faith Keller

Michael & Mary Ochal Michael & Jean Orapello

Carol Skinner

The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. One day you find yourself enjoying the fall foliage and next you’re dusting off your roasting pan. Many of us anticipate this time of year with joy and happiness. We look forward to holiday shopping, preparing traditional recipes, and attending special services at our church.

For some of us, however, the holidays are overshadowed by our grief. Whether the loss was recent or distant, for the bereaved, the holidays can be very difficult. Suddenly everything is painful, and everything is a reminder that this special person is gone. While others are celebrating, we grievers feel sad and out of step with the season. While others find comfort in the messages from their faith, we may feel forgotten. While others look forward to celebrating with friends and family, the bereaved may dread leaving their house.

Having worked with many bereaved individuals over the years, I have learned that many of us are more

resilient than we know. If you or someone you love is grieving the loss of someone special this holiday season, and you are wondering what to do or how to help, I suggest coupling this resiliency with some preparation, and developing a plan that makes sense to you on how to cope with the holidays.

People are occasionally surprised when I suggest that it is okay not to have a good time. It’s tempting to want to pull up the covers and set the alarm for Jan. 2nd. Rather than trying to escape the pain of your grief, be gentle with yourself. Lower your expectations, accept your limitations, and take care of yourself. When the day actually arrives, you might find it less painful than you anticipated. So if it feels right, give yourself permission to feel good. The best demonstration of your love for your loved one is living your life to the fullest.

The Community Hospice will be offering their third annual Holiday Hope for the Bereaved on Sun., Nov. 15,

2015, beginning at 1 p.m. The program will be held at the Hospice office located at 246 Manny Corner’s Road, Amsterdam. The program will feature local speakers who will present their message of hope and healing for those grieving the loss of someone special. The program is free, open to the public, and will feature live music and a special holiday ritual. For more information about this event, or for information about our other bereavement services, please call The Community Hospice at 843-5412. Source: Amy S. Weinar, LCSW

6 - November/December 2015

“40 for 40” Pledges

* * * WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT * * *

Because needs are always greater than the resources available, the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. encourages and appreciates donations.

Name___________________________________ Address_______________________________________

I designate my donation of $____________ for: Phone_________________________________

“Save a Stamp” please do NOT acknowledge my donation by mail

Please do NOT acknowledge my donation in LIFESPAN

Clip and return this coupon with your donation to 135 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010 Thank you! All donations are greatly appreciated!

All contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. For tax purposes, we will send you a receipt for single donations of $250 or more.

Use where most needed Home-care services HIICAP Meals program Legal services LIFESPAN Caregiver/Respite services Foundation

Please make check payable to: Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

Giving Tree Contributors

Large Stone

St. Mary’s Healthcare

Acorn

Amsterdam Rotary Club

Arkell Hall Foundation Inc.

Gold Leaf

Carol, Jim, Beth & Bob, and Gary & Marlene

In memory of Raymond M. Syzek

Silver Leaf

Claudia & Vic Giulianelli

Paul D. Tonko In tribute to my loving family

Trinity Services Group

Bronze Leaf

Evelyn & John Bianchi & Eda DiCaprio

In memory of the Bianchi & Reali Families

FAGE USA Dairy

Home-Health Care Partners

Home Helpers & Direct Link

Richard Keehan In memory of William & Isabel Keehan

Key Bank

The Kinowski Family

Margy & Mike McCoy

Miller Printing & Mailing Services

NBT Bank

OFA Office Staff 2015 In honor of those we serve

Patriot Federal Bank

Ricmar Design & Print Krissy Gillmore

St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Home

Sarah Jane Sanford Adult Home

Seely Conover’s Office Centre

Eileen P. Show In memory of Knute V. Show

Jeffery T. & Rebecca J. Smith

Jeanne Rankie So

The Hearing Doctor

Additional Contributors to “40 for 40”

Christine B. Andrzejewski

Browns Ford

Central Security Systems

Community Health Center of St. Mary’s Healthcare & Nathan Littauer Hospital

William J. Mycek, Esq.

2015 has been a very special year for the Montgomery County Office

for Aging, Inc., and the support that has been shown has been

tremendous and for that we are greatly appreciative and we look forward to serving the county for

many years to come.

In the event that bad weather makes driving too dangerous, it may be necessary to cancel the home-delivered and café style meal services. That means there would be no home deliveries and meal sites would be closed.

Please keep food on hand for these days. Emergency meal packs have been distributed to home-delivered participants and should be used when delivery of meals is not possible.

Meal delivery cancellations will be broadcast on the following radio stations, WCSS 1490 AM, WBUG 101.1 FM, WGY 810 AM, WENT 1340 AM, and WVTL 1570 AM. Cancellations can also be found on television channels 6,10,13,23 and YNN Channel 9.

Be sure to have your driveway and walkways clear so your driver can safely deliver your meal.

Bad Weather

November//December 2015 - 7

Fall Open Enrollment occurs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and is the time of year when you can change your Medicare coverage. You can do this by joining a new Medicare Advantage plan or by joining a new stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP). You can also return to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone Part D plan from a Medicare Advantage plan during this time.

