Seniors

Photo courtesy of Island Nursing & Rehab Center

Staff Delivers Personalized Holiday Gifts to Residents they care for all year long

Staff at Island Nursing and Rehab Center in Holtsville, a member of the Gurwin Healthcare System, hosted a Christmas Eve “Dress Like an Elf” Party here today, bringing holiday cheer to residents of the 120-bed facility who may be away from their families for Christmas.

Staff members donned pointy ears and holiday themed hats and sweaters to hand out gifts they personally selected for residents based on their personality and needs as part of the center’s annual “Giving Tree” tradition. A member of the center’s engineering staff dressed as Santa pushed a cart decorated like Santa’s Sleigh while another employee played piano tunes to set the festive mood.

“The residents are second family and we’re here with them even more than we’re home with our own families,” said Alexis Browning, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Island Rehabilitation. “We want to make them feel like they’re home for the holidays too.”

The residents that weren’t able to gather for the event had their presents delivered to them in their rooms.

“It makes me very happy,” said Bill McCarthy, 77, a resident at Island Rehabilitation. “I’m usually alone around the holidays. So this is my family. I feel good with them. They’re always there for me.”

The Angel Tree. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown

The Smithtown Senior Center, 420 Middle Country Road Smithtown organized and collected over $2000.00 in gift cards to donate to The Angels of Kings Park, in time for the holiday season. The 501c3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to local families and individuals who have experienced hardships. Additional Gift cards were given to the Northport VA Hospital.

Doreen Perrino, Director of the Smithtown Senior Center, and MaryAnn Jacoutot, Senior Citizens Program Supervisor, organized the fundraiser. The tree, known throughout the center as the Angel Tree, is beautifully decorated, adorning angel ornaments with written suggested dollar amounts for various gift cards participants could select from such as  Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more. Members of the Senior Center and the staff generously participated in this special initiative.

“It is our hope that the donations will allow families to create memories that will last them a lifetime. Our seniors and staff are very generous, and they simply want to help others. Instead of buying gifts for one another, we are giving the gift of caring for those in need. It gives us great joy to provide a sense of hope to others this Holiday Season,” said Perrino.

Perrino and  Jacoutot, along with Lynn and Stewart Meyers, Cathy Morgano, and Susan Montigny from Club Moriches, presented the assortment of gift cards to the Angels of Kings Park Board members, Danielle Calabria, Jacqueline Clancy, and Kathleen Lanese. The collection exceeded the amount donated last year.

The Smithtown Senior Center also donates handmade quilts, blankets, baby hats, prayer shawls, and greeting cards to many local hospitals, shelters, group homes, and nursing homes throughout the year to let those who may feel forgotten know that there is always someone who cares.

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How To Join the Smithtown Senior Center: Smithtown residents, ages 60 years and older can join (no fee is required) by filling out a brief application on-site, along with proof of residency such as a driver’s license. A membership card and welcome packet will be provided, along with a tour of the facility by a Senior Center Club Leader. The welcome packet includes a current calendar of activities, classes, and events, as well as brochures for services and amenities available exclusively for members.

The Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center offers a wide array of activities, clubs and programming geared towards improving quality of life for residents, ages 60 years or older. Every day, the center offers a full schedule of arts, fitness, and wellness programming. Members can choose to join a variety of clubs, from gardening, quilting and book clubs to one of seven social clubs, featuring Casino & Theater outings, luncheons, parties, community advocacy and volunteer opportunities. In addition to a wealth of entertaining programming, the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department offers a variety of at home maintenance and repairs services.

The Senior Center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (July & August Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Lunch is served daily. Transportation is also available for members.

For questions or additional information, please call  (631) 360-7616 or for Transportation: (631) 265-8811.

 

Joseph Barreca, “Mr. March”

It was a big day for thirteen Long Island seniors, between the ages of 76 and 98, at the Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences in Commack, as they each took their turn arriving on a celebrity-style red carpet to celebrate the reveal of the “L’dor v’dor From Generation to Generation: 2025 Gurwin Jewish-Fay J. Lindner Residences Calendar,” celebrating the beauty and wisdom of the ages.

“I’m 88 years old and it was worth waiting for,” said Maureen Collins, “Ms. April,” who says her life’s motto, “Have Faith,” sustains her. “I never thought I’d see the day I’d be in a calendar and up on a screen and made a big deal of. It’s been enjoyable.”

