Hudson Valley Living Boomers & Beyond_07.21.2022

Supplement to July 21, 2022 Boomers

& Beyond

Delight the senses at
The Hammond in North Salem
Senior programs at the libraries
Spotlight on senior living communities
Changes to Medicaid home care
Ideas + Inspirations for homes
Deck solutions at Interstate + Lakeland Lumber

Tips from Jilco’s designers
Southeast Kitchen & Bath makeovers

Cover photo courtesy of The Hammond Museum in North Salem

PAGE 2 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – JULY 21, 2022

EDITOR’S NOTE &BoBoemyoenrds

It all camepetorgfeethcetrlyEverytimeIwork Supplement to July 21, 2022 The HammDeolnigdhitntNheorstehnSseasleamt
Senior programs at the libraries
HALSTON MEDIA on the Boomers Spotlight on senior living communities
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Changes to Medicaid home care
The Sta Ideas + Inspirations for homes
Deck solutions at Interstate + Lakeland Lumber
EDITORIAL TEAM
Tips from Jilco’s designers
Vim Wilkinson Southeast Kitchen & Bath makeovers
Special Sections Editor
[email protected] and Beyond issue of Cover photo courtesy of The Hammond Museum in North Salem

Advertising Team Hudson Valley Liv-

Paul Forhan ing, I am touched, and I remember leaving the library feel- compiled by our summer intern, Steph-
914-806-3951 • [email protected]
inspired and in awe ing good that we had made some ear- anie Kasulka. e Hammond Museum
Bruce Heller
of the seniors for rings for a woman or a child at a shelter and Japanese Stroll Garden is a gift to
914-486-7608 • [email protected]
the things they do. somewhere. at was a priceless experi- our area, as it will take you to a whole
Corinne Stanton
914-760-7009 • [email protected] ere are so many seniors out there ence to share with my daughter. I am new dimension of serenity. Kudos to

Lisa Kain serving our communities sel essly with honored to share Joan’s story in this is- our designer for presenting this beauti-
201-317-1139 • [email protected]
their limited resources, but they shine sue of Hudson Valley Living. ful place with an equally beautiful cen-
Shelley Kilcoyne
Co-Founder brightly, making a di erence in the lives For those who are in the process of ter spread.

914-924-9122 • [email protected] of others. I remember an interview with nding a senior living community or at Our local libraries tirelessly organize

Jay Gussak Dan Strauss, a senior from Yoktown least thinking about it, we have some great programs for seniors and we are
914-299-4541 • [email protected]
who went out of his way to keep the great articles complete with photos of proud to feature some of these valu-
PRODUCTION TEAM
town clean, even if it meant picking up some of the best senior communities in able programs. From help with tech
Tabitha Pearson Marshall
Creative Director/Photographer trash and weeding the streets himself. I the area. We dug deep into the history, problems and book clubs to stitching

[email protected] have nothing but total admiration for services, amenities and community vibe and crocheting, there is always some-

Noah Elder this humble gentleman. that these places exude. thing exciting happening at our librar-
Designer
is time, I have the opportunity to We are also proud to be associated ies. Read all about it in our two-page
[email protected]
share the story of another senior who with our local attorneys, who constantly coverage.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
is making a di erence in the lives of educate our communities with valu- And for our homeowners, we com-
Brett Freeman
CEO & Publisher the less fortunate. Joan Lloyd has been able information on elder law. Anthony piled helpful product and service in-
845-208-8151 • [email protected]
teaching earring-making at our librar- Enea, a highly-acclaimed elder law at- formation from some of the best home
Subscribe
ies for years. After the earrings are made torney from the area, has written a great improvement experts in the region. is
To request weekly delivery for your local paper, call
845-208-8503 or email [email protected] at her workshops, she donates some of article about the 2022 changes in Med- is an issue not to be missed. Read on!

