Category Archives: Senior Living

Free monthly education classes

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community.  As part of their services, they host free monthly education classes throughout the county which include the following in Ventura held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109. Call 642-0239 for more information.

Adult Bereavement Support Group Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 6:30-8:00 pm.  These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge.

Newly Bereaved Support Group Thursday, July 14th from 6-7:30.  This monthly group is designed for adults who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one and is free. Email [email protected].  These groups meet every 2nd Thursday of each month.

Diabetes Classes Tuesday, from 1-2.  These meetings are held on 1st Tuesday of each month.  General information is provided about Type 2 Diabetes with emphasis on the development of an individualized plan of care that includes diet, medication, exercise and blood sugar monitoring.

Joint Replacement Classes Thursday, July 7th from 1:00-2:pm. You will learn what to expect before, during and after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to be an active participant in your care. These meetings are 1st Thursday of each month.  For information or to RSVP call Dinah Davis at (805) 642-0239 ext. 739.

Monday, July 11th for both English and Spanish speaking.  English 4:00-5:00 pm and Spanish 5:30-6:30. You will learn what to expect before, during and after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to be an active participant in your care.

Staying independent after Independence Day

by Lori Harasta

Having just celebrated our country’s 240th Independence Day, it is notable that the number one fear in the minds of older Americans is losing their ability to live independently.  One of the primary ways people lose it is by falling.

One in three citizens ages 65 and older fall every year.  A single fall can be life-altering.

As one gets older, falls are more likely because reaction time slows. Muscles and joints may also get stiffer, making them less flexible. Illness, medications, and vision changes can also affect balance.

Since most falls happen in the home, a key prevention measure is to make one’s home safer.  Follow the tips below:

Floors:

Put nonskid pads under area rugs.

Remove throw rugs.

Replace worn floor coverings.

Tack carpets firmly to each step on carpeted stairs. Put nonskid strips on the edges of uncarpeted stairs.

Keep floors and stairs free of clutter and cords.

Arrange furniture so there are clear pathways.

Clean up any spills right away.

Bathrooms:

Install grab bars in the tub or shower.

Apply nonskid strips or put a nonskid rubber mat in the tub or shower.

Sit on a bath chair to bathe.

Use bathmats with nonskid backing.

Lighting:

Keep a flashlight in each room.

Put a nightlight along the pathway between the bedroom and the bathroom.

For more information on fall prevention go to  http://lmvna.kramesonline.com

 

 

Area veterans honored at Cypress Place Senior Living

Taps was played to honor our veterans, leaving many in tears. Photo by Michael Gordon  

On Wednesday, June 29 Cypress Place Senior Living hosted a special “Salute To Our Veterans” celebration with a ceremony recognizing residents of, as well as members of the public, who served their country.  Over 250 people attended the powerful tribute.

A military Color Guard presentation by the 1st Memorial Honors Detail led off the tribute.  Words of thanks were provided by Ventura City Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann, as well as Stephanie Caldwell, the President and CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.

Captain Chris Janke, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Ventura County, made the keynote presentation, which was followed by a special veteran recognition and recognition of widows, widowers, and parents of Veterans.

Ventura City Fire Chief David Endaya spoke on the importance of showing appreciation to veterans.  He urged members of the audience to take the time to stop and personally thank active duty servicemen and woman whom they come across, a tradition his own family  follows.

Speaker Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean pointed out the significance of the representatives from the offices of elected officials in attendance at the event.  According to Dean, whether you agree with their political beliefs or not, the important thing is that citizens are able to vote to elect the officials, something that people in many countries around the world are still not able to do.

Veterans living at Cypress Place Senior Living received Certificates of Recognition from the office of California State Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin.  Representatives were also on hand from the offices of United States Congresswoman Julia Brownley, as well as California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson.

Taps was played, leaving many in tears, and a flag was folded and presented to 102 year-old Cypress Place resident and retired United States Army Captain, Donald Wright, on behalf of all Veterans.  The flag will be permanently displayed at the senior community.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ventura City Assistant Fire Chief Matt Brock.  Pamela Vincent led the audience in the National Anthem.  Live musical entertainment and a free BBQ lunch followed the tribute, along with a special Veterans memorabilia display inside the community.

To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura please call 650-8000 or visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

 

 

The Victoria Care Center celebrates over 500 Years of service

There are several employees who have been at Victoria since their opening.

Victoria Care Center is excited to announce a celebration was recently held called 500 Years of Service recognizing over 40 employees each of whom have served over 10 years. The total number of years that was celebrated was 590..  The celebration was held at the Olive Garden in Oxnard.

The job titles of the employees recognized were management,  certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, physical / occupational / speech therapists, housekeepers, dietary team members, business office, and social services.

One of the employees honored is retiring after 20 years having served in the business office for the entire time and most recently serving as the Business Office Director. Brenda remembers joining Victoria Care Center when it was originally owned by Community Memorial Hospital and a local developer.

Another who was recognized was Peter, in laundry services, who was one of their first employees and continues to work part-time after 25 years.