Each resident was chosen to appear in the calendar for their unique personal story and their active involvement in daily life at Gurwin.  The calendar was photographed earlier this year, in a professional celebrity-style photo shoot that included professional hair and makeup sessions and a pro-photo shoot. This is the 13th annual calendar from Gurwin featuring its residents.

“It’s almost a competitive event with the residents wanting to be in the calendar,” said Stuart Almer, CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “It’s a truly special event and one of the things that makes Gurwin unique.”

As part of the event, each calendar page was displayed on a giant projector at a reception including the models’ family and friends.

“I never thought that would be me in the calendar,” said Joseph Barreca, “Mr. March,” who’s advice for a good life is to smile. “I’m happy. I really enjoy life and I’m ready for whatever happens.”

Born between 1926 and 1948, these vibrant seniors have lived to see:

Eighteen US Presidents (Calvin Coolidge to Donald Trump)

The telephone, the iPhone, AI and Chat GPT

The invention of the automobile, airplane and space travel to Mars

World War II, Vietnam and 9/11

To see a video of the photo shoot and to receive a complimentary calendar, click here.

For more information, call 631-715-2000.

About Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences

Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community, located in Commack, Long Island, is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System, a renowned healthcare provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for the frail and elderly, and younger adults with complex medical needs. In addition to its assisted living community, the System provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, advanced care, ventilator and respiratory care, on-site dialysis, memory care, and palliative and hospice care, as well as adult day care programs and home care. The campus is also home to Fountaingate Gardens, a newly opened 129-apartment Life Plan Community for seniors ages 62 and older. For more information, visit www.gurwin.org.

 

Photo courtesy of Gurwin Healthcare System

Gurwin Healthcare System in Commack recently announced that its Immersion Room for Memory Care has won Gold in the Resident Engagement & Recreation category, and “Best in Show” in the 14th Annual McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards competition. 

The annual industry competition recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies that positively impact the aging services sector.

Located in the heart of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s Memory Care Unit (MCU), the Immersion Room is the first of its kind in long-term care on Long Island, designed specifically for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and was created in collaboration with Besser Rooms of Amityville.  Gurwin’s Immersion Room incorporates state-of-the-art projector technology and custom-made immersive experiences with stimulating sights, sounds and scents to engage the senses, mitigate symptoms and stir memories from bygone days. The innovative technology helps connect residents with parts of themselves that – in some cases – have been lost for years.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for the Gurwin Immersion Room, which is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents living in our Memory Care Unit,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “The rapid growth of an aging population, together with the rising number of people affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive issues has brought an urgent need for effective support therapies to ease symptoms of these diseases. We continually seek out advanced technologies and innovations that will help our residents feel more comforted and connected as they navigate their care journey.”

Made possible through a grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Gurwin’s Immersion Room is at its core an augmented virtual reality reminiscence therapy program, sans cumbersome VR googles, offering an engaging multisensory experience. The patented wall system is integrated with custom software designed to create therapeutic user experiences in a safe and stimulating environment.   The total experience includes a seamless projection of 4K video onto each wall, surround sound, an aromatherapy feature and custom-made props, enabling residents to become fully immersed in the experience selected.  From calming scenes customized to match resident interests such as a snowy forest or quiet chair yoga, or a more lively experience with a hands-on virtual drive through Gurwin park, or a YouTube roller coaster experience, the Gurwin Immersion Room offers a high-tech, holistic means to ease dementia symptoms, preserve cognitive function and enhance quality of life.

Piloting the program at Gurwin is Kathleen Biggs, CTRS, a Certified Dementia Specialist and Gurwin’s Assistant Director of Therapeutic Recreation, who says that the Immersion Room has enhanced programming for residents on the 60-bed Memory Care Unit. “The Immersion Room delivers individualized, patient-centric experiences that resonate with our residents and offer opportunities that may never have been possible again.  Since its inception, we’ve noted sustained engagement in the experience provided, positive reminiscing and reduction in negative behaviors for those participating in the experiences.  The Immersion Room is a holistic, non-pharmacological intervention that is helping to create meaningful connections and experiences for Gurwin’s memory care residents and their families to share.”