Subscriptions are complimentary for residents & them to battered women’s shelters. icaid home care. Read all about it in the -Vim Wilkinson
businesses
I met Joan a few years ago when I at- Focus on Elder Law section. Hudson Valley Living Editor
in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are
$150 per year for first class mail. tended her earring-making workshop And as the long days of summer con-

Newspapers published weekly by with my then 11-year-old daughter. tinue, we have a beautiful feature of a
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC
We had the best time learning the art, peaceful sanctuary in North Salem
MAIN OFFICE
118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100 | Mount Kisco, NY 10549

©2022 Halston Media, LLC

JULY 21, 2022 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – PAGE 3

Joan Lloyd

Making a di erence through art

BY VIM WILKINSON something nice for their children,
EDITOR as well,” said Joan. “I like to think

Meet Joan Lloyd, a Yorktown of the smiles on their faces. Some

resident with a unique mission in of the shelters have ‘dress for

her senior years. She has turned success’ programs in which they

the art of earring making into match up some pretty earrings

making a di erence in the lives of with an out t for job interviews.

many. Here’s how she does it. Some have boutiques where they

Joan travels all over Westchester sell items to raise money to sup-

and neighboring communities and port the shelter. Some give gift

holds earring making workshops baskets to women on rst contact.

at local libraries. She teaches any- Anything that makes a woman

one and everyone who attends the feel cared about.”

workshop how to make beautiful Joan’s earring making work-

earrings. Joan patiently teaches ev- shop, Bling’s e ing, gets great

ery step of the intricate process and response from tweens to seniors

makes it a fun experience for all. who enjoy transforming the beads

All the supplies needed, including into beautiful earrings, where they

the hundreds of colorful beads and can create any design they desire.

all the tools needed to make the “I called one shelter and asked

earrings, are provided. Participants about the population so we could

can make and keep as many ear- decide how many pairs I would

rings as they want. e only thing donate,” Joan explained. “ e

Joan asks in return is that for every lovely woman told me they have Joan Lloyd led an earring-
making workshop at the
pair someone makes to keep, they 75 women and 150 children cur- Somers Library recently.

make a pair to be donated to bat- rently in touch with the shelter— PHOTOS: VIM WILKINSON

tered women’s shelters. makes your heart ache.”

Joan has been doing this for 12 Eighty-year-old Joan enjoys

years, and it all started with an this mission that she has chosen

inspiring story she heard on the and has some great advice for oth-

radio. er seniors.

“I heard a human interest story “Find something that makes

on CBS radio about a woman your heart feel full,” she said. “It

on Long Island who made jew- doesn’t have to be something im-

elry that she donated to her lo- portant. Go to a local senior citi-

cal battered women’s shelter, and zen’s center and nd someone to

I thought that idea sounded like read to. Play cards or dominoes

something I wanted to do,” Joan with someone. Just talk to some-

said. “It sang to me. I Googled one once or twice a week. Make

shelters in New York and New contact. Loneliness is a terrible

Jersey and there were over 100. thing.”

e good news was that they were

there to help, the bad news was If you have old jewelry or clothes

that they were needed. So, I made with beads that you would like to

some calls and it just grew from donate, please consider donating

there. Now I donate about 1,400 them to Bling’s e ing’s bead

pairs all over the country.” collection to support this great cause.

Currently, Joan donates the ear- Joan can be contacted via email

rings to about 50 such shelters. at [email protected]. Check the

“Many of these women have events listing at your local library to

never had something pretty that participate in Joan’s earring making

they could call their own—and workshops.

