by Patty Jenkins

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is excited to invite our Members, Friends and the Public to attend our “inaugural” meeting on July 10th from 12:30PM to 2:30PM at our new location: Ventura City Hall’s Community Meeting Room (501 Poli Street #202 ). At this “Round Table” meeting we will have the opportunity to get to know each other better, talk about how we cope with the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, ask questions and share experiences that just might help someone in our Group.

We will also have a surprise guest to help us with our questions and update us on the latest research and local trials going on in our area! Wayne Pickerell, Vice President and Clinical Research Manager of Neurosearch, Inc., has been involved in Parkinson’s Disease for over 18 years and has managed Clinical Research for Neurosearch for well over a decade. Wayne will give us a brief overview of Parkinson’s Disease in general, typical treatments currently prescribed, update us in new treatments and ongoing trials being studied and progress on the search for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

Drive straight up California Street all the way to the top where City Hall sits; veer to the right, stop at stop sign and when safe to go, take that immediate left into the driveway on the east side of the building that leads to the large parking lot behind City Hall. Park anywhere except to the west of the sign on the back wall that says “City Vehicle Parking Only” or other “Parking only for” signs.

Enter the building at the handicap access entrance near the handicap parking; go up the hallway past Human Resources and then go to your left. The Community Meeting Room is room # 202 on your left all the way down the hall (past rooms 206, 204, the elevator and stairway). If you park on Poli Street, there is also a handicap access entrance on the east side of the building on the ground floor where the elevator can take you to the second floor; the Community Meeting Room # 202 will be to the left of the elevator. The public is always welcome to attend our meetings. We are an independent and volunteer-organized group not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group. For more information call Patty at 805-766-6070.

The Seniors Craft Shoppe at 429 E. Main St. is seeking new members.

Do you have a craft or artistic flair?
Do you want a place to sell your arts and crafts?
Are you 50 years or older and live in Ventura County?

Stop by the shop to become a member or to buy some wonderful art and gifts.

Call (805) 643-3059 for more information.

On June 26, “Salute Our Veterans” celebration was held at Cypress Place Senior Living. Cypress living held their 11th annual celebration of Veterans with a ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country.

Leading the tribute was a bagpipe processional and a military Color Guard presentation followed by a special Veteran recognition, along with recognition of widows and widowers of Veterans.

by June Fletcher

According to the 2015-2016 National Study of Long-Term Care Providers (NSLTCP), more than twice as many women live in residential care communities compared to men. Often, the activities, décor and social events at assisted living facilities and nursing homes seem to appeal overwhelmingly to female residents. However, the baby boomer generation is aging rapidly and facilities will soon be forced to take more notice of their male residents’ preferences. While there are more people looking to stay in their own homes during retirement with the aid of extra care services – you can learn more about Care For Family here – there are others looking to senior living communities as a way to live out their retirement in independence and comfort. It’s important to remember that there are various forms of elderly care out there and even those that are exclusive to existing members of specific organizations – Masonic charities like the Masonic Home of Virginia provide free shelter and care for elderly Virginia Masons, so that’s worth keeping in mind if you’re a fraternity member. It’s also good to know if you’re the charitable type who likes to make donations to worthy causes.

Plenty of senior living communities are expanding activities and amenities geared towards elderly men. For example, The Arbors Assisted Living in Westfield, Massachusetts, hosts a regular men’s night at its onsite pub, while Canyon Creek in Cottonwood, Utah, offers weekly Wii Sports events in simulated bowling, baseball and tennis. The Cottages, an assisted living and memory care community in Weiser, Idaho, frequently takes residents on field trips to practice putting and play a few holes at a local golf course.

Kim Blocher, social programing manager at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence, Kansas, explains that the stereotype surrounding senior living facilities and their lack of masculine appeal, “Just isn’t true.” While male residents typically aren’t interested in more feminine activities like sewing and afternoon tea, they flock to Blocher’s regular blackjack and Texas hold ’em events. In fact, outings to a Kansas City Royals baseball game and a Father’s Day car show and brunch were both hits with the elderly men at Brandon Woods. “They tend to like activities that are competitive,” Blocher notes, even if the prizes are sundries like paper towels.

Many facilities have run with this concept and created permanent events and amenities oriented to men, too. New Horizons in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has installed a putting green, a horseshoe pit, and a devoted space for residents to play lawn games like croquet and bocce ball. Features and events at Cypress Palms in Largo, Florida, include a veteran’s club, a computer club, men-only chats over coffee and even an intergenerational drum circle.