Click here to see a video on the Immersion Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5nklDERdQ0

About Gurwin Healthcare System

Gurwin Healthcare System is a renowned healthcare provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for more than 35 years.  Set on a 36-acre campus in Commack, NY, the System includes Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, providing short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care, memory care, respiratory and ventilator care, palliative and hospice care, social and medical adult day programs and on-site dialysis. Located within the Center is Gurwin Home Care agencies which provide in-home skilled care as well as home health aides.  Sharing the campus is Gurwin’s Assisted Living community, Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences, and Fountaingate Gardens, a luxury apartment independent living community.  Completing the Gurwin family of healthcare services is Island Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in Holtsville, New York.   For more information, visit www.gurwin.org. Follow Gurwin on Facebook (@GurwinNursingRehab) (@GurwinAssistedLiving) and on X (@GurwinJewish).

About the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards

Recognizing healthcare organizations that have effectively utilized technology to enhance care and operations within their facilities, the McKnight’s Tech Awards honors organizations that are revolutionizing the industry within three divisions: Senior Living, Skilled Nursing, and Home Care. Each division for this competition was divided into four categories: Quality, Innovator of the Year, Keep It Super Simple, and Building Bridges. Submissions were judged by a distinguished, independent panel of 21 long-term care stakeholders.

Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation’s Adult Day Care Health Program recently hosted an Art Gala, celebrating the artistic achievements of their program participants. The event showcased their creativity and talents in a stunning display of more than 50 pieces of artwork, ranging from mixed media to pottery and jewelry.

The Program’s main lobby and hallway were transformed into a captivating gallery, featuring acrylic paintings on canvas, watercolors, colored pencil drawings, marker illustrations and an impressive selection of handcrafted pottery and jewelry. Visitors admired the diverse styles and expressions that reflected the enthusiasm and talent of each artist. 

In March 2025, selected pieces from Gurwin’s Adult Day Care Health Program’s gala will be showcased in the Commack Public Library’s gallery, bringing this remarkable exhibit to the wider local community.

Significant to the event’s success is art mentor Marcia Tapia, who runs the Love Without Barriers Foundation. For the past two years, Marcia has generously volunteered her time every Thursday morning, guiding Gurwin’s Adult Day Care participants with compassion, patience and exceptional teaching skills. Through her mentorship, participants have gained confidence and refined their artistic techniques, unlocking their creative potential.

The Art Gala also included a heartfelt tribute to one of the program’s most talented artists, Olga Trujillo. Olga’s artwork holds a special place in the program, with one of her pieces featured as the cover of the 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center’s Annual Calendar. All of Olga’s works were beautifully displayed at the event, honoring her memory.

“Our art program is one of the many awe-inspiring activities our participants engage in,” said Jeraldine Fedoriw, LMSW, Chief Adult Day Officer at Gurwin. “We’ve had legally blind individuals create stunning artwork, even when they’ve never done any type of art before. Our Art Gala highlighted their pride in showing their work and the appreciation of their families says it all.”

Attendees left inspired by the passion of the artists from the Gurwin Adult Day Care Program.

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About Gurwin Adult Day Care Program:

The Gurwin Adult Day Care Program, located at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System and offers a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals in need of daytime care. Designed for seniors and adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities, the program focuses on enhancing quality of life through medical supervision, personalized care plans and engaging activities. Participants receive tailored services, including physical therapy, socialization opportunities, and cognitive stimulation from a team of skilled professionals dedicated to meeting both the medical and emotional needs of participants. The award-winning program is located in Commack, NY, and serves the surrounding communities. For more information, please visit www. gurwin.org/adult-day-health or call 631-715-2520.

Three adorable children and grandchildren of the staff of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack led the way for the 4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27.

The parade is a local take on the MACYs Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, where staff guided more than a dozen homemade “floats” – made from medical carts and decorated with balloons, steamers, signs and lights – on a parade route through the halls of the facility, as residents sang and clapped along to music provided by the Commack High School “Jazz Messengers.”

The parade is an annual event held to enhance and reinforce the emotional health of residents who are apart from their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

“The holidays can be a rough time for residents who are here, because they’re used to being at home. So starting new traditions can help them see the positive light of being here,” said Nicole Hopper, Director of Therapeutic Nursing, Gurwin Healthcare System. “The smiles are incredible! We get cheers and claps. Some people can’t believe what they’re seeing.”

“I think it was so great, it was wonderful!” said Linn Carlson of Long Beach, who is at Gurwin for a short rehabilitation stay. “The imaginations that created these floats was ways up there. They were good.”

“That parade, all those balloons, and the costumes! One came over and gave me a hug!” said Mary Creter, resident council secretary. “And the music was nice. I wanted to get up and dance!”

