Senior Resources

Computers for Seniors

Very good article that clearly explains the ins and outs of using computers for seniors.

Computers, laptops, and software take a while to get used to. Learning all the different functions of a computer along with basic keyboard commands and how to keep your computer safe will take some practice before being completely comfortable with them. Users of any age can use computers and all the functions, but before you get into the in-depth inner workings of this technology it’s best to make sure all of the essentials are covered..

Caregiving Assistance & Support Groups

Support groups bring together people who are coping with similar issues and concerns. Usually there is a facilitator/organizer who coordinates the meetings and helps the group focus on important issues.

The Dept of Senior Citizen Affairs coordinates monthly support groups for caregivers of the frail elderly in Long Beach and Elmont. For dates, times, etc., call (516) 227-8900

Also call the following agencies to learn about the support groups that they offer:

  • Five Town Senior Center 124 Franklin Place, Woodmere, NY (516) 374-4747
  • Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Center 59 Clinton Ave, Rockville Centre, (516) 366-6610, or
  • JCC of Greater Five Towns 207 Grove Street, Cedarhurst, NY (516) 569-6733
  • Many other groups exist in schools, churches, synagogues, libraries, etc. Call Nassau County Dept of Senior Citizen Affairs for additional information (516) 227-8900

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. It is estimated that upwards of 10 million seniors are abused each year. Our mission is simple, to be the top online resource educating the public on the risks of senior abuse in an attempt to save lives and rebuild shattered trust. https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/

Caregiving Resources:

Nassau County Dept of Senior Citizen Affairs 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Uniondale, NY (516) 227-8900 conducts information and educational activities relevant to cargiving and has a library of resource materials.

Project Independence located in the Town of North Hempstead, Please Call (516) 869-6311 for information

Buyer’s Guide to Medical Alert Systems https://www.moneysavingpro.com/medical-alert-systems/.

Adjustable Bed Guide https://www.consumeraffairs.com/furniture/adjustable-beds/

Counseling

Accepts Medicare: Helen Beegel, LCSW Counseling and Advocacy for Seniors, (516) 244-6291

DrugRehab.com, a web resource that provides information and support to people fighting substance abuse and related mental health issues.

Low Cost or Free Dental Care

Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery: 630 W 168th St, NYC, (212) 305-5665

NYU College of Dentistry: 345 E. 24th St. NYC, (212) 998-8900

Stonybrook State University of New York School of Dental Medicine: Rockland Hall Health Science Center, Stonybrook, (631) 632-8989

Financial Services​

Financial Planner: Marie Cantone – Specializes in Special Needs Families, (631) 433-0656

Health Services

Long Term Care Insurance & General Long Term Care Information​

  • www.planaheadny.health.ny.gov This site is sponsored by New York State and gives a general discussion of long-term care insurance
  • www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/ltc/ltc_index.htm Basic information about long-term care insurance: charts of companies that offer the policies and the types of policies offered; and a comparison tool that gives sample premiums based on age and other factors)
  • www.planaheadny.health.ny.gov NYS Partnership for Long-Term Care – Information on long-term care policies that will allow NY residents to protect some or all of their assets by combining a long-term care policy with extended Medicaid coverage)
  • www.longtermcare.acl.gov U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information)

Legal

Nassau Suffok Law Services 1 Helen Keller Way, Hempstead, NY 11550, (516) 292-8100 Law Services is a non-profit agency that serves thousands of low income, disabled, and elderly clients throughout Long Island, with offices in Hempstead, Islandia and Riverhead — their services range in everything from Landlord-Tenant Court, to their Mental Health Clinic, Senior Clinic, Bankruptcy Clinic, and Chid Support Unit (just to name a few!).

Low Vision Resources​

FreedomScientific.com St Petersberg, Florida, (800) 444-4443 – Computer Software that enables all information on the computer to be read aloud.

Jaws Software and CC TV Reader– Autofocus machines for reading, (800) 598-0635.

MaxiAids.com (800) 522-6294 – Catalog to provide aides for independent living.

