Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station will offer a Senior Scams Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. Learn the danger signs of being scammed and what different types of scams to which seniors may be prone. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Gurwin Jewish Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Commack has been recognized on Newsweek Magazine’s list of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024, securing a top 15 spot on the list of Best Nursing Homes in New York 2024.
Compiled in partnership with global data research firm Statista, Newsweek’s annual ranking evaluates skilled nursing providers throughout the United States. Data used to determine the best nursing homes is culled from five sources, including Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services performance data, peer survey data, management of COVID-19, as well as accreditation and resident satisfaction data from The Joint Commission and Commission.
“We are extremely proud of our continued recognition on Newsweek’s top nursing home list,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “To be acknowledged once again for providing the highest quality healthcare services is a testament of the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and the compassionate, person-centered care they provide to all those who turn to Gurwin in their time of need.” For more information, visit www.gurwin.org.
Jefferson’s Ferry, a Life Plan community located in South Setauket, was recently named among the top nursing homes in New York State by U.S. News and World report. Jefferson’s Ferry received a 5 out of 5 rating overall, also achieving the top (3 out of 3) high performance rating in multiple categories including short term rehabilitation and long term care.
The rigorous U.S. News & World Report standards for Best Nursing Homes in New York is determined by state-conducted health inspections, nursing staffing and medical quality measures. They evaluate more than 15,000 nursing homes on care, safety, infection rates, staffing and health inspections. Of the more than 600 nursing homes in New York, Jefferson’s Ferry stood out as one of the best in the state and one of only 10 recognized for excellence on Long Island.
“Being named among the Best Nursing Homes in New York is a great honor and a testament to the outstanding care our exceptional staff provides each day to every resident,” said Bob Caulfield, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jefferson’s Ferry. “We take great pride in cultivating and recognizing the exceptional talent and compassion demonstrated by our staff, which has a direct impact on the superior care we provide to our residents. This is what is at the heart of Jefferson’s Ferry.”
Anthony Comerford, Vice President of Health Services at Jefferson’s Ferry concurred and added, “This prestigious acknowledgement not only showcases Jefferson’s Ferry commitment to providing outstanding care and service to its residents, it is especially gratifying to our staff and management to have their commitment and professionalism documented by such a well recognized outside authority.” For more information visit www.jeffersonsferry.org
Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center brought the magic of the MACY*S Thanksgiving Parade to the heart of their nursing home community with their third annual Gurwin Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Our Gurwin Thanksgiving Parade has become a new tradition that is beloved by our residents, staff and visitors” said Kathleen Biggs, Assistant Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Gurwin. “We are so pleased to be able to bring the magic of the holiday season to our residents and to share this special time with them.”
Gurwin’s creative Therapeutic Recreation staff turned 18 medical carts into brightly colored “floats” decorated in themes including Garfield, Spiderman and Mickey Mouse, akin to the iconic balloon floats from the MACY*S parade. The base of each float was created in five hours while all balloons seen on the floats took four hours to be inflated. Guided by 10 handlers in Thanksgiving-themed attire, the homemade floats wound their way along the parade route, through vestibules and hallways, their twinkling lights shining for the nearly 400 short- and long-term residents currently living at Gurwin.
The parade was led by four-year-old Lily, daughter of Nicole Hopper, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Gurwin, and Dr. Frank Hansen and the Commack High School Jazz Messengers Band, who provided live music for Gurwin residents to get in the holiday spirit.
“The Gurwin Thanksgiving Parade is a wonderful kickoff to the holiday season,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “We are so thankful to our talented and compassionate staff who work tirelessly to support the physical and emotional needs of our residents. Our unique parade creates a holiday buzz throughout the Gurwin community; it has become a much-anticipated event by all.”
You may have heard about older adults being tricked into sending money to someone they think is a grandchild or other relative in trouble and thought to yourself, “How could anyone fall for that?” But the truth is, today’s advanced technology makes it easier than ever for scammers to trick their unsuspecting and well-meaning victims.
