All posts by admin

Tips for people living with Lewy Body Dementia

Coping with a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia (LBD) and all that follows can be challenging. Getting support from family, friends, and professionals is critical to ensuring the best possible quality of life. Creating a safe environment and preparing for the future are important, too. Take time to focus on your strengths, enjoy each day, and make the most of your time with family and friends. Here are some ways to live with LBD day to day.

Your family and close friends are likely aware of changes in your thinking, movement, or behavior. You may want to tell others about your diagnosis so they can better understand the reason for these changes. For example, you could say that you have been diagnosed with a brain disorder called Lewy body dementia, which can affect thinking, movement, and behavior, and that you will need more help over time. By sharing your diagnosis, you can build a support team to help you manage LBD.

As LBD progresses, you will likely have more trouble managing everyday tasks such as taking medication, paying bills, and driving. You will gradually need more assistance from family members, friends, and perhaps professional caregivers. Although you may be reluctant to get help, try to let others partner with you so you can manage responsibilities together. Remember, LBD affects your loved ones, too. You can help reduce their stress when you accept their assistance.

Finding someone you can talk with about your diagnosis — a trusted friend or family member, a mental health professional, or a spiritual advisor — may be helpful.

LBD causes changes in thinking and movement that can lead to safety issues. Consider these steps:

Fill out and carry the LBD Medical Alert Wallet Card and present it any time you are hospitalized, require emergency medical care, or meet with your doctors. It contains important information about medication sensitivities.

Consider subscribing to a medical alert service, in which you push a button on a bracelet or necklace to access 911 if you need emergency help.

Address safety issues in your home. Consider areas of fall risk, poor lighting, stairs, or cluttered walkways. Think about home modifications that may be needed, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom or adding stairs with ramps. Ask your doctor to refer you to a home health agency for a home safety evaluation.

Talk with your doctor about LBD and driving. Have your driving skills evaluated, if needed.

There are many ways to plan ahead after a diagnosis of LBD. Here are some things to consider:

Start conversations early. Soon after your diagnosis, start conversations with your family and doctors about the care you’d like to receive in the future.

If you are working, consult with a legal and financial expert about planning for disability leave or retirement. Symptoms of LBD will interfere with work performance over time, and it is essential to plan now to obtain benefits you are entitled to.

Consult with an attorney who specializes in elder law or estate planning to help you write or update a living will, health care power of attorney, will, and other documents.

Identify local resources for home care, meals, and other services before you need them.

Explore moving to a retirement or continuing care community where activities and varying levels of care can be provided over time, as needed. Ask about staff members’ experience caring for people with LBD.

Despite the many challenges and adjustments that come with an LBD diagnosis, you can have moments of love, humor, tenderness, and gratitude with the people closest to you. Your attitude can help you find enjoyment in daily life.

Make a list of events and activities you can still enjoy — then find a way to do them! For example, listen to music, exercise, or go out for a meal with family and friends. If you can’t find pleasure in daily life, talk with your doctor or another health care professional about effective ways to cope. Let your family know if you are struggling emotionally so they can offer support.

For more information about living with Lewy body dementia

NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center

800-438-4380

Census Bureau releases report on domestic migration of older Americans

“These are the best movers we ever had!”

Where people live is especially important as people age. Life changes including retirement; children leaving the household; possible physical, mental, and cognitive declines; and changes in disability status influence the housing preferences of older adults. These changes may require changes in a person’s or family’s living arrangements. Domestic Migration of Older Americans: 2015 – 2019, a report supported in part by NIA and released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, describes the migration patterns of older adults to help provide key insights on this important topic.

Following are a few key findings:

Although older adults are far less likely to change their home residence than younger people, more than 3 million adults age 65 and older move every year. Larger proportions of the oldest old population — people age 85 and over — moved, compared to those age 65 to 84.

Older adults living with at least one disability were found to be more likely to move than those with none. However, individuals with a disability who moved were likely to relocate within their same county.

The southern and western states were the most popular destinations for older adults who move. Among the states, Florida gained the most older people, while New York had the greatest number of people leave the state.

These migration estimates and patterns could provide critical data for federal, state, and local governments, policymakers, and businesses to support community planning. For example, communities with high proportions of older adults may want to ensure that their public transit routes stop at grocery stores and pharmacies.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families awarded foster family foundation grant

For the fourth year, Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families has received a $100,000 grant from the Foster Family Foundation to support the agency’s campus-based programs and services in addition to its Mobile Crisis Response services in Santa Barbara County. Casa Pacifica provides a comprehensive and integrated array of programs for youth who have been involved in the foster care system or who face severe emotional or behavioral challenges, with specific expertise in educational, employment, housing and mental and behavioral health services.