PAGE 4 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – JULY 21, 2022

FOCUS ON ELDER LAW

Making sense of 2022 changes to Medicaid home care

GUEST Oct. 1, 2022. It should be noted e changes in the cian), physician’s assistant or nurse
CORNER that a non-exempt transfer will practitioner, who will prepare a
still create the 60-month (5 year) rules illustrate the Doctor’s Order.
ANTHONY J. lookback period for nursing home
ENEA Medicaid. need for seniors and A point of signi cant concern is
that the IPP may determine that
As the cost for home care e new rules have also left the disabled to be the applicant needs signi cant
services has dramatically “spousal refusal”untouched. us, hours of care (12 or more) per day
increased, eligibility for a married person can still transfer proactive in making and is not “medically stable”and
the Medicaid home care program assets to their spouse and if the able to “safely”remain in the com-
has become of greater importance spouse has assets and/or income asset transfers.’ munity. Once both evaluations
to seniors and the disabled. above the permitted allowance are complete, an outcome notice
amounts, known as the Commu- Anthony J. Enea is sent to the applicant, which
It is not unusual for privately nity Spouse Resource Allowance, Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP advises them as to their eligibility
paid home care services to cost the spouse can execute a spousal for home care services and their
$8,000-$10,000 per month for 12 refusal, allowing the ill spouse to As if the delay in implementing the consumer directed personal managed long term care options.
hours of care per day, and approxi- be nancially eligible for Medic- the 30-month lookback period assessment program (CDPAP).
mately $14,000 per month for 24 aid. While this is advantageous if for Medicaid home care has not If one is found to be ineligible
hours of care. a married person needs Medic- created enough uncertainty for CDPAP allows the personal or if one believes the hours of care
aid home care and/or Medicaid seniors, the disabled and elder law care to be provided by friends, approved are inadequate, they will
In early October of 2020, due nursing home coverage, spousal attorneys, New York is now also family (with the exception of be able to request a fair hearing
to the Covid-19 pandemic, the refusal permits the Department of in the process of changing how one’s spouse and the parents of a before an administrative law judge.
federal government renewed the Health (DOH) to sue the refusing applicants are assessed for care minor) or third parties with the
Public Health Emergency for spouse for the value of the services pursuant to Chapter 56 of the consumer/applicant assuming As you can see, the Medicaid
an additional 90 days, e ective provided by Medicaid. Laws of 2020. the responsibility for hiring/ r- home care application and ap-
Oct. 23, 2020. Having done so, ing, training and back-up for the proval process is now signi cantly
the NYS Department of Health e other option still available e aforestated authorized New aide. e aide is paid by Medicaid more complex than in the past,
(DOH), in compliance with en- for a single person with resources York’s Department of Health for the number of hours of care and it is now much more im-
hanced Federal Medicaid funding above the permitted amount (DOH) to contract with an entity approved at the Medicaid rate of portant that applicants have the
requirements, pushed back Medic- ($16,800 for 2022) is to imple- to conduct an “independent as- approximately $15-$16 per hour. advice of experienced legal counsel
aid’s home care lookback period ment a Medicaid Crisis Plan, sessment process”of the applicant. to assist them with the application
from the original start date of Oct. where approximately half of their If the applicant needs more and the inevitable fair hearings
1, 2020 to April 1, 2021. is was resources will be used to pay for DOH contracted with Maxi- than 12 hours per day of care, that may be necessary as to the
subsequently pushed back several their home care (after the imple- mus Health Services a/k/a NY the applicant needs to be re- amount of care approved.
more times, and presently the mentation of the new lookback Medicaid Choice to implement ferred to the independent review
e ective date appears to be Oct. 1, period) and the other half is pro- NY’s Independent Assessor panel (IRP), which is also run by Anthony J. Enea is a member of
2022 (or possibly later). tected by gifting to a third party. (NYIA) review process. e Maximus. Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP
NYIA review process commenced of White Plains. He focuses his practice
us, under current rules, one Irrespective of one’s marital sta- on May 15, 2022. However, for As you can see, NY Medicaid on Wills,Trusts and Estates and
can transfer assets (make non-ex- tus, the changes in the rules illus- those requesting an expedited Choice will be running the show, Elder Law. Mr. Enea is the Past
empt transfers/gifts) before Oct. 1, trate the need for seniors and the assessment for “immediate need” which may make it more dif- Chair of Elder Law and Special
2022, without any penalty and/or disabled to be proactive in making care, the starting date is scheduled Needs Section of the New York State
lookback period if they apply for asset transfers, and the importance for July 1, 2022. cult to obtain the maximum (or Bar Association (NYSBA), and is
home care Medicaid before Oct. 1 of starting both the 30-month requested) number of hours of the past Chair of the 50+ Section of
of this year. However, if an appli- lookback period for Medicaid is signi cantly changes how care to be approved. All applicants the NYSBA. Mr. Enea is the Past
cation for home care Medicaid is home care and the 60-month assessments for home care services must contact Maximus to sched- President and Founding member
made on or after Oct. 1, 2022, and lookback period for Medicaid are performed. Previously, an as- ule their initial assessment. After of the New York Chapter of the
a non-exempt transfer/gift was nursing home well in advance of sessment was done by the man- the initial assessment is completed, National Academy of Elder Law
made on or after Oct. 1, 2020, the their needing care. Without non- aged long-term care provider who then there is a clinical appoint- Attorneys (NAELA), President of the
30-month lookback and penalty exempt transfers being made, the determined how many hours of ment to determine if the applicant Westchester County Bar Foundation
period will be applicable. is is clock never begins to run and the care would be covered by Medic- is self-directing and can safely and a Past President of the Westchester
of great importance to those who ability to shelter one’s assets from aid services. Now, Maximus will receive care in the community. e County Bar Association. Mr. Enea
were unable to transfer assets the cost of long-term care be- do all initial nursing assessments clinical appointment is conducted can be reached at 914-948-1500 or
before Oct. 1, 2020 and require comes signi cantly more di cult, and local districts will perform by an Independent Practitioner at a.enea@esslaw rm.com. Mr. Enea
Medicaid home care services after resulting in a greater percentage all routine and non-routine re- Panel (IPP) and an examination wishes to acknowledge the assistance of
of one’s life savings remaining assessments for personal care and is done by a Maximus physician rm member Samantha Lyons, Esq.,
exposed to the cost of care. (not the client’s treating physi- with the research for this article.

