Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. During this time you can make changes to your Medicare coverage for 2020. Any changes you choose to make during this time will take effect on January 1, 2020.

During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries can choose to re-evaluate their current coverage against what is available on the open market for the new year and can choose to switch, drop or add coverage.

What can you do during open enrollment?

• Anyone with Medicare Parts A or B can join or drop a Part D prescription drug plan

• Anyone with Original Medicare Parts A & B can switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan

• Anyone with a Medicare Advantage plan can drop it and switch back to just original Medicare Parts A & B

• Anyone with Medicare Advantage can switch to a new Medicare Advantage Plan

• Anyone with a Part D prescription drug plan can switch to a new Part D prescription drug plan

How do I re-evaluate my Medicare coverage during open enrollment?

• Visit Medicare.gov and click on “Find Health & Drug Plans” to use the Medicare Plan Finder, or • Contact Office for the Aging to schedule an appointment with a trained Medicare counselor. Appointments are

available on a first come, first served basis.

To schedule an appointment, please call: Cooperstown office at 607-547-4232 or

Oneonta office at 607-432-9041

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0033, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Depart-

ment of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201

October – December 2019

OFFICE for the AGING

Senior ScoopSenior ScoopSenior ScoopSenior Scoop

MEET OUR INTERN:

Kacey Sach is from Staten Island, NY and is a Senior at SUNY Oneonta majoring in Gerontology and minoring in Communications. She will be completing an internship with Office for the Aging during her fall semester. Kacey chose Gerontology because she enjoys working with older adults, learning from their stories and life events. Kacey believes older adults are under-appreciated and not cared for enough in our society.

During her internship, Kacey is looking forward to learning about the programs and services available to individuals age 60+ and seeking ways to improve them. Kacey is also excited to be able to interact directly with older adults to gain a better understanding and perspective on how their lives can be improved. She is looking forward to using the skills obtained at Office for the Aging to build upon her knowledge and become a driving force in her career.

Alzheimer’s Association

Understanding Alzheimer’s -

It is Not a Normal Part of Aging

Thursday, Nov 7th, 10 AM

FoxCare, Oneonta

RSVP: 607-547-1650

Understanding and Responding

to Dementia Related Behavior

Thursday, Nov 14th, 10 AM

FoxCare, Oneonta

RSVP: 607-547-1650

Communication Strategies for

dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease

Thursday, Nov 21st, 10 AM

FoxCare, Oneonta

RSVP: 607-547-1650

Page 2 SENIOR SCOOP October-December 2019

AARP Driver Safety Course

Instructor: Walt Forsythe

Saturday, November 16th

Elm Park Methodist Church

9am to 4pm

RSVP: 607-432-9041

Office for the Aging Presents:

