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

The Veteran’s Administration has been working  to improve access to care for Ventura County’s veterans. The VA has been leveraging technology to bring a wide range of services to our vets faster than currently offered. Congresswoman Julia Brownley  held a Field Hearing of the a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health on August 9 at the Camarillo Public Library. The subject was “Technology and Treatment: Telemedicine in the VA Healthcare System”.

She was joined by Congressman Brad Wenstrup, Member. Four witnesses testified: Zachary Walker, a veteran, Dr. Herb Rogove, President of Ojai based C3O Telemedicine, Dr. Kevin Galpin, Acting Executive Director of Telehealth at the VA, and Dr. Scotte Hartronft, Chief of Staff the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System of the VA. The community showed their interest and support with a standing room only crowd of about 150 people.

What is Telemedicine? In short, Telemedicine is being able to see a doctor while you are in one place (e.g, a clinic or your home) and he/she is somewhere else (e.g., a hospital). The doctor may be a few miles or 1,000 miles away, but the patient will see him/her on a secure video link. There may be specialized cameras that a nurse can use at the doctor’s direction to look at the patient more closely, or digitally connected equipment (like a heart monitor) to measure vital signs. All of this information is available to the doctor at the remote site to aid in diagnosis and treatment. The doctor also has the veterans’ complete medical record available through electronic medical records.

Mr. Walker testified that he had frustrations scheduling appointments with his doctor, suffering numerous cancellations and rescheduling. When offered Telemedicine as an option, he was seen quickly and a treatment plan was started. The doctor had reviewed his medical file before the visit, and even called him a week later with his test results. Although it was a new way for him to see a doctor, he felt it was quick and effective.

Last year, 12 % of all vets, 677,000 people, had 2.4 million encounters using telehealth. Almost half of these encounters were in rural areas. The types of care included ICU, primary care, outpatient kiosks, sleep apnea and behavioral health.

Additional specialties will be offered through telemedicine at the Oxnard VA clinic – teleaudiology (for hearing loss), cardiology, gastroenterology, and physical therapy  will be available by the end of the year.

Telemedicine is in its early stages, and there are several challenges to its implementation.  A national medical license is needed for physicians. Although the VA has a national license, outside of the VA companies have to apply to many states costing time, money, and significant delays. Medicare needs to expand reimbursement for telemedicine into Metropolitan Statistical Areas (cities). It is now focused on providing care into rural areas. Communication needs to be improved between telemedicine providers, primary care providers, and the veteran.

Telemedicine has the promise of improving the response times, reducing cost, and improving care for our nation’s veterans. For more information on veterans benefits, call the Veterans Services Office in Ventura at 477-5155.

Blanche Callaway celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, July 30^th at The Palms Bonaventure in Ventura.  She was born in Phoenix, Arizona on August 3, 1916.  She grew up in Calexico, California and spent her adulthood living in Los Angeles and Lancaster.

Blanche has 2 daughters, Pauline Roque and Sara Sanchez.  She has 6 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. She has been a resident of the Palms for nearly 3 years.  She enjoys doing many activities with friends and having a great time.

The Palms Bonaventure, 111 N. Wells, 918-4873.

You don’t need to leave the house to be physically active. When the weather is too hot or too cold, or you don’t feel like getting dressed to go out, there are ways you can exercise right in your own home.

You can:

• dance to music on the radio or a CD (if you take it seriously enough you could invest in a portable dance floor)
• lift hand weights, soup cans, water bottles, or resistance bands while watching TV
• do floor exercises like thigh stretches and hip stretches
• do leg lifts while holding on to a sturdy chair, counter or wall for support
• march in place or walk around the room while talking on the telephone
• take a few extra trips up and down the steps at home to strengthen your legs and build endurance
• work out with an exercise DVD. Get “Everyday Exercises,” the free exercise DVD from the National Institute on Aging (NIA)
• while putting your groceries away, strengthen your arms by lifting the milk carton or a 1-pound can a few times
• walk on the treadmill, ride the stationary bike, or use the rowing machine that’s gathering dust in your bedroom or basement
• vacuum, mop, sweep, or dust those hard-to-reach areas
• play ping pong with the grandkids (they might beat you)
• take advantage of small bits of “down time” to do an exercise or two. For example, while you’re waiting for the coffee to brew or for your spouse to get ready to go out, do a few wall push-ups or calf stretches

Hearing loss happens for many reasons. Some people lose their hearing slowly as they age. This condition is called presbycusis. Doctors do not know why presbycusis happens, but it seems to run in families.