Today, Victoria Care Center is part of the Ensign Group which operates over 200 skilled nursing / rehab, assisted living, home health and hospice agencies in over 10 states. Victoria serves long term residents and operates the Post-Acute Rehab Center known as the PARC at Victoria.  The PARC has 80 beds and is the largest provider of services to Kaiser, a large managed care organization and serves patients referred from all of the major hospitals in Ventura County.

Tyler Douglas, Chief Information Officer represented Ensign Group, headquartered in Mission Viejo, at the event and thanked each and all of the employees for exemplifying the culture of Ensign Group – to dignify long term care in the eyes of the world.

Tyler was the second employee hired and there are now over 30,000 employees. The broad types of services provided by Victoria and other Ensign facilities are helping to restore lives and lead the way in adapting to dramatic changes in the healthcare world.

Victoria Care Center has been rated by U.S. News and World Report one of the best long-term care facilities in America.  Victoria Care Center and the PARC are located at 5445 Everglades Street in Ventura.

Further information may be obtained at www.VictoriaCareCenter.com .

Alzheimer’s Conference

Dr. Sutton of Pacific Neuroscience discusses research on a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dr. Sutton of Pacific Neuroscience discusses research on a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

by Phil Chandler, Owner of Right at Home of Ventura County, Home Care Agency

Every year, the Alzheimer’s Association holds a conference for professionals to discuss trends and future directions in caregiving and research in dementia care and medications. This year the conference was held at the Ventura Marriott and had nationally renowned speakers discussing a variety of topics.

The morning keynote was presented by Dr. Keith  Fargo, Director of Scientific Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association. He presented some statistics that had everyone take notice – in 2016, an estimated 700,000 people will die from Alzheimer’s in the United States, and it is the 6th leading cause of death. There is no cure and the disease cannot be slowed.

The largest risk factor for Alzheimer ’s disease is age – 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 will get Alzheimer’s, and 1 in 3 over the age of 85 will get it. Medications that are available can temporarily improve the symptoms in some people, but no medications can stop or slow the nerve cell death in Alzheimer’s.

There have been about 15 treatments tested that slow or stop the damage caused by Alzheimer’s – in animal models. This is very good news if you are a mouse. It is also good news for humans because these results show that the research is on the right track, but there is still work to be done.

Dr. James Sutton, Medical Director of Pacific Neuroscience in Oxnard, discussed research that is being conducted right here in Ventura County. He discussed the biological mechanisms that cause Alzheimer’s disease, and how the drugs being tested attempt to slow or stop these processes. Over the last decade, there has been an acceleration of  progress in the understanding of the disease due to results from the Human Genome Project, advances in brain imaging, and strong international research efforts.

A husband and wife team of neurologists, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, from Cedars-Sinai Hospital Alzheimer’s Prevention Program discussed healthy lifestyles that are believed to reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease is very complicated, and may be triggered by genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Additionally, it is different in men and women. Early diagnosis is critical so the patient and family can make plans for care, finances, and social support. They are a proponent of a program that they have called NEURO: Nutrition, Exercise, Unwind (stress relief), Restful sleep, and Optimal mental and social activity. They believe that we can improve our brain health by living healthy lifestyles.

 

 

 

What can you do? Even if you don’t have dementia, you can go the website www.alz.org/trialmatch, or call 1-800-272-3900. You will be asked to fill out a simple questionnaire, and your profile will be compared to a clinical study database of over 260 different drug and non-drug clinical trials.  You will receive information about studies for which you might be a good fit. All of the information is confidential, and the Alzheimer’s Association will not know any personal information about you. It is up to you to contact the study if you are interested in participating towards a cure.

If you want to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease, contact Monica Schrader at the Alzheimer’s Association at 484-5200.

 

Calling all veterans: a tribute to your service

A military Color Guard from the 1st Memorial Honors Detail, representing the different branches of the military, present arms at a previous Salute To Our Veterans event at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura. Photo by Michael Gordon
A military Color Guard from the 1st Memorial Honors Detail, representing the different branches of the military, present arms at a previous Salute To Our Veterans event at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura. Photo by Michael Gordon

Cypress Place Senior Living will host a special “Salute To Our Veterans” celebration with a ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country.  Come join us for this powerful tribute.

A military Color Guard presentation will lead the tribute, followed by a special Veteran recognition, along with recognition of widows and widowers of Veterans.  Keynote speaker for this touching tribute will be Captain Chris Janke, Commanding Officer, Naval Base Ventura County.

Captain Janke is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy.  Following training as a Naval Flight Officer he completed numerous deployments worldwide, as well as stateside.  One assignment was to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Operations Directorate (J-3), where he was charged with preparation of Sensitive Reconnaissance Operations mission packages for Presidential approval.

In addition to Captain Janke’s presentation, a tribute to fallen heroes will be led by Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean.

“The freedoms we all enjoy today are only possible due to the great service and sacrifice of so many Veterans throughout the years,” said Mike Macke, director of sales and marketing at the senior community.  “We want to honor them, and make sure we don’t forget what they have done for their country.”

Words of thanks will also be offered by Ventura City Fire Chief David Endaya, Ventura City Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann, and Ventura Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stephanie Caldwell.

