Washington Heights & Inwood Council on Aging (WHICOA)
4111 Broadway, New York, New York 10033
12/08/16 – Minutes
Present: Alexandra Aguirre CUMC Irving Institute; Mary Anderson, CB 12 M; Ebelise Andujar, ArchCare; Max Calderon, UMMH; Valerie Corseri, Isabella; RoseMary Cortez, Allen Hosp – Health Outreach; Mariel de La Cruz, NYC Comptroller; Olnia De Moya, ArchCare TimeBank; Cari Fershing, Isabella House; Sharon Frey, Isabella; Shuli Gutmann, Moriah Sr Ctr; Fern Hertzberg, ARC Ft Wash; Rebecca Heureaux, Riverstone; Sharath Koorathota, CUMC for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain; Michelle Laguerre, PSS-Circle of Care; Betty Lehmann, Isabella; Martha Matos-Coll, Riverstone; Tunesia Mitchell, CMS; Steve Muchnick, UMMH; Carmen Nunez, Riverstone; Martha Matos Coll, Riverstone; James O’Neal, State Soc on Aging of NY; Edith Prentiss; Gail Salazar, Isabella; Jenny Sanchez, PSS, Lourdes Santacruz; Methodist Home; Shannon Smith, Allen, Chloe Stella, CUMC, Taub Inst for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain
Minutes: October’s minutes were accepted. The motion was made by Mary Anderson and seconded by Betty Lehmann.
Treasurers Report: Betty Lehmann reported we have $11,487.79
Cocoa Flavanol Impact on Cognition & Memory Sharath Koorathota & Chloe Stella CUMC Division of Behavioral Medicine Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain http://www.CUMCMemoryStudy.com
This research study tests the effects of cocoa flavanols on cognition and brain activity. Interested individuals are pre-screened on the phone. Eligible individuals are given an attention and memory task at CUMC. Next there is a cognitive testing session of computerized tests to assess your memory and other cognitive abilities. Over 24 weeks, there will be several and cognition studies and 3 blood draws. There is an optional MRI scan of your brain if you choose to participate in the MRI sub-study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups taking varying amounts of cocoa flavanols. After 12 weeks, subjects will return to the CUMC for a fasting blood draw, a cognitive testing session, and the optional MRI scan. Lastly, 8 weeks after your last cocoa consumption, you will return to the CUMC for a cognitive testing and fasting blood draw.
Eligibility: 50-75 years old; In good health; Able to travel to CUMC for testing sessions; & Have a body-mass index (BMI) between 18-35. They offer $10 for transportation per visit. Participants who complete the study may receive up to $450 in compensation.
New Community Support Programs for Caregivers of those suffering with Dementia – Martha Matos Coll, MSW & Rebecca Heureaux, BSW Riverstone Senior Life Services; Michelle Laguerre, LMSW, Circle of Care Presbyterian Senior Services (PSS)
Both Circle of Care and the Riverstone are partially funded by the NYS Dept. of Health’s Alzheimer’s Caregivers Programs. There are 3 grants: 1, large research grant; Caregiver Grant to serve the five boroughs (PSS’s Center of Light) and 3.outreach and service to the underserved (Riverstone Memory Center)
There are 425,000 people in NYC with dementia and about 950,000 family caregivers. Provides guidance to family caregivers at Circle of Care Stations throughout the 5 boroughs (Isabella is one of these) or in the client’s home. Services include Information and referral, assistance with benefits and entitlements, Caregiver Support Groups (in person, by phone and online); training and online resources for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias; referrals for temporary respite (e.g., in-home care, adult day services) and supplemental services (assistive devices, health supplies, transportation, etc.) Bilingual support includes Circulo de Cuidado, a Spanish language blog providing resources, timely articles, and other items. Their brochure is available in English and Spanish on their web site. Toll Free Hotline 866-665-1713.
Riverstone Memory Center offers: Community Caregiving (an activity-based Social Adult Day program for individuals in early-moderate stages of memory loss); Caregiver Support Groups (in English and Spanish), Casework Assistance (to assist families in obtaining/maintaining services and entitlements at the Center on at home); Daily Activities (Mon-Sat 10-3 PM) include orientation, cognitive exercises, arts and crafts, music therapy, movement therapy, dance, discussion groups, current events; Day trips (Botanical Gardens, Riverbank State Park and City Island); and special events such as fashion shows, birthday and holiday parties. Hot, nutritious lunch and snacks are provided, and mobility equipment accessible transportation can be arranged for residents of Washington Heights, Inwood, and West Harlem, north of 110th Street. The Memory Café is a bi-monthly event for participants and caregivers offering entrainment and lunch. Rebecca Heureaux – (212) 927-5600
Upper Man Mental Health (Emma Bowens) Max Calderon & Max Calderon – Funded by the NYC Dept of Health & Mental Health They provide Case Management services for clients who do not have Medicaid (approx 40 patients).UMMH will do two home visits for entitlement and benefits screening. They also have “wraparound funding” for those in need of clothing, furniture etc. In the past, referrals were only accepted from NYC MH. At one d point they had a two year waiting list, at present they have no waiting list. NYC MH is allowing UMMH to identify find their own. Clients need a mental health diagnosis. Their staff is multi-lingual (English, Spanish, Cantonese & Mandarin) 212-694-3500 ext. 11 or 12.
Next Meeting 01/26/17
9-9:15 AM Coffee & Networking
9:15-11 AM
Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, Nurse Practitioner Practice, Faculty Clinical Practice CUMC, Columbia University School of Nursing
Danny Perry – Consumer Directed Home Care
Independence Care System