Another cause is the ear infection otitis media, which can lead to long-term hearing loss if it is not treated.

Hearing loss can also result from taking certain medications. “Ototoxic” medications damage the inner ear, sometimes permanently. Some antibiotics are ototoxic. Even aspirin at some dosages can cause problems, but they are temporary. Check with your doctor if you notice a problem while taking a medication.

Heredity can cause hearing loss, but not all inherited forms of hearing loss take place at birth. Some forms can show up later in life. In otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease, an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within the ear from working properly.

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is loud noise. Loud noise can permanently damage the inner ear. Loud noise also contributes to tinnitus, which is a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound in the ears.

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable. You can protect your hearing by avoiding noises at or above 85 decibels in loudness, which can damage your inner ear.

Lower the volume on personal stereo systems and televisions. When you are involved in a loud activity, wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices.

There are other ways to prevent hearing loss.

If earwax blockage is a problem for you, ask your doctor about treatments you can use at home such as mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial ear drops to soften earwax.

If you suspect that you may have a hole in your eardrum, you should consult a doctor before using such products. A hole in the eardrum can result in hearing loss and fluid discharge.

The ear infection otitis media is most common in children, but adults can get it, too. You can help prevent upper respiratory infections — and a resulting ear infection — by washing your hands frequently.

Ask your doctor about how to help prevent flu-related ear infections. If you still get an ear infection, see a doctor immediately before it becomes more serious.

If you take medications, ask your doctor if your medication is ototoxic, or potentially damaging to the ear. Ask if other medications can be used instead. If not, ask if the dosage can be safely reduced. Sometimes it cannot. However, your doctor should help you get the medication you need while trying to reduce unwanted side effects.

Medicare has four parts

Part A- Hospital insurance
Part B – Medical insurance
Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans like HMOs (health maintenance organizations) and PPOs (preferred provider organizations)
Part D – Medicare prescription drug coverage

Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals. Part A also helps cover skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care, under certain conditions.

Medicare Part B helps cover medical services such as doctor’s services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover. Part B also covers some preventive services, such as flu shots and diabetes screening, to help people maintain their health and to keep certain illnesses from getting worse.

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes known as Medicare Part C, are health plans people can join to get their Medicare benefits. These plans cover hospital costs (Part A), medical costs (Part B), and, in most cases, prescription drug costs (Part D). Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Medicare Advantage Plans are managed by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Medicare Part D helps pay for medications that a doctor may prescribe. This coverage may help lower prescription drug costs. These plans are run by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.

For more information about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, visit www.medicare.gov .

What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For example, Medicare doesn’t cover cosmetic surgery, health care you get while traveling outside of the United States (except in limited cases), hearing aids, most hearing exams, long-term care (like care in a nursing home), most eyeglasses, most dental care and dentures, and more. Some of these services may be covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medicaid

Some people think that Medicare and Medicaid are the same, but they are two different programs. Medicaid is a state-run program that provides hospital and medical coverage for people with low income and little or no resources. Each state has its own rules about who is eligible and what is covered under Medicaid. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Looking for a creative way to relieve stress and improve concentration? Look no further than “Creative Coloring for Health & Fun,” a new workshop at the SCAN Health & Wellness Center in Ventura. The one-time class is scheduled for Thursday, August 25 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The cost (including supplies) is $20.00. Led by fine artist Holly Woolson, the class is open to seniors 55 and older. For more information and to register call 658-0365.

Looking for a fun way to get your groove on with a free dance party workout? The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is sponsoring weekly Zumba Gold classes starting Tuesday, August 23 from 6 – 7 p.m. Seniors aged 55 and older are invited to register for a dance party workout, set for August 23 – October 11 at the Wilson Senior Center in Oxnard. To learn more details about this program and to register for Zumba gold classes, please RSVP to 658-0365 as space is limited.

The Ventura County Area Agency on recently received recognition from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with an Aging Innovations Award, the highest honor presented by n4a to member agencies. The award was given for the Agency’s Senior Nutrition Placemats. The VCAAA was one of 16 programs nationally to receive honors during the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 24-28,  in San Diego.

The 2016 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. A part of the criteria for the selection of the honorees was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.

“With the health care landscape continuing to change rapidly, our members are discovering new ways to position themselves in the long-term and health care marketplaces, as well as to strengthen long-standing services, to meet the needs of America’s rapidly growing older adult population,” said n4a’s Chief Executive Officer Sandy Markwood.

The 2016 n4a Aging Innovations Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories including Caregiving, Community Planning & Livable Communities, Elder Abuse Prevention, Healthy Aging, Home & Community-Based Services, Nutrition, Transportation & Mobility and “You Name It!”

The VCAAA created the Senior Nutrition Placemats as an educational tool to boost awareness of healthy and affordable food options for low-income older adults.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, an agency of the County of Ventura, is the principal agency in Ventura County charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

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

As part of an occasional series, the Breeze interviews local senior residents about their bucket lists – or “what we wish to accomplish before we are shuffled off this mortal coil”.

Do you remember when you were five and you were dreaming about what your life would be like when you were grown? You may not have realized it, but you were forming your first bucket list – what you dream to do before you can’t. It could be to meet your favorite celebrity, go skydiving or even visit places such as lakes of the Ozarks in Missouri. No matter what they are, finding a way to tick as many goals as possible is the next step. Writing you list helps you remember what you enjoy in life, and can cheer you up. The act of writing it is energizing, and just talking about what is on your list can motivate you to get it done. There are no right or wrong activities; the list reflects your dreams. It will remind you of what you enjoy in life, suited to your physical ability and risk tolerance.

Oxnard resident Tina H. grew up in England during World War II. She survived the London blitz, a terrifying period in England’s history. Her father instilled within her a strong sense of adventure through travel. She emigrated when she was 23, and launched an adventurous life here in the States. She earned her way selling magazines door to door, travelling throughout the Midwest and the East Coast. It was a great way for a young woman to learn about America and its diverse culture and geography. Along the way she worked in a factory manufacturing ball point pens, a new technology at the time. After settling in California, she worked several jobs including driving cars from Europe off of the ships ready for sale in the US. Tina is a resilient woman, having survived two bouts of cancer and the accompanying chemotherapy and radiation treatments. On top of that, she has been married twice. At 83 years young, Tina has an extensive bucket list!

Number one on the list is a trip to New Zealand. Discovering this beautiful country will be a spontaneous adventure, as she doesn’t know what she will find when arriving. She plans to go during their summer so she will have good weather, perhaps in the fall. When asked how long she will spend there, she replied “could be two weeks or two months, depending on what I find!”. Tina proves to all of us that retirement is the perfect time to see the world and that anyone can make the most of their golden years!

She enjoys fishing and has crossed “catching halibut” off her list. Next is a trip to Alaska to catch salmon. Salmon are notoriously difficult to catch, and require skill and patience.

A trip to Maui is next on her list. The helicopter ride through mist covered mountains with cascading waterfalls and tropical bluffs appeal to her love of nature. The beautiful beach doesn’t hurt either.

Tina has a bright sense of humor and a zest for life. She doesn’t allow her illnesses to define her, and has written a bold and exciting bucket list.

If you have an interesting bucket list story to share, call Phil Chandler at 389-5320.

by Lori Harasta

What if you had a little time to plan your death?  You could make amends, have meaningful conversations with loved ones, impart wisdom, and get a last hug.

That is a big part of what hospice is all about.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) hosted an award-winning documentary film called, “Consider the Conversation” earlier this month.  Dr. Lanyard Dial, President/CEO and Medical Director of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association (LMVNA) introduced the film and led a follow-up discussion for the 33 attendees.

The movie encourages the viewers to think ahead of time about what they want at the end of life, and to discuss it with their loved ones.  Acknowledging it is a difficult subject to bring up for family members, experts emphasize the importance of having the conversation.

There are wide-ranging misconceptions about hospice.  Many think it is about giving up living.  Actually, it is allowing the patient to hopefully live life with quality and meaning as opposed to being consumed with medical appointments and treatments that more often than not deplete energy and time to spend with loved ones.

When a person suffers with a terminal illness, the entire family is impacted. It can be a bigger event for loved ones than for the patient. That’s why the hospice team provides care and support, not just for the patient, but the entire family.

Dying from a terminal illness can be a long process.  Some families, unwilling to admit their loved one has a limited time to live will put off receiving hospice care.   They do themselves and others a disservice by prolonging the dying process instead of prolonging living.  Many people on hospice care live longer and have better quality of life than they would without.

If you are like most people, you want to die on your own terms, with dignity and surrounded by love.  Hospice can enable you to do so.