“We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We are pleased to continue our support of Casa Pacifica, and we share in its commitment to ensuring a bright future for foster and at-risk children and youth,” said Camille Davenport, president, Foster Family Foundation.

Casa Pacifica serves approximately 1,700 youth each year through therapeutic, evidence-based programs that include residential treatment; transitional youth services for both transitional (16-18 years) and emancipated (18-24 years) foster youth; recreational therapy to build confidence and foster positive relationships; and Safe Alternatives for Treating Youth (SAFTY), a mobile response service for children in crisis. The agency also serves more than 100 children and adolescents each year through its Non-Public School, a fully certified, accredited special education school that helps at-risk youth regain grade level and build both classroom and social skills.

As the largest nonprofit provider of mental and behavioral health services for at-risk and foster children and adolescents in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, Casa Pacifica relies on grantors, event revenue and corporate and individual donors to provide essential programs and services to more than 2,000 children, youth and families annually. This year alone, the organization must fundraise approximately 13% of its nearly $30 million operating budget. Monies raised fill the gap that exists between revenue received through government service contracts and the actual cost of caring for children, youth and families.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families provides assessment, clinical, medical, residential, and educational services to foster and at-risk children/youth struggling with complex mental health disorders due to past trauma and/or mental illness. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties and administers fourteen campus- and community-based programs designed to give youth, and their families, the tools they need to heal, rebuild and strengthen relationships, reengage with their educations, and overcome their negative emotional and behavioral challenges. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.

Meet the Christmas Train at Stops in Ventura, Santa Paula and Fillmore

Enjoy Hot Chocolate and Treats as Santa and his Elves Collect Toys for Disadvantaged Children on November 26

One and all are invited to meet up with the Christmas Train on Saturday evening, November 26 as Santa and his elves makes stops in Ventura, Santa Paula and Fillmore to collect toys for underprivileged children. The Christmas Train is a collaboration between the Sierra Northern Railway and the Sunburst train, created for a “Spirit of the Holidays Train Toy Drive.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped, new toy that will be loaded onto the train and later shared with a child in need. Free to all, the “Spirit of the Holidays Train Toy Drive” will offer a festive atmosphere including hot chocolate and candy canes, as well as the chance to mingle with Santa and his elves.

The train’s first stop is at 6:20 p.m. at the pedestrian crossing near Montgomery Avenue and North Bank Drive in Ventura. Here, families may bring their toys for drop-off; watch Santa’s train chug into sight; and enjoy treats and the excitement of the season.

Next, the train stops at 7 p.m. at the Saticoy Depot (11220 Azahar St,) in Ventura; then at 8 p.m. at the Santa Paula Depot (200 N. 10th St.) in Santa Paula; and, finally, at 9:15 p.m. near the intersection of Sespe Avenue and Old Telegraph Road in Fillmore (across the street from the fire station).

Each location will conjure up a joyful community gathering as local businesses and organizations come together to support this special cause.

For more information, please visit: sunbursttrain.com/spirit-of-the-holidays/

Recent CMH Auxiliary events

An annual event was held at the Camarillo Air Museum.

With the lifting of prohibitions against in-person meetings, some delayed events have been reinstated. Recently, an awards luncheon was held at the Sheraton Four Points to honor CMH Auxiliary members who have contributed many hours of service as well as those who have been volunteering for years. Members were recognized for their service of 100 hours, 500 hours, 1000 hours and more.

Members were also recognized for their years of service. Sandra Frandsen and Julie Kaplan have volunteered for 20 years, and Rosalee Asbell, Frank Cavallero, and Iris Schulman have contributed for 25 years. JoAnn Bowen was recognized for her 30 years of service, and Frances Reed has been a CMH Auxiliary volunteer for 35 years!

The Auxiliary provides valuable assistance in most areas of the hospital, providing information at the front desk, working in the gift shop, transporting patients throughout the hospital, and supporting the medical staff in any way possible.

Another event that has resumed with the easing of Covid restrictions is the Benefactor’s Ball, formerly an annual event supporting Community Memorial Hospital. Held at the Camarillo Air Museum, members of the CMH Auxiliary served as “Flight Crew” to assist with greeting guests, and later with the fund-raising auction. Major donors and supporters of the hospital were recognized, and outgoing CEO Gary Wilde was acknowledged for his leadership.