To protect yourself, it pays to understand how fraudsters work, what red flags to look for, and how to trust your instincts so you don’t end up on the losing end of one of these vicious scams.
How grandparent scams work
Scammers prey on kind-hearted victims by convincing people their grandchild or other relative has had an accident or is in some kind of legal or financial trouble. The scammers then plead for money to get them out of the “jam.”
For years, criminals have been able to gather facts and personal information from people’s social media accounts to contact their older relatives. Once the criminals contact older relatives via text, email or phone, the criminals can sound very convincingly like a relative in dire trouble.
The A.I. twist
Because of advances in artificial intelligence (A.I.), criminals can now make their pleas for cash sound even more convincing when calling on the phone. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these scammers use A.I. voice cloning software to mimic your relative’s voice by pulling the audio from their social media videos.
Unfortunately, scammers often couple this tactic with a “spoofed” phone number that shows up on your caller ID with your relative’s name, so it looks like it’s really them calling you.
How to spot red flags
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent criminals from stealing from you. The United States Postal Inspection Service® recommends a few simple steps to avoid being taken by this extremely vicious scam:
* Late-night calls. Scammers often call victims in the middle of the night, hoping to catch you when you’re not fully awake and less likely to think clearly. If that happens to you, tell them you’ll call them right back. You can then take the time to fully wake up, gather your wits and contact your grandchild or relative via the method you usually use to talk to them. Do not return the call you just received.
* Urgent pleas for money. Be suspicious of any phone calls including requests for money, even if it sounds like someone you know. Scammers use fear to get you worried about your loved one, so you won’t take the time to think things through. If someone asks for money right away, hang up. Contact your loved one the way you usually contact them, and/or check with other trusted family members first.
* Requests for odd methods of payment. If you’re asked to send money using methods like a mobile payment app, mailing cash, wiring money, sending gift cards or money orders, or other unusual payment methods, hang up. Once money is sent using these methods, there’s no way to get it back. If you are asked to meet somewhere so you can give them cash in person, hang up and report the incident to law enforcement.
If you’ve been affected by crime that involves the U.S. Mail®, contact the United States Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or report it online at USPIS.gov/report. If you think you’ve been targeted by a grandparent scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 888-225-5322, or visit ConsumerComplaints.FCC.gov.
Learn more about elder fraud at USPIS.gov.
More than 300 residents and staff of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack recently celebrated a century of Disney’s rich history of magic and storytelling with a 100-year jubilee commemorating both the milestone anniversary as well as Gurwin centenarians who inducted Disney into the “Gurwin Centenarian Club. ”
“We are so excited that our residents are able to celebrate Disney’s 100th birthday as if they were actually at Disney themselves,” said Nicole Hopper, CTRS, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Gurwin Center. “Since our residents are unable to travel to Disney, we decided to bring the magic of Disney to them.”
The essence of Magic Kingdom was experienced by all who stepped into the Center’s Simon Rainbow Room’s “100 Years of Wonder” event. Created by Gurwin staff dressed as Mouseketeers and other memorable Disney characters, the spectacular celebration was filled with Disney-themed memorabilia and activities, such as a Magic Kingdom photo booth, meet-and-greet characters and a caricature artist who sketched portraits of the residents and staff.
Gurwin residents enjoyed viewing Disney classics on the big screen, a learn-to-draw Mickey Mouse art station, and decadent Disney theme-park desserts such as churros, soft pretzels and the iconic Disney waffles. The celebration ended in true Disney fashion with the famous “Happily Ever After” firework show displayed on the big screen, much to the delight of residents, family members and staff.
The highlight: a ceremonial induction of Disney into Gurwin’s Centenarian Club. Residents Genevieve Fedele, 103, and soon-to-be 100-year-old Esther Halfon, presented an honorary certificate to Disney as the club’s newest member, offering sage words of advice: “Keep making magic!”