Granted, getting a group of men together isn’t always easy. Debi Trammell, an activity director in Texas, points out that men tend to enjoy talking with other men, but they are not likely to seek each other out. In fact, men sometimes need multiple reminders, encouragement from peers and reassurance that their friends are also attending before they’ll agree to participate in an event or activity. When they finally do show up, however, “They enjoy sharing stories and accomplishments,” Trammell admits.

Finding activities that appeal to senior men can certainly be tricky. Of course, some male residents do enjoy playing bingo or honing their artistic skills, but many would rather discuss politics or watch sports. Still, a number of games, activities and social opportunities can spark their interest, including chess, cards, trivia, building and painting model cars, trains, planes, and ships, current events clubs, karaoke, woodworking, and fly fishing. Outings to comedy clubs, sporting events, musical performances, rodeos and restaurants can provide an exciting change of scenery for elderly men, too.

The easiest way to find a pastime that an aging loved one will enjoy is to get to know their personality and individual interests. A senior living community’s activity director should devote time to getting to know their residents and curate events and opportunities to meet those needs and interests. Most seniors require some gentle encouragement to get involved at first, but once they make some friends and find a few activities they like, it will help them settle into their new home and greatly improve their quality of life.

A range of health issues that women face as they age, from hormonal imbalances to cognitive issues to good nutrition, will be the focus of a free half-day symposium on Saturday, June 22, at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

Community Memorial Health System is hosting the Women’s Symposium as part of its 2019 Speaker Series. The June 22 symposium will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a light continental breakfast and exhibit tables before the moderator, Dr. Ali Shuman, presents the opening remarks at 8 a.m. The event, with the theme “Aging Gracefully,” runs until noon.

Participating expert physicians will discuss health issues important to women as they age with a focus on aging gracefully. Issues to be discussed include hormonal havoc, good nutrition, varicose veins, sports injuries and exercising for your age, how to stay focused, Botox and fillers, and looking younger with a mini facelift. The event also will include a panel discussion as well as information about the latest research, procedures, treatments and support available.

Registration is free but reservations are required. For reservations, visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp

or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Curb to Curb is a door-to-door service provided by the City of Ventura, that takes seniors to a different place for lunch or dinner every month. Curb to Curb is reserved for people who no longer drive but want to have a fun day out with friends. They are picked up at their homes.This lunch was at the Black Angus Steakhouse on Telephone Rd.

Attending were Sylvia, Hazel, Ann Marie, Venture Breeze’s own Breezy Gledhill (tour leader), Andrea, Ginny, Betty and Kenna (bus driver and tour leader) standing.

Matt Norklun wasn’t looking to become a supermodel – his dream was always to be a stuntman. He got his start in the movie “So Fine” starring Ryan O’Neal. But after a chance encounter with renowned fashion photographer, Bruce Weber, Matt was swept up in the fashion world and became an international supermodel, best known as the face of Perry Ellis menswear.

Today, the bicoastal actor, model and director, is as busy as ever, but he still reserves time for his philanthropic work. When in Southern California, Norklun volunteers his time with the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Southern California Wing (CAF SoCal).

On June 26, Norklun, on behalf of CAF SoCal, will be piloting a WW II Warbird flyover as part of the “Salute Our Veterans” celebration at Cypress Place Senior Living. The senior living community is hosting their 11th annual celebration of Veterans with a ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country. The event is free and open to the public. The flyover is new to the event this year.

In addition to the flyover, a real Huey Army MEDEVAC helicopter will be on display from 11am to 1pm during the event. The helicopter on display has bullet holes from its time in Vietnam.

No less emotional will be the ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country.

Leading the tribute will be a bagpipe processional and military Color Guard presentation followed by a special Veteran recognition, along with recognition of widows and widowers of Veterans. Keynote speaker will be Captain Michael France, from Naval Base Ventura County.

Special words of thanks will be also be offered during the ceremony by local dignitaries. There will be live musical entertainment, a flag folding ceremony, and TAPS will also be played at this touching tribute.

A free BBQ lunch will follow the powerful program. Military memorabilia from residents of the senior community will be on display.

CAF So Cal will also have a display of memorabilia curated from their extensive aviation museum, along with an Army jeep available for attendees to sit in or pose next to for photographs. There will also be information available about Veteran’s benefits from representatives of the Veteran Services Office from the County of Ventura.