Medical Resources​

Alzheimers: LIAF – Long Island Alzheimers Foundation Fred Jenny or Stephanie DePalma, (516) 767-6856

www.besafeathome.org Low cost subsidized services for seniors with focus on Medical Alert, Bob Costanzo (631) 734-8220

www.asbestos.com The Mesothelioma Center – support for families affected by mesothelioma

Free Meds Information​

  • Free or Subsidized but not Medicaid Eligible:

    EPIC: NYS Senior Prescription Plan | 1-800-332-3742
    Single persons income must not exceed $35,000 and married persons incomes must not exceed $50,000. There are deductibles so call for more information.

    Free Meds from Drug Companies:

    ADRIA LABORATORIES, INC. | 1-800-366-5570
    Adria Laboratories Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 9525, McLean, VA 22102 – Doctor must certify that patient cannot afford the cost of the drug.

    ALLERGAN PRESCRIPTION PHARMACEUTICALS | 1-800-347-4500 (ext. 4280)
    Allergan Patient Assistance Program, 2525 Dupont Drive Irvine, CA 92713 – Up to a 6 months’ supply. Eligibility is at the doctor’s discretion.

    AMGEN, INC. | 1-800-272-9376
    Amgen Safety Net Programs Medical Technology Hotline – Enrollment in the program is based on a patient’s insurance and financial status.

    ASTRA | 1-800-488-3247
    F.A.I.R. FOSCAVIR Assistance and Information on Reimbursement Program – Doctor must sign and complete the application and return it within 7 days to the address on the form. The form must be accompanied by a signed prescription.

    BOEHRINGER INGLEHEIM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | 1-800-556-8317
    Boehringer Ingleheim Pharmaceuticals Partners in Health — Controlled substances are not covered. Maximum of 3 months. Patient cannot have prescription coverage, cannot be eligible for Medicaid/State assistance programs, and must meet annual income guidelines. Doctor must make the request.

    BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB | 1-800-736-0003
    Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Program PO Box 9445 McLean, VA 22102-9998 – At doctor’s request.

    BURROUGHS-WELLCOME | 1-800-722-9294
    Patient Assistance Program, Burroughs-Wellcome Co., PO Box 52035, Phoenix, AZ 85072-9349 – Products available in a 30 day supply, with maximum of 90 days. Applications reviewed on a case by case basis. Patients must be residents of the United States or its territories. All alternative funding sources must be investigated.

    CIBA-GEIGY PHARMACEUTICAL | 1-800-257-3273
    Patient Support Program, Jackie LaGuardia, Senior Information Assistant, Ciba-Geigy Corporation, 556 Morris Ave. D2058, Summit, NJ 07901 – Up to 3 months’ supply available.

    DUPONT MERCK PHARMACEUTICAL CO. | 1-800-474-2762
    Darlene Samis, DuPont Pharma, PO Box 80026, Wilmington, DE 19880-0026 – Controlled substances are not covered. Thirty day supply available. Patient must be indigent and ineligible for a Federal or State Government drug assistance program.

    GENENTECH, INC. | 1-800-879-4747
    Genentech, Inc. PO Box 2586 S. San Francisco, CA 94083-2586 – Quantity provided. Eligibility requirements variable.

    GLAXO, INC. | 1-800-452-9677
    Laura N. Wright, Supervisor, Glaxo Indigent Patient Program, Glaxo, Inc., PO Box 13438, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 – Maximum 3 month supply. Patient must be a private outpatient whom the doctor considers medically indigent and who is not eligible for other third-party reimbursement.

    HOECHST-ROUSSEL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | 1-800-422-4779
    HRPI Patient Access Program Field Forest Development – Must show lack of insurance or ability to pay. Eligibility on a case by case basis. Patients must not be eligible for a third-party payer or Medicaid coverage. One course of therapy.

    HOFFMAN-LaROCHE, INC. | 1-800-285-4489
    Daria Osborne, Director, Medical Needs Program, Roche Laboratories, 340 Kingsland Street, Nutley, NJ 07110 – Three month supply. Eligibility limited to private practice outpatients who are considered by the doctor to be medically indigent and who are not eligible for other third-party reimbursement. Drugs are shipped to doctor only.

    IMMUNEX CORPORATION | 1-800-466-8639 or 206-587-0430
    Professional Services, Immunex Corporation – Three cycles. Physician must state that the patient requires the drug and that all reimbursement options have been tried.

    JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS | 1-800-544-2987
    Janssen Patient Assistance Program, 1800 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 22091 – One or two month supply, varies by product. Patient must have less than $25,000 total annual household income and can have Medicare or private insurance, but cannot have prescription coverage.

