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Make everyday tasks easier

To-do lists can help remember everyday tasks.

Many people with early-stage dementia continue to manage their everyday activities. But it’s important to look ahead to a time when performing daily tasks will be harder. The sooner you adopt new strategies to help you cope with changes, the more time you will have to adjust to them. Here are some tips:

A “memory” bench with papers organized into piles on the seat.
This “memory bench” is used by a person living with dementia to organize the things she needs for each day.

Organizing your days. Write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar. Some people have an area, such as an entryway table or bench, where they store important items they need each day.

Paying bills. Setting up automated payments is an easy way to pay your bills correctly and on time without having to write checks. Talk with your utility providers, insurance companies, and mortgage company or leasing office about automatic bill payment. Also consider asking someone you trust to help you pay bills. That person could review your financial statements and ask you about anything unusual.

Shopping for meals. Many stores offer grocery delivery services. You can also order fresh or frozen meals online or by phone. Meals on Wheels America (1-888-998-6325) can deliver free or low-cost meals to your home, too, and this service sometimes includes a short visit and safety check. Other possible sources of meals include houses of worship and senior centers. If you make your own meals at home, consider easy-to-prepare items, such as foods that you can heat in the microwave.

Taking medications. Several products can help you manage medications. You can try a weekly pillbox, a pillbox with reminders (like an alarm), or a medication dispenser. You can buy these items at a local drugstore or online. You may need someone to help you set these up. Or try an electronic reminder system, such as an alarm you set on your phone or computer.

Getting around. If you drive, you may become confused, get lost, or need increasing help with directions. Talk with your doctor about these changes. Take seriously family and friends who express concerns about your driving. Some people decide to give up driving and learn how to use public transportation. For non-drivers, other forms of transportation may be available in your area, or you might want to consider a car or ride-sharing service.

Age-related disease

A team of NIA-funded investigators has identified characteristics of the microbiome that change with age and may contribute to age-related disease. The findings, published in Nature Aging, suggest that the skin microbiome may be especially important in understanding age-related health conditions.

The microbiome is the collection of all microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live on the inside and outside of our bodies. Some microbes are helpful, protecting us from infection and other diseases, while others can be harmful. Previous research has linked changes in the microbiome to conditions related to aging, including heart disease, cancer, and infection. A better understanding of how the microbiome changes with age may help scientists develop interventions to improve quality of life for older adults. To this end, a team of University of Connecticut and Jackson Laboratory researchers conducted a study to examine the relationship between the microbiome, aging, and age-related health conditions.

The scientists collected skin, mouth, and gut microbiome samples from younger adults, older adults living at home, and older adults living in nursing homes. Simultaneously, they assessed the frailty of the participants and garnered data about their medical history, diet, and hygiene. The team used advanced genomic sequencing techniques to identify and classify the complex microbial communities found on each participant’s body.

They found many different relationships between specific microbes, aging, and age-related conditions, with the most dramatic differences between the three groups of people being related to the skin microbiome. While none of the microbes were consistently associated with chronological age, they found correlations between frailty and several microbes at specific skin sites. Some microbes were associated with greater presence of frailty and others were associated with a lower presence of frailty.

Another key finding was that older adults had less Cutibacterium acnes on their skin than younger adults. Cutibacterium acnes — the same bacteria that causes acne — is abundant on healthy skin and protects against harmful microbes. The researchers hypothesize that the loss of Cutibacterium acnes may contribute to older adults’ increased risk of infection. More specifically, the older adults living in nursing homes had more coagulase negative staphylococci, a type of bacteria that is a major cause of infections, than both older adults living at home and younger adults.

The scientists noted several limitations to their study, namely that the group of older adults living in nursing homes was frailer, predominantly female, and had higher body mass indexes than the other groups, which may have affected their results. Because many of the relationships the researchers found involved microbes on the skin, they believe that the skin microbiome may be especially important to aging and age-related health conditions. Still, the study provides a foundation for future research and establishes the microbiome as a possible target for treatments and strategies to prevent age-related health conditions.

This research was supported in part by NIA grants R56AG060746 and P30AG067988.

Volunteers needed to train as instructors for Tai Chi: movement for better balance program

Volunteer leaders are needed to teach with RSVP’s two popular senior exercise programs. No experience is necessary to become an instructor for Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance although we encourage participants to attend a class and observe. Interested volunteers then attend a free training session to learn the program and prepare for teaching.

Trained instructors make a difference in the lives of those enrolled in classes, as well as contribute to their own well-being by engaging in a regular exercise program. RSVP exercise programs are free and open to the public. Classes operate in RSVP’s four-city service area of Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme. Call 805-385-8019 for more information about trainings.

