Doing good things during these difficult times for Ventura the Ventura Townehouse donated some of their resources by showing their support for the people on the front lines at Community Memorial Hospital. VTH donated thousands of masks, hundreds of gowns and donated gift cards of meals and coffee from local coffee shops and diners. They also supplied much needed sundries of toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap and hand sanitizers to the local senior mobile home parks. They also created a pen-pal at the mobile home parks where their residents correspond with the seniors at the mobile home parks.
Category Archives: Senior Living
Beware of scams and fraud schemes
The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.
SBA does not initiate contact on disaster loans or grants. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud.
If you are contacted by someone promising to get approval of an SBA loan, but requires any payment up front or offers a high interest bridge loan in the interim, suspect fraud.
SBA limits the fees a broker can charge a borrower to 3% for loans $50,000 or less and 2% for loans $50,000 to $1,000,000 with an additional ¼% on amounts over $1,000,000. Any attempt to charge more than these fees is inappropriate.
If you have a question about getting a SBA disaster loan, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to [email protected].
If you have questions about other SBA lending products, call SBA’s Answer Desk at 800-827-5722 or send an email to [email protected].
Phishing
If you are in the process of applying for an SBA loan and receive email correspondence asking for PII, ensure that the referenced application number is consistent with the actual application number.
Look out for phishing attacks/scams utilizing the SBA logo. These may be attempts to obtain your personally identifiable information (PII),to obtain personal banking access, or to install ransomware/malware on your computer.
Any email communication from SBA will come from accounts ending with sba.gov.
The presence of an SBA logo on a webpage does not guaranty the information is accurate or endorsed by SBA. Please cross-reference any information you receive with information available at www.sba.gov.
Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online at, https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general/office-inspector-general-hotline.
The pandemic’s threat to older workers
by Marci Phillips NCOA’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a staggering loss of jobs. At the end of March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 7.1 million Americans were unemployed, with numbers projected to rise further throughout April.
In 2019, roughly 1 in 5 older adults aged 65+ was still in the workforce. Nearly three-quarters were working at jobs where teleworking was not an option. The pandemic has put these seniors at a double risk: being furloughed/laid off or being forced to go into a workplace and put their health at risk.
For older adults, losing a job can be especially difficult. Older workers are more likely to remain out of work for lengthier periods of time compared to their younger counterparts; some may choose not to return to the workforce at all. An AARP survey of older workers found that following the Great Recession, the average duration of unemployment was close to a year for older adults. More recently, last month AARP reported that 19.9% of jobseekers aged 55+ were long-term unemployed, compared with 16.2% of those aged 16 to 54.
While it’s hard to know what the long-term economic fallout will be from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are clues from the last decade, following the 2008 market collapse. A recent issue brief from NCOA and LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston examined the financial impact of the Great Recession of 2008-09 on adults aged 60+ and found:
Among all age groups, individuals who were retired fared worse than those who were still in the workforce. (Though those who were aged 75+ fared better than those aged 60-74.)
However, although being over age 75 in the workforce meant better income than those retired, it appears that many of these older adults remained in the workforce out of necessity precisely because their overall financial resources and net wealth were worse than those retired.
Unsurprisingly, those with the lowest net worth and financial assets fared worse following the market collapse. A common trend seen across those 60+, regardless of age group or retirement status, was a decrease in total net wealth and taking on greater debts, particularly property related debt, during times of recession.
NCOA is one of several national sponsors of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), SCSEP is a training program that helps low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55+ find part-time work and get back on the path to financial stability.
As the nation began to shutter businesses and ask Americans to shelter in place during the onset of COVID-19, NCOA took an unprecedented step to request DOL to allow us to continue to pay SCSEP participants during the pandemic, even if their training sites were closed. For these vulnerable older adults, their SCSEP stipend offers a lifeline during difficult financial times.
NCOA, along with the Leadership Council on Aging Organizations, is urging Congress to provide an additional $500 million in funding for the SCSEP in the next COVID-19 stimulus and relief bill. Additional funding will more than double the program’s current capacity to serve between 56,000 to 128,000 additional eligible individuals that need SCSEP services.
