40 Years of Caring for the New York Community

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This year (2025), CenterLight Healthcare is celebrating 40 years of providing managed care—a perfect time to look back at our rich history of caring for the New York Community.

A New Kind of Healthcare

In 1973, the healthcare industry saw a shift in the way care is provided. With an increasing number of aging immigrants, diverse cultural traditions helped shape a new model of care. Immigrants from countries such as China, Indonesia, and the Philippines required an alternative to nursing homes and a way for those who needed long-term care to be able to remain in their homes with their families, while receiving the services they need. As a result, On Lok in California became the first to introduce a managed care program now known as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

As the need for solutions like PACE grew across the country, States started seeing an increase in the number of managed long-term care plans. CenterLight Healthcare, then known as Comprehensive Care Management (CCM), begun as a demonstration program and started providing case management and comprehensive services 4 decades ago – making it one of New York State’s oldest long-term managed care programs. In 1992, we enrolled our first participant, marking the beginning of what is to become the largest not-for-profit PACE program in the nation.

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Serving the Diverse New York Community

While our operations started in the Bronx, CCM started expanding its service area in 1996. PACE centers opened in Westchester, Chinatown, and Allerton in the Bronx. Our Stillwell Center opened its doors in 2005 to serve Russian and Asian participants, and our 99^th Street Manhattan location opened the year after, serving a diverse group of older adults, including English and Spanish-speaking individuals.

In 2009, three more PACE centers opened. Our Ridgewood location brought services to the Albanian community and others in Queens, and our Rockaway Parkway center started serving English and Haitian Creole speaking participants in Brooklyn. Working to find innovative solutions for communities with unique needs, we opened a PACE center in the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Dominic in Amityville, Long Island, with the goal of providing care to the nuns aging in. This site was the first of its kind built to answer a need within a specific community.

The Birth of the CenterLight Brand

In 2012, our parent organization, which at the time included, among others, nursing homes, a Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care Program, a Medicare Special Needs Plan, and of course PACE, recognized growth opportunities and the importance of being known as one strong brand. This was the birth of CenterLight Healthcare.

Over the next few years, CenterLight PACE opened more locations across New York, including Bushwick in Brooklyn and Flushing, bringing our services to the Chinese and Korean communities in Queens.

DID YOU KNOW?
Our parent organization was originally founded in 1920 to serve the needs of the Jewish population in the Bronx. Paying homage to this heritage, the name “CenterLight” came from the center light in the menorah, which lights all the other candles. Decades later, the significance of “CenterLight” has evolved to putting our participants at the center of everything we do, and the fact that our participants are the lights of our PACE centers.

A Focus on All-Inclusive Care

In 2017, CenterLight evolved once again to meet the changing needs of older adults and demands of the healthcare industry, separating from the other entities within our parent organization’s umbrella and setting our more focused efforts on PACE, with a renewed mission of helping participants live safely and independently in their own homes.

2023 saw the birth of our new visual identity (see video), further strengthening our commitment to our mission and reflecting our values. In the same year, we opened our Jamaica South Asian Alternative Care Setting (ACS), with programs designed for South Asian participants, including prayer and wudu rooms, cultural programming, meditation rooms, and South Asian food.

Looking Ahead

Looking back at our history, the many changes our organization has been through, and the challenges we’ve faced and triumphed over, I feel proud to be part of a compassionate team whose dedication helping enrich the lives of those we serve remains steadfast. Decades have passed since our story begun, but we are all still working towards the same goal of making a difference and serving the underserved. Our track record in continuing to innovate and finding in-home solutions for our participants make me very enthusiastic about our future. With our unwavering focus on our participants’ unique needs, it is my hope that we can continue to expand our care to more individuals who need it most for more decades to come.

To the CenterLight team, thank you for sharing your heart and talents for a larger purpose. To our participants, we are grateful that you continue to trust us with your care.

As we celebrate our 40^th anniversary, look out for events across our 12 locations—including a participant art exhibit, a centenarian celebration, and other cultural and special celebrations.

H3329 40Years Approved 01232025
Updated December 24, 2024

This blog post is written by Tara Buonocore-Rut, President and Chief Executive Officer at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Bridging Worlds through Language at CenterLight’s Day Health Centers

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At CenterLight Healthcare PACE, our participants come from diverse cultures and speak different languages. Across our service area, our participants speak over 25+ different languages and dialects. More than half of them speak Chinese, Bengali, and Spanish. To ensure every participant feels supported, our staff members reflect the cultures of those we serve.

We have access to interpreters who can help facilitate effective communication. We also offer materials and resources in the primary languages most often spoken by our participants. Our Day Health Center (DHC) becomes a friendly, welcoming place where our participants' unique worlds collide. They get to socialize and connect with one another, making it the perfect place to learn a new language!

Learning a new language opens doors to social interaction and is also a way to keep the mind engaged, which helps maintain cognitive health in older adults.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes at the Day Health Center

At CenterLight PACE, ESL classes are offered at our Westchester, Rockaway, and Flushing PACE centers, as well as our Jamaica South Asian Cultural Alternative Care Setting.

Lessons are taught by an ESL teacher or a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS). These classes meet up to four times a month and are open to any participant who wants to learn or strengthen their English. The lessons consist of first learning common phrases the participants regularly use at home, during social interactions, or any phrases they would use when coming to the site. Once these phrases are learned, the participants will play personalized and fun games/activities such as role-playing, multilingual Bingo, and Pictionary to review what they learned. The lessons also encompass language and phrases the participants may encounter during their medical visits.

Building Confidence

At CenterLight Healthcare PACE, our staff mirrors the cultural makeup of those we serve. We are able to communicate with participants in their own language. But we have seen that learning common phrases in English to use for medical care makes participants feel more comfortable communicating their needs to other providers, specialists, and medical professionals, such as when they have outside appointments. It also gives them the confidence to speak with individuals they may encounter in the community.

Making New Friends

TRS also notice that participants who have taken the language classes are more likely to come out of their comfort zone and interact with their peers and staff who may not speak their language. At the CenterLight PACE Westchester site, for example, our Chinese participants are learning Spanish while our Spanish participants are in turn learning Chinese and both Chinese and Spanish participants are learning English.