    KNOLL PHARMACEUTICAL CO. | 1-800-524-2474
    Knoll Pharmaceutical Indigent Patient Program, 30 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ 07981 – Eligible if financially indigent and not insured.

    LEDERLE LABORATORIES | 1-800-533-2273
    Lederle Partners and Patient Care – Doctor must make the request. Patients have to be financially indigent and not eligible for coverage under third-party insurance or Medicaid.

    ELI LILLY AND COMPANY | 1-800-545-6962
    Lilly Cares Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 9105, McLean, VA 22102-0105 – Does not cover controlled substances. Quantities depend on the product and the doctor’s instructions. Eligibility determined on case by case basis. Doctors must submit a written request containing specific information.

    MARION MERRELL DOW, INC. | 1-800-362-7466
    Indigent Patient Program, PO Box 8600, Kansas City, MO 64114 – Three month supply. Doctor determines if patient is eligible for the program. Eligibility also based on income level and lack of insurance.

    McNEIL PHARMACEUTICAL | 1-800-682-6532
    Thomas Schwend, Manager, Medical Information, McNeil Pharmaceutical Corporation, PO Box 300, Route 202, South Raritan, NJ 08869-0602 – Varies by product and patient condition. Doctor determines that patient is indigent and not eligible for health insurance. Doctors may request free medications by written or telephone request, accompanied by a signed and dated prescription and letter stating financial status and need of patient.

    MERCK & COMPANY, INC. | 215-652-5000 (collect calls accepted)
    Patient Assistance Program, Merck & Co., Inc,. PO Box 4-WP35-258, West Point, PA 19486-0004 – Only doctors can call and request applications.

    MILES PHARMACEUTICALS | 1-800-998-9180
    Miles Indigent Patient Program, 400 Morgan Ave., West Haven, CT 06516 – Quantities and length of support determined on case by case basis. Doctor must certify that patient is not eligible for or covered by government funded reimbursement or insurance drug programs. Patient income must be below federal poverty guidelines.

    ORTHO BIOTECH INC. | 1-800-553-385
    Ortho Biotech Financial Assistance Program, 1800 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 22091-4345 – (1) Financial Assistance Program (FAP) 1-800-447-3437 provides PROCRIT therapy free to any qualifying nondialysis patient who cannot obtain insurance coverage, is uninsured or cannot afford cost of their treatment. (2) Cost Sharing Program 1-800-441-1366 limits the annual cost of PROCRIT expenditures for a patient exceeding $8,500 for a calendar year, regardless of third-party coverage. (3) LEUSTATIN Financial Assistance Program 1-800-447-3437 provides LEUSTATIN therapy free to persons who meet specific criteria and lack financial resources and third-party insurance necessary to obtain treatment.

    ORTHO PHARMACEUTICALS | 1-800-682-6532
    Thomas Schwend, Manager, Medical Information, Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation, PO Box 300, Route 202, South Raritan, NJ 08869-0602 – Varies by product and patient condition. Doctor determines that patient is indigent and not eligible for health insurance. Doctor may request free drugs by written or telephone request, accompanied by a signed and dated prescription and letter stating financial status and need of patient.

    PARKE-DAVIS | 1-800-755-0120
    Parke-Davis Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 9945, McLean, VA 22102 – Applications taken over the phone. To apply, patient or doctor calls Parke-Davis with the following information: Doctor’s full name, address, phone number – and – Patient’s name, address, phone number and financial status.

    PFIZER, INC. PROGRAM #1 | 1-800-646-4455
    Pfizer Indigent Patient Program, PO Box 25457, Alexandria, VA 22314-5457 – Up to 3 month supply at one time, as prescribed. Any patient that a doctor is treating as indigent is eligible. Patient must not be covered by third-party insurance or Medicaid. Usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to get medication. Refills are available upon request by doctor.

    PFIZER, INC. PROGRAM #2 | 1-800-869-9979
    ROERIG DIVISION Diflucan Patient Assistance Program – Up to three months’ supply at one time and then can reapply. Patient must not have insurance or other third-party coverage, including Medicaid. Patient must not be eligible for a state AIDS drug assistance program. Patient must have income less than $25,000 a year without dependents; or less than $40,000 a year with dependents.

