Brett Barry of Kaatscast interviewed Catskill Neighbors and produced a Wonderful blog on what we do…Please have a listen… https://www.kaatscast.com/catskill-neighbors/
The Rev. Ralph Darmstadt, our Founder and first President of Catskill Neighbors, Inc. recently passed away peacefully after a brief illness…Here’s a link to a wonderful video Ralph made ten years ago of his own eulogy…It’s Rev. Darmstadt at his finest…Enjoy...
Upcoming Events
Please call our info Phone at (845) 280-0459 and let us know if you will be attending our events.
SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS
Staying healthy is important in order to keep an independent lifestyle. Seniors at home will benefit from the following suggestions….
Older people often suffer from dehydration. Be sure to sip water during the day.
Many seniors also lack exercise so it’s important to exercise regularly. If a gym or sport is out of the question, walking is great. If walking is not possible, some simple low impact exercises can be done even sitting in a chair. Did you know that exercise can be relaxing? Put on some happy music for inspiration!
Falls are the bane of the elderly. To prevent injuries that lead to other problems, be sure to check your environment for factors that help prevent falls.
- Home hazards such as none essential furniture and wires as well as long bedspreads should be removed or put out of the way.
- When relaxing use chairs with armrests. (One local senior fell asleep while reading in a chair without armrests. She fell and was badly injured.)
- Families can help install handrails where needed such as hallways and showers.
- For night time make sure there is a light within easy reach and be sure to turn it on before getting out of bed.
- If a walker is used it should be kept next to the bed at night. If getting up at night the senior should get up slowly, sit up for a moment before attempting to stand, put on the light and use the walker, if needed. (We know a senior who got up in the night, made a wrong turn in the dark and fell down a flight of stairs! He was eventually found by neighbors and his life was saved.)
Aging in Place
Here is a handy article from Consumer Reports to help you prepare your home to comfortably age in place.
https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/home-safety/how-to-age-proof-your-home-a6207544241/
Things for Seniors to watch out for
Many times a Senior will have to hire a contractor to perform work at their home. Most contractors will require the Senior to sign a contract. While this, along with asking the contractor to provide a copy of their license, insurance and references, is a good idea but it could be misleading at best or predatory at worst. If the Senior is not familiar with contracts or is confused in any way, they should seek help from a trusted friend, relative or lawyer. Here’s an example of a contract that contains language that might become problematic for a Senior –
“RENEWAL This agreement shall automatically renew for a future period of one year subject to price increase. Either party has the option to discontinue this Contract after the contract has been enforced for a minimum of one year by giving the other party thirty (30) days written notice prior to annual renewal.”
Signing a contract with an automatic annual renewal clause could cost the Senior money that they weren’t budgeting for. It’s very easy to forget that the contract was going to renew whether they needed this ongoing service or not. Don’t be afraid to require a contractor to amend a proposed contract if it does not reflect your wishes.
LOCAL RESOURCES
Delaware Co. Office For The Aging: 607-832-5750
Here’s a link to the 2023 Delaware County Resource Directory:
Click to access DelCtyResDirectory0623web.pdf
Here’s a link to The Dispatch which is a bi-monthly newspaper published by the Delaware County Office for the Aging:
http://www.co.delaware.ny.us/departments/ofa/Dispatch.htm
Here’s a link to Senior Vision Services in Delaware County. The contact person is Laura Williams at 607-724-2428:
http://www.avreus.org/services/vision-assessments-52.html
Greene County Aging Services & Resources: 845-719-3555
Here’s a link to the Greene County Round Table News which is published by the Greene County Department of Human Services:
Here’s a link to Senior Vision Services in Greene County. The phone number is 518-463-1211:
Ulster County Office For The Aging: 845-340-3456
FREE RIDES FOR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS Monday-Thursday afternoons
Catskill Neighbors, Inc. has organized a team of volunteer drivers to transport local residents that live in the Town of Shandaken to medical appointments scheduled between 1 and 4 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
To Use this Service
Please call our number at 845-280-0459 as soon as you make your appointment. Include information about where you live and the location of the appointment. You will receive a call-back confirmation, and the name of your driver. Prior to your appointment, the driver will contact you about details of pick-up. We need at least 48 hours to match a resident with an available driver.
To Become a Volunteer Driver
We are eager to add more drivers as this program gets established. The commitment would be a willingness to be “on call” 2-4 afternoons/month, as your schedule allows. Please call 845-280-0459 to volunteer. Mileage can be reimbursed at your request, and excess auto liability insurance is provided by Catskill Neighbors, Inc.
Here’s a link to The Buzz which is a monthly publication by the Ulster County Office for the Aging:
Click to access UCOFATheBuzzApril24.pdf
Here’s a link to Senior Vision Services in Ulster County. The phone number is 518-463-1211:
Community Food Pantry: 845-586-2233 Located on Rt. 28 in Arkville, NY. Hours are Mondays 10AM-noon and Fridays 4PM-6PM.
The Family Table Community Assistance Program: Located at 629 Main Street Margaretville, NY. Hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00AM – 4:00PM and Wednesday 10:00AM – 6:00PM.