May 2015
Veterans Benefit from New Partnership BY ELLEN SCHMEDING DIRECTOR, AGING & INDEPENDENCE SERVICES timesheets, payroll, taxes and even ithout help, 90-year-old Thombackground clearances. as Ruiz would probably be in a “The most important aspect is nursing home. The World War II Navy that the care decisions are ‘veteranveteran has lungs severely damaged directed,’ selected by the veteran or from exposure to asbestos and a heart that veteran’s representative,” Donna that needs a new valve, but he’s not a says. Most of the monthly payment candidate for surgery. He’s tethered to usually goes to hiring a caregiver. oxygen that runs constantly, yet he still Other uses have included buying a gets winded walking from one end of special chair or bed, even alarms if his mobile home to the other. the veteran has dementia and can His wife of 65 years, Anita, dotes on wander. him as much as she can but her osteoThe SD-VISA partnership is a year porosis creates physical limitations. old. The federal Veterans Health The Veterans Affairs San Diego Administration allotted slots for 30 HealthCare System (VASDHS) could veterans for the first year in San have steered Tom’s care to a facility, Diego County. The VASDHS must but instead is working with AIS on a refer a veteran to the program rather new program that helps veterans in than self-referrals. This ensures the his situation remain home. participants are those most in need The program - San Diego Veterans for this assistance. Besides providIndependence Services at Any Age ing patient-centered care, it is hoped (SD-VISA) - is the first of its kind in that the program will also save health California. Instead of costly nursing TOM RUIZ (LEFT) WITH ANITA AND BEN care costs. home care, the veterans selected for As with most families, Tom’s greatthis partnership are provided a budget and meet with AIS est need has been for someone to tackle what he and Anita social worker Donna Brown, who has the title of VISA can’t: grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, Options Counselor. Together, they work on a spending transportation, etc. The SD-VISA budget allowed him plan that is based on the unique needs of each veteran. to hire this help, so he picked one of his six sons, Ben, The veteran is then referred to Premier Healthcare Ser- who moved into their mobile home last year. vices (PHS), which acts as the payroll agent, managing (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
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(CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE) Ben was in a better position than his other brothers to move out of his own home and become the live-in caregiver, plus he realized he was putting 150 miles on his truck each day helping out his folks anyway. He says the program will be particularly helpful soon when he needs to go out of town to visit one of his own sons. Tom will have the funds to hire someone else to cover the two weeks that Ben is away. “If this program wasn’t in place, I don’t feel I could go anywhere,” Ben says. Donna assists another family where the wife has not been able to work for the past seven years because of the care her husband needs. The woman is relieved that through SDVISA she is finally able to have employment and pay into Social Security. Veterans who feel they might be eligible for SD-VISA should talk with their VA social workers, according to Donna. Ben says it’s worth the effort: “Donna has been very, very helpful. There’s so much out there that people don’t know about. You have to keep asking and looking and you’ll find something that fits.”
FOCUS OF VITAL AGING: BRAIN HEALTH
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oost your brainpower by attending the June 17 Vital Aging Conference. The event will have all the components needed to improve your mind: stimulating speakers, social connections, exercise and brain-healthy food. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a neuropsychologist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, founder of the Brain Health Center, Inc. and author of “Save Your Brain.” AIS coordinates the Vital Aging conference every other year to spotlight elements of health and wellbeing for older adults. The free conference will be held at two locations: McMillin Center in Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey, San Diego 92106; and at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 92025. Sharp HealthCare is the major sponsor and is taking reservations for the event. KGTV-Channel 10 is our media sponsor. For other sponsorship opportunities or to exhibit, visit www.AISevents.org. You can also visit that website to RSVP to attend or call Sharp at (800) 827-4277.