    SCHERING-PLOUGH
    For Intron/Eulexin Products: Service Program, Schering Laboratories, 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Building K-5-2B2, Kenilworth, NJ 07033 – Initial supply is for 3 months. Renewals available for 3 months at a time. Eulexin-Initial supply is for 6 months. Renewals available for 6 months at a time.
    For other Schering Products (1-800-521-7157): Initial 3 month supply, with renewals available for up to 3 months at a time. Eligibility determined on case by case basis. The consultation includes a review of the specific case as well as the availability of other means of health care assistance.

    SEARLE | 1-800-542-2526
    Patients in Need Foundation, 5200 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077 – Supply based on the doctor’s of patient needs. The program is conducted through the doctor, who determines the patient’s eligibility based on medical and economic need. Searle provides suggested guidelines to the doctor.

    SMITHKLINE BEECHAM: PROGRAM #1 | 1-800-546-0420 (patient requests) | 215-751-5722 (doctor requests)
    SB Access to Care Program, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, One Franklin Plaza-FP1320, Philadelphia, PA 19101 – Doctor determines which patients are eligible and would benefit from the Access to Care Program. Doctors must submit forms to enroll patients in the program. Three month supply is available at one time. Requests must come from the doctor. Patient’s prescription qualifies only if it is not already covered under private insurance.

    SMITHKLINE BEECHAM: PROGRAM #2 | 1-800-866-6273
    SB Eminase/Kytril/Triostat Compassionate Care Programs, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, One Franklin Plaza-FP1320, Philadelphia, PA 19101 – Patient must show ineligibility for other forms of medical assistance and meet the program’s income requirements (single patients with annual incomes of $18,000 or less, and persons who are married or have at least one dependent with annual income of $25,000 or less). For each eligible patient, hospitals should submit a Hospital Consent Form and an Application Form with any one of the following documents: a copy of the patient’s medical record, pharmacy record, or the patient’s bill.

    SYNTEX LABORATORIES, INC.
    Cytovene Medical Information Line: 1-800-444-4200
    Patient Programs General Number: 1-800-822-8255
    Up to 25 vials of Cytovene are available. Syntex provides Cytovene free of charge when it is prescribed for an immuno-compromised patient who has been diagnosed as having CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis, if that patient lacks the means to purchase the drug, and that patient is ineligible for any form of third-party reimbursement. For information on other Syntex products, call 1-800-822-8255.

    THE UPJOHN COMPANY | 1-800-242-7014
    Patient Assistance Program – Health Care Professionals should contact their local Upjohn Representative. Generally, a 3 month supply is provided. However, a doctor can request a longer supply. Doctor determines patient’s needs, and whether insurance or other social programs to help provide medications are available.

    WYETH-AYERST LABORATORIES | 1-800-568-993
    John E. James, Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories Indigent Patient Program, 555 East Lancaster Avenue, St. Davids, PA 19087 – In general, 1 to 2 month supply is provided. For Cordarone, one month supply or up to 2 bottles of 60 tablets is provided. Patient must be medically indigent, with no coverage for drugs.

    ZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS | 1-800-424-3727
    Yvonne A. Graham, Program Director, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Group, PO Box 15197, Wilmington, DE 19850-5197 – One to 3 month supply with application.

Social Security Information​

Many people on the verge of retirement lack knowledge about how Social Security works. Most older workers can’t identify basic information about the Social Security calculation, including how many years of earnings are factored into their payout and how much their payments will increase due to delayed claiming, according to a recent AARP and Knowledge Networks online survey of 2,053 people ages 52 to 70 who plan to claim Social Security within the next 15 years. Here is what most people in their 50s and 60s don’t know about Social Security:

Social Security benefits are calculated based on your 35 highest-paid years in the workforce, but only 7 percent of survey respondents knew this. Most older workers guessed that the five (30 percent) or 10 (21 percent) years in which they earned the highest salary would be used to calculate their benefit amount

Most people (89 percent) know that their monthly Social Security payments will be bigger if they wait until their full retirement age to sign up for benefits instead of claiming at age 62. But very few people can identify exactly how much more they’ll receive. “One thing that they generally know is that if you delay your claiming decision even a year, you will get a boost in your benefit, but when you actually ask them how much, they have no sense of what that actual amount is,” says Jean Setzfand, AARP vice president for financial security. Only about a quarter (or 29 percent) of the survey respondents were able to estimate the percentage increase within 10 percentage points of the actual increase. For the survey respondents who are between ages 52 and 70, the increase in payments for delaying claiming from 62 until full retirement age ranges from 30.5 percent to 41.2 percent. Most of the survey respondents underestimated the value of waiting to claim their Social Security benefits.

