Jay Broad has been a staunch believer in volunteering and looking out for the well-being of seniors for quite a while. A former social studies teacher, Jay is currently the Nassau County Coordinator for the Medicare Rights Center and a Fountaingate Gardens Charter Club member.
“I list ‘professional volunteer’ on my LinkedIn profile,” says Mr. Broad.
A long-time activist with the New York State United Teachers, or NYSUT, he found something he could be passionate about that would also help his peers—Medicare rights and education. The Medicare Rights Center is a national nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable healthcare for older adults through counseling, advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives. On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center, Jay speaks on issues related to Medicare and coordinates volunteers who present Medicare programs in Nassau County.
Jay was also a volunteer at Nassau County’s Health and Human Services Department, where he learned about NY Connects—a service that provides information about long-term care options for seniors. In addition, he serves on the community advisory panel and acts as a long-term care ombudsman for residents in assisted living communities, looking out for their care and well-being.
A Believer in Life Plan Communities
“I’ve always had the opinion that our country, as good as it is, can do a better job of caring for our older citizens,” says Jay. In the early 1980s, he visited a distant cousin in Israel who lived in a government-sponsored Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This experience made him a believer in CCRCs or Life Plan Communities.
Gurwin is the sponsor of Fountaingate Gardens, and knowing its reputation for quality care, Jay and his wife, Lillian, became the 19th priority depositor and Charter Club members of Fountaingate Gardens. He’s now encouraging his friends to take a close look at this proposed vibrant Life Plan Community.
Jay and Lillian are avid book club members and movie enthusiasts, and look forward to meeting people with common interests at Fountaingate Gardens. They also envision a life free of household maintenance, chores, cooking and cleaning so they will have ample time to pursue their passions.
Educating Seniors
Medicare enlightenment is at the forefront of Mr. Broad’s mind. He hosted “Understanding the Differences between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B” at the Fountaingate Gardens Information Center in July, followed by an August event on having important documents ready to help avoid difficult situations. These include appointing a healthcare proxy, making a living will and having a durable power of attorney.
“In many cases, people who are on Medicare have difficulty understanding how to get the most out of their benefits,” he explained. “I’ve also expanded on topics that are very pertinent to seniors like me who want to have peace of mind.”
While “retirement” typically symbolizes a time when a person stops working, Jay is a man in constant motion. From volunteerism to senior rights advocacy, he promises to stay involved when he moves to Fountaingate Gardens.
To learn more about how you can become a member of the Fountaingate Gardens Charter Club and reserve your space at this exciting new Life Plan Community, call (631)210-5806!