Senior SCAMS

Thursday, October 10th, 10 AM

Cherry Valley Springfield School

Contact PJ to register at

607-264-3265 ext 518

Wednesday, Nov 6th, 12:15 PM

Richfield Springs Comm Center

6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs

Friday, November 15th, 1 PM

Worcester-Schenevus Library

170 Main St. Worcester

Questions: 607-547-4232

AARP Driver Safety Courses

Instructor: Kathleen Schofield

Saturday, October 5th

Bridgewater Municipal Building

9am to 3:30pm

RSVP: 315-855-4715

Saturday, October 12th

Elm Park Methodist Church

9am to 3:30pm

RSVP: 315-855-4715

Saturday, October 26th

Cherry Valley Springfield School

9am to 3:30pm

Contact PJ to register at

607-264-3265 ext 518

Anonymous Caregiver, Fly Creek NY

Taking care of a beloved parent is the best job in the world and also terribly isolating and scary. None of us ever imagine having to do this as we age because our parents have always been our caregivers. My mother was 40 when she had children and now I am 49 and she is 89. We know how lucky we are to be together and enjoy each day we have. Caregiving uses all of my talents and builds incredible new skills. I have learned how to get things done and how to protect and enhance another person's life. This past year, my mother has had a broken hip and pneumonia. Luckily, she has been able to bounce back and return to studying Spanish and appreciating a good mystery. We have reached out to our community agencies and accepted the help that is available to us. She receives Home Delivered Meals, which gives me a break from preparing a mid day meal for Mom so that I can get some errands, shopping, laundry or other chores done. I also receive respite care once a week for a few hours which allows me to get away, do something for me or shop without worrying about Mom. It was hard to ask for help and even harder to accept the help, but I am grateful that I have done it. When being a caregiver, know that you are not alone! Don’t be afraid to ask for help and know that Office for the Aging can be a wealth of knowledge and can guide you through the process.

Office for the Aging Presents:

Medicare 101

Monday, October 7th, 1:15 PM

Cooperstown Senior Center

St. Mary’s Church

31 Elm Street, Cooperstown

Monday, October 9th, 12:15 PM

Richfield Springs Comm Center

6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs

Monday, October 11th, 1:00 PM

Worcester-Schenevus Library

170 Main Street, Worcester

Questions: 607-547-4232

To access the online version of the AARP drivers safety course to reduce your car insurance coverage go to https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/ and select “Register Now”. The course is 6 hours in length, you can do it in your own time. The cost is $29.95 ($4 savings to AARP members $25.95).

Page 3 SENIOR SCOOP October-December 2019

Would you like to receive our newsletter?

Please provide your email address by sending an email to: nyconnects@otsegocounty.com to be added to our E-Newsletter distribution list. If you do not have an email address, please contact our office at

(607) 547-4232 and ask to be added to our postal mailing list. Newsletters will be sent on a quarterly basis. You can also like us on Facebook @otsegocountyOFA.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of the homes while ensuring the resident’s health and safety. It is the nation’s single largest residential whole-house energy efficiency program. WAP has created an industry, producing new jobs and technologies, all while helping the

most vulnerable families across the country.

The Program’s primary purpose, established by law, is "…to increase the energy

efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons, reduce their total

residential energy expenditures, and improve their health and safety, especially low

-income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, the disabled,

and children.”

WAP not only helps households, it also helps revitalize communities by spurring economic growth and reducing environmental impact. Weatherization returns $2.78 in non-energy benefits for every $1.00 invested in the Program (National Evaluation). Non-energy benefits represent tremendous benefits for families whose homes receive weatherization services. Learn more about WAP's whole-house weatherization approach.

In Otsego County, the weatherization program is provided through Opportunities for Otsego. Weatherization can provide whole house energy assessments, installation of Energy Star appliances and windows, cellulose insulation blowing, system repair/replacement on furnace and domestic hot water heaters, air sealing, weather-stripping and caulking around doors and windows, replacement/repair of storm windows, broken windows and/or outside doors, installation of smoke detectors and check for gas leaks and carbon monoxide issues, education on energy conservation and information on available financing for energy-related improvements.

Eligibility guidelines for the Weatherization program are: 1. Income at or below 60% of the state poverty guideline (see chart) 2. Cannot have received weatherization after September 30, 1994

The Weatherization office is located at Opportunities for Otsego, 182 Roundhouse Road, Oneonta. Individuals unable to access office in-person can call them at (607) 433-0444. They are open

between the hours of 8am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Do you need help with an application or understanding the process? Call NY Connects at (607) 547-4390.

NY Connects can assist anyone of any age with a disability as well as individuals age 60+.

1 $27,816

2 $36,372

3 $44,928

4 $53,484

Household Size

Annual Income

Page 4 SENIOR SCOOP October –December 2019

Things you CAN and CANNOT do with a Power of Attorney?

By: Anne-Marie Botek www.agingcare.com

Like most legal undertakings, setting up and enforcing power of attorney (POA) documents can be a confusing

process. Yet, these essential tools can help aging adults and their families gain peace of mind regarding future

care. Geriatric Care Manager, Buckley Fricker, JD, explains what powers and limitations POA documents can

give.