After the flyover and ceremony portion of the event, Norklun will be at the event to greet those in attendance and answer questions about the WWII aircraft used in the flyover.

“I understand there is a resident at Cypress Place who actually flew this type of aircraft in World War II. I can’t wait to meet him, and the other vets, and hear about their experiences”, said Norklun.

All Veterans are encouraged to attend, as well as families, friends and neighbors.

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

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

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If you’d like more information about this press release, please contact Mike Macke at 805.650.8000 x102, or via email at [email protected].

On Friday, June 21, Genesis Programs invites you to stop by from 1 to 4pm at their Ventura office at 1732 Palma Dr Ste 208. You’ll receive a no cost Health and Safety Goodie Bag. Bags will include such things, as a “How to Dispose of Prescription Drugs” – By Addiction Policy Forum. Prescription Drug removal is a very important, know how to dispose of properly knowledge to have. With overdose on the rise in our senior community and 156 accidental of youth and seniors’ deaths alone in Ventura County last year, be sure to get the knowledge you need. Ensure your family is safe from accidents and the environment is not affected by improper disposal of prescription drugs.

Summer Survival Kits from Diversity Collective is another must have for all LGBTQ+ family’s this summer. You’ll also enjoy healthy treats by Food Forward, a local nonprofit, helping fresh local produce find low income families in need and keeping produce from going to waste.

Door prize treats and raffles will be part of the event.

Just another way Genesis Programs Inc. is supporting the future of Ventura County!

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is excited to announce that starting with their meeting on July 10th , they will be meeting at the Ventura City Hall’s Community Meeting room on the second floor from 12:30pm to 2:30 the second Wednesday of each month (except December). Please watch for more details in the July 3rd edition of the Ventura Breeze. To be put on their email list please call Patty at 805-766-6070.

by Renata Gelman, RN, B.S.N., is assistant director of clinical services at Partners in Care

Traveling can be an extra source of stress for caregivers and seniors alike. The idea of handling a loved one’s limited mobility, chronic illness, depression or other health conditions while away from home can lead to anxiety rather than anticipation. To ensure everyone feels prepared, discuss the hypothetical itinerary before booking and acknowledge any concerns your loved one may have. Addressing the unknowns in your travel plans will help everyone feel more confident and replace apprehension with excitement.

Attention to detail is crucial when planning a vacation with a senior, whether it’s a short road trip, a cruise or a cross-country flight. Think about accessibility features you will need, how much luggage and medical equipment you’ll be traveling with, and special needs that must be met throughout the trip. The easiest way to anticipate your loved one’s needs is to take detailed notes while going through their daily routine at home and while on outings. Take these factors into account when booking flights, rental cars, hotel rooms and scheduling activities. Be sure to request the accommodations you know you will need and inquire about additional accessibility features that the airline, hotel or other businesses offer that may come in handy. For example, you may want to book hotel rooms that are located on the first floor and/or are adjoining, arrange for specialty meals that meet your loved one’s dietary restrictions, or reserve aisle seats near the lavatories on the airplane for easier toileting.

Always bring extra doses of medication and copies of your loved one’s prescriptions when traveling. If you will be flying, ensure each prescription is in its original container and double-check with your loved one’s doctor to see if you will need any special documentation for traveling with certain medications.

Replicating your loved one’s routine and surroundings as closely as possible will help them feel more relaxed while in an unfamiliar environment, especially if they have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Bring a few of their favorite objects and comforts from home, such as photographs, a cherished blanket or a few books. These items will make your loved one feel more at ease in their new surroundings.

Remember, it’s your vacation, too. Make sure to set a schedule for your family members to pitch in with caregiving. Alternate planning activities as a family with time for each of you to get a break from providing care. For example, if your loved one tends to nap in the afternoons or retire early in the evenings, trade off caregiving duties with other family members so that each of you has some time to explore or relax.

Bring a comprehensive emergency checklist in case your loved one experiences a medical setback while traveling. This should include a complete prescriptions list, physician contact information, pertinent medical history, and any contact info for family and friends.

With careful planning and some minor accommodations, many seniors can still participate in family vacations. However, travel—especially demanding, long-distance trips—is typically inadvisable for seniors who are in poor health or the end stages of dementia. Families, particularly those with young children, should make the most of their limited opportunities for vacations and precious bonding time. If an aging or ill loved one cannot feasibly participate, there are several kinds of respite care that can enable you to get away and feel confident that they’re receiving quality care in your absence.