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  • Miriam Bernstein
    REALTOR and Associate Broker RE/MAX Prime Properties 877-881-0626

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  • I am a REALTOR bound by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS and an Associate Broker licensed by the State of New York. If you need legal advice please contact an Attorney. If you need tax advice please contact an Accountant or CPA. RE/MAX Prime Properties 696 White Plains Road Scarsdale, New York 10583

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April 20, 2008

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.

April 11, 2008

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.

April 08, 2008

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

March 22, 2008

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?

February 23, 2008

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

February 03, 2008

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

January 28, 2008

Lego is 50

Lego08

Google is really cool. On their main page is their trademark in Lego Blocks.  Today the Lego Blocks are 50. Do you remember?  I do.  What fun.

January 17, 2008

A Social Networking Site - Check it Out

I just found out about two new sites.  I am probably the last to know about these sites as I read posts on AR which I read every day and see so many treads that I miss, oh well.  While searching around this morning for stuff to post to my Senior blog, Westchester County Moving Seniors (A Boomer Moving Boomers) I came across the following two sites.

One is www.EONS.com which says it is "Life on the Flipside of 50...."  It's a social networking site for the over 50 crowd and has some really good stuff on it.  Groups (movies, books, music), Meet friends online and link to them, Money and Advice groups.  You get a profile page and can invite yours friends to join and link to you.

Another site is called "To Be Determined" and is for the 40 plus crowd and has groups and information about aging parents, also social networking. www.TBD.com.

January 10, 2008

Reverse Mortgages - Helpful Links

Reverse mortgages give a lot of senior homeowners the ability to stay in their houses.  You must be at least 62, you continue to own and occupy the house, federally insured and private options, and most expensive in the early years of the loan.

Reverse mortgages are based on a home's equity and pay a sum of money to the borrower.  There are no monthly mortgage payments to be paid and you can receive monthly payments or a lump sum.

This is a good idea for some and not such a good idea for others.  Professional advice is necessary.

Some sites to learn more about Reverse Mortgages;

AARP-Reverse Mortgage Site

Reverse Mortgage.org

Best Reverse Mortgage

Housing and Urban Development site on Reverse Mortgages