In addition to the celebration at the Gurwin Center, residents of Gurwin’s Assisted Living community, Fountaingate Gardens Independent Living Community and Island Nursing and Rehab Center in Holtsville, also a member of the Gurwin Healthcare System, participated in Epcot-themed celebrations and special Disney magic.
“Our staff across the System poured their hearts into creating enchanting events for all of our residents,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “It was a wonderful day of nostalgic festivities, with the icing on the cake being our 100+ year-old residents welcoming Disney into the Gurwin Centenarians Club. We are so fortunate to have such a talented and caring team that creates such amazing experiences for our residents, their families and our staff members as well.”
By Leah S. Dunaief
A woman I know is now a widow. She has two adult children but lives many miles from them. In order to visit her home and her town, which are located in a beautiful part of the country, they are required to take two flights, then drive a couple of hours to reach her.
The relationship she had with her late husband was not so different from many couples: she took care of the shopping and cooking, and he paid the bills and balanced the checking account. They both loved their house and how they lived.
But life for her has taken a turn.
Not only is she now alone, she is approaching 80 and has trouble walking. She manages the aisles of the supermarket with difficulty, and so hasn’t had any fresh produce or other perishables in a month. As a result, she is not eating well. Her son is coming shortly to manage her finances and fix whatever might need repair in the home, but he has to leave his own children and his job to do that. As a result, the number of visits he can make is limited. Her daughter, who lives in a big city and has a demanding job, has yet to come. Another relative, who lives across the country, recently offered several days of help but cannot do that with any regularity.
Unsurprisingly, all are urging her to move closer to one of them.
“I want to stay in my own home!” is her adamant reply. She wants to age in place. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”
She is no different from 90 percent of adults over the age of 65 who say they prefer to stay in their current residence as they age.This is a major issue. Can this woman remain in her home? Can any of us, as we age, plan to remain in our homes?
Some considerations include home preparation. Can she avoid falling? Among the greatest threats to older people is falling, a leading cause of injurious death. That may be prevented by installing grab bars in the shower, railings on the stairs, avoiding loose throw rugs and obstructed pathways. Increased lighting, walk-in bathtubs, sliding shelves, even walk-in showers can greatly aid all of us, whether we are aged or not yet there.
Technology can also be a help. This woman’s son can pay her bills remotely, if appropriate arrangements are made with her bank. He can also order various items she may need over the internet, including food from the local markets. The reaction to COVID-19 is to be thanked for the ease and wide-spread availability of remote purchasing plus delivery. And, with a little patience on the part of the younger generation, she might be taught to use the computer to order for herself.
To help her walking, she might get hiking poles or an electric wheelchair or even an electric scooter to ride to her friends in the neighborhood if she doesn’t want to use a cane or a walker. Some 32 percent of those over age 65 have difficulty walking, so this is not so strange.
Cognitive problems, which she doesn’t have but, according to statistics, 1 out of 5 people over 55 will experience, can be mitigated by some help from local social services. Research by her family would be required. But this presents a more severe need that may involve moving into an assisted living facility in the community.
Older adults should not have to leave the towns and school districts they have paid taxes to help maintain over the years and the familiarity and daily support system that has built up around them during their long residence.
We need to give more attention and planning to this segment of the people. And we need to follow their lead rather than demand they change their lives.
Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community in Commack welcomed its first resident of their newly built studio apartments with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 22.
The 18 new studio apartment homes offer a stylish, modern feel, and range in size from 241 to 278 sq. ft. Each studio includes living/sleeping areas, a kitchenette with stainless steel appliances, spacious closets, and fully ADA-equipped bathrooms. Large windows welcome natural sunlight and several of the apartments feature courtyard views.
“The new studio apartments at Gurwin Assisted Living were a perfect option,” said Marianne DeSilva, formerly of Mount Sinai, Long Island. “A smaller apartment is fine for me, especially because I am still part of the larger community.”