What is a POA?

POA documents allow a person (the principal) to decide in advance whom they trust and want to act on their

behalf if they become incapable of making decisions for themselves. The person who acts on behalf of the

principal is called the agent.

What can you do with a POA?

A financial POA gives an agent the ability to make financial decisions

on behalf of the principal. They can help a person (the principal) with

the following:

• Access the principal’s financial accounts to pay for health care,

housing needs and other bills

• File taxes on behalf of the principal

• Make investment decisions on behalf of the principal

• Collect the principal’s debts

• Manage the principal’s property

• Apply for public benefits for the principal, such as Medicaid, Veterans benefits, etc.

What can’t a POA do?

A generic POA document that does not contain any limitations typically gives an agent broad power over

medical or financial decisions. One of the fundamental rules governing an agent’s power is that they are

expected to act in their principal’s best interest. However, there are still a few things that an agent cannot do:

• Change a principal’s will

• Break their fiduciary duty to act in the principal’s best interest

• Make decisions on behalf of the principal after their death. (Unless the principal has also named the agent

as the executor of their will or the principal dies without a will and the agent then petitions to become

administrator of their estate.)

• Change or transfer POA to someone else. An agent has the right to decline their appointment at any time.

However, unless the principal named a co-agent or alternate agent in the same POA document or is still

competent to appoint someone else to act on their behalf, an agent cannot choose who takes over their

duties.

Still have questions? Contact Office for the Aging for a Legal Aid referral.

(607) 547-4232

Page 5 SENIOR SCOOP October—December 2019

Advisory Council Members Wanted!

The Otsego County Office for the Aging Advisory Council is a voluntary group of citizens who provide information, guidance, advice and support to the Office for the Aging to develop, coordinate and administer services to older adults. The Advisory Council is a key link between the community and the Office for the Aging in communicating the needs and concerns of senior residents.

Members participate in 5-6 Advisory Council meetings per year in Oneonta, with mileage reimbursement available for travel to each meeting.

We are currently seeking members, age 60 and over, to fill vacancies in the following county districts: District 4 – Town of Oneonta District 6 – Decatur, Maryland, Westford, Worcester District 8 – Town of Otsego

District 10 – Burlington, Edmeston, Exeter, Plainfield

District 11 – City of Oneonta Wards 1&2

Interested, but don’t live in the above districts or are under the age of 60? We are also seeking at-large members for the Advisory Council and would be interested in hearing from you. For more information or to become an Advisory Council member, please contact Tamie MacDonald at (607) 547-7571 or macdonaldt@otsegocounty.com.

November is National Family Caregivers Month! Many thanks to all of the family caregivers in our community!

10 Facts Caregivers Should Know During National Family Caregivers Month

Adapted from: A Place for Mom

1. You are not alone. More than 65 million Amer icans care for their aging or disabled loved ones on a yearly basis.

(National Alliance for Caregiving)

2. Help is available. Office for the Aging has trained staff that can help you navigate var ious resources and suppor ts that are available to help provide care to your loved one. This might include in-home services to help with bathing or homemaking,

or long term care facilities that can provide a higher level of care.

3. Knowledge can make your job easier. Educate yourself about your loved ones disease and care needs, so you can

prioritize tasks and provide the best care.

4. You are America’s #1 long-term care provider. Family caregivers provide a stagger ing 90% of long-term care in

America. (The National Academy of Medicine)

5. Your work is valuable. The value of the unpaid care these 65 million caregivers provide is estimated to be worth $375

billion. (National Alliance for Caregiving)

6. You can take a break. Just because you’ve committed to car ing for your spouse, parent or loved one doesn’t mean you can’t take a break. Respite care is short-term care that can be provided in your home, through a social adult day program or at a

long term care facility. These services allow family caregivers to “recharge” with the knowledge that their loved one is safe.

7. You have limits. Despite the demonstrated perseverance and strength of family caregivers, each of us has limits. It’s

important to recognize when our loved one has declined to a point that professional care is the best option.