JULY 21, 2022 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – PAGE 5

Protect your home Contact New York’s
and life savings Elder Law Team

from estate taxes and • Asset Protection Planning
the cost of long term care!
• Elder Law

• Medicaid Applications
(Nursing Home/Home Care)

• Guardianships
(Contested/Non-Contested)

• Wills, Trusts & Estates

Past Chair of Elder Law Section
of NYS Bar Association

“Super Lawyer” In Elder Law
for 16 consecutive years

Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Call Us Today!

Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500

Tune in to our podcast “Talking Seniors” at www.esslawfirm.com/talking-seniors-podcast

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PAGE 6 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – JULY 21, 2022

From our libraries
Programs for seniors

It is undeniable that our local librar-
ies constantly provide much-needed
and appreciated services to our com-
munities. Libraries have evolved into
more than a place to borrow books.
From story time for toddlers to volunteer
opportunities for teens to helpful senior pro-
grams and more, our libraries o er a pletho-
ra of services that are truly remarkable. One
demographic of society that truly depends
on the services of these libraries is the senior
community. In this issue of Hudson Valley
Living, we are thrilled to share these valu-
able senior programs that are o ered by the
libraries in our towns.

Compiled by
Stephanie Kasulka
Summer Intern

SOMERS LIBRARY
www.somerslibrary.org
John C. Hart Memorial
Library in Shrub Oak

TECH HELP FOR SENIORS BY teens will try their best to assist. e library also has MAHOPAC PUBLIC LIBRARY THETHIRD FLOOR ART
SOMERS TECH TEENS GALLERY
www.mahopaclibrary.org
Rising Somers High School seniors Jay Wilkin- ongoing tech support on ursdays and every other

son and Nicholas Maurantonio are back to help Saturday by appointment. e third- oor gallery will be
FLO BRANDON BOOK REVIEW home to a large collection of art
seniors with their tech problems this summer. e

teens who formed e Somers Tech Teens as soph- THREADS AND YARNS First Friday of every month from over 70 di erent local artists

omores back in 2020, held zoom sessions to help Fridays 11 a.m. through August 11th. is exhibit

seniors navigate through the tech world during 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each month, the Mahopac Li- showcases a wide variety of art

the pandemic. ey are now available to o er in- Join the group at the library on Friday mornings brary picks a book to be read indi- styles and mediums but collec-

person help at the Somers Library on these dates: with your ber art handiwork of any kind. Bring vidually and reviewed as a group. tively focuses on a garden theme.

July 30 your knitting, crochet work, embroidery, cross- e next meeting, on August 5th, No registration or appointment is

August 13 stitch, quilting or anything that uses thread or yarn. will review the book, “ e Nickel required to view the 123 submit-

August 27 You’ll nd good company, craft advice, and time to Boys” by Colson Whitehead. ted works of local art!