A free BBQ lunch will follow the powerful program.   “Touching History”, a private war memorabilia collection by Tom Weaver will also be displayed, along with memorabilia from residents of the senior community.  Residents, families, and friends of the community are welcome to attend.  The event is free and open to the public.

Free shuttle parking will be available at Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura (corner of Ralston Street and Cypress Point Lane).

This inspiring event begins promptly at 11am on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016 at Cypress Place Senior Living.  Cypress Place Senior Living is located at 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura.  For more information or to RSVP, please call 650-8000.

To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

 

 

 

 

Talking about driving with seniors

“Don’t tell us that we are too old to drive, just get out of the way.”
“Don’t tell us that we are too old to drive, just get out of the way.”

by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation

Since an older driver may not be aware of his or her limitations or may be reluctant to talk about them, it is important to introduce the subject of driving issues gently. You can do several things to increase the likelihood that conversations about driving will go well.

Start with a one-on-one conversation. To lead the conversation, pick someone in the family or a trusted friend who the older adult driver may listen to more than others. If possible, identify a person who has already had to cut back on or stop driving and who is taking actions to stay connected to the things that are important to him or her.

In some families, it works better to have just one person have the conversation. In other families, having several family members express their concern will underscore the family’s concern for the older person’s safety. However, avoid holding a large family meeting and “ganging up” on the older driver. You are not trying to stage an “intervention.”

Focus on safety. Explain that the safety of the driver and others, and not necessarily giving up driving, is the immediate goal. Modifications may help keep the driver safe.

Focus on maintaining the older adult’s independence. Make clear that the goal is for the driver to be able to continue the activities he or she currently enjoys while staying safe. Offer to help support the person stay independent. For example, you might say: “I’ll help you figure out how to get where you want to go if driving is not possible.”

Be positive, supportive, and affirming. Appreciate the significance of a driver’s license to the older person. Be sympathetic with the person and be sensitive to their feelings about having to restrict or eliminate an activity that has been an important part of their independence. Listen with compassion and work with them to find solutions.

Avoid Confrontation. Use “I” messages rather than “You” messages. Don’t be put off by negative reactions.

 

5th Annual Golden Future Senior Expo

Baby boomers and seniors have redefined every stage of their lives.
Baby boomers and seniors have redefined every stage of their lives.

Golden Future Expos is presenting the 5th Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo to be held on Saturday, July 9th at the Ventura County Fairgrounds from 10:00am – 3:00pm inside the San Miguel Expo Hall.

The event is being held in conjunction with the following sponsors:  Not Born Yesterday Monthly Newspaper, The California Senior Guide and the VC Star Newspaper.

The Senior Expo will feature 65 vendors with products, services, and resources tailored to the 50+ market.

Highlights include:

  • Free admission and free parking!
  • Free health screenings (blood pressure, thyroid cancer, stroke, carotid artery, massages and more)
  • Free resume review and career consultation
  • Free financial planning advice
  • Live comedy show by “That Boomer Guy – Bob Ridley”
  • Great speakers and workshops (social security, medicare, maintaining your finances in retirement and more!)
  • Hourly door prize drawings and giveaways
  • Mini job and volunteer fair
  • Haircuts/manicures/beauty makeovers for men and women
  • Food for purchase
  • Chances to win $100 American Express Gift Card
  • Golden Future social hour
  • Fitness class and/or wellness walk
  • And more!

“Baby boomers and seniors have redefined every stage of their life and are now redefining the aging process” says Toyia Moore, event producer at Golden Future Expos.  “The Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo will be a power-up day for people to get out and socialize, access health resources, shop for products and services, and be entertained and informed.  Our participating sponsors and exhibitors put a tremendous amount of work into their expo presence; we are certain that attendees will really appreciate and enjoy it!  These events are really a who’s who of those who offer goods and services to the 50+ market” said Moore.

To pre-register, visit www.goldenfutureseniorexpo.com.  For additional information or booth reservations call 424-772-6039.

 

Learn how to navigate your iPad

“Now I won’t forget where I put my playing cards.”
“Now I won’t forget where I put my playing cards.”

Do you need help using your tablet? The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is offering free monthly “iPad Basics for Seniors” class Tuesdays, starting June 28th at 9 a.m. During this two-hour, entry-level class, participants will learn basic tablet terminology, initial set-up procedures, the features and gestures of their iPad, and more. Subsequent classes will be held 7/26, 8/23, 9/27, 10/25 and 11/22. The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is located at 6633 Telephone Road. The iPad Basics class is open to seniors 55 and older and caregivers. Please bring your iPad. To register for this class, please call 658-0365 as space is limited.

Ventura Convalescent Hospital earns Quality Award

Ventura Convalescent Hospital (4020 Loma Vista) has been recognized as a 2016 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The award is the first of three distinctions possible through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the leading association for long term and post-acute care. The program honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment  to  improving  quality  of care for seniors and persons  with disabilities.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the hard work and quality of care our team provides every day,” said Renee Jones, Administrator of Ventura Convalescent Hospital. “We are committed to providing high-quality, person-centered care to our residents and their families. We will never stop improving.”