Nurture and Wellness

On this portion of our Web site, you will find information about our Nurture and Wellness ministries at WUMC. For example, you will find information on Advance Care Planning that deal with end of life issues, WUMC's Caregiver Corner, and our Health Corner. There is also a page that provides information about funerals that are held at WUMC that includes links to help you plan funeral and memorials services, as well as links that provide information about other Life Issues.

Caring Corner
Barbara Saltarella

Welcome to the Caring Corner! Before going any further, I need to get something off my chest. ELDER ABUSE! Yes, ELDER ABUSE. Elder abuse is a growing concern and an alarming public health issue that is present in every community and state. Did you know that elder abuse is under-recognized, under-reported, and under-prosecuted? We only hear about a few circumstances of elder abuse. “Why?” Because it is a hidden epidemic and our loved ones are afraid to say anything.

There are a few types of elder abuse including physical, psychological, sexual, financial exploitation, self-neglect, abandonment, and domestic violence of late life. Financial exploitation is fast becoming the leader in elder abuse.

The elderly are vulnerable and need to be protected, which is why I am asking you to report any type of elderly abuse you might see or suspect. After reporting the actual or potential abuse, keep pushing the issue until the situation is corrected. We are advocates for the elderly, which is why we need to keep them safe. If you suspect abuse, let us know and it will be reported immediately.

Hands and Healing!

Hands are so important. There is so much power in the hands. When I go out to visit, I always ask if I may hold their hand or give them a blessing. Hands are a comfort to those I visit. Hands bring the power of love, comfort, compassion, understanding, strength, and a healing touch.

Jesus used his hands to heal leapers, the blind, the sick, and the disabled. If you are a caregiver or if you are visiting someone in the hospital, ask to hold his or her hands. It is amazing the feeling you will come away with – a feeling of God's love.

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? I use a finger labyrinth when I am unable to walk one. I find it relaxes me and enables me to free my mind. Slowly moving my fingers through the labyrinth helps me find peace in our hurry-up world. For me, it is as if God is touching my heart and soul.

ISN'T IT AMAZING, THE POWER OF OUR HANDS?

Caring Corner Resources

The display racks in the narthex contain many new brochures and pamphlets that provide important information that is useful for adults of all ages. Listed below are some of the brochures you will find in the display racks. Please take a copy of the brochures that are of interest to you so you have this important information on hand.

Insurance Resource Center – Helps people understand their options regarding health insurance, Medicare, prescription coverage, long-term care insurance, and more. You can give them a call at 716-858-7883, and they will be happy to help you. The Insurance Resource Center has provided brochures on the following topics:

1. Medicare

2. Medicare Supplemental Plans

3. Managed Care Plans (HMO, PPO, PFFS,MSA)

4. Premium Rates

5. Medicaid

6. Prescription Coverage

7. Long-Term Care Insurance – Additional information about long-term care and long-term insurance is available at http://www.nyhealth.gov/facilities/long_term_care/ or by calling 1-866-950-7526.

Federal Trade Commission for the Consumer – The organization has provided brochures on the following topics:

1. Reverse Mortgages

2. Your access to Free Credit Reports

3. How to Dispute Credit Report Errors

4. Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards

5. Identity Crisis

6. A report on the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Erie County – Find additional information about services provided for seniors in Erie County at http://www.erie.gov/depts/seniorservices/ or by calling (716) 858-8526. In addition, Erie County has provided brochures on the following topics:

1. Caregivers take charge

2. Insurance Resource Center

3. Guide to Services for Older Adults

4. Nursing Homes in Erie County

5. Adult Homes/Retirement Communities in Erie County

6. Independent Senior Citizen Housing

7. Benefit Checklist for Older Erie County Residents

Please help yourself to these resources as they can answer many of your questions. Also, feel free to contact Barbara Saltarella with questions about these and other resources that are available through our Nurture and Wellness ministry.

Caring Corner Barbara Saltarella

Hands and Healing!

Caring Corner Resources

Caring Corner
Barbara Saltarella