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. nally work on your project. All levels are welcome, Anyone can pick up a copy of the

No registration is needed. Drop by with your from beginners to yarn wizards. No registration book at the library’s circulation
desk and join in.
tech problems (phones/computers/tablets) and the needed. SEE PROGRAMS PAGE 25

Somers Tech Teen Somers Tech Teen Jay
Nicholas Maurantonio Wilkinson

JULY 21, 2022 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – PAGE 7

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PAGE 8 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – JULY 21, 2022

Summer fun for ac ve seniors

Seniors may have more time for tures, seniors in various parts of the adults age 65 and older get at least 150 the way. e following are some good
leisure and recreation than working country may be eager to get outdoors minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic starting points.
adults, and the summer months pro- and enjoy some fun in the sun. activity each week. ere are plenty
vide ample opportunities to get active. of ways for active seniors to meet this is article was provided by Metro
e U.S. Centers for Disease Con- exercise goal and have some fun along Creative Connection.
After months of chilly tempera- trol and Prevention recommends that

• JOIN OR START A WALKING CLUB sights along the way by changing

the route each time you go. Walking

Walking is a great way to stay in shape with friends can pass the time and

and work the mind as well. View new provide the motivation to keep going.

• BE A TOURIST appeal to other interests. Be a tour-
ist for the day — even in an area
Many cities and towns have their own with which you are familiar. Hop
tourism boards and showcase interesting on a trolley or sightseeing bus to view the
spots that have historical signi cance or town as an outsider.

• TEND TO A GARDEN you don’t have a garden or enough
space for one at home, many neigh-
Gardening is a great form of light exer- borhoods have community gardens
cise that can produce rewarding results. If in which you can secure a plot.

• VISIT A FAIR OR FARMER’S MARKET nearby most days of the week, but

especially on the weekend. A town

e warm weather months are a peak market or state fair is a great way to

time for outdoor activities, including vari- get out and walk, play games of chance or

ous community fairs and farmer’s markets. enjoy some live entertainment. Check your

Chances are you can nd a farmer’s market community calendar for local events.

• TAKE A FISHING CHARTER out on the water enjoying the scenery
and the sport of shing. Plus, there’s
Casting a rod from a dock or pier is per- the added bene t of enjoying the
fectly acceptable, but securing a spot on a fruits of your labors by cooking the day’s
catch for dinner once you arrive home.
shing charter is a great way to spend hours

• CATCH A SPORTING EVENT ational sports. Catch a grandchild’s

swim meet or a baseball game for an

Attending a sporting event can be an action-packed way to connect with

entertaining way to spend several hours, loved ones and get out.

and that includes amateur and recre-

• SPEND TIME SWIMMING the pool. Or make a day of going to
a lake or another body of water to
Swimming is a low-impact activity wade out and enjoy some strokes in
that can work the body in many di erent nature. Stick to swimming areas that are
ways. Devote time to doing a few laps in monitored by lifeguards for optimal safety.

JULY 21, 2022 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – PAGE 9

How to stay mentally sharp after retirement

If asked to describe how they envision embrace some strategies to stay mentally that people who are physically active are less sociated with higher levels of cognition. e
retirement, many professionals might refer- sharp in retirement. likely to experience a decline in their mental study’s authors concluded that lifetime intel-
ence travel, time spent with grandchildren function. So daily exercise not only gives re- lectual enrichment might delay the onset of
and various recreational pursuits. Few, if any, • CONSIDER DELAYING RETIREMENT tirees something to do,but also bene ts their cognitive impairment. Retirees can look into
would mention cognitive decline. However, Even if early retirement is a dream, it brains. adult learning programs at local colleges and
cognitive decline poses a signi cant threat universities to see if anything piques their
to aging men and women, especially during might be better to work a little longer than • ENROLL IN AN ADULT EDUCATION interest.
retirement. you had planned. A 2021 study published in COURSE
the journal SSM - Population Health found Retirement can be everything profession-
Researchers have long since recognized that postponed retirement is bene cial to A 2014 study published in the journal als hope it will be, especially for those who
that certain cognitive abilities begin to de- cognitive function for all genders, races/eth- JAMA Neurology examined the association make a concerted e ort to maintain optimal
cline with advanced age, even among elderly nicities, educational levels, and professional between lifetime intellectual enrichment cognitive function after they call it a career.
individuals who are healthy. However, de- status. e study reported that individuals and cognitive decline in the older popula-
spite that decline, the Centers for Disease who waited until age 67 to retire experienced tion. e study’s authors found that higher is article was provided by Metro Creative
Control and Prevention notes that demen- less cognitive decline than those who retired levels of late-life cognitive activity were as- Connection.
tias like Alzheimer’s disease are not an in- prior to turning 67.
evitable part of aging. In fact, the CDC
estimates that as many as 40 percent of de- • MAKE EXERCISE PART OF YOUR
mentia cases may be prevented or delayed. RETIREMENT ROUTINE
In addition, the CDC reports that it’s not
uncommon for routine memory, skills and A lack of structure may seem enticing to
knowledge to stabilize or even improve as individuals who have spent decades work-
the brain ages. ing. However, many retirees nd that little
structure loses it appeal quickly after call-
at’s good news for retirees who want ing it quits. When creating a new routine
to spend their post-work life pursuing their in retirement, include regular exercise. Ac-
passions and hobbies. Individuals also can cording to the Mayo Clinic, studies indicate

