Category Archives: Senior Living

Become a volunteer

Become a tutor to a homeless child for an hour each week at VAAC! School on Wheels provides tutoring

for children living in shelters, motels and foster group homes. No experience is necessary to become a volunteer tutor, just your love of learning. They provide your training and support. Touch a child’s life and he or she will touch yours! For more information, please contact Linda Huddle at 641.1678.

Join the Senior Nutrition Volunteer Corps. They are looking for volunteers to help in their Senior Nutrition Kitchen and to drive meals out to homebound seniors. Interested? Please contact Hans at 648-3035.

Call 658.4728 to join the weekend training programs to become an Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters  docent. Dress in period costumes and share the history of this landmark site. www.cityoventura.net/olivasadobe.

Advanced Directives and POLST presented at Lexington

The guests who attended the seminar were very engaged and had excellent questions.

“Have a conversation.”  That was Teri’s number one bit of advice for an audience of thirty-five at the Lexington Senior Living Community recently.

Teri Helton, RN, MSN, FCN is a hospice nurse and educator for Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice.  She presented a seminar on Advanced Directives and POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) to a riveted and interactive group of people.

“You need to have a conversation, because the person you think you want to have carry out your directives might not be the one who is willing or emotionally able to do so.”  Teri gave examples from her own life.  Who did her mother ask to talk to the hospital nurses after her father had a stroke?  Teri.  Who did her sister call when the paramedics came back four months later when her mother had a heart attack?  Teri.  Otherwise, both would have had the resuscitative treatment they did not want.

Myrtle’s story was an example of what can happen when one does not have a conversation.  After seeing her husband suffer needlessly for the last six weeks of his life on a ventilator in intensive care, she wrote a living will, and then locked it in her desk.  Sometime later, her nephew found her lying on the floor after suffering a brain hemorrhage.  At the hospital, the doctor asked if she had an advanced directive.  He didn’t know.  Nor did her doctor or her daughter know.  They didn’t know because Myrtle did not have a conversation.

The packet of information provided by Livingston included a booklet called “Five Wishes” (one type of Advance Health Care Directive), which helps put in writing one’s personal, emotional and spiritual needs as well as medical wishes.  It is a helpful tool, which enables the conversation with family, friends, and doctor.  It keeps them from having to guess how one wants to be treated.  An Advance Health Care Directive should be completed by anyone 18 or older.

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) gives seriously ill patients more control over their end-of-life care and covers whether to attempt CPR, administer antibiotics and IV fluids, the use of a ventilator, and artificial nutrition by tube.

The guests who attended the seminar were very engaged and had excellent questions.  A complimentary lunch was served on the Promenade deck by the Lexington following the class where the conversation continued.

The Lexington Assisted Living located at 5440 Ralston Street in Ventura has prided itself on providing housing and quality care at affordable prices to seniors for 25 years offering independent living, assisted living and Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care in 113 apartments with gorgeous ocean and mountain views.

Vol. 9, No. 14 – April 13 – April 26, 2016 – A Tender Touch Senior Placement

“Would you like for us to come over and cook dinner for you?”
“Would you like for us to come over and cook dinner for you?”

Serve Day For The Elders
By Connie De La Rosa

As many of us may be aware of, our elderly population is one of the most underserved populations.  Many elders live on a Social Security which pays approximately $800.00 to $1,200.00 a month and others may have pensions which could bring income levels up to about $3,000.00 a month.  Finding affordable housing, paying for medical devices that are not covered by Medi-Care or Medi-Cal  in addition to other monthly expenses, can be very difficult on our aging population that have many needs.

Each year for one day  a volunteer organization “ACTION” will perform free of charge small scaled tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, yard work to larger scaled tasks such as retro fitting a house for a disabled person in need. This will be in  May.

“This is a celebration of the daily volunteering we do throughout the County of Ventura for our aging population and others in need”, states Program Director Rachelle Melia stated.  Many churches located in Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Simi Valley and other volunteers, including teenagers, throughout the County are involved in organizing this one day big event for all those in need free of charge.

For more information, you may call Rachelle at 987-0300 or go to their website www.actionvc.org .

 

 

 

CMHS to hold free Ethics In Healthcare Event

Communicating end of life decisions will be the focus of a free Ethics in Healthcare event Community Memorial Health System is holding as part of its 2016 Speakers Series on Thursday, April 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County.

Jim Hornstein, M.D., CMHS Bioethics Chair will moderate the latest Ethics in Healthcare event being held in recognition of National Healthcare Decision Day.

The event, entitled “Goodbye to ‘Death Panels,’ Hello Patient Care – A Must Event for Adults to Understand & Complete Their Own Living Wills” will feature presentations on “How to Complete an Advance Directive,” by Diana Jaquez, R.N., manager of CMHS Palliative Care, and a “Toast to Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment,” by Teri Helton, R.N., president of the Ventura County POLST Coalition. Each attendee will receive an advance directive and POLST form. Presenters will review the forms and help attendees complete them. A notary will be available.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., attendees can arrived before presentations to visit exhibitors with information about elder living, services and programs from local hospice and home healthcare agencies, CMHS Social Services and Palliative Care Services, and representatives from Mission Home Health, Los Robles Homecare, Aegis Living of Ventura, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice and Assisted Home Health Hospice.

Registration is free but reservations are required. To secure reservations visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

 

 

American Icon ‘Gidget’ to speak at Health Expo

How did Kathy of Malibu surfing fame come to get her nickname of Gidget?

Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman, a.k.a the real Gidget, never intended to become an American icon.  All the gutsy, persistent 15-year-old really wanted to do was to learn how to surf and meet boys during her bucolic summer days in Malibu, California during the 1950s.