LIBRARIES SALUTE OLDER AMERICANS
BOOK CLUB FOCUS: ‘STILL ALICE’
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ay is Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is “Get into the Act,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, which created the national vehicle for coordinating community-based services and opportunities for older Americans and their families. Through this measure, AIS receives designated funding for nutrition programs, caregiver support, volunteer coordination, transportation assistance and more. To recognize the achievements of older San Diegans, the County Library and San Diego Public Library branches are offering special programming this month, plus spotlighting the wide variety of programs and classes regularly available for older adults at libraries in their neighborhoods: May 7 at 11 a.m.: Food for Thought Yoga, Vista branch. RSVP required for $4 lunch: (760) 726-1340, ext. 1531. May 13 at 1 p.m.: “Offline & Online Security” talk at the City of San Diego Central Library. No RSVP. May 14 at 2 p.m.: Rhinestone Grannies, Encinitas branch. No RSVP required. May 16 at 1 p.m.: Death Cafe, discussion about life and death at Pacific Beach Library. No RSVP required. For more events and details, visit the County Library website: www.sdcl.org, and the City of San Diego Public Library website: www.sandiego.gov/public-library.
nother way that the local libraries are honoring older Americans this month is by focusing on the book, “Still Alice,” about a Harvard professor who suffers early onset Alzheimer’s disease. The book was made into a movie released earlier this year, starring actress Julianne Moore, who won the Best Actress Oscar for this role. The story not only profiles the main character, named Alice Howland, but deals with the toll that Alzheimer’s disease takes on her family. Some library branches will be having book discussions of “Still Alice” this month and next: May 11 (Monday) at 1 p.m. at the Vista branch. May 14 (Thursday) at 2:30 p.m. at the Jacumba branch. May 16 (Saturday) at 10:30 a.m. at the Julian branch. June 9 (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. at Rancho San Diego branch. June 20 (Saturday) at 1 p.m. at Borrego Springs branch. The City of San Diego Public Library is also making “Still Alice” available through June through www. ReadandRideSD.org as an eAudioBook or eBook, or available for request at the branches. On May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Casa de Oro Branch, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob will be welcoming attendees for a talk about Alzheimer’s disease. For details: www.sdcl.org and www.sandiego.gov/ public-library.
Honoring RSVP: LEAD WITH EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
SPOTLIGHT: JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE
Mike Epstein, nominated by Tanja Schroeder from the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, is the May RSVP Volunteer of the Month. Mike has been a volunteer at the Science Center for nearly three years. He trains and mentors new volunteers, which means that the Center’s growing family of volunteers are turning out to be as excellent as Mike. Mike also volunteers as a Gallery Facilitator, engaging visitors and helping them understand the MIKE EPSTEIN exhibits. He is always ready to help the visitors make their way around the museum and ensure that a pleasant time is had by all. He also volunteers in the Tinkering Studio, showing families what cool things they can create. Mike is always looking for gaps in the schedule and is willing to come in whenever he is needed most. He is one of the few volunteers who comes in “on purpose” on days like Free Tuesday, because despite the difficulties with finding parking on this day, he knows that is when he is needed the most. His personal initiative to obtain training and willingness to volunteer in any department of the Fleet is part of what makes him so valuable. He never hesitates to jump in and help out the other departments. “It is always a pleasure to have Mike around,” says Tanja Schroeder. “Not only is he a great volunteer at the Fleet, but he is a great friend, always making time to catch up and share great stories!” Congratulations Mike! Your dedication to volunteering is touching lives in the community.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS). Through their tremendous commitment and dedication, the volunteers exemplify the spirit of tikkun olam (“repairing the world”). With more than 30 volunteer opportunities available, JFS provides diverse and flexible volunteer experiences. Who are the volunteers that dedicate their time and skills to improving the lives of others? They are Fix-It volunteers who put their skills to good use by making minor home-safety repairs, allowing older adults to remain safely in their homes. They are On The Go volunteers who drive older adults to personal and medical appointments that they would be unable to get to otherwise. They are Foodmobile volunteers who deliver delicious, kosher meals and a friendly smile to homebound older adults and younger adults living with disabilities that don’t have access to warm meals. They are Cozy Careista volunteers who serve coffee while socializing with older adults that