In addition to the social aspects, the development of language is another way for our participants to maintain cognitive health. It allows the participants to make new friends and avoid social isolation. Participants who wouldn't have met otherwise now get to learn about each other's cultures and embrace diversity. Even those whose primary language is English have grown an interest in learning a new language to communicate better with their non-English speaking friends. It's all about bringing participants together and making them feel excited to be part of a community. Besides, learning a new language here at CenterLight PACE is never too late!

Source:

National Institute on Aging (2024). Cognitive health and older adults | National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

H3329 LanguagesBlog Approved 12192024
Updated November 19, 2024

Winter Safety and Falls Prevention

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A snowfall can turn New York into a winter wonderland. But for older adults, enjoying the beauty of winter also means keeping warm and taking precautions when out and about on icy streets. Below are some helpful tips on how you can minimize the risk of falls during the winter.

Stay Inside on Days When it is Icy or Snowing

If a storm is in the forecast, do not go out unless absolutely necessary. If it is unavoidable, do not go out alone. Find someone who can offer assistance and help you walk safely.

Additional Time

Allow more time to complete tasks or errands that you cannot postpone. This will also help you avoid having to take shortcuts that have not been cleaned.

Wear Proper Footwear

Well-fitted footwear such as non-slippery boots, sneakers, or shoes with sturdy soles and traction design are recommended for icy conditions.

Clear Pathways

Maintain snow/ice-free pathways around your home. If you are not able to do so by yourself, ask for help from a family member, friend, or neighbor to clear snow and use salt or sand.

Practice Proper Walking Techniques

Do not carry anything in your hands aside from assistive devices such as a cane/walker. Walk slowly and be aware of your surroundings, take small steps, and point your toes out slightly for stability.

Avoid Distractions

Do not text or talk on your phone while walking. Be aware of where you are walking and be mindful of ice and slippery spots.

Dress Appropriately

Wear winter-appropriate clothes such as pants, winter coat, a hat, and gloves that can help limit the impact of a fall and keep you warm.

Take Precautions Inside Your Home

Place non-slip mats near the entrance and make sure no surfaces remain wet and slippery. Make sure you have enough light to ensure you do not trip or fall.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.

This blog post is written by Tatyana Brisman, PT, Regional Rehabilitation Manager at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Source: https://www.lifeline.com/blog/preventing-winter-falls-tips-for-safety/

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_WinterFallTips
Updated November 22, 2024

Holidays and Celebrations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE

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CenterLight Healthcare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers activities and socialization for our participants 55 and over. Our Day Health Centers (DHCs) are always buzzing with activities. On any given day, you will hear music and laughter at our PACE sites across New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. Holidays and cultural celebrations our participants enjoy include:

Cinco de Mayo
Christmas
Diwali
Eid
Hannukah
Holi
Kwanza
Lunar New Year

Mid-Autumn Festival
Thanksgiving
Valentine’s Day
Hispanic Heritage Month
African American History Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
Jewish Heritage Month

We always find reasons to celebrate, like National Donut Day, Pasta Day, and Pancake Day, or simply having an Elvis impersonator at a party just because!

As Diverse and Unique as our Participants

CenterLight PACE participants come from many cultural backgrounds. Our diverse staff, who speak 25+ languages and dialects, are proud to foster an environment where the heritage of those we serve is celebrated, and their unique needs and preferences are valued.

The Therapeutic Recreation team works hard to ensure that our participants have an enjoyable time at our DHCs. They plan months in advance to ensure that our daily activities and events are representative of our participants’ cultures, passions, and traditions.

Beyond Holidays

In addition to cultural and religious holidays, celebrations at CenterLight PACE also include special occasions.

We host monthly birthday parties and celebrate wedding anniversaries with our participants and their families. During the summer, we hold a special carnival complete with games and prizes, and even a dunk tank! In the fall, participants and staff from our different sites get competitive with a pumpkin decorating contest. Visit our sites during Halloween to see their spooky and fun costumes. One of my personal favorites is the “Senior” Prom where we crown a Prom King and Queen!

Bringing Everyone Together

Our celebrations are fun for our participants and staff, but more importantly, they bring everyone closer together. Commemorating holidays with special cultural and personal significancecan sometimes bring homesickness to participants whose family may be hundreds of miles away. Being able to celebrate these occasions with our staff and their peers makes CenterLight PACE a home away from home, where they can share their traditions with their CenterLight PACE family.

Looking Ahead, and a Personal Note…

We are excited to see what fun and meaningful events we will come up with in 2025. I hope you will check back soon to see photos and stories of our participants and what our DHC activities mean to them. Personally, seeing their smiles at and after every celebration is the most fulfilling part of my job, and I hope you can visit us and witness these yourself one of these days.

Visit our Life at CenterLight page for recent happenings at our PACE Centers. You may also visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from our Therapeutic Recreation events and activities.

This blog post is written by Kristy Bermudez, Recreation Services Assistant Manager at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329 HolidaysBlog Approved 10242024
Updated October 14, 2024

Flu Vaccine for Older Adults

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The flu, or influenza, is a virus that can cause fever, chills, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and muscle aches. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), flu is a mild illness for some people. However, for others, including older adults with chronic (long-lasting) health conditions, it can be very serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older.

Protect yourself from the flu

There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu, as my colleague Dr. Heather Ogando discusses in her blog post.

One of the proven effective ways to minimize your chances of getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine. You are less likely to become seriously ill or hospitalized from flu and flu-related complications if you get the vaccine. A flu vaccine is especially important in older adults who have heart disease, diabetes, or other health conditions.

According to the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that all 2024-2025 flu vaccines be trivalent, which means they protect against three different flu viruses. Below are two of the many types of flu vaccines available.

Fluad Trivalent

This vaccine is approved for use among people 65 and older. It is a standard-dose flu shot with an ingredient added to help stimulate the immune system.

Afluria Trivalent

A 0.5 mL dose of this vaccine is approved for people 3 years and older.

You can ideally get flu vaccines starting in October of each year. But it's not too late to get one from your doctor as the height of the flu season is usually in December or January. Participants of CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) who have not yet had their flu shot can contact their care team by calling 1-833-CL-CARES (1-833-252-2737) (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM, Monday-Friday.

CenterLight is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their doctor regarding their care. If you would like to learn more about CenterLight, please call: 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM - 8PM, Monday - Friday. Representatives or message service also available on weekends.