8. You have someone to talk to. Caregiver suppor t groups are available through the Alzheimer’s Association, Bassett

Healthcare and Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care. Furthermore, there are many online support groups for caregivers.

9. You have to care for yourself first. If you’re not keeping yourself happy and healthy, it’s doubtful that you will be able

to do your best for your parent or senior loved one. Remember to take care of yourself and make it a priority.

10. You are doing a great job! When you are consumed with the responsibilities of caregiving and feel overwhelmed, unappreciated and maybe inadequate, remember to pat yourself on the back. This is hard work, rewarding but stressful and

you are providing very important care. Thank you!!

Page 6 SENIOR SCOOP October-December 2019

Page 7 SENIOR SCOOP October-December 2019

2019 Senior Resource Fair and Public Hearing

The Otsego County Office for the Aging Senior Resource Fair and Public Hearing was a great success this year. Thank you to FoxCare for hosting us for a second year and to the many organizations and businesses throughout our community who participated to share a wealth of information with local seniors. Over 45 vendors were on hand to share a diverse array of information and free door prizes and giveaways.

Following lunch, Tamie MacDonald, Director, led the annual Public Hearing, providing an overview of the department budget, challenges facing aging residents in our community and the planned services and goals for the coming year. The department will continue to provide the much-needed foundation of services that seniors have come to depend on including home delivered meals, transportation, caregiver support, Medicare Counseling, in-home services and many others. The department will also be working to expand transportation services in 2020 to better meet the growing need and work to expand capacity for in-home services.

The overarching goals for the Office for the Aging include: 1) Empower older New Yorkers, their families and the public to make informed decisions about, and be able

to access, existing health, long term care and other service options. 2) Enable older New Yorkers to remain in their own homes with high quality of life for as long as possible

through the provision of home and community-based services, including supports for family caregivers. 3) Empower older New Yorkers to stay active and healthy through Older Americans Act services and those

offered under Medicare. 4) Embed ACL discretionary grants with OAA Title III core programs. 5) Ensure the rights of older New Yorkers and prevent their abuse, neglect and exploitation. 6) Ensure the network is prepared to respond in emergencies and disasters. 7) Enhance the capacity of the AAA network to develop business acumen strategies to engage with and inte-

grate into emerging health care delivery system transformation activities that foster outcomes-driven popu-lation health approaches.

It’s not too late to provide feedback. If you have any questions, comments, ideas or thoughts, please contact Tamie MacDonald at (607) 547-7571 or macdonaldt@otsegocounty.com.

Susan Barnhart– Aging Services Specialist

Jane Belrose– HEAP Examiner

Cindy Burch– Caseworker

Alicia Chase– Long Term Care Coordinator

Angela DeDominicis– Caseworker

Melinda Frost—Aging Services Specialist

Joy Gray– Senior Aging Services Aide, HEAP

Richard Hamilton– Caseworker

Lawrence Hammond– Business Office Manager

JoAnn Kishbaugh– Caseworker

James Lee– Caseworker

Glenn Linsenbardt– Account Clerk Typist

Sarah Loveland– Senior Clerk

Tamie MacDonald– Director

Joseph Mayoka– Caseworker

Mandy Rogers– Coordinator of Aging Services

Tonya Southworth– Aging Services Specialist

SENIOR SCOOP OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2019 Page 8

Otsego County Office for the Aging

140 County Highway 33W, Suite 5

Cooperstown, NY 13326

(607) 547-4232

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE APPRECIATED!

The Office for the Aging depends on contributions from community members to provide many of the important services we offer to local residents. State and federal funding only covers a small portion of the services we offer such as home delivered meals, Medicare insurance counseling, Tai Chi classes and this newsletter. If you would like to contribute to OFA to support these services, please forward your contribution to:

Otsego County Office for the Aging

140 County Highway 33W, Suite 5

Cooperstown, NY 13326

MEET THE STAFF

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