While we provide this service, currently all appointments have been filled through Dec. 7. There are other options for help in making informed choices. You can call MEDICARE at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or StateWide Senior Action Council at 1-800-333-4374. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Listed below are six things to keep in mind while you are deciding on your Medicare coverage. 1. If you enroll in a plan during Fall Open Enrollment, your coverage starts Jan. 1, 2016. In most cases, Fall Open Enrollment is the only time you can pick a new Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan. If you have Medicare Advantage, you can also switch to Original Medicare. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a stand-alone Part D plan at this time. A Medigap policy helps pay Original Medicare costs. 2. Review your Current Medicare Health and Drug Coverage. If you have Original Medicare, take a look at next year's Medicare & You handbook to know your Medicare costs and benefits for the upcoming year. If you are unsatisfied with your Original Medicare coverage, you can make changes to your coverage during Fall Open Enrollment. Changes made to your coverage will take effect Jan. 1, 2016. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D plan, you should receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and/or Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from your plan. Review these notices for any changes in the plan's costs, benefits and rules for the upcoming year. If you are

dissatisfied with any changes, you can make changes to your coverage during Fall Open Enrollment. Changes made to your coverage will take effect Jan. 1, 2016. Even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage, take action and look at other Medicare options in your area that may better suit your individual needs in the upcoming year. For example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you should check to see if there is another plan in your area that will offer you better health and/or drug coverage at a more affordable price. Research shows that people with Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) could lower their costs by shopping among plans each year. For example, another Part D plan in your area may cover the drugs you take with fewer restrictions and charge you less. 3. Help is out there. If you want to join a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP), use the Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov. The Plan Finder tool compares plans based on the drugs you need, the pharmacy you go to and your drug costs. If you want to join a Medicare Advantage plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE to find out what plans are in your area. When you receive the list of plans, check the plan websites to see which best fits your needs. After you have researched a plan online, call the plan itself to confirm what you learned. Make sure the plan includes your doctors and hospitals in its network. Confirm that the plan covers all your drugs, and that your pharmacies are in the preferred network. Write down everything about that conversation. In your notes, record the date of the conversation, who you spoke with, and the outcome of the call. This information may help protect you in case a plan representative gives you misinformation. Call or visit the website of your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP.) Your state SHIP can help you to understand all of your Medicare coverage options. Montgomery County Office for Aging is the local SHIP office. 4. The best way to enroll in a new plan is to call 1-800-MEDICARE. Enrolling in a new plan through Medicare is the best way to help protect you if there

are problems with enrollment. Write down everything about the conversation when you enroll through Medicare. In your notes, record the date of the conversation, who you spoke with, and any information you were given during the call. Before you enroll with Medicare, confirm all of the details about your new plan with the plan itself. 5. If you are dissatisfied with your Medicare Advantage plan, you can dis-enroll from that plan and join Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP). The MADP is every year from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14. 6. Understand the difference between the Fall Open Enrollment Period and Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplaces. The Health Insurance Marketplaces (also known as Exchanges) will hold open enrollment for uninsured or underinsured Americans. The Marketplaces are not meant for people with Medicare. People with Medicare should not use this open enrollment period to purchase or change their health care.

People with Medicare should continue to use the Fall Open Enrollment Period to review and make changes to their health coverage. Source: MedicareInteractive.org

HIICAP Hotline Meeghan Stock Client Services Representative

Fall Open Enrollment

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Support Groups: 6 p.m., first Tues. of each month at St. Mary’s Health Care Memorial Campus, Wilkinson Conference Room. Call Maura Fleming, 867-4999, ext. 209 or 1-800-272-3900 to attend or for more information.

Veterans Dinner with Entertainment: 4-6 p.m., Fri., Nov. 6 at the Canajoharie Moose, 159 Erie Blvd. Presale tickets will be available Sept. 1

for $9. Tickets at the door will be $10. All veterans tickets will be $5. Dinner will include roast pork, stuffing, mashed

potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots, applesauce, dinner roll, dessert and beverage.

Living with Loss—Holiday Hope for the Bereaved: 1 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 15 in the Board

Room at St. Mary’s Hospital. Call 843-5412, ext. 17 to register or for more information.

Montgomery County Senior Citizens Council Meeting: 9:30 a.m., Due to the impending winter season, the next meeting will be announced at a later date.

40th Year Wrap-up Celebration: 4-6 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 3 at the Carondolet Pavillion Auditorium, 380 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam. Light refreshments will be served.

Call OFA for more information on any of our events, 843-2300.

Happenings

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Albany, NY

Permit No. 918

Montgomery County Office for Aging

135 Guy Park Avenue Amsterdam, NY 12010

(518) 843-2300

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Agency

A

Office Closings:

Wed., Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day

Thurs. & Fri., Nov. 26 & 27 Thanksgiving Day & Day After

Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve

Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day

Thurs., Dec. 31 (closing at noon) New Year’s Eve

Fri., Jan 1 New Year’s Day

Yes, please save me a 2016 Lottery Calendar!

$20 each or Buy 5 and get one free! (Must purchase all 5 in one transaction to take advantage of this offer.)

Please print:

Name________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

Phone__________________ Email________________________________

We will contact you when your calendar is ready to make arrangements for you to receive it.

Make checks payable to: Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. Mail to: 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Thank you in advance for your support!