A new intergenerational community center has opened in White Plains.

The Lanza Family Center for All Ages opened February 24, 2015. It is modeled after the award-winning My Second Home in Mount Kisco, also operated by Family Services of Westchester (FSW). Seniors benefit emotionally, socially and physically from being around children. Rita Bellamy, the director of My Second Home, said that the intergenerational aspect helps seniors experience a sense of purpose and avoid isolation.

The Lanza Center is named for philanthropist Patricia Lanza who provided a $1 million challenge grant. FSW was able to meet the challenge, purchase the building at 106 North Broadway in White Plains, and renovate it to create a warm and inviting community center.

The Center will provide programs for older adults and children, both separately and together. Programming will include adult day services with caregiver support, youth development programs and early childhood education. Children, teens and older adults will participate together in activities such as gardening, cooking, sharing meals, singing songs and participating in special events.

Enrollment in the Center’s programs is now open. Family Services of Westchester also has continuing opportunities for volunteers to participate in its programs, and members of the community can further support the Lanza Center, and honor loved ones, through the buy-a-brick program.

Learn more about our legal services at www.littmankrooks.com or www.elderlawnewyork.com.

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The Lanza Family Center for All Ages opened February 24, 2015. It is modeled after the award-winning My Second Home in Mount Kisco, also operated by Family Services of Westchester (FSW). Seniors benefit emotionally, socially and physically from being around children. Rita Bellamy, the director of My Second Home, said that the intergenerational aspect helps seniors experience a sense of purpose and avoid isolation.

The Lanza Center is named for philanthropist Patricia Lanza who provided a $1 million challenge grant. FSW was able to meet the challenge, purchase the building at 106 North Broadway in White Plains, and renovate it to create a warm and inviting community center.

The Center will provide programs for older adults and children, both separately and together. Programming will include adult day services with caregiver support, youth development programs and early childhood education. Children, teens and older adults will participate together in activities such as gardening, cooking, sharing meals, singing songs and participating in special events.

Enrollment in the Center’s programs is now open. Family Services of Westchester also has continuing opportunities for volunteers to participate in its programs, and members of the community can further support the Lanza Center, and honor loved ones, through the buy-a-brick program.

Learn more about our legal services at www.littmankrooks.com or www.elderlawnewyork.com.

Was this article of interest to you? If so, please LIKE our Facebook Page by clicking here.

The Lanza Family Center for All Ages opened February 24, 2015. It is modeled after the award-winning My Second Home in Mount Kisco, also operated by Family Services of Westchester (FSW). Seniors benefit emotionally, socially and physically from being around children. Rita Bellamy, the director of My Second Home, said that the intergenerational aspect helps seniors experience a sense of purpose and avoid isolation.

The Lanza Center is named for philanthropist Patricia Lanza who provided a $1 million challenge grant. FSW was able to meet the challenge, purchase the building at 106 North Broadway in White Plains, and renovate it to create a warm and inviting community center.

The Center will provide programs for older adults and children, both separately and together. Programming will include adult day services with caregiver support, youth development programs and early childhood education. Children, teens and older adults will participate together in activities such as gardening, cooking, sharing meals, singing songs and participating in special events.

Enrollment in the Center’s programs is now open. Family Services of Westchester also has continuing opportunities for volunteers to participate in its programs, and members of the community can further support the Lanza Center, and honor loved ones, through the buy-a-brick program.

Learn more about our legal services at www.littmankrooks.com or www.elderlawnewyork.com.

Was this article of interest to you? If so, please LIKE our Facebook Page by clicking here.

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Over the past two decades, the percentage of people age 65 and older who live with their adult children (or other relations) has risen. According to the American Community Survey, which is part of the U.S. Census, that share is 9 percent.

Experts indicate that the increase is not the result of the recession and weak recovery. Instead, it is at least partly due to the larger number of seniors who were born in another country. These seniors are four times more likely to live with their adult children.

Age makes a difference as well: older seniors live with relatives much more often. Just 6 percent of seniors age 65 to 69 live with family members, while 15 percent of seniors age 85 and over share their home.

Seniors are also more likely to live with their adult children if they are female (as female life expectancy is longer), currently unmarried and living in a metropolitan area with few other seniors.

Contact a White Plains elder law attorney at (914) 684-2100

The Care Circles of Westchester is a new program that provides family caregivers with assistance from volunteers.

A care circle is a group of volunteers who are willing to help a person who needs care — such as an elderly person — with the tasks of daily living, including laundry, dog-walking, and rides to doctor’s appointments.

The Care Circles is part of Westchester’s Livable Communities Initiative. One of its goals is to help seniors age in their homes and communities, rather than in facilities. A ready community of volunteers who help with daily living tasks can advance that goal.

To learn more about the program, contact Colette Phipps at cap2@westchestergov.com or (914) 813-6441.

Or contact White Plains estate planning attorney, Bernard A. Krooks at (914) 684-2100.

Scammers and con artists often target older people. Elders may also be more likely to fall victim to fraud, either because they are unfamiliar with some common scams or because the effects of early Alzheimer’s or other dementia allow others to take advantage of them more easily.

Of course, when older loved ones are no longer able to make financial decisions for themselves, then a power of attorney is appropriate. But when elderly parents are living independently, but potentially at risk to financial predators, knowing how to protect them can be tricky.

When talking to one’s parents about the risk of fraud, it is important to avoid shaming or blaming them; they may become defensive and resist sharing information. The simplistic solution of “just hang up the phone” is not likely to be convincing, either. Instead, have a conversation about what kinds of calls, letters and emails have been received. Talk about the facts of common scams. Are they aware that government agencies will never make unsolicited calls and ask for personal information? Do they know that notices to pay a fee to collect contest winnings are fraudulent?

One can also appeal to a parent’s natural desire to protect others. Ask them whether they have seen certain warning signs: alertness can reinforce their own healthy skepticism.

Contact a White Plains estate planning lawyer to learn more.