The majority of older workers (62 percent) know that their monthly payments will increase even more if they delay claiming past their full retirement age. But only 34 percent of those surveyed were able to identify a percentage increase that was within 2 percentage points of the actual increase. For most people in the age group surveyed, Social Security checks will grow by 8 percent for each year of delayed claiming beyond their full retirement age, up until age 70. Most of the survey respondents overestimated the benefit of delaying claiming after their full retirement age. “If you expect to live well beyond 80, you will maximize your benefit by claiming at 70. If you expect to die at three or more years before 80, then you will maximize your benefit by claiming at age 62,” says William Reichenstein, a Baylor University professor and principal of Social Security Solutions. “You get two-thirds of 1 percent more for each month of delay. You could get 32 percent more by waiting until 70.”

Social Security payouts grow for each year of delayed claiming up until age 70. After age 70, there is no additional benefit to waiting to sign up. But only 29 percent of those surveyed were able to identify age 70 as the year they would max out their benefit. Many people (41 percent) incorrectly guessed that it was between ages 65 and 67.

People who work and claim Social Security benefits at the same time before their full retirement age may see a temporary reduction in their Social Security payments if they earn too much. The earnings limit is $14,640 in 2012 for people below their full retirement age, above which 50 cents of each dollar earned is deducted from Social Security payments. For beneficiaries who will turn 66 in 2012, the earnings limit is $38,880, after which 33 cents of each dollar is withheld. While most older workers (76 percent) are aware of the earnings test, 71 percent incorrectly believe the reduction in benefits is permanent. Once you reach full retirement age, your checks will be recalculated to factor in any withheld benefit and your continued work record. “Most people who work before full retirement age are going to lose much, if not all, of the benefit, but there is an adjustment later,” says Reichenstein. “When they hit full retirement age, they raise the benefit amount.” And once you turn your retirement age, there is no penalty for working and collecting retirement benefits at the same time.

Only about half (48 percent) of those who are married or who have ever been married are aware that they’re eligible for Social Security spousal benefits. Spousal payments can be worth as much as 50 percent of the higher earner’s Social Security payment. Dual-earner couples who have reached their full retirement age can even claim Social Security twice by signing up for spousal payments, then later switching to payments based on their own work record. “If both members of the couple wait until the full retirement age of 66, then either one of the spouses could begin receiving a spousal benefit based on the other spouse’s record, and then continue to delay their benefit up until age 70, which would then maximize both of their benefits,” says Jim Blankenship, a certified financial planner for Blankenship Financial Planning in New Berlin, Ill., and author of A Social Security Owner’s Manual.

Almost all older workers (95 percent) know that widows and widowers can collect Social Security benefits based on the earning record of the deceased spouse. Most people (78 percent) also correctly report that the age the deceased spouse signed up for benefits affects how much the surviving spouse will get. But only 52 percent of respondents correctly reported that the age the surviving spouse claims benefits can also affect how much he or she will be paid. To receive the maximum widow or widower’s benefit, the surviving spouse must claim no earlier than his or her full retirement age. “Typically, the higher-earning spouse is the husband. The later that he waits to [receive] benefits, the higher the survivor’s benefit will be at his demise,” says Blankenship. “If he began receiving benefits early, at age 62, that would permanently reduce the amount that his wife could receive as a spousal benefit and the survivor’s benefit she could receive upon his passing.”

By Emily Brandon | U.S.News & World Report LP – Mon, Apr 2, 2012 11:39 AM EDT

Volunteer Opportunities

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program  |  (800) 424-8867

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over. You can use the skills and talents you’ve learned over the years, or develop new ones while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within your community.

Service opportunities are diverse, and may include:

  • Organizing neighborhood watch programs
  • Tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged or disabled youth
  • Renovating homes
  • Teaching English to immigrants
  • Assisting victims of natural disasters

RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week.

Volunteers receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where they will serve, and supplemental insurance while on duty. RSVP volunteers do not receive monetary incentives, but sponsoring organizations may reimburse them for some costs incurred during service.

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