May 2020
MAY IS . . .
PSS on the Front Lines
For Older New Yorkers
PSS Responds to COVID-19 Crisis
Click for a Video Message from Executive Director Rimas Jasin
Older Adults Face Social Isolation Crisis
 
COVID-19 isn't just a danger to older people's physical health. The new practice of social distancing may contribute to the deadly epidemic among older adults: social isolation and loneliness. " Because the risk of death from COVID-19 increases with age, family members and friends are limiting their visits to older people, whether they’re in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or just their own homes. But that new practice of social distancing — or reducing close physical proximity with others — may contribute to another deadly epidemic among older adults: social isolation and loneliness [American Psychological Association]."

Social isolation has serious health consequences. "Seniors who are experiencing social isolation or loneliness may face a higher risk of mortality, heart disease, and depression," says the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

YOU can help fight this crisis!

As you practice social distancing, take a few minutes to call your favorite aunt, your retired co-worker or any older adult in your life who may be struggling with isolation.
If YOU are lonely, call 212-244-6469 to find out about DFTA's Friendly Visitor program

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, DFTA's Geriatric Mental Health Initiative and Friendly Visiting programs have transitioned to providing services exclusively over the phone. The programs are still accepting new clients. If you have any questions call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469). Aging Connect is the City's direct link to aging services.
Thank you to the NYC Department for the Aging for providing these valuable resources and for your irreplaceable support which allows PSS to continue helping New Yorkers face our new challenges.
Connecting with our Caregivers

PSS Circle of Care continues to maintain vital connections with our caregivers, alleviating isolation, and providing much-needed information. We reach out to our clients each day with phone calls to offer support, determine their needs, and provide guidance through our referral services. Our expanded schedule of Tele-Chat support groups and virtual meetings encourage caregivers to make connections by sharing their caregiving experiences while gaining insights, tips, and ideas. Our robust Webinar series provides important information caregivers need to meet their new challenges.
 If you are caring for someone who is chronically ill, frail or has memory loss, call us at (866) 665-1713 or email [email protected] . All our services are free of charge.
PSSLife! University Webinars & On-Line Meetings
Keeping You Informed and Connected
Money Made Simple
Interested in learning how to better manage your finances? Attend any or all of a four-session series of financial education workshops geared to those in or nearing retirement, hosted by PSS Circle of Care and facilitated by Anthea Perkinson. Anthea is founder and principal of Monterey Associates, LLC, past president of the Financial Planning Association of New York and a former Co-Director of the chapter’s Pro Bono Committee, which is dedicated to providing financial literacy education to underserved populations in New York City.
Tuesdays, April 21 & 28, May 5 & 12 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Webinar/Online
FREE

How "Seniors Are Saving the World"
Speaker Thelma Reese, co-author with BJ Kittredge, will discuss this win-win book on how retirees can help fix the world, showing that ageism makes no sense, and enabling us to discover our own value and strength. It’s an entertaining book of stories about smart, capable activists, ages 60-95, engaging in inspiring works to save the world, while aging positively.
Tuesday, April 21 - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Webinar/Online
FREE

Your Legal Roadmap: For Older Adults
Debby Rosenfeld, Esq, joined Ronald Fatoullah & Associates in 2004 and practices in the areas of elder law, estate planning and real estate. Ms. Rosenfeld lectures publicly and privately and has published articles on various elder law issues for both attorneys and lay-people. She will explain legal issues in simple terms for caregivers and older adults.
Thursday, April 23 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Webinar/Online
FREE

Stress Reduction Webinars
PSS Circle of Care invites you to attend a webinar to help you cope with the challenges of the coronavirus crisis. Learn fast relaxation techniques from expert Scott Weiner, Ph.D. Dr. Weiner, a longtime volunteer with Gilda's Club, will conduct some simple visualization exercises.
Monday, April 27 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Webinar/Online
FREE

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Update on What Older Adults Need to Know
Dr. Aparna Chopra, Fellow in Geriatric Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, will share the latest medical guidance on the Covid-19 coronavirus. At the end of the session there will be a Q&A segment.
Thursday, April 30 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Webinar/Online
FREE

Wellness Wednesdays Music Therapy
Learn music-based coping techniques from Board Certified Music Therapist Ariel Weissberger of Berko Music Therapy. Session will include live music and opportunities to actively participate by listening, singing along, and playing along with instruments made out of items you can find at home. This engaging workshop will leave you feeling inspired, connected and joyful.
Wednesday, May 6 - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Online Meeting
FREE

Navigating the Medicaid Channel
Attorney Stacey Meshnick of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates leads its busy Medicaid Department where she oversees the paralegals and assists clients with various aspects of long-term care planning, estate planning, preparation of wills & trusts, advance directives and guardianships. This informative presentation will end with a Q & A segment.
Thursday, May 14 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Webinar/Online
FREE
Click on the images to view the recorded webinars
Why Legal Planning is More Important than Ever
April 9
Ronald Fatoullah, Esq., is Co-Chair of the Financial Planning and Investments Committee of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and was selected to serve on the Executive Council of AARP.
Staying Connected: Software and Hardware for Caregivers
April 2
Fiona Adams, Program Lead, OATS (Older Adults Technology Services), Team Senior Planet -- Not just for caregivers, but for everyone looking for ways to stay in touch with an older adult.
Advances in Dementia Caregiving
March 31
Co-hosted by PSS Circle of Care and 305 West End Avenue Assisted Living with presenters Dr. Sara Czaja, Weill Cornell; Jed Levine, Caring Kind; and Dr. Mary Mittelman, NYU Langone. 
COVID-19 (Coronavirus): What Caregivers & Older Adults Need to Know
March 23
Dr. Aparna Chopra, Fellow, Weill Cornell Geriatrics Department, addresses how caregivers and their loved ones can keep safe during this outbreak of Coronavirus.
Food Resources in New York City
The Hunter College Food Policy Center has create 50 NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE GUIDES , with key information on food access for each community, such as meals for students and seniors during this time, delivery services for people with disabilities, and resources for immigrants.

Free GRAB & GO meals for New Yorkers. No registration, no ID, no questions asked, no one will be turned away.
To find the location closest to you, visit  bit.ly/nycschoolfood , call 311, or text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877

🍎 Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM
🍎 All 3 meals may be picked up at the same time
🍎Adults with children can arrive 7:30 AM -11:30 AM
🍎Adults without children can arrive 11:30 AM -1:30 PM
🍎Parents and guardians may pick up meals for their children

Since starting its citywide meal delivery system 2 weeks ago, NYC Department for the Aging and its partners have helped deliver more than 200,000 meals to older New Yorkers across the 5 boroughs. Older adults who have not been not enrolled in DFTA's Direct Center Meal Delivery to Home program should call 311 for options on where and how to get food through the City’s GetFoodNYC program or visit   nyc.gov/GetFoodNYC . For more information visit the   DOHMH website for coronavirus updates .
2020 Census - Get Counted
Receive Our Fair Share of Public Funds
It's quick and easy
Available in several languages

NYC's lower income neighborhoods have been under-counted in past censuses, disadvantaging our neighborhoods, communities and families . We need to be counted to receive our fair share of the federal funding which helps support our vital non-profits.The 2020 Census is easy, safe and important, and is key to shaping the future of communities. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs legislative district boundaries. The Census also informs how hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds are allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers to communities for public services and infrastructure like hospitals, emergency services, schools and bridges each year over the next 10 years.

Make a difference in the lives of 1,000 New Yorkers every single day with a tax-deductible donation to PSS. We are proud that 91 cents of every dollar we raise goes directly to our vital programs and services.