History tells us that older adults are likely to face significant financial hurdles following the COVID-19 pandemic. Investing in programs like SCSEP can ensure that many will have an opportunity to return to the workforce and regain some of their financial footing.
Dual decline in memory and walking speed could signal higher dementia risk
![](http://venturabreeze.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/senior-dementia-300x238.jpg)
Scientists who study aging have long tracked older adults’ declines in cognitive abilities and walking speed as separate indicators of potential risk for developing dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. But a recent study led by NIA Intramural Research Program (IRP) scientists showed that a combined decline in memory and walking speed were a bright, flashing warning light of increased risk for dementia.
The international research team analyzed data from 8,699 participants 60 years old or older in multiple long-term studies of aging — including the NIA IRP’s Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and studies based in the U.S., Italy, Iceland and Sweden — conducted between 1997 and 2018. The results were published Feb. 5 in JAMA Network Open.
By itself, decline in walking speed, or gait speed, more than doubled the risk for developing dementia, while memory decline alone tripled it. But people who showed parallel declines in gait speed and memory had an overall six times higher risk of dementia than those with no drop-offs in memory recall or walking speed test performance.
The authors noted some limitations of their analysis, including that memory measures and dementia diagnosis procedures varied across studies. Another was the potential for some data to be skewed due to some participants having had higher-than-average baseline measurements, thus showing a more dramatic decline than those with lower baseline scores.
Overall, the researchers noted, findings support the routine use of gait speed and verbal memory recall tests by clinicians to identify older adults at high risk for dementia. Doctors could then give further attention to address other dementia risk factors, such as high blood pressure. Future work in this realm could examine if these dual decliners could be a target group for preventive or therapeutic interventions. The team plans further investigations to better understand the mechanisms behind what makes people who experience dual decline more likely to progress to dementia.
This research was supported in part by the NIA Intramural Research Program and NIA grants R01AG028050, U01AG006786 and R01AG034676.
These activities relate to AD+ADRD Research Implementation Milestone 1.D “Population Studies, Precision Medicine & Health Disparities.”
Reference: Tian Q, et al. Association of dual decline in memory and gait speed with risk for dementia among adults older than 60 years: A multicohort individual-level meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open.
COVID-19 Was Your Retirement Plan Test
by Jayson Cohen American Legacy Solutions
Countless Americans are worried about the impact that Covid-19 will have on the health of their families and friends, and indeed their own well-being. However, there is another concern that could impact you.
In preparing for retirement, investors should prepare for all sorts of investment environments, and that includes downturns like Covid-19. While it may seem out of the ordinary, remember that it has been less than 15 years since the last financial downturn, and while the growth seen over the past ten years has been substantial, it is now clear that it is sandwiched between two bear periods.
Therefore, it is all the more crucial that your retirement plan be prepared for any such eventuality. As painful as one as it has been, Covid-19 is just a test for your finances. Here’s how to check to see if you’re ready.
Diversification is Key
Although many securities are doing poorly right now, there are others that are doing well. Many mail-order retailers, healthcare stocks, and PPE manufacturers are seeing high earnings. Even traditional publishers are seeing an increased demand for books. Plenty of companies stand ready to make substantial profits as a result, and given that it is on a sector by sector basis, diversified portfolios are likely seeing substantial stability.
It is not just about stocks, however. Fixed income, alternative investments, currencies, and commodities have all also seen considerable volatility over the past few weeks, but through that volatility there has been a number of opportunities to gain considerably. Not all of these will be immediate, of course; some may pay considerably in the future. At any rate, diversification is a step that helps you accomplish all of this.
Appetite for Risk
More than just a need for diversification, Covid-19 has also informed a need for knowing what one’s appetite for risk is, no matter what the market conditions may be. Doing this must be done not only with an eye to the future, but with an eye to the individual appetites of the investor in question.
After all, different investors will have different appetites. Some investors may have no problem riding out a storm like Covid-19, confident that the market will prevail. Others, especially those who rely on more actively managed portfolios, may wish to fall back to a safe harbor during such a situation.
The goals of each investor, as well as his/her time left in the market, each play a large role here. Someone who is close to her financial goals may not want to risk eroding what she has gained over the years. Likewise, an investor who is younger and has the benefits of time and compound interest may well wish to search for greater rewards.