TCMBB is an evidence-based program. This simplified tai chi for seniors helps reduce repeat falls by 55% among participants and teaches proper body alignment and balance. Training is scheduled for:

Session 1-
Thursday, April 13, 1pm-4pm
Wednesday, April 19, 1pm-4pm
Monday, April 20, 11am-5pm (Lunch is provided)

Session 2-
Friday, September 8, 1pm-4pm
Monday, September 11, 1pm-4pm
Saturday, September 16, 9am-3pm (Lunch is provided)

One must complete one full session (All 3 training days and hours) and document 30 hours of practice before being considered for certification as an instructor. All training sessions will be held in Oxnard.

RSVP is a volunteer engagement program, helping people age 55 and older find volunteer positions that match their interests, talent, and available time. It both recruits and places volunteers with nonprofit partner agencies as well as overseeing the two distinct exercise programs designed for seniors. Volunteer positions are available in RSVP’s four-city service area of Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme.

Oxnard RSVP has about 350 members and is locally sponsored by the City of Oxnard with grant funding from the federal AmeriCorps Seniors. To learn more about the benefits of being an RSVP member, for help finding a volunteer position or more information about the trainings, call 805-385-8019.

Brandy Beesley was hired as the executive director for Project Understanding in 2017.

Brandy has managed to thrive under unthinkable conditions.

In 2017, Project Understanding, a local nonprofit that serves as a safety net to the most vulnerable residents in Ventura County, was just weeks away from having to close its doors.  Brandy Beesley, a life-long local resident, was hired as the new executive director and stepped in facing the harsh situation and reality that the fate of a 40-year-old organization weighed heavily on her shoulders.  She made organizational adjustments, implemented a refreshed strategic plan, and in just 6 years she has not only found a way to keep the doors open, but the organization is now thriving and serving more people than it ever has before. 

Not only has Brandy managed to sustain a 1,000% increase in capacity, but she has managed to thrive under unthinkable conditions, including the Thomas Fire, the Woolsey fire, and the COVID pandemic. 

When she began in 2017, the food pantry was serving approximately  275 people a month, that number has now increased to over 4,000 people a month.  While sustaining the existing programs he has managed to implement a new program that offers case management services to struggling families, guiding and helping them achieve their highest level of independence. Their Homeless to Home program has been instrumental to our local homeless community moving them out homelessness as well as preventing those on the verge of becoming homeless remain housed.  

This year the organization is excited to unveil their new brand identity, which includes a refreshed logo as well as and updated mission statement, and a new tagline, “Understanding Needs, Restoring Hope”.

“We have grown exponentially in the past 6 years and, Project Understanding has emerged with a solid foundation and a bright future.  What a perfect time to highlight our evolvement with a refreshed look and a refreshed mission statement that has evolved with us”, states Brandy Beesley. Project Understanding’s mission is to transform lives and empower independence by providing resources to the most at-risk in our community. 

 “It has been quite a journey, but I am excited for our future and as an organization we pledge to provide an unparalleled level of assistance to our families; fulfill the ever-growing demand for services, and ensure that no family is turned away for lack of funds. We are grateful for our volunteers, donors, and community partners, without them none of this is possible”, stated Brandy Beesley.

Community Memorial Healthcare welcomes New Board of Trustees Chair William Kearney and two new trustees

Community Memorial Healthcare is proud to welcome William “Bill” Kearney as its Board of Trustees Chair. Kearney, who has served as a Board of Trustees member since 2015, succeeds Dr. Richard Rush, who completed his term as Chair in January, 2023. Other notable changes to the Community Memorial Board include the addition of local leaders Monica White and Kimberly Hoffmans. Kearney, White, and Hoffmans all bring extensive professional experience in healthcare, education, business, and charitable giving.

“Since joining the Community Memorial Board of Trustees, I have marveled at the talent and passion of everyone involved with our community owned health system. Over that time, it has been wonderful to share in the excitement of a new hospital and to witness the resilience of our organization navigate through the challenges of COVID,” said Kearney. “I’m anxious to work closer with our health system and look forward to doing so alongside a talented Board and leadership team.”