This is the second year students from Commack High School have participated in the event.

About Gurwin Healthcare System 

The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 5-star CMS rated 460-bed skilled nursing care facility in Commack, Long Island, and is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System, a renowned health-care provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for medically complex individuals and frail older adults. Gurwin successfully rehabilitated more than 200 of its residents who were diagnosed COVID-19, through the work of its dedicated team of doctors and nursing staff.

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Photo from StatePoint

With so many Medicare options available, selecting a plan can seem daunting. This year you may be wondering how news of Medicare drug price negotiations, economic uncertainties and other factors may impact your coverage in 2025.

Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to beneficiaries. Additionally, there are a variety of options that coordinate with original Medicare, such as Medicare Supplement plans and Prescription Drug Plans, or replace original Medicare with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans combined with Prescription Drug Plans.

During this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which takes place between Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2024, here’s what Cigna Healthcare, which serves millions of Medicare customers nationwide, wants you to know:

1. Check for plan changes: If your current plan is working for you, you can likely keep it. However, it’s a good idea to review your plan every AEP, especially if you’ve experienced major life, health or financial changes. Any changes to your current plan will be outlined in your Medicare plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter, which you can expect to receive in September.

2. Research your coverage: There are a few key things to watch for when shopping for a plan. One of them is whether your favorite providers and specialists will be in-network. You should also review each plan’s formulary – that is, the list of drugs covered under the plan. You’ll want to find a plan that will cover your current medications and any you anticipate your doctor prescribing over the course of the year ahead. Finally, carefully consider your total spend for your prescription drug plan coverage (i.e., premiums plus pharmacy costs) since the maximum out-of-pocket costs for drugs you utilize will be capped at $2,000 in 2025.

3. Look for value: No matter what the economic outlook is, it’s wise to select a plan that provides great value. To that end, you may want to consider an MA plan, which offers quality and affordability. MA plans cover everything original Medicare does, plus more; most also include dental, vision and hearing benefits, prescription drug coverage, and other extras like over-the-counter drugs, transportation to doctor’s visits and pharmacies, healthy grocery purchases, and fitness services. MA plans are often available with $0 premiums, but you’ll also want to check on what your annual out-of-pocket costs could be based on your health status.

4. Understand your plan: Before enrolling in a particular plan, make sure you understand its ins and outs. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24/7; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at www.shiptacenter.org. You can also contact individual Medicare plans, including Cigna Healthcare at CignaMedicareInformation.com.

“AEP is your opportunity to assess your budget and your health needs and find an option that will work for you and your lifestyle in 2025,” says Ryan Kocher, chief growth officer for Cigna Healthcare Medicare. (StatePoint)

Stock photo

AARP New York is helping New Yorkers understand the options they have in this year’s election through a voter resource page with important information voters can use, including dates and deadlines, recent voting changes, and different ways people can cast their ballot. By making the voting process more accessible, this voter resource can encourage more people to get out to the polls this year.  

The AARP New York webpage – www.aarp.org/nyvotes – details all the dates New Yorkers need to know including when to register by, when early voting will take place, and when absentee ballots must be submitted. It also provides resources for people to check their registration status, learn how to request an early mail or absentee ballot, and find out more about the positions that will be up for election this year statewide.  

The site and resources are free to access for all, not only AARP members, making it a one-stop shop for anyone to reference and share with others. The information is written in clear, easy-to-understand language. The webpage is also available in Spanish at www.aarp.org/nyvota.  

Voters 50 and over are the driving force behind every election. AARP New York is calling on all candidates to pay attention to the issues that matter to them and their families. They’re not just voting; they’re grappling with the everyday challenges that come with caring for parents, siblings and other loved ones, and protecting their hard-earned Social Security. 

In the spirit of empowering voters, AARP New York has compiled a list of questions for constituents to ask candidates to learn their plans to tackle issues important to people 50 and over, including supporting family caregivers, bringing down the high costs of prescription drugs, protecting Social Security and fighting financial exploitation. This list can be found here.  

AARP New York is committed to keeping people informed and engaged in the voting process with these voting resources, along with other events and programming, including voter education tele-town halls and candidate forums throughout the state.  

Residents of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack were all smiles as staff brought their furry companions to strut their stuff in their first annual Halloween Dog Parade, complete with costumes, treats and wagging tails!