This blog post was written by Shu Jing, PharmD, MS, Senior Director of Pharmacy Services at CenterLight Healthcare.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institutes of Health
US will Transition to Trivalent Flu Vaccines for 2024-2025

H3329 FluShotBlog_no PO info Updated 11252024

Protect Yourself from the Flu

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It’s that time of year again! There are some simple steps you could take to help protect yourself and your loved ones during the flu season.

Get vaccinated.

Seasonal flu vaccines are available now. Ask your healthcare provider about getting a flu shot—vaccines are one of the best ways to lessen the possibility of getting sick.

Recognize signs and symptoms.

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the flu. This will help you get timely treatment as necessary, and prevent you from getting others sick. CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants who have any of the following symptoms should call their care team right away at 1-833-CL-CARES (1-833-252-2737), Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM (TTY 711). A member of the team is always on call during after hours and weekends. All other individuals are advised to notify their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Practice cough etiquette.

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue.

Wash hands well and frequently.

Use soap and water, or if not available, use a hand sanitizer. Make sure you practice proper handwashing techniques.

Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk, then these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you can, stay away from anyone who is sick or showing flu symptoms to minimize the chance of you getting sick too.

If you are sick, keep your distance from others. Stay home, rest, and follow instructions from your healthcare provider.

This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_FluPreventionTips
Updated November 7, 2024

10 Signs Your Loved One is Ready for Long-Term Care

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1. A Recent Hospitalization

After being discharged from the hospital, certain medical conditions - such as a recent stroke or broken bones from a fall - may lead to chronic health conditions that require readmission to the hospital, or 24-hour care.

2. A Greater Sense of Seclusion

If an elderly relative was once outgoing, but no longer wishes to be social or go out in public, this could be a sign of depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression affects 15-20% of older adults. Older adults are at risk of misdiagnosis and lack of treatment because symptoms can also be mistakenly attributed to other illnesses, medications, or life changes.

3. A Behavioral Personality Change

The changes that many older adults experience in the aging process can lead to a loss of self-esteem and they may lose a clear image of who they are at this time in their lives. An elderly relative who exhibits major changes in personality - such as a former extrovert who has become socially isolated, or an easygoing person who exhibits swearing, aggressive behavior, hitting, crying, or frustration - could need ongoing monitoring and treatment provided by elder care professionals.

4. A Struggle with Medications

For some older adults, medications can be the key to good or improved health. But if they skip a dose or mistakenly take too much, the results can be deadly. Medication problems are widespread. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 55% of older adults are "non-compliant" with their prescription drug orders, meaning they don't take the medication according to the doctor's orders.

An elderly person who cannot remember the dosages and times to take medications, or confuses different prescriptions, may need the assistance of elder care professionals who can manage their prescriptions and dosages.

5. A Recent Fall

Perhaps more than other symptoms, a recent fall may indicate that an elderly person's functional ability is becoming compromised, and much more dependent rather than independent. More than one-third of older adults with minor head trauma caused by a fall will need to return to the emergency room within 90 days after discharge, claims a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. According to date from the CDC, roughly 2.5 million older adults are sent to emergency departments nationwide due to injuries sustained from falls.

6. An Eating Issue or a Change in Weight

Elder care professionals can determine whether an elderly person's weight loss or lack of interest in food results from depression or emotional problems - or simpler problems such as tooth or digestive pain. Meanwhile, weight gain can be a risk factor for disability in older adults.

7. Isolation

Living alone, health problems and disability, sensory impairment such as hearing loss, and major life events such as loss of a spouse have all been identified as risk factors for social isolation and loneliness. I an elderly person suddenly shows little interest in social activities, it could be a sign of underlying medical condition.

8. Constant Pain

Chronic pain becomes increasingly prevalent as we age. In many cases, the lack of ability to manage pain properly by themselves signals the need for more all-inclusive care.

9. Poor Hygiene

An elderly person who suddenly exhibits poor hygiene and a lack of hygiene habits can be suffering from depression, dementia, or impaired mental status - and need diagnosis and monitoring by health professionals.

10. You are Stressed

If you are stressed out as a caregiver and find yourself snapping at people, or feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and anxious, then you may need to ask assistance from elder care professionals who have the time and training to deal with inherent challenges in elder health care.

Do any of these factors feel familiar to you?

Help is available!

It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that a loved one may need long-term care. But take heart! There are programs that can help ease your burden, and that can help your loved one continue to live a healthier and fulfilled life in the comfort of their home and familiarity of their community.

This blog post was originally published in 2018 (H3329_2018_WEB_BLOG_M Approved 09252018), and has been updated with the latest statistical data in 2024. For educational purposes only.
Last updated November 8, 2024

In Her Own Words: E’lyse’s CenterLight Caregiver Success Story

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When CenterLight Healthcare PACE Allerton participant Betty Murray joined CenterLight PACE in 2010, she struggled with chronic pain, as well as the realization that she needed long-term healthcare. Here, Betty's daughter E'lyse describes the impact that CenterLight Healthcare PACE has had on her mom's life—as well as her own.

As a caregiver, I realized that I needed to be a little bit more proactive with my mom’s care. My mom is a very active young woman who is a leader in the community. She’s very artistic, very involved with her children, and very involved with any type of project that she’s working on. She has a very youthful mindset. But when I saw the fact that she was impacted with sciatica and that there was going to be a change in her lifestyle, I started thinking, wow—there’s a shift that’s happening. My initial response was: How am I going to do this? I started paying attention to the fact that life is happening. My mom is actually going through a little bit of a transition.

When she was in a nursing home, and going through some challenges, we were advised about CenterLight Healthcare PACE. I watched the way they embraced us, when we connected with them. We were introduced to a team of aides and great doctors and assistants and love and social workers. And these are people that came to the home and that gave me a level of comfort.

That told me I’m not alone. It’s just a warm, warm environment—they embraced my mom with all these different cultural arts, because she’s an artist. That just put a smile on my face, watching her take her art to another level. Those are the things that keep her going, keep her inspired, keep her happy. That makes me happy. To watch her at this stage of her life, to be continuously growing, is important to me. It’s amazing.

Learn more about CenterLight PACE’s benefits for caregivers on our caregiver page.

Reconfirmed accuracy with E'lyse and obtained permission to republish, October 8, 2024. Updated information: date when Betty was enrolled at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329_2019_BLOGElyse Approved 03122019
Last updated October 8, 2024

For Providers: A Whole New Level of Care for Your Patients

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When you partner with CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), you enjoy a host of benefits for your practice, while helping your patients live safely and independently in their homes. PACE is an integrated model of care where older adults 55+ with long term care needs can enjoy access to all the care they require, including medical care; rehabilitation; social work, nutrition, and recreation services; prescription and over-the-counter medications; and home care.*

With CenterLight PACE, you remain the Primary Care Provider (PCP) and share the responsibility of patient care with our Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) which includes, but is not limited to, Nurses, Rehab Therapists, Social Workers, Dietitians, and Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. Some participants (individuals enrolled in PACE) may receive primary care services from us, but a large number keeps their existing doctors. We work with community providers, meet those we serve where they are, and integrate with their ecosystem. So when our doctors and the rest of the IDT encounter your patient throughout their healthcare journey, we address their immediate needs and strive to communicate, collaborate, and be true partners in care to you. As majority of PACE participants are frail older adults with complex medical and social needs, we count on having an effective and efficient relationship with our primary care partners to accomplish our shared goal of providing high quality services that help improve their quality of life.

Benefits for Your Medical Practice

One payor source: no need to bill fee-for-service Medicaid for Part B deductible and cost shares.
IDT develops, coordinates, and carries out an individualized plan of care and provides health education to participants and/or caregivers.
Transportation coordination for medical appointments reduces no-shows.
Improved engagement with participants who do not come frequently to their regular primary care appointments.
Access to homebound participants through the IDT.
Social worker helps with entitlements and behavioral health issues.
Collaboration with a pharmacist to assist with medication review and reconciliation.
An opportunity to grow your practice as we grow our membership.

PACE Model of Care: Proven Results

Through continuous collaboration between the participants’ primary care provider and the CenterLight PACE IDT, participants benefit from high quality, holistic care. IDT involvement helps prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, achieve high quality outcomes, and helps improve social determinants of health outcomes. The charts below illustrate how PACE outcomes compare with national averages.

Working Together to Provide High Quality Care

One of CenterLight’s core responsibilities is to ensure care coordination and delivery of services to our participants. Our participants’ consulting physician or primary care provider play an integral role as a member of their care team.

The CenterLight IDT provides wrap around services (urgent care access, chronic illness management, transition of care support, palliative care, and more) to your patient and functions as an extension to your team.
We collaborate with you when there is a change in a participant’s status and to closely monitor their condition. We are your eyes and ears when you can’t see them, and we strive to make our interactions brief, efficient and beneficial, and avoid adding unnecessary burden on you.
Medical encounter notes are required to ensure that the participant’s visit to your office becomes part of their medical records.
As part of PACE regulatory requirements, CenterLight participants are required to have semiannual and annual assessments done by members of their IDT. Most of these assessments may be done at the PACE Center. The nurse and physical/occupational therapist must do assessments and safety evaluations in the home twice a year.

Please check back soon for more articles about how we can work together to provide high quality care to those we serve.

This blog post is written by Ziad Farah, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329 ForProvidersBlog Approved 10292024
Last Updated September 4, 2024

*As determined by the IDT.
1 CenterLight Healthcare PACE Quality Report, all sites data in the last 90 days as of May 7, 2024
2 Number of Emergency Department Visits per 100 people in the US in 2021, Statista
3 Trends in Nonfatal Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Adults ≥65 Years, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), July 10, 2020
4 Flu Vaccine Coverage in the US 2014-2023, Statista.
5 https://media.market.us/home-healthcare-statistics/
6 CenterLight Healthcare PACE Tableau Census Dashboard as of May 2, 2024

The participant may be liable for the costs of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services. Upon enrollment, the PACE program will be the participant’s sole service provider. Participants will have access to all services needed as identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, but not to a specific provider of these services.

What You Need to Know About Diabetes and Older Adults

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November is National Diabetes Month! Learning about diabetes symptoms, prevention, and management is an important step you can take in preventing complications and continuing to live safely and independently in your own home.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is the main type of sugar found in your blood and your main source of energy. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy. Your pancreas—an organ, located between your stomach and spine, that helps with digestion—releases a hormone it makes, called insulin, into your blood. Insulin helps your blood carry glucose to all your body’s cells. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin doesn’t work the way it should. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells. Your blood glucose levels get too high and can cause diabetes.

What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

People who think they might have diabetes must visit a medical provider for diagnosis. They might have SOME or NONE of the following symptoms:

Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme hunger
Sudden vision changes
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Feeling very tired much of the time
Very dry skin
Sores that are slow to heal
More infections than usual

What are the risk factors of Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs in every age group. Although type 2 diabetes can affect individuals at any age, it is more likely to develop in older adults. In addition, those who are overweight, have a family history of the disease, are physically inactive, are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, Pacific Islander or American Indian, also have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

What do you need to take care of your Diabetes?

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Here are a few things you can do to help manage your diabetes:

See your medical provider on a regular basis. Only a medical provider can accurately determine whether or not you have diabetes and what the next steps are for treating it.
Get your annual eye exam. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with diabetes are at a higher risk of vision loss and eye diseases, but more than 90% of diabetes-related vision loss can be avoided with early detection and treatment.
Get an annual foot exam. People with diabetes are at risk of diabetes-related foot conditions. Regular foot exams can help identify problems early and prevent them from getting worse.
Take your medication as prescribed by your medical provider. There are a variety of medications such as insulin injections or pills/tablets that can help control your diabetes and prevent it from getting worse or causing complications. It is important that these medications are taken as prescribed by your medical provider.
Watch what you eat. Ask a dietitian to help you develop a schedule of meals and snacks. Eat foods that are lower in calories, have less fat, less sugar, and less salt. Do not skip meals, as this can make your blood glucose level fall.
Be active. Physical activity can help you control your blood sugar and manage your diabetes. Always consult with your medical provider before increasing your activity level or starting an exercise program.

This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Promoting Eye Health
Promoting Foot Health

Blog_NoPOInfo_DiabetesMgt
Updated October 16, 2024

Like a Light in a Dark Tunnel

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When participant Pamella Rose first heard about CenterLight Healthcare PACE, her health was not in the best place, and she was looking for a way to get assistance while remaining as independent as possible. She says that joining CenterLight PACE brought back light into her life in what seemed like such a dark time. In her own words:

CenterLight Healthcare PACE is like a second home to us. When you think back on your sickness that you go through, it is like you are in a dark tunnel. Being at CenterLight, it opened that light.

Pamella Rose loves the different activities at the CenterLight Healthcare PACE Day Health Center (DHC). She said that the activities keep her active, motivated, and help her forget about her pain. Pamella Rose's favorite activity, of course, is BINGO (she said this laughing because her daughters call her The Bingo Queen).

I feel so proud to be a part of the PACE Participant Council where our voices are heard by the managers. To me they really care about what is on our minds and hearts. I also love the cooking programs, gardening, arts and crafts, and the painting group.

According to Pamella, making friends is a wonderful part of participating in the DHC. They truly have become family to one another. Sometimes it is like they are sisters and brothers. They play dominos together, teach each other crochet stiches, and just talk. Pamella recalls being so into her word search book one day that it was like she could not hear anyone around her, she just had to find the next word. Her friend at the center was trying to get her attention all morning, but she was in her own little world. Her friend tapped her on the shoulder and said, “Finally your nose is out of that book!” She said she thought she was sitting here all alone. She apologized to her friend, and they just laughed about it.

I am so glad to know that I have CenterLight Healthcare PACE that I can come to in the mornings, and I am so thankful to be at this place. It is a blessed place. I was not looking for something like this at my age. God is good to me by doing these things. Sometimes you get your blessing, and it comes to you so suddenly and unexpectedly because of the good things that you do to other people. I appreciate being here and I would encourage other people out there to join CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Pamella Rose has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 8 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

H3329 PamellaBlog2024 Approved 10292024
Last Updated September 27, 2024

What is Therapeutic Recreation?

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When sickness hits, it may become difficult for an older adult to have the energy, focus, or even the ability to go back to the things they once loved to do. That is where Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (TRS) come in—they design activities with our participants’ needs in mind. Therapeutic Recreation and socialization can lead to emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits. At CenterLight Healthcare PACE, our TRS assess participants’ leisure interests—what they’ve always liked to do, what they like to do now—and develop programs, activities, and events that can help them discover hidden talents, reconnect with hobbies and passions, learn new things, and share new experiences with their fellow participants.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE Therapeutic Recreation Specialists work with other members of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to bring together different perspectives that ultimately allow us to provide holistic and complete care* to each of our participants.

Having a care team working together to help our participants remain living independently in their own homes helps us prevent any condition from worsening and provide high quality care in all aspects of their life. Let’s say a social worker brings up that a participant is particularly lonely. Therapeutic recreation can reach out and engage that participant and encourage them to come to the center, introduce them to peers that they have similar interests with, and engage them in activities that they would enjoy and can have an impact on their emotional health.

In terms of medical conditions, a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist may collaborate with the nurse as well as physical and occupational therapists by encouraging participants to engage daily in physical activities such as fun group exercise programs to get their weight down, or to increase their ability to work on their own.

What services does the therapeutic recreation department provide to participants?

At CenterLight Healthcare PACE Centers, the Therapeutic Recreation Department offers the following services to our participants, among others:

Art Therapy
Music Therapy
Dance & Movement Therapy
Pet Therapy
Games & Cognitive Challenges
Trips
Cultural Events and Celebrations

Our TRS love planning fun activities for participants to enjoy. For example, participants are encouraged to showcase their creative sides by letting out their inner artists in our fun and interactive art programs.

Art has several benefits for older adults, including positive effects on mental health, reduced stress, increased memory skills, enhanced self-esteem, better cognitive memory, and more.

Additionally, art is a great way for our participants to express themselves and connect with others. At times, participants may even discover a talent they didn’t know they have!

Some participants also enjoy playing music and joining in choral groups that entertain their peers. They perform at special events in their respective centers and enjoy the benefits of music in older adults.

Games and sports such as table tennis, floor hockey, and others bring out our participants’ competitive sides, help with their physical wellbeing, and enhance their camaraderie with their friends at our PACE Center. Just recently, our participants joined in the spirit of the Olympics with their own tournament, complete with opening and closing ceremonies.

How does Therapeutic Recreation benefit our participants?

Through Therapeutic Recreation, a participant’s overall health and mental health is improved. Just like medicine or medical treatment that they may receive from the doctors and nurses, engaging in things that we like to do and interacting with other people makes us happy, keeps our brain sharp, lowers our blood pressure, and contributes to overall mental and physical health. Participants engaging in activities benefit from the following:

Cognitive Benefits

Creative pursuits, like painting, strategic thinking, like playing cards or board games, can provide stimulation that can help improve memory, as well as cognitive and reasoning skills.

Emotional Benefits

Via stress relief, improved self-confidence and socialization.

Physical Benefits

Depending on the activity, participants may increase endurance and energy levels, range of motion of joints, eye-hand coordination, fine and gross motor skills, flexibility and strength.

Visit our Life at CenterLight page for recent happenings at our PACE Centers. You may also visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from our Therapeutic Recreation events and activities.

*Necessity of services is determined by the IDT based on participants’ unique needs.

This blog post is written by Kathleen Keegan, Director of Therapeutic Recreation Services at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329 TR_Blog_2024 Approved 10292024
Updated 09052024

Depression in Older Adults

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What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that can affect the way we feel, act, and think. It is a common problem among older adults. However, it is not a normal part of aging. Depression gets better with treatment!

It is estimated that for older adults living in the community, 1% to about 5% of them have major depression. This number increases to 13.5% for older adults who need home healthcare and 11.5% for older adults that are hospitalized.

The first step to managing depression is talking with your doctor about symptoms so they can help you find the treatment that’s right for you.

What can depression look like?

Everyone can experience depression differently. Some of the symptoms for depression in older adults are:

Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Difficulty sleeping
Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss
Thoughts of dying

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, please see your doctor. You may be experiencing depression or another medical condition. The earlier you can identify symptoms the faster you can receive treatment.

It is also important to note that depression can look different depending on a person’s cultural background. Depression may be displayed as physical symptoms, such as aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems.

If you are a friend or caregiver, and you notice the above symptoms encourage the person to seek medical treatment. You won’t be able treat their depression, but you can also offer your time and support by encouraging them to seek medical attention or spending time doing what they enjoy.

Are you at risk for depression?

Symptoms of depression can begin to show after changes to the brain or major life events. Through research the following factors have shown to be related to the risk of depression but do not necessarily cause depression:

Medical condition, such as stroke or cancer
Family history of depression
Stress
Sleep problems
Social isolation and loneliness
Functional limitations

How is depression treated?

Once diagnosed with depression there are multiple forms of treatment. One common form of treatment is psychotherapy, also known as counseling or “talk therapy,” which can help address troubling emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Additionally, antidepressant medication can be prescribed to help balance hormones that affect mood.

Everyone is different and different combinations of treatment may be tried to be able to find the one that works for you. Some lifestyle changes may also be recommended to help complement treatment, such as, increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Research has shown that engaging in activities that you enjoy can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Individuals who experience depression may also benefit from the helpful tips listed here.

How can CenterLight help participants diagnosed with depression?

CenterLight PACE is committed to delivering our participants the personalized care that they need. So, we are here to help if you begin to experience symptoms of depression. Here is how:

CenterLight PACE Social Worker will conduct a Patient Health Questionnaire to assess your mood, provide supportive counseling during visits, make referrals, and coordinate the care plan and communicate with your primary care provider.
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Specialists will engage our participants in activities that they enjoy, assisting in the improvement of physical and mental health.
Medical Providers can collaborate with your primary care doctors and specialists to facilitate medication management.

At our PACE Day Health Centers, participants receive services designed to support their overall well-being, from medical care to social activities and meals. In addition, participants can benefit from enhanced emotional and physical health by attending the PACE Center. Get an inside look at the services we offer at our centers.

Remember, here at CenterLight you have a full team working together to address your needs. You can get the help and treatment needed to manage depression.

Additional Resources

NYC Well/ NYC 998 provides free, confidential mental health support via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 200 languages.

If you are experiencing feelings of depression or any of the symptoms listed above, please let your social worker or any member of your care team know. You may also call the CenterLight PACE Service Coordination Team at 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM, M-F.

CenterLight is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that readers consult with their doctor regarding their care. If you would like to learn more about CenterLight, please call: 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM - 8PM, Monday - Friday. Representatives or message service also available on weekends.

This blog post is written by Stacey Thompson, LMSW, Social Work Manager at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329 Blog_no PO info updated 09052024

Sources:

Depression and Aging, CDC

Depression and Older Adults, NIH

Medication Safety

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It is very important to take medications in the way that your doctor prescribed. Often, people miss doses because:

They do not understand the importance of a drug for their health condition, or
They do not refill them when the medication runs out.

Below are tips for staying on track with your medications.

Keep a list of your medications on your refrigerator so that you and the nurse visiting your home know what you are taking. The list should include names of both prescription, over-the-counter medications and vitamin dosage, frequency, and reason for taking them.
Ask your caregiver to put your medications in a weekly or monthly pillbox separated by time of day. This will help you remember if you took your medication by seeing if the pills are removed from the box.
Ask your pharmacy if they provide “blister packaging” (individual doses of your medication in separate packages).
Ask your pharmacist to provide the label in your language.
Set an alarm to remind you when you have to take your medication.
Ask the pharmacy for refills 3 days before you run out of medication.
Ask the pharmacy to call you when the medication is ready for pick up.
Ask the pharmacy to call you when there is no refill left for your medication.
Use one pharmacy so that they can make sure there are no drug interactions among all of the medications that you take.

Other Important Reminders:

If you do not understand why you are taking a medication or how to take it, ask your doctor.
Do not take medications prescribed for another person or share your medication with someone else.
Check the expiration dates on your medication bottles to make sure your medications are not expired.
Bring your medication list to each doctor visit and notify them if you are aware that something has changed. Make sure to mention over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, creams, ointments and eye drops.
If you experience a side effect, tell your doctor.
Store medications in a cool, dry, safe place away from pets and children. Do not store them in the bathroom because the medication can be affected by humidity.

For additional tips, you may visit the National Institute on Aging.

This blog post was written by Shu Jing, PharmD, MS, Senior Director of Pharmacy Services at CenterLight Healthcare.

H3329 Blog_no PO info Updated 08232024

Feeling Great at 97

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Participant Irma Hoyos first heard about CenterLight Healthcare PACE and joining the Westchester PACE Center in 2014. Irma says she had always been a social person, but as she got older, she found staying at home more often. Looking for socialization, Irma joined CenterLight Healthcare PACE and was greeted by staff and fellow participants with open arms. She states that everyone made her feel welcomed. In Irma’s own words:

"I love so many things about coming to the CenterLight PACE Center. I love spending time with my friends that I have made here. I am 97 years old, and I am like the big sister and grandma to so many people at the center. I look forward to when I come on Fridays because I laugh, socialize, and do so many exciting and interesting activities. I love coloring, painting, dancing, and making crafts. My favorite part of being at the center is that Arianna, a therapeutic recreation specialist at the center, makes me laugh. She teaches me how to do many creative crafts and gets me to participate in so many different adapted sports."

CenterLight PACE Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Arianna Corretjer also loves having Irma at the DHC. She says, "Irma may be 97 years old, but she has the most youthful, energetic and loving spirit that many of her peers gravitate to. We love having her smiling face and positive attitude at the CenterLight Healthcare PACE center in Westchester.”

In addition to the DHC activities, Irma also enjoys physical and occupational therapy and receive all the services she needs to remain living in the community.

“We are very happy and welcome at CenterLight because they help us a lot. We are here doing exercise to strengthen our body and our bones. It is a very beautiful place where us old folks relax and enjoy our time. We really enjoy ourselves more than anything doing exercises because it helps us at our age.”

According to Irma, every day is a new adventure at the CenterLight Healthcare PACE Center and an opportunity to make new friends. “I forget that I am 97 years old, I forget that I have pain and feel lonely at home. I truly feel happy and alive when I am at the CenterLight Healthcare PACE center.”

Irma has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 10 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

H3329 IrmaBlog2024 Approved 09172024
Last Updated August 1, 2024

Painting with Passion

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Shelly Colley, director of the Friends of CenterLight Foundation, sat down with Bronx CenterLight PACE Center participant Nancy Rivera for an interview. They discussed Nancy’s passion for painting and how she has had to adapt this passion to accommodate her near blindness caused by a myopic stigma, coupled with Glaucoma.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Shelly: Ms. Rivera, is it okay if I call you Nancy? I am so happy to meet with you today. When I saw your paintings, I told the CenterLight PACE recreation staff that I just had to meet the artist!

Nancy: Oh yes, it is fine if you call me Nancy. My mother named me after Frank Sinatra’s daughter Nancy because she felt it is a strong American name.

Shelly: I am really admiring your paintings. The brilliant colors of yellow, red, and green daisies pop out from the canvas like real flowers. The hues of smaller blue and pink flowers interwoven together seem so life-like to me. When did you start painting and what piqued your interest to paint?

Nancy: I started when I was a little girl. I couldn’t wait for the Sunday Daily News to arrive so I could color in the “color by number” picture that came with it. We spent a lot of family time in our home, so my brother and I had many creative outlets. My biological father was also a professional artist, and I think my brother and I inherited his talent.

In the 1970’s, I graduated from the High School of Music & Arts, which is now known as the La Guardia High School of Music, Arts & Performing Arts. And yes, this is the school on which the movie Fame was based. The four years I spent at this school helped me to home in my artistic skills and fed my love for painting. I continued painting for the rest of my adult life. As a mom raising my son and daughter, I always had art supplies available at home for them. My son is an engineer and designer, and my daughter has always loved arts and crafts.

Shelly: I understand you are legally blind and have been dealing with vision loss for many years. Could you explain what it is like painting with impaired vision? Also, what inspires you to create these beautiful paintings?

Nancy: The way that I see, well, I try to describe this to people -- it is as if I am looking through one-piece of Cheerio cereal, and the center hole is where I see into. What inspires me is nature in all its glory. It can be any type of natural setting too. From landscapes to flowers in a market, to walking outside to seeing photographs. My friends travel the world and I ask them to send me photos from wherever they are. Then I pull the photos up on my iPad and enlarge them. From there, I can see the most brilliant landscapes.

Shelly: Just one last question: how long have you been attending CenterLight PACE at the Wallerstein center in the Bronx?

Nancy: I have been coming to CenterLight PACE for the last 5 years. I love the painting classes that our Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Specialist Michelle Van Etten runs. The room that we paint in has very good light, which is so important for me. I have some wonderful friends here who also paint. We all find it so relaxing and soothing.

About This Article

This blog post is part of CenterLight PACE’s series highlighting our participants’ stories.

Nancy Rivera has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 5 years.

Shelly Colley is the Director of the Friends of CenterLight Foundation.

"When Nancy saw the article, she got emotional as we spoke about how much this interview meant to her and how it made her feel. She thanked me for providing her with this opportunity and connecting her with Shelly. Each encounter I have with Nancy brings a whole new dimension and meaning to me for the work that I do, not only with Nancy, but with all of the participants in my painting group. They are my MUSE and continue to excite me to wake up and go to work each day. Thank you for helping me spotlight Nancy, and incredible woman and artist. My heart is full."
Michelle Van Etten, CenterLight PACE TR Specialist

H3329_2023_BLOGPassionForArt Approved 03302023
Last updated March 9, 2023

Keeping Up with the PACE of Aging

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At CenterLight PACE, we understand that growing older may present health challenges, and that the pace of aging can get overwhelming.

More and more, there’s a growing need for services for individuals who are aging and/or may have a form of disability. Let’s look at the numbers: Currently, New York State has more than 4.3 million older adults, ranking 4th in the nation in the number of individuals age 60 and over.* The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University previously projected that the number of older adult households in the United States in which at least one person has a disability will be at an estimated 12 million by 2035—with many of them requiring assistance with activities of daily living to be able to stay in their homes.**

It’s not easy for anyone to deal with healthcare concerns—it can be expensive, stressful, and may get confusing. For older adults, it can be especially tough, not just for them but also for their caregivers. As we age, our health issues may start to multiply, and managing multiple conditions, along with other aspects of life, can feel too much to handle even with support from family and friends.

Depending on need, there are programs that can help. I have devoted my career to the health and well-being of older adults, managing nursing homes, managed long term care, and other community-based programs. Based on my experience, I can confidently say that PACE is a great option for those who need complete care but want to remain in their homes and communities.

PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. This Medicare and Medicaid program for adults 55+ provides all the services our participants need to help them stay well and living independently in their own homes. CenterLight PACE is the largest non-profit and one of the oldest such programs in the nation. Our services include, but are not limited to, medical and home care, dental, vision, hearing, rehabilitation services, access to open gym, therapeutic recreation services, prescription drugs, Over the Counter (OTC) items, transportation, and more.*** We manage and coordinate our participants’ care, so that they don’t have to.

We understand that in addition to their health, older adults also face other issues brought not only by aging but the ever-changing and fast-paced environment we live in as well. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, for example, brought with it social and economic hardships that many are still recovering from. CenterLight recognizes this, and to help with basic needs such as food and toiletries, our PACE participants get a My Needs Card with $170 a month**** to spend on eligible items.

There are aspects of aging that do not necessarily come to mind when planning for the future, or when thinking of solutions as health issues arise. Living well as one ages does not mean only worrying about health, but also keeping true to who the person is—their own unique histories and cultural traditions—so we work to ensure that care is individualized according to each of our participants’ needs and preferences. The goal is to help them make the most of each day whether doing activities they love, or even discovering new passions and making new friends at our PACE centers.

The CenterLight PACE Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)--which includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, rehab therapists, social workers, dietitians, and therapeutic recreation specialists--provides care and support that can help navigate the challenges faced by older adults and their loved ones. We believe in a holistic approach: caring for the person as a team and making sure their needs are met medically and have positive effects on their social, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Together with our growing network of providers, our participants, and their caregivers, we can keep up with the pace of agingr to provide high quality care to those we serve.

This blog post is written by Tara Buonocore-Rut, President and Chief Executive Officer at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329_2022Blog_PACEofAging Approved 10122022
Last updated October 3, 2022

*From the New York State Department for the Aging
**Data from Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, 2017 Study
***Medical necessity is determined by the IDT.
****No rollover. The My Needs Card does not substitute for required or already provided Medicaid and/or Medicare covered services under the PACE standard benefit package.

Portrait of the Artist: Sister Maryanna Euring

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CenterLight Healthcare PACE Amityville Participant Sister Maryanna Euring, 82, is an accomplished Asian brush painter. She has been a CenterLight participat since 2018. Here, she shares ways this 2,000-year-old artform has impacted her life, especially in the age of COVID.

A Lifelong Dream.

I’ve always loved Asian brush paintings. When I was a little girl, my mother took me to the Brooklyn Museum and there was a room dedicated to Asian art. It captivated me. It’s one of the oldest art forms, based on the Buddhist tenet of being present. I started taking art lessons and it came very naturally to me. Even though I am a Catholic nun I appreciate the Buddhist way of mindfulness.

Giving Back.

I’ve earned thousands of dollars for my painting but I don’t keep the money myself. As a nun, I took a vow of poverty. I have donated the money to literacy programs for immigrant women and to Puerto Rican earthquake relief. It gives me great pleasure to share my gifts with the world.

In addition to the DHC activities, Irma also enjoys physical and occupational therapy and receive all the services she needs to remain living in the community.

Divine Inspiration.

I meditate first and the brush leads the way. I have an idea but the brush does something else. It helps me let go of any worries. Painting is what kept me going during COVID. I have an idea but the brush does something else. It helps me let go of any worries. Painting is what kept me going during COVID.

Silver Linings.

One good thing about COVID is that there has been more time to reflect and spend time with family, which is a wonderful gift. I hope when we get back to “normal,” whatever that is – that we’ll still take time to be with each other.

H3329_2021_BLOGArtist Approved 07022021
Last updated June 11, 2021

A Better Betty

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Ms. Betty has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 9 years and was enrolled at the time of posting. This blog post was written in her own words.

I’m Betty J. Murray, I live in the Bronx, and I’m 74 years old. I have 3 sons and 1 daughter. My children grew up here, and through adversity all four of my children are successful. My job was to teach in a specialized kindergarten. We were the first special ed kindergarten in our district. There were children from shelters, children that were being raised by grandparents. We were trying to figure out ways to bring the community together so we created a lot of cultural programs. I’ve done about 46 years of community work. I’m still doing it!

I had a tragic situation that happened with me where I got hurt on the job with one of my children. I had an inflamed sciatic nerve and that put me in the hospital, which put me into a nursing home. I was in my head going crazy like, I can’t work? Something is changing, I’m becoming different. The me that I knew was becoming a different me. A social worker was kind enough to tell me about CenterLight.

The very first day I came to CenterLight I didn’t want to talk to people. A nice person came up in a wheelchair and she introduced herself. She said, “I know what you’re going through.” Her name was Sabrina.

And I had the opportunity to meet the young ladies I call CenterLight daughters. They were so warm and inviting and they got me into painting. It sparked something in me that I knew I have another life. There’s another part of Betty Murray besides the other part that I was leaving.

I always said that God sends you different people when you need them. I have a wonderful aide and she helps me get ready every day. Especially since I had surgery, she’s been everything to me. Joining CenterLight was the best thing that ever happened to me because it educated me about my body and it encouraged my mind and my spirit. So, it was another part of Betty that became a better Betty.

H3329_2019_BLOGBetty Approved 03122019
Last updated February 27, 2019

Overcoming Overwhelm: Taking Care of Yourself (Part 3)

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So far, we’ve discussed the stress and burnout you may feel as a caregiver and explored some strategies to find balance in caregiving. Now we want to take a moment to focus on you, caregiver! Being a caregiver can be overwhelming, and it’s vital to make space for your own health and happiness.

Take Time for Your Own Health

Although you’re invested in your loved one’s health, it’s also important to not make your situation worse with avoidable health woes.

Don’t forget your doctor visits. It’s easy to forget about your own health when you’re busy with a loved one’s care. Don’t skip check-ups or medical appointments. You need to be healthy in order to take good care of your family member.

Exercise. When you’re stressed and tired, you probably would prefer napping vs. working out. But if you exercise, you’ll feel better afterwards. Exercise is a powerful stress reliever and mood enhancer. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes on most days—break it up into three 10-minute sessions if that’s easier. Regular exercise will help boost your energy level and fight fatigue.

Meditate and/or Pray. A daily relaxation, visualization or meditation practice can help you relieve stress and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness meditation. Even a few minutes in the middle of an overwhelming day can help you feel more centered. If you believe in a higher power, take a few moments to pray and connect.

Eat well. Fuel your body with fresh fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats such as fish, nuts, and olive oil.

Limit sugar, caffeine and alcohol. These may feel and taste good in the short run, but will quickly crash you.

Rest up. Most people need more sleep than they think they do—8 hours is the norm. When you get less, your mood, energy, productivity, and ability to handle stress will suffer.

Take Time to Refresh and Recharge

As a busy caregiver, leisure time may seem like a pipedream. But it’s crucial to give yourself permission to rest and to do things that you enjoy on a daily basis. When you replenish yourself, you’ll have more to give to others.

Stay connected. Don’t let your friendships get lost in the shuffle of your demanding schedule. These relationships will help sustain you and brighten your outlook. If it’s difficult to leave the house, invite friends over to visit with you over coffee, drinks, or dinner.

Pursue joy. Make regular time for things that bring you happiness, whether it’s reading, gardening, playing an instrument, listening to music, or watching the game.

Up your focus with down time. If you’re not regularly taking time-off to de-stress and recharge your batteries, you’ll end up getting less done in the long run. Paradoxically, a break will likely make you feel more energetic and focused, so you’ll quickly make up for your down time.

Pamper yourself. Small luxuries can go a long way. Light candles and take a long bath. Ask your spouse for a back rub. Get a manicure. Buy fresh flowers for your home. Do something that makes you feel special.

Make yourself laugh. Laughter is an excellent antidote to stress—and a little goes a long way. Read a funny book, watch a your favorite comedian or sitcom, or call a friend who makes you laugh.

Get outside. Seek out friends, family, and respite care providers to step in with caregiving so you can have some time away from the home.

You have a tough job, caregiver, but we know that you know how rewarding it can be. Consider joining our mailing list to receive our free e-book explaining the PACE program to use yourself or give to another caregiver in your life. We’ll be blogging again soon about more resources. Until next time!

H3329_2019_Overwhelm3 Approved 03052019
Last updated February 11, 2019