Brain Gym is a program of physical movements that enhance learning and performance by developing the brain’s neural pathways. Brain Gym will increase the ability to remember and be organized, increase physical coordination, reduce stress and improve memory. The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is hosting once a week Brain Gym classes starting Tuesday, November 3. Seniors aged 55 and older are invited to register for Brain Gym, set for November 3 – 24, every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. – Noon. The cost is $20.00 for four classes. To register for Brain Gym classes, please RSVP to 658-0365 as space is limited.

Zentangle Art Class November 5 at SCAN Health & Wellness Center

Looking to relieve stress, improve hand-eye coordination, and rebuild fine motor skills, look no further than Zentangle! This new art form is fun, relaxing and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is offering “The Art of Zentangle” class on Tuesday, November 5, from 9 a.m. – noon. The class costs $25.00 and includes a mini art kit.

Free  Balance Screening November 11 at SCAN Health & Wellness Center

Seventy five percent of seniors 70 years old have some balance impairment. Having a strong sense of balance is crucial in preventing falls in older adults. The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is offering free balance screenings on Wednesday, November 11, from 12 noon – 3 p.m. The screenings are available to those 55 and older who have had a recent stroke, fall, or surgery. They will be conducted by Amy M. Griffin, MS, PT – President & Lead Physical Therapist for Equilibrium.

The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is at 6633 Telephone Road, Suite 100 . For more information or to make an appointment, call 658-0365.

Using these services will keep us happy.

The Ventura Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) has a wealth of information available from tips for Family Caregivers, Senior Nutrition, guides to good health, and much, much more. Some resources are available online at “Pamphlets & Brochures” such as the agency’s brochure with programs and information, city contacts, and Fall Prevention. Many pamphlets and guides they are unable to provide online because of copyright laws, but they do have them available for pickup or by mail. For more information call Information & Assistance Specialist 477-7300 or 1-(800) 510-2020.

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)

The purpose of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is to provide free counseling and community education on Medicare, Medicare Part D, managed care, and other health insurance issues. If you wish to access this service, you may contact your local senior center to make an appointment or contact the local office at  477-7310. For additional HICAP resources or information, please call HICAP 477-7310 or 1-800-434-0222.

Health Insurance Information and Assistance

Agencies offer assistance with filling out forms, submitting bills, and completing other paperwork necessary for reimbursement

Case Management programs arrange for, and monitor the use of, community services to help the frail elderly, and/or disabled to avoid or delay institutional placement while fostering independent living. These services are offered by public, nonprofit, and for-profit agencies.

Case Management is the next step after contacting Information & Assistance.  Case Management may be needed when a person is released from the hospital after an illness or accident or a family caregiver is feeling overwhelmed or because a person would like to plan for future long term care needs.  A social worker and/or a nurse known as a “Case Manager” will meet with the client in their home for an assessment of their needs and available resources.

1. After this meeting, a plan for service known as a “care plan” is created with the client’s input to address concerns, outline interventions, and specify who is responsible for each intervention.

2. Then the Case Manager refers the client to community-based services, monitor those services, and provide monthly contacts & periodic home visits.

3. The Case Manager also helps to solve problems that come up as the care plan is implemented.

Most Care Plan items are provided by family members, outside agencies, and as funding permits, purchased with funds provided by the State of California.

The Information and Assistance Program is provided under the guidelines of Title III B of the Older American’s Act and is designed to link persons aged 60 and above (and their families and caregivers), who are in need of assistance to the appropriate programs and services in their communities that can help solve the problems faced by older adults. This is considered the entry point/introduction to the services system network.

I & A Specialists assess the needs of the individual calling for services, link the caller to specific services, provide advocacy, and follow-up to see that the services were received. They can provide accurate, up-to-date program information and availability, eligibility criteria, and time to obtain services, both public and private. A specialist can provide guidance in coordinating existing resources to promote independence and quality of life.

Whether you are looking for a specific organization to address a concern, need a phone number of a particular program, require assistance in helping to identify problems, or require an advocate to ensure you or a loved one receives the services they need, the I & A staff can help you get answers. For more information call Information & Assistance Specialist 477-7300 or 1-(800) 510-2020 or submit a request for information below.

Is it time for you to have “the talk”? No, not the one about the birds and the bees. Long after asking the question, “Mommy, where do babies come from?” there will come a time to ask, “Mom, how can we best care for you?” Consider the Conversation helps us know how to ask the question and have it answered without the anticipated awkwardness associated.

The following are quotes from reviews on Amazon:

“Be prepared to be terrified, illuminated, profoundly moved, confronted and warmly hugged all within an hour. Just knocked me off my feet!”

“It made me consider a topic I have been avoiding. We all owe it to our parents, and to our children, to have these important conversations.”

“I genuinely believe that every person over the age of 40 years old in America needs to see this piece.”

The Ventura Council for Seniors will present the film and follow-up discussion on November 4th at the Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE) Center, 5200 Valentine Rd. The presentation will be from 10 am to noon. A light lunch will be served from noon to 1 pm, compliments of VACE, for those who RSVP by Monday, November 2. Please call 648-3035 to make reservations.

Mission Home Health, a San Diego-based Medicare provider is expanding its footprint in Southern California and is now accepting patients in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. In mid-October, they acquired the Medicare certified division of Help Unlimited, a Ventura-based company that has served patients across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties for the past 40 years.

Founded in 2009, Mission Healthcare initially provided physician ordered home health, but quickly expanded to include other home based services including hospice and private duty homecare. Clinically owned and operated, Mission Home Health offers reliable, thoughtful professional care with locations in San Diego, Temecula, Riverside, San Bernardino, Palm Springs and Orange County.

Mission Home Health services adults and seniors who are recovering after a hospital or facility stay, or need additional support to remain safely at home to avoid unnecessary hospitalization.  These Medicare-certified services may include short-term nursing, rehabilitative, therapeutic, and assistive home health care.  Mission Home Health is a Medicare-certified agency where Medicare, Medi-Cal and most private insurances are accepted.

Mission Home Health’s goal is to have a positive impact on the lives of its patients, their families and their healthcare partners.  Mission Home Health believes there’s no place like home when it comes to providing its patients with the utmost care and comfort while offering a variety of in-home treatment options to meet every need.

For more information about Mission Home Health, visit www.homewithmission.com online or call (888) 871-0766 or on Facebook at facebook.com/HomeWithMission and Twitter @HomeWithMission.