The construction of the new studios marks a new choice option for the 210-luxury apartment community, located on the GurwinHealthcare System’s lush 36-acre Commack campus, and comes in response to market interest for more streamlined residences at a lower price point. Pricing begins at $4,950 per month and includes three chef-prepared meals daily, housekeeping, personal laundry and maintenance services, medical appointment transportation and emergency response connectivity. Residents enjoy a bustling calendar of enriching social activities, special events and local excursions.
“We are so excited to welcome Marianne as the first resident of our new studio apartments,” said Stuart B. Almer, Chief Executive Officer of r. “Our beautiful new studios meet the needs of Long Island seniors who desire a comfortable, smaller footprint residence within a caring, active and vibrant community.”
Gurwin’s Assisted Living community includes a formal dining room, a well-stocked library, tastefully appointed gathering areas, activity rooms, a synagogue, beauty/barber salon and rooms to host guests and family. Residents also have priority access to all levels of Gurwin’s care, including Gurwin’s rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility and on-site dialysis, home care programs and adult day care. In addition, residents enjoy the community’s manicured gardens, beautifully landscaped walking paths, and myriad outdoor activities including a shuffleboard court, putting green and LifeTrail exercise stations.
For information about Gurwin’s assisted living community, contact Beth at 631-715-8500.
The Smithtown Senior Citizens and Recreation Departments are actively seeking crafters to book tables and showcase their offerings at the annual Tender Years Treasury event. The special shopping experience for children to purchase affordable, handcrafted holiday gifts for their families will be held on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center located at 420 Middle Country Road in Smithtown. Senior crafters can reserve a table at no cost to them through the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department or by calling 631-360-7616.
“This event is always so well received by the community. We have so many incredibly gifted senior residents, all of whom are remarkably talented at making hand-crafted gift items. I had the pleasure of speaking with a few of our center’s quilters last week. The quality in craftsmanship leaves you speechless. I can’t wait to see who participates this year… The Tender Years Treasury gives kids the chance to shop for family and friends using their own allowance money, without ruining the surprise. The lesson in independence, combined with multiple generations of Smithtown community members, all coming together to keep the magic of the holiday season an everlasting tradition, makes this event truly unique and beloved by all,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
The Tender Years Treasury is an award-winning program for children, hosted by the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department and the Recreation Department with support from the Youth Bureau. Senior residents within the Town of Smithtown create handmade items, which are available for purchase, and must be priced at $5 and under. The Youth Bureau’s volunteer students chaperone young gifters through the shopping experience, so they may choose holiday gifts for family and friends, without ruining the surprise. Popular handcrafted gift items may include jewelry, scarves, hats, wreaths, ornaments, pot holders, key chains, etc. There is no charge for crafters tables, and all monies collected belong to the crafter.
To Reserve a Craft Table:
For questions or more information about booking a craft table for the Tender Years Treasury, call Patty or Mae at the Senior Citizens Department at (631)360-7616.
The Smithtown Senior Citizens Department located at 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown
Jefferson’s Ferry’s resident and avid painter Ann Pols was recently recognized among the winners of LeadingAge New York’s annual art competition. Her “Seaside Fourth” is one of 70 paintings that was selected out of 218 entries for a traveling exhibit that will be displayed at LeadingAge NY’s annual conference and in the advocacy group’s headquarters outside of Albany.
LeadingAge represents not-for-profit, mission-driven and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers.
A 19-year resident of Jefferson’s Ferry, a Life Plan Community in South Setauket, Ann recalls dabbling in art as a child but didn’t think she had any talent for it.
At the age of 86, despite being blind in one eye and relying on her non-dominant hand due to a stroke, Ann joined an art class at Jefferson’s Ferry Bove Health Center, and felt that something was awoken inside of her. She rediscovered painting and regularly joins her fellow residents in painting classes and studio time.
When asked what her artistic process is, Ann says that she chooses her subjects by looking at pictures and first sketches, then paints the subject. Her award-winning painting is one of approximately 30 drawings she has done over the past five years.
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