If you are interested in participating in the Auxiliary, information and applications are available at the front desk of CMH. You may also call 805-948-4299 and leave a message with your contact information requesting that an application be mailed to you.

Former European champs taking on 2022 USL League 2 champs as part of its HSV ROUTE 87 tour

Fresh off its second USL League 2 Championship, the Ventura County Fusion will take on historic German side Hamburger SV Friday November 18th at Ventura College. The stadium opens at 6pm and the game starts at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now for $15 via ticketleap.com and also be purchased for $20 in person on the day of the game.

“This friendly will be a great test for our team,” said Fusion USL 2 Head Coach Mike Elias“ We had a terrific run during the summer against really good USL competition and playing against one of the great clubs in the world will be a great test for us as well as a really fun night for our fans.”

The Fusion has a long history of playing top international clubs including River Plate (Argentina), Atlético Morelia (Mexico), AIK, GAIS, and Hammarby (Sweden). The Fusion have gone up against a who’s who of English Premier League sides including Manchester City, Everton, Burnley, Swansea and West Bromwich Albion FC. The Fusion captured a historic win in July 2014, defeating Rangers F.C. from the Scottish Premiership 3-1 in a friendly match at Ventura College.

This match, however, will be the first time the Fusion has gone up against a team from Germany. Hamburger SV is one of the oldest clubs in Germany and is known for traditionally playing in red shorts, leading to the nickname die Rothosen (the Red Pants). It has won league titles in both the amateur and pro eras, including three Bundesliga championships. They’ve also won three domestic cups, as well as the European Cup Winners Cup, in 1977, and the European Cup, predecessor to the current UEFA Champions League, in 1983. This season, playing in Bundesliga 2, Hamburg currently sits in second place with a record of 10-1-4.

In addition to the Fusion, Hamburger SV will play defending USL Champions Orange County FC on November 15 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. The club’s dinosaur mascot, “Dino Hermann” will travel with the team and will be on hand in Irvine and in Ventura to interact with fans.

For more information about the Ventura County Fusion, please visit vcfusion.com.

St. John’s Regional Medical Center earns Blue Distinction® Centers Designation

Dignity Health –St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) has once again been recognized with a Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated providers that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

“We are proud to once again be named a Blue Distinction Center for providing high quality cardiac care,” said David Schmidt, MD, medical director, cardiovascular services, St. John’s Regional Medical Center. “Receiving this prestigious designation for a second consecutive earning period is a testament to the skill and talent of the cardiac team at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and our commitment to advancing care for our patients.”

Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care seek to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to find quality cardiac care. To be designated, hospitals must demonstrate expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary interventions episodes of care.

“Our team works hard every day to provide patients with the best care and the best possible outcomes, said Barry Wolfman, President and CEO of St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo. “This is a well-deserved honor. I am incredibly proud to work alongside such an amazing cardiology team.”

Hospitals recognized with this designation are assessed using a combination of quality information supplied by hospitals and third-party data registries and cost measures derived from Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies’ medical claims.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is expected to claim more than 23.6 million lives annually by 2030.

The Draft Climate Action and Resilience Plan is posted for community members to review

After receiving extensive feedback, ideas, and input from community members and stakeholders, the draft Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) has been released and is available online for public review on www.planventura.com.

The City of Ventura’s CARP creates a roadmap aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare the community for potential impacts of climate change. This includes improving energy and water efficiency, reducing pollution, lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and adapting to a changing climate. The CARP also addresses State requirements of reducing GHG emissions 40% below 1990 levels per Senate Bill (SB) 32.

“The drafted CARP incorporated feedback from stakeholder meetings, public workshops, and surveys to develop a plan that reflects the values and vision of the community to address climate change and find effective solutions towards energy efficiency,” said Community Development Director Peter Gilli.

The City of Ventura currently has robust programs dedicated to energy efficiency and emissions reductions. Recently, the City established its Food Waste Recycling Program, in compliance of Senate Bill (SB) 1383, with the goal of diverting organic waste from landfills and reducing GHG emissions. Additionally, the City of Ventura works directly with local businesses and schools to improve resource efficiency and implement waste reduction practices.

The City of Ventura joined 29 other cities in offering clean, renewable energy by the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) in February 2018 to its residents. The City of Ventura also embarked on its Energy Action Plan to establish energy reduction targets, increase energy efficiency, and lower Greenhouse Gas emissions.

The draft CARP is available to review until December 12, 2022. Please submit comments through the contact form on the City’s General Plan website at www.planventura.com or share by email at [email protected].