Westchester County Moving Seniors

Seniors Who Can't Sell

In the New York Times today is an article about the impact of the declining housing market on Seniors. Seniors who depended on the equity in their homes to take care of them as they age.  Seniors who can't sell now and are forced to stay in homes that are to expensive for them to maintain now, are too large and they are way past the time to move on.  The effect on children as well is increasing. 

Seniors Having to Stay in Place, here.

Senior Law Day October 16th

To see the full program for Senior Law Day, click here.

Past 60? Watch This Video

40th Annual Seniors Day

At the County Center on April 30th there is a lot happening for the Seniors of Westchester County.

The extravaganza will take place at the County Center in White Plains from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last year’s Salute drew almost 2,000 seniors and more are expected this year.  For more information click the link, 40th Annual Seniors Day.

A preview for your enjoyment.

Long Term Care Information Westchester County, NY

New York Connects: Westchester Choices for Long-Term Care is a new state program that lets callers get information about long-term care (in Spanish) for seniors and disabled adults and children by dialing one toll-free number.

That number is (877) 914-4040, and help is provided in all languages. TTY is available for the hearing-impaired. The state-funded program streamlines the calls people must make to learn about such care and helps avoid the frustrations that process can cause. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential.

New York Connects is a joint initiative of Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services, Department of Social Services and Office for the Disabled. The County is working in partnership with specialists trained by United Way of Westchester and Putnam and certified by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems.

Albany awarded Westchester County a grant of $200,000 to set up its system. A state mandate required every county in New York to have a one-call network in operation by the end of 2007.

Callers can receive information on a wide range of topics, including in-home and out-of-home aid.

Are You a Senior who needs Help Selling Your House?

Do you need help?  Have you lived in your house for many years and the thought of moving is just completely overwhleming?  Do you not know where to start?  I am a Senior Real Estate Specialist.  What does that mean to you?  Well I have gathered up a lot of people to help you move.  People to help you sell your furnishings, to help you clear out that attic or basement, people who are professional and can help you save time, reduce stress, save money.  People who can lead you through the process who do this everyday.

You are not alone.  Moving is a big deal for the older adults.  Sometimes your family isn't local and around to help, well this is the solution.

Call me and we can talk.  I can then make the decision as to who would be best for you to work with. Help you plan this out so you have an overview of what needs to be done.

PROFESSIONALS! Helping you - sound good?"

914-907-1922

How About A Roommate?

If you want to remain in your house, want some company or help with expenses - join a new trend and rent a room.  From the New York Times, how it works and who to call.

Want to Rent a Room?

Driving - When to Stop

One of the things that might effect a decision to move is the ability to keep driving.  If your parents are considering a move this might be one of the factors.  I recently took the Defensive Driving Course offered by the AAA and they handed out a brochure explaining some of the things to look for when making this decision.  "The Older and Wiser Driver".

AAA has a website AAAFoundation.org where you can check this out.  They also offer refresher courses for older drivers.  So do AARP and the National Safety Council.  Some will offer behind the wheel assessments.

Some of the points they make are:

• Avoid distractions like cell phones or the radio
• Stay physically fit
• Read the fine print on medications before getting behind the wheel
• Get regular eye exams
• Leave more distance in front of your car

When to stop:

• Wandering thoughts
• Series of minor accidents
• Can't read the road signs
• Other drivers are honking at you regularly
• Having your family, police or friends speak to you about your driving

For more information check out www.AARP.org or www.AAAFoundation.org

Long Term Information Hotline

Westchester Choices for Long-Term Care is a new state program that lets callers get information about long-term care for seniors and disabled adults and children by dialing one toll-free number.

That number is (877) 914-4040, and help is provided in all languages. TTY is available for the hearing-impaired.  The state-funded program streamlines the calls people must make to learn about such care and helps avoid the frustrations that process can cause. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential.

Livable Community Connection

There were 187,043 people 60 years of age and older in Westchester County in 2007, including the 9,608 Baby Boomers who turned 60 this year. They comprised 19.5 percent of the county’s total population. Just under 8,000 (7,988) Baby Boomers will turn 60 in 2008, which means that 20.5 percent of the total population or just over one in five County residents will be 60 years or older by the end of that year.

In view of these numbers Westchester County has begun the “Livable Community Connection” because the vast majory of seniors would like to “age in place”.

“Livable Community Connection” (LCC), is to identify and develop ways for more seniors to “age in place.” That means they would be able to continue to live in their homes as they grow older with dignity, independence and civic involvement rather than be forced to relocate prematurely, if at all. Study after study has shown that at least 82 percent of older people prefer to stay where they are.

Hallmarks of livable communities include affordable housing options with supportive services, housing for people with limited mobility, adequate and accessible transportation, roads designed for safe driving and well staffed community centers with good programming and opportunities to socialize.

For further information:

 North West Region
LCC at Westchester Community College, Coordinator: Blanche Kruk
(914) 606-6528
Covers: Briarcliff Manor, Buchanan, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson. Ossining, Peekskill

North Central Region
LCC at Family Services of Westchester, Coordinator: Steve Riordan
(914) 872-5265
Covers: Mount Kisco, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, Yorktown

North East Region
LCC at ALOFT, Coordinator: Catherine Wynkoop
(914) 764-3356
Covers: Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers

West Central Region
LCC at Westchester Jewish Community Services, Coordinator: Linda Schulz
(914) 761-0600 Ext. 776
Covers: Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Tarrytown

Mid Central Region
LCC at ElderServe in White Plains, Coordinator: Nancy D’Auria
(914) 683-7530
Covers: Eastchester, Scarsdale, White Plains

East Central Region
LCC at ElderServe in Rye, Coordinator: Joe Murphy
(914) 683- 7530
Covers: Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Rye/Rye Brook

South West Region
LCC at Yonkers Office for the Aging, Coordinator: Kirsten Kodl
(914) 377-6822
Covers: Yonkers

South Central Region
LCC at Family Services of Westchester, Coordinator: Steve Riordan
(914) 872-5265
Covers: Mount Vernon

South East Region
LCC at the City of New Rochelle Office for Aging
(in partnership with the United Hebrew Geriatric Care Center)
Coordinator: Thomas Crossman
(914) 235-2363
Covers: New Rochelle, Pelham/Pelham Manor