At any rate, solid communication and a good plan will help make sure that you are prepared to meet the market on your terms. Rather than treating Covid-19 as a one-off occurrence, by addressing it as a potential market fluctuation that could happen again, you will be better suited to handle it in the future, knowing what could well come as a result, and preserving your net worth regardless of what goes on around you.
Great Plates Meal Program kicks off in Ventura County
On April 24, 2020, Governor Newsom announced the launch of a first-in-the-nation “Great Plates Delivered” program, a meal delivery service for California’s older adults. The program helps seniors and other adults at high risk from COVID-19 to stay home and stay healthy by delivering three nutritious meals a day, and also provides essential economic stimulus to local businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis. Local restaurants can learn more about the requirements and how to apply here. Seniors can apply here. Please email [email protected] for more information. Special thanks to Victoria Jump, the Director of the Ventura County Aera Agency on Aging (VCAAA) and Patrick Maynard, Director of the Office of Emergency Services for implementing this program locally in record time. This program enhances the efforts that have already been in place to feed the most vulnerable. More than 250,000 meals have been provided since COVID-19 hit our County. Learn more about VCAAA at www.vcaaa.org/.
The outbreak of infectious diseases such as Covid-19 can be a stressful time. It is not uncommon to feel anxious or worried while listening, reading or watching the news, even if you’re at little to no risk of getting ill yourself. It’s important during times like these to keep track of your own physical and mental health, as well as safely stay connected to your community. Know the signs of stress and when and how to seek help for yourself, as well as loved ones. During this stressful time, don’t forget your own self-care. Take time to breathe, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and take a break from the news and social media periodically.
Ventura County residents can also join the free ongoing online help and support line to connect with others and lean healthy habits to maintain emotional well-being through the pandemic. Learn more at https://giveanhour.org/initiatives-and-programs/covid19-ca/ and https://www.wellnesseveryday.org/coping-during-coronavirus.
Coping with stress
Older people and people of any age who have serious underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. People who may have issues getting assistance if they become ill, like those experiencing homelessness or people with disabilities are also at increased risk from COVID-19.
These conditions and situations may result in increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
Things you can do to support yourself:
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.
Have a plan for if you get sick
Know how to stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, and community health workers if you become sick.
Determine who can care for you if your caregiver gets sick.
Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home.
Consider ways of getting medications and food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.
Have a plan for someone to care for your pets during your illness.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home
Check with your local public health officials
Depending on how severe the outbreak is, your local public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.
Stay home as much as possible. Take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus.
What to do if you have symptoms
- Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs.
- Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
- If you feel like you are developing symptoms, stay home and call your doctor. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
- If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs* are:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
What to look out for when touring an assisted living facility
by Lori Thomas
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google Plus Share on Pinterest Email This Article
There are many difficult decisions to be made when an elderly loved one is in need of assistance managing their day-to-day life. If you do not have the time or resources to take care of them, an assisted living facility can be a great option for continuing care of an elderly loved one. However, even after the decision has been made to choose an assisted living facility for a loved one’s care, there are still decisions to be made regarding which facility you will choose. Conducting a tour of an assisted living facility is an important step in making this decision. By keeping a few things in mind, you can make a more informed decision and choose a facility that will help your loved one continue to enjoy their life while receiving the assistance that they need with everyday activities.
Assisted living is an option in which your loved one still retains some measure of independence while receiving help with certain activities. These activities may include the management of meals, medication, bathing and dressing, and transportation. Assisted living facilities also typically provide residents with options for socializing with others and activities that they can enjoy.
There are currently over 31,000 assisted living facilities in the United States. This care option is one of the fastest growing, as it accommodates the needs of those seniors who do not want to give up their independence entirely, but who still need some measure of support in going about their daily activities.
Another important factor to watch out for is the staff to resident ratio of the assisted living facility, as well as the average type and level of training of staff members. Assess whether or not there are enough staff on hand to meet the needs of your loved one, and whether they have the appropriate level of training necessary to provide your loved one with the level of care that they need.
Your tour of the facility is your first chance to meet the staff and to gauge their attitudes toward their patients. A friendly, helpful staff that is eager to show you around and inform you about day-to-day life in the facility is a staff that will continue to show this level of care to your loved one once they make the decision to stay at the facility.