The experiences from that tiny dream, however, led to not only the highly successful novel “Gidget” about her California beach experiences, but were later turned into a movie of the same name starring Sandra Dee and a TV series starring Sally Field.  Combined, they sparked the California surfing craze and catapulted the surf culture into mainstream American life.

“All of a sudden everybody wanted to come to California, be Gidget, fall in love with Moondoggie, and meet the big Kahoona,” said Kohner-Zuckerman, who will share her incredible true-life story during the upcoming Health & Wealth Expo at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura.

Widely recognized as a pioneering female surfer in a predominantly male sport, and an inspiration to generations of surfer girls worldwide, she was ranked seventh among the 25 Most Influential Surfers of all time in Surfer Magazine’s 40th anniversary issue.  “Gidget” is the nickname the surfers at the time gave her, combining the words “girl” and “midget”, due to her small stature, according to Kohner-Zuckerman.

“We are thrilled to have Kathy as our guest speaker,” said Steve Spira, executive director at Cypress Place.  “Her story is amazing and is truly an inspiration to anyone who hears it.”

In addition to her keynote presentation, Kohner-Zuckerman will be signing copies of the “Gidget” novel immediately after her presentation.  Copies will be available for purchase as well.

Along with the keynote presentation, this year’s Health & Wealth Expo at the senior community will include over 30 vendors offering everything from free blood pressure, mini stroke, and vein screenings, free balance and hearing tests, free wealth management consultations, to veteran benefit information.  A free healthy gourmet lunch will also be provided.

Raffle prizes will be given away throughout the event including one grand prize; a 50” HD flat screen TV.   Admission is free and the event is open to the public.  Free shuttle parking will also be available.

This year’s event will take place on Wednesday April 27, from 11a.m. to 2p.m. at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura.  Come meet the real Gidget and hear how this inspiring woman refuses to let life limit her even today as a 75 year old surfing senior.

Corporate sponsors for the event are Assisted Home Care & Hospice, Coastal View Healthcare Center, Mission Home Health, Victoria Care Center, Ventura Vein Center, and Glenwood Care Center.

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.

 

Causes and prevention of hearing loss

“ I heard what you said about me, I’m not deaf ya know.”
“ I heard what you said about me, I’m not deaf ya know.”

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. For those people who already suffer from hearing loss, it may be hard for them to perform even the simplest of tasks, like speaking on the telephone as they may find it difficult to understand what the person on the receiving end is saying. But this may not have to be a problem anymore as you can now buy phones for hearing impaired people so that they are able to stay in contact with their loved ones and to socialize with their friends, with an unlimited amount of problems. But if you seek the relevant help as soon as you notice a change in your hearing, then any loss can be prevented.

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.

Learn to lawn bowl

senior lawnbowlingOxnard Lawn Bowls Club open house and introduction to lawn bowling.

Free lessons and refreshments; wear tennis shoes or sandals. A hat and tie is not required.

Saturday May 7,  10am – 3pm
Wilson Park,  350 N. C Street, Oxnard
385- 8034,  www.oxnardlbc.com

Ventura County Area Agency On Aging

“ I didn’t fall, I’m looking for my glasses that I dropped.”
“ I didn’t fall, I’m looking for my glasses that I dropped.”

Ventura Council for Seniors presents an Education Forum
Thursday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
At Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE), 5200 Valentine Road
Lunch will be provided by Ventura’s Downtown Rotary.

Presentations will include:
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
(HICAP) and the Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)
Award-Winning Fall Prevention Program
Case Management
Award-Winning HomeShare Program
Senior Nutrition Program
ElderHelp
Information and Assistance
Advisory Council and Volunteer Opportunities

For more information, please contact the VCAAA at 477-7300.

VCAAA award-winning Fall Prevention Program “A Matter of Balance”

Increase your  mobility and balance at a “A Matter of Balance”.
Increase your  mobility and balance at a “A Matter of Balance”.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s award-winning Fall Prevention Program has opened registration for A Matter of Balance, a series of evidence-based classes that focus on increased mobility and balance. The course is free to all participants.

A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to manage and prevent falls. Participants will learn to view falls as controllable; set goals for increasing activity; make changes to reduce fall risks at home; and exercise to increase balance and strength.

Nationally recognized research shows that one in three adults over the age of 65, and half of the population over the age of 75, fall each year. Of those individuals, half will die within a year from complications and injuries sustained from the fall.

A Matter of Balance welcomes all individuals concerned about falls, as well as those who are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength. Individuals who have recently experienced a fall, or who have restricted activity due to the fear of falling, are encouraged to participate.

Classe will be held at Chapel Lane Senior Apartments, 11230 Snapdragon St, in Ventura, on May 3.

To learn more about the program, or to register, please contact the VCAAA Fall Prevention Coordinator, Dina Ontiveras, at  477-7343.

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.

Become a volunteer

Become a tutor to a homeless child for an hour each week at VAAC! School on Wheels provides tutoring for children living in shelters, motels and foster group homes. No experience is necessary to become a volunteer tutor, just your love of learning. They provide your training and support. Touch a child’s life and he or she will touch yours! For more information, please contact Linda Huddle at 641.1678.

Join the Senior Nutrition Volunteer Corps. They are looking for volunteers to help in their Senior Nutrition Kitchen and to drive meals out to homebound seniors. Interested? Please contact Hans at 648-3035.

Call 658.4728 to join the weekend training programs to become an Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters  docent. Dress in period costumes and share the history of this landmark site. www.cityoventura.net/olivasadobe.