 “We are so excited to host our first annual Halloween Dog Parade for our residents,” said Nicole Hopper, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at the 460-bed facility. “Not only did the parade make our residents smile, but also it made them reminisce about growing up with their own pets. Pet therapy is extremely beneficial, and we look forward to continuing our pet therapy programs here at Gurwin.”

The parade took place in the Gurwin Center’s Simon Rainbow Room, where a dozen four-legged friends of Gurwin staff were dolled up in creative Halloween attire. With Hopper serving as the MC, the dogs, along with their owners, were able to flaunt their costumes down the makeshift runway with Gurwin residents flanking both sides.

Costumes included Wonder Woman, The Incredibles, Elvis, a shark, a pirate and a Beanie Baby, and treats were waiting for the pups including Halloween spooky snacks and pup cups!

“I very much enjoyed the parade because it was so nice to see the Gurwin staff with their dogs,” said Nina Klanke, Gurwin Center resident. “I myself had two dogs that were Cocker Spaniels, and they were so much fun and great company. Being at the parade today reminded me of the happy memories that I made with my own dogs.”

 

The Over 50 Fair, in its 15th year, returns to the Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville on Sunday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Each year, Baby Boomers, seniors, and those a bit younger meet with over 80 exhibitors and attend over 25 classes geared toward them. The Over 50 Fair annually entertains and educates hundreds of Long Islanders.

The classes are always hugely popular at the event, and each year there is tremendous variety. This year’s classes include “Zumba,” presented by Laura O’Shea of the YMCA of Long Island; “Google:  More Than a Search Engine,” presented by Rich Levitan of Family Service League, SeniorNet LI; “How to Improve Your Dating and Sex Life After 50” with Maureen Tara Nelson; and Astrology – What is in Your Stars?” presented by Terry Lauria-Whalen of Your Enchanted Tree. Additional classes will include talks on clutter control, Medicare, ghost hunting, and two fitness and self-defense classes. The schedule of all classes can be found at www.Over50Fair.com/class-list. 

Businesses and non-profits promote local products and services, including health and wellness, education, travel, and financial services, plus some less expected, such as several book authors and psychics.

Over 50 Fair is the brainchild of East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, who also coordinates the very successful All Kids Fair each April. She said the Over 50 Fair is “Overflowing with Opportunities for Age 50+.” She emphasized that “this is NOT a typical ‘senior fair.’ It is an opportunity for people to learn, interact, and have fun. Our guests can meet with many experts in their fields all in one place,” she added.  

Some of this year’s “draws” will be “arts and crafts for adults” with One River School of Art + Design, a singles lounge, compliments of MTN Matchmaking, and a live acoustic music showcase, presented by Carrie Creative Concepts.

Six acoustic musicians will be performing a variety of types of music. James Erxleben of North American Pandas who will be playing various acoustic rock and popular music favorites from the The Beatles to Kurt Cobain. Vickie and the Acoustic Gents will be playing soulful vocal and high energy music from the 70’s through today’s artists, including great duets.

Free hearing screenings will be offered by Anywhere Audiology.  There will be free blood pressure checks, energy wellness scans, and reiki healings available.

This event has built a loyal following due to its consistent presentation of various classes, products, and services they find appealing. 

Feedback from the attendees and exhibitors after the 2023 event was very positive. Exhibitor Joe Satriano of the Susan Satriano Foundation shared that the Over 50 Fair “runs smoothly because of her [Barbara Kaplan’s] organizational skills, her kind demeanor, and her willingness to assure that those who attend have a great experience.”

The Over 50 Fair was recently voted 2024’s Best of Nassau County in the Best Annual Event/Festival – Live or Virtual category for the 10th consecutive year. 

The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be in attendance collecting non-perishable food and funds. Those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win terrific donated prizes.

Tickets are $5 in advance at www.Over50Fair.com, which includes all classes, exhibits, singles lounge, music performances, health screenings, arts & crafts, and more. Those who purchase tickets online will receive a raffle ticket at the event for a special door prize raffle. Tickets are also available at the door for $7, and it is free for Veterans to attend with ID.

This year’s event sponsors are Acupuncture Wellness Services, Men on the Move, Optum Medical Care, Wellcare, Healthfirst, AARP Long Island, East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, CenterLight Healthcare PACE, Jake’s 58, Schneps Long Island, The Garden City News, Herald Community Newspapers,102.3 WBAB/106.1 BLI and 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.

For more information about this and future events, visit www.Over50Fair.comor call 516-621-1446.