Kearney, of Ventura, is a retired Senior Vice President of Private Wealth Management with Merrill Lynch/Bank of America. During his 43-year career with Merrill Lynch, Kearney coordinated private placements for the West Coast, served as the Sales Director for offices from Encino to San Luis Obispo, and was appointed to the National Advisory to Merrill Lynch Management. In 2004, he was honored with the Merrill Lynch Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to serving on various non-profit boards, Kearney has served as President of several Ventura County charitable organizations including the Community Memorial Foundation, Casa Pacifica, the Ventura County Taxpayers Association, Rubicon Theatre Company, the United Way, Ventura Rotary Club, and the Cal State University Channel Islands Foundation. Over the years, Kearney has been the recipient of the Milton M. Teague Award from United Way, the Guardian Angel Award from Casa Pacifica, the Larry and Barbara Meister Community Service Award, the Robert J. Lagomarsino Award for exceptional service in higher education, and the Dr. Cephas Bard Community Leadership Award from Community Memorial Healthcare. In 2015, Bill was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Cal State University, Channel Islands.

“Bill’s diverse background, expertise, and commitment to our community cannot be overstated,” said Community Memorial Healthcare President & CEO, Mick Zdeblick. “His leadership and passion for advancing healthcare are invaluable. I look forward to working closely with Bill and our entire Board as our health system continues to grow and evolve.”

Monica White, of Ventura, is the President and Chief Executive Officer for the non-profit organization Food Share of Ventura County, the county’s largest hunger-relief organization. With an extensive background in sales and marketing, White previously worked as the Director of Marketing and Consumer Sales for the Ventura County Star. She also is a past or current board member for several local organizations, including the American Red Cross of Ventura County, the Museum of Ventura County, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and Women’s Economic Ventures. The Pacific Coast Business Times named White as one of the Tri-County’s Top 50 Women in Business in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Kimberly Hoffmans, of Oxnard, is the President of Ventura College and a previous Dean of Moorpark College. Prior to that, Hoffmans, a registered nurse with a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Science degree in Nursing, was a member of the tenured nursing faculty at Moorpark College. She also served as Moorpark College’s Health Science Coordinator. Hoffmans has served on the board of numerous organizations including the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, the California Community College Athletic Association, and the Ventura College Foundation.

Mental Health Services Act’s priorities for 2023-2026

by Carol Leish, MA

The 3-year plan (2023-2026), will outline and update the local programs and services to be funded by the MHSA and allows for a new 3-year budget plan to be created and implemented. The list of priorities to focus on for the next three years are: 1) Housing; 2) Clinical Treatment & Services; 3) Access; 4) Outreach & Education; and, 5) Alternatives to Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH).

This list of priorities dealing with goals, objectives and interventions are the result of nearly a year of community feedback. This has been formally referenced as the Community Program Planning Process, which is a requirement of the MHSA for the 2023-2026 plan. This included a community health needs assessment, five community listening sessions, and a community response survey, which took place over the past 12 months. The final phase is the development of a new Program and Expenditure Plan for the local MHSA funding allocation. The prior plan covered the fiscal years of 2020-2023. Proposed priorities detailed below.

The Housing priority outlines hiring additional staff to develop a specialized housing team to support clients at risk of homelessness. It also includes acquiring/developing, and/or preserving of housing along with the financial support to preserve and expand upon existing tenancy for Ventura County Behavioral Health clients.

The Clinical Treatment and services to clients is also listed. This section will include adding/expanding upon the types of treatments, cultural and indigenous practices, and other services provide by VCBH. Some examples include: 1) Expanding the role of Peers; and, 2) Increasing 24/7 community crisis response services.

Access will be enhanced by improving the continuum of care and varying levels of care. Examining timeliness in relation to levels of care will be important. Also, examining the quality improvements of opportunities around various physical locations and remote access, through computers (Zoom). Developing options for immediate response for enrolled youth will also be part of the improvement of access.

Outreach and Education will be essential for increasing the outreach capacity for vulnerable and at-risk population (i.e., in-house and via contractors). The component of expanding upon the specialized Behavioral Health Outreach Team for it to: 1) Educate around moderate-severe (VCBH domain) vs. mild-moderate (others) mental illness. Or, significant functional impairments (i.e., what VCBH can be expected to do). 2) To educate dealing with stigma reduction, substance use and impacts, trauma, diversity, racial equity, and inclusion and change across lifespan.

Outreach and Education also will deal with expanding upon media campaigns in order to target those who are within vulnerable populations at all care levels. Expanding staff and provider trainings will also be occurring.

Alternatives to VCBH will be including: 1) Developing more contracted clinical providers/options for clients in the mild-moderate category. 2) Developing more non-clinical providers/options through mini grants (e.g., drop-in-centers, after school programs, indigenous/culturally informed interventions, etc.) 3)Developing sessions based indicated upon Behavioral Health prevention interventions for high schools. 4) Developing more providers/options for those with other conditions (e.g., developments/intellectual, traumatic brain injury, dementia, etc.)