Of course, it is always a good idea while taking a tour of a facility to determine whether it is clean, well-kept, and to get a first-hand look at the types of technology and facilities that they have available. Be sure to take a look at the living quarters available for residents while on a tour, to determine whether they have everything that your loved one will require for a safe and comfortable stay. Pay attention to factors such as the facilities available in their bathrooms. Do they have handrails or seating in their showers, if necessary? Will their facilities grant your loved one some measure of independence during their stay? Remember to also take the time to tour the grounds and the outside facilities that are available.
During your tour, it can also be a good idea to sit down and to have a meal with the residents to see what the food is like. Be sure to speak with staff about meals if there are any special considerations that must be made for your loved one, such as dietary restrictions.
Beyond video calls, helping seniors battle loneliness, boredom during social isolation
“I’m sure our grandkids will enjoy using our recipe books.”
by Maura Horton
There are more than 52 million Americans who are age 65 and older, and many of them are currently staying at home isolated to help reduce their exposure to coronavirus. Not being able to engage in normal activities like going to the gym, club meetings, out to eat with friends, shopping and visiting in person with family members can lead to boredom, loneliness and depression. Now that self-distancing has been recommended through the end of the month at least, it is going to take creativity to help older adults stay engaged and connected. Phone calls or family video chats are a great place to start, but even those can start to drag with everyone sitting at home and not really having anything new to discuss.
Now that everyone has been forced to slow down and has more free time at home, this is the perfect time to tackle projects that have been on the To-Do list for years but never seem to get done. For example, have grandparents and older members of the family share and create family mementos.
- Write letters to kids or grandkids about things you’ve always wanted to say or stories you want to share.
- Grandparents should dig out photos of their children when they were the ages of the grandkids. Show the grandkids these photos and then share stories about what their parents did when they were their age.
- Set up virtual lessons for your kids or grandkids of things you always wanted to teach or they always wanted to learn but there was never time for – teach them how to knit or sew, give cooking lessons, share the wisdom and love of certain activities you may have.
- Get out all your favorite family recipes and create a recipe book for your kids or grandkids.
You can also adapt activities you would normally do in person and find ways to do them virtually through video chats.
- Play games virtually like checkers and tell your grandkids where to move the pieces.
- Have dinner together. While you may not be able to visit a favorite restaurant or sit together at the same table right now you can get together on video chat and share a meal together virtually.
While it can be hard to be physically separated right now there are many ways that we can all still connect with each other. It just might take a little more creativity than jumping in the car or booking a reservation at the same restaurant you always meet at. Look at this time as a gift to do things you may normally never otherwise get to do together and turn challenging times into memories that will be cherished for years to come.
The Care Coach, is a voice of guidance and experience for caregivers. She was her husband’s primary caregiver during his decade long battle with early onset Parkinson’s disease. Follow Maura on social media @carecoachadvice.
Serenading those from balconies
Steve has played keyboard and accordion with a variety of bands in Ventura.
Steve likes to perform for seniors. The Ventura Townehouse entertains their residents by presenting live musicians several times a week. Because of the virus they can’t play inside as always so they have Steve Ormond, and others serenading them from outside.
They got creative and told residents to come outside so they could see live music from their balconies.
Steve has been an elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District for 31 years, always teaching the primary grades. Music has always been an important part of his classes as a method of teaching all subjects to his young students. A piano, accordion, guitar, ukulele, banjo, and plenty of rhythm instruments are always on hand.
For the last twenty years, he has played keyboard and accordion with a variety of bands in Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara County, including Dixieland, jazz, classic rock, Latin, folk and klezmer.
He stated “I have performed regularly at assisted living and memory care facilities throughout three counties. Performing for these residents is exceptionally rewarding for me. I can’t put a monetary value on the feeling I get from seeing people smile, tap their feet, dance or sing along—especially when performing for memory care residents.”
Samantha Crisp, Director of Marketing said “We love to be creative and keep up the residents love for music and I give Anne, our Activities Director credit for this genius idea. No one has ever done this before but the Townehouse. We love doing new things for our residents. We liken this to pulling a rabbit out of the hat for our residents. We do that more times than we can count.”