Social media: It’s not just for kids anymore

Perhaps due to the popularity of social brush up on basic security measures that with anyone who requests personal infor- many users, especially those concerned
media among a generation of young peo- can help men and women protect their mation, employing the function to block about their privacy, don’t want to share lo-
ple who grew up with it, platforms such as privacy as they utilize platforms like Face- such users from connecting with you cation information with anyone, much less
Instagram and Facebook are often associ- book, Twitter and Instagram. when possible. It’s also important to keep strangers. Turn o location information
ated with people born in the 21st century. information about travel plans private. and routinely double check to make sure
• PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL For example, sharing details of an upcom- it’s still turned o .
However, a 2018 study from the Pew INFORMATION ing vacation can serve notice to potential
Institute found that 65 percent of adults criminals that no one will be in your house, • DISCUSS OTHERS’ PRIVACY
between the ages of 50 and 64 used Face- No social media user has the right to making it a potential target for burglars. CONCERNS BEFORE POSTING TO
book and 68 percent used YouTube. access your personal information, includ- SOCIAL MEDIA
ing your address, date of birth or other • AIM FOR QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY,
Social media is often on the receiving data unique to you. Avoid interacting WHEN BUILDING SOCIAL MEDIA Social media isn’t for everyone, and some
end of negative attention, but it’s also a NETWORKS people may not want photos of themselves
potentially valuable tool that can help or their children posted to platforms like
men and women over 50 stay connected Avoid accepting friend requests from Facebook or Instagram. Prior to posting
with their communities. at’s not always individuals you don’t know. Cyber crimi- pictures or information about other people,
so easy for adults who no longer have chil- nals often gain access to victims via social con rm that they’re OK with you doing so.
dren at home. And as its name suggests, media, so limit your social media network
social media can help users connect with to people you know and trust. Adults over 50 are engaging with social
others who share their interests. Such media. But no matter how comfortable us-
connections also can be hard to make for • Turn o location information ers become, it’s still best to keep various so-
adults over 50. e technology behind social media cial media safety protocols in mind.

Adults over 50 may be more comfort- is impressive and even makes it possible is article was provided by Metro Creative
able with social media now than they were to determine where users are when they Connection.
a decade ago, but it’s still a good idea to tweet or post to other platforms. But

PAGE 10 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – JULY 21, 2022

Spotlight

Drum Hill Senior Living Community

In the eyes of a long me resident

BY VIM WILKINSON What are some of the things you look
EDITOR forward to every day here?

Drum Hill, a landmark historic site in I look forward to being in a comfortable

Peekskill, has a 200-year-old legacy. setting and being a part of a community.

It was from this site in March 1777 that

the British rained cannon re on the Amer- Tell us about the friendships you have

icans and the village below. During the Rev- built here.

olutionary War, Drum Hill was seized for a I have had good relationships with a few

short period by the British and regained by people. One of them was an ethical person,

the Americans. It was known as a strategic and I got a kick out of her husband! I was Margaret Vaccaro
has been a
high ground overlooking the Hudson River. also very good friends with another resi- resident of Drum
Hill for the past
In 1860, a piece of Drum Hill was pur- dent who was also a tablemate for years. 15 years.

chased by the city of Peekskill, where a red- Now I am becoming friends with a resident PHOTOS COURTESY OF DRUM
HILL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
brick schoolhouse was built on top of the who has been here since it opened. I nd

hill. Fifty years later, it was replaced with a we have a lot in common.

“state of the art” school for students in kin-

dergarten through high school. Tell us about the food. What are some

Drum Hill was added to the National of your favorite dishes here?

Registry of Historic Places in 1979. Ninety I like the Aloha burger and love all the

years after its original construction, Drum salads, especially the one with the Gorgon-

Hill was purchased by John Saraceno and zola cheese.

was renovated as a ordable, independent

housing for senior citizens. What are some of the activities that you

Today, Drum Hill Senior Living Com- enjoy here?

munity, with its neoclassical architecture I enjoy playing mah-jongg and love my

and features such as the restored sweeping card games.

staircase and views of the Hudson River and

Peekskill Bay, keeps its residents and visitors What is your fondest memory of Drum

intrigued. Hill?

For many seniors who have come through When I met with the nance director, I

the doors of Drum Hill, it has been a place realized how kind and caring the commu-

cherished for all its grandeur, hospitality, nity management was, and it made me feel

friendship and the community feel Drum so comfortable. She has now become the

Hill o ers. executive director, and we talk all the time. Drum Hill Senior Living
Community
Hudson Valley Living got the opportu-
90 Ringgold Street
nity to interview a very special Drum Hill What makes Drum Hill special? Peekskill, NY
914-788-8860
resident, Margaret Vaccaro, who has been ey accommodate residents as they age,

a resident for the past 15 years and is now so you can remain in your own apartment

almost 100 years old. Here’s what she has to and age gracefully in your own space.

say about Drum Hill.

When did you move to Drum Hill and Drum Hill is an a ordable collection of

how old were you? private and spacious apartments that are

I moved to Drum Hill in the last days of designed for people ages 62 and older, in a

December 2007. I was 85. setting that o ers all the comforts to meet

the needs of seniors.

What stood out the most about Drum A full-service, caring environment, Drum

Hill that made you choose it as your place Hill allows singles and couples to continue

of residence? to live their active lives with more ease, and

I picked Drum Hill because it was af- they are able to customize how they want to

fordable and close to my family. spend time during their golden years.

JULY 21, 2022 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – PAGE 11

Tucked into a quaint historic
town of Peekskill,
NY our community

overlooks the Hudson River,
providing breathtaking views.

At Drum Hill we provide a
caring environment where each

resident has the opportunity
to explore new activities &
discover new friendships.
All while enjoying the privacy of
your own spacious apartment
equipped with a full kitchen!

You’ll also find a secure living
environment in a service-
enriched way of life.

Simply leave it all up to us!
Contact us to find out all that we offer!

Register online at drumhillseniorliving.com/halston or simply
scan the QR code to sign up for a Tour & Complimentary Lunch

90 Ringgold Street • Peekskill, NY 10566

drumhillseniorliving.com/halston | 914.788.8860 | WALK-INS WELCOME. MON-FRI 9am – 5pm