The above is a list of priorities that VCBH plans to work on over the next three years, and as funding is available. The list of priorities will be outlined in further detail in the 3-year plan and Annual Updates Reports.

34th Annual Community Good Friday Service

In 1989, the very first Community Good Friday Service began in the City of Ventura. The service included the senior pastors from four churches, Horizon Foursquare Church, which is now The River Community Church, First Baptist Church, which is now Coastline Bible Church, South Coast Fellowship, which is now Journey Church Ventura, and Community Presbyterian Church which is still Community Presbyterian Church.

Today, thirty-four years later, we have approximately fifteen churches represented and over a dozen denominations. On Good Friday, denominational differences will be set aside, and the focus will be on what all these churches have in common, which is Jesus Christ.

“I love this service!” says Senior Pastor Jim Duran of The River Community Church. “The pastors in this city have become good friends, and they love to serve together for the betterment of our community. Each pastor brings their own personality, their knowledge of the scripture, and their love for Jesus, which makes this an amazing service. The entire city of Ventura should experience our Good Friday Service.”

The 34th Annual Community Good Friday Service will be held at The River Community Church, 889 E. Santa Clara St. Ventura, CA 93001, on Friday, April 7th at 12 noon. For more information, visit: www.TheRiverCommunity.org.

2023 Ventura County Homeless Count

The 2023 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count was conducted on January 24, 2023 in the ten cities and unincorporated areas within Ventura County. People experiencing homelessness were surveyed and observed by the federal definition which includes those living unsheltered or in places not meant for human habitation, as well as those staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs on the night of January 23. Approximately 400 volunteers assisted with the unsheltered surveys from dawn until mid-day across the County.

There were 2,441 adults and children who were counted as homeless during the point-in-time count. This number represents an increase of 203 persons or 9.1% when compared to the 2,238 persons who were counted as homeless in 2022. The continued increase in the count can be attributed to several factors, although rising rent costs in the region and limited availability of affordable housing are leading causes. The number of calls for homeless prevention and rental assistance continues to increase across the county-wide homeless services system.

The Point in Time count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for communities to be eligible for federal grants addressing homelessness. The Ventura County Continuum of Care receives federal and state grant funding each year to provide emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, homeless prevention, street outreach, and permanent supportive housing programs.

The data from the annual count helps determine gaps and trends to help community leaders allocate funding for the highest needs. The full report with details from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other data sources will be released in mid-April 2023.

For more information, please see the executive summary of the 2023 Homeless Count posted on the Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) website at www.venturacoc.org.

Vol. 16, No. 14 – Apr 5 – Apr 18, 2023 – The Pet Page

• For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) welcomes back RESCUECON, a one-day event bringing creativity and community together to celebrate and facilitate animal rescue and adoption. The event is free and open to the public and will be held on Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day) from 10 am to 3 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. More information can be found at: theopac.org/rescuecon

RESCUECON is a convention like no other, where the human-animal bond takes center stage. Through animal adoptions and the arts, hands-on workshops, a kid’s area, talks by really amazing people, an artisan marketplace, and so much more, attendees will learn, play, explore, and, above all, refresh their relationship with animals… and each other.

Special activities include:

Pet adoptions from Ventura County Humane Society, Canine Animal Rescue League, Humane Society of Ventura County, PawWorks, SurfCat Rescue, and others

Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. RESCUECON is one way to increase animal adoption, promote animal welfare and help create a strong rescue community. The event will also help shed light on other animals in need in our community, including marine animals, wildlife, farmed animals, and others.

• Kittens and cats, whether they live indoors or outdoors, can be exposed to diseases caused by viruses or bacteria. Vaccinations help protect our feline friends by preventing the spread of these diseases and boosting their body’s defense against potentially fatal illnesses.

Because of this, Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, encourages owners to vaccinate their kittens and cats against common, yet fatal, diseases sooner rather than later.

“Kittens should begin pediatric visits to the veterinarian when they are 6-8 weeks old, where vaccinations will initially be given as a series until the animal is 16-20 weeks of age,” Teller said. “On the other hand, cats adopted as adults should visit a veterinarian and receive their vaccinations as soon as possible.”

Some common diseases that cats should be protected against include panleukopenia, a viral disease caused by feline parvovirus, and rhinotracheitis, an infection that leads to upper respiratory infections.

“If a cat gets panleukopenia, all of their white blood cells are wiped out, leaving it unable to fight off any other infections; this disease frequently results in death,” Teller said. “Additionally, once a cat has rhinotracheitis, cats will generally become carriers for life and may experience flare-ups of respiratory problems when they become stressed or when their immune system is suppressed.”

Teller explained that there is a combination vaccine that can protect cats against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus, a virus that causes upper respiratory infections and ulcers — or sores that develop in the cat’s mouth and on the tongue.

Additionally, cats who venture outside should be vaccinated against feline leukemia, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily between cats.

“Feline leukemia is most commonly spread through saliva and nasal secretions, so cats that share food and water bowls, groom each other, or bite each other in a fight can spread the virus,” Teller explained. “This virus can lead to a suppressed immune system and leaves a cat susceptible to other infections, as well as cancer, all of which can potentially be fatal.”

There also are vaccines that cats require no matter their lifestyle, such as rabies. Teller pointed out that rabies, which is almost always fatal, can be transmitted to cats by wildlife, including bats, coyotes, raccoons and skunks.

Pet Talk is a service of the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to [email protected].

• (HealthDay News) — It won’t come as a surprise to those who love their furry friends, but a new poll finds many Americans saying their pets offer them mental health benefits and are a part of the family.

Roughly 86% of cat and dog owners said their pets had a positive impact on their well-being, the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll found. Owners of fish, birds and turtles were less likely to say so, at 62%. Still, about 88% of all pet owners said their animals were part of their family.

“People recognize that there is something special about bonds between humans and their pets,” said APA President Dr. Rebecca Brendel.

About 50% of 2,200 people surveyed in February said they had dogs, 35% had cats, 3% had a variety of other pets and 31% had no pets.

But there were some downsides to being so attached to their pets.

Among the concerns pets brought their owners were worries about the pets aging or dying, at 71%, their pets’ health conditions, at 66%, arrangements while traveling, at 56%, and health care-related expenses, at 58%.

About 29% of those who didn’t own a pet said they couldn’t afford to, while 22% said they didn’t have time to care for a pet and 11% said they were mourning a deceased pet.

CPP Investments partners with IKAV to Acquire Aera Energy

Partnership will accelerate Aera Energy’s ability to further reduce carbon intensity and support the development of carbon capture and storage and other emerging technologies.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) will partner with international asset management group IKAV to acquire California energy producer Aera Energy LLC.

In September 2022, IKAV, which has deep renewables expertise as well as a strong track record managing U.S. conventional energy assets, announced plans to acquire Aera Energy. CPP Investments, one of the world’s largest institutional investors, agreed to purchase 49% of Aera

Energy from IKAV. Created as a joint venture between Shell and ExxonMobil, Aera Energy is California’s second-largest oil and gas producer and accounts for nearly 25% of the state’s production.

IKAV, CPP Investments and Aera Energy recognize that meeting the complex challenge of climate change will require innovation across the global economy at a significant scale. CPP Investments and

IKAV intend to help Aera balance its energy transition efforts with the need to continue meeting California’s conventional energy demands by investing in a renewable energy portfolio that will power Aera’s existing operations. Over time, renewable power will be deployed across Aera’s land holdings, while selected legacy oil and gas infrastructure will be repurposed to create carbon capture and storage capability.

Constantin von Wasserschleben, Chairman of IKAV, comments: “We are aligned with CPP Investments in our commitment to achieving a smooth and sustainable transition to renewable energy. By delivering an energy solution at Aera that ties renewable growth with the safe and responsible operation of conventional energy assets, we are pursuing the right steps to balance California’s energy demand with its future climate goals.”

Erik Bartsch, Aera Energy President and CEO, comments: “We are excited about the IKAV and CPP Investments joint ownership of Aera Energy. It tells us they believe in the need to meet the energy needs of Californians for decades to come and are confident in our ability to deliver innovative solutions that will help the state meet its bold climate goals. Aera will continue to power the California economy and live our values of exceptional care for people and the environment. We also remain committed to the principles that make us an employer of choice and a valued partner in the communities where we live and work.”

Aera is the largest onshore oil producer in Ventura County, with oil and gas operations covering approximately 4,300 acres located largely in an unincorporated area just to the northwest of the city of Ventura. Production averages 12,000 barrels per day of crude oil and seven mmcf per day of natural gas. Oil is transported to refineries in the Los Angeles basin; natural gas is shipped to Southern California Gas Co.

Aera and its forerunner companies have been actively producing crude oil in Ventura County since the 1920s. Much of the operation is now in secondary recovery water injection.

Aera and its employees in Ventura are actively involved in the local community. Our company is a longtime member of both the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and the Ventura County Economic Development Association.