PAGE 12 – HUDSON VALLEY LIVING – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO HALSTON MEDIA – JULY 21, 2022

Quapliotsite-srteo lroeomkefontr injoab Keeping your

furry friend safe

e notion of relaxing on a July is Pet Hydration Aware- accept pets, as most only accept
beach all day in one’s golden
years is still a retirement dream ness Month, so we wanted to service animals.
for millions of adults across the
globe. provide you with some tips on WHAT YOU SHOULD
how to help protect and keep INCLUDE IN YOUR PET’S
But many individuals also your lovable four-legged family EMERGENCY KIT:
harbor a desire to keep working members safe, not just from de-
after retiring. Whether it’s a vol- hydration but a few other things • Sturdy leashes, and carriers
unteering gig or a part-time job as well. to transport pets safely and en-
retirees are looking for, certain sure that they cannot get away.
qualities can make an opportu- As July is the hottest month
nity uniquely suited to a post- across the country, it is impor- • Food, drinking water, bowls,
retirement job. tant that we keep ourselves and cat litter/pan and a manual can
our four-legged family members opener for those that feed their
• FLEXIBILITY from dehydration. We suggest pets canned food.
that you keep your pets out of
Retirees may be looking to extreme temperatures. Please • Medications and copies of
DO NOT leave any living be- medical records stored in a wa-
contribute to their communities ing in an unattended vehicle. As terproof container.
our bodies are made up of 60%
or simply earn a little spending water, our pets’ bodies are made • A rst aid kit.
up of 80% water. Dehydration • Current photos of you with
money, but they will likely still can limit your pet’s strength and your pet(s) in case they get lost.
mobility. So, please be sure that • Information on feeding
want the freedom to travel or every time you reach for some- schedules, medical conditions,
thing to quench your thirst, you behavior problems, and the
spend time with their families check the bowls of your pets to name and number of your vet-
ensure they have all the cool, erinarian in case you must foster
whenever they choose. So ex- or board your pets.
ltered water they need to re- • Pet beds and toys.
ibility is something to look for hydrate themselves. Please don’t Always remember, if you or
assume your normally active someone you know should su er
in a post-retirement job. is is enables retirees to socialize ing it a career, chances are they pet can accompany you on your from a disaster, our Servpro of
long-distance walk on very hot Putnam County team is always
what makes consultant work so could delay or reduce the se- dealt with work-related stress. and humid days. Dehydration here to help. Wishing you and
and heat exhaustion can set in your family health, happiness,
attractive to retirees. In-person verity of age-related cognitive In fact, the American Stress In- and success today and always.

hours may not be required of decline. stitute reports that 83 percent

consultants, who can then o er of workers in the United States

their input while visiting their • ENGAGEMENT su er from work-related stress,

grandchildren or traveling the A job seniors nd engaging while Statistics Canada reports

world. also is more likely to provide that 62 percent of Canadian very quickly. Also, be mindful of is article and tips were provided
water intoxication. is happens by Stephanie Bellofatto of Servpro
the types of bene ts seniors are workers say work is their main when your pet is constantly ex- of Putnam County, o ering
posed to pools and garden hoses. residential and commercial
• SOCIALIZATION looking for in post-retirement source of stress. After a lifetime Some of the early signs of in- restoration, rebuild and cleaning
toxication are bloating, vomiting, services, water damage restoration,
ough the ability to work work. For example, research- of confronting work-related excessive salivation, and seizures. mold remediation and removal,

from home can make it easier ers at Boston College’s Sloan stress, individuals who want to

for retirees to earn some extra Center on Aging and Work work in retirement should look

money, some seniors aren’t con- found that seniors who nd a for pressure-free opportunities. THE FOLLOWING ARETHE re and smoke remediation and

cerned about their nances but job or volunteering opportu- is is an important quality, as BESTTIPS FOR KEEPING restoration and more. Servpro

want to work so they can get nity truly engaging are more the ASI indicates that stress YOUR PETS SAFE DURING A of Putnam County Team can be

out of the house. In that case, likely to bene t psychologically has been linked to increased DISASTER: contacted at 845-228-1090 or

look for a job that o ers the from those experiences than rates of heart attack, hyperten- 1. If it’s not safe for you to stay visit www.-

opportunity to socialize and those whose post-retirement sion and other disorders. in your home during an emer- Servpro-

meet new people. Socializing as work is not engaging. If seniors e right post-retirement gency, it’s not safe for your pets Putnam-

an older adult is a great way to nd themselves simply going job may di er from what indi- either. County.com

fend o loneliness. In addition, through the motions with their viduals looked for during their 2. Include supplies for your for more

one study published in 2007 post-retirement work, they can careers. Various qualities can pet in your emergency kit or information.

in the journal of the Ameri- look for opportunities that they combine to make for a post- assemble an emergency kit for

can Public Health Association can be more enthusiastic about. retirement gig that bene ts se- your pet (see below).

found that social support net- niors in myriad ways. 3. Make an evacuation plan

works have a positive e ect on • PRESSURE FREE for you and your pets. Please

cognition among older adults. Regardless of what retirees is article was provided by note: Make sure to check with

So a post-retirement job that did for a living prior to call- Metro Creative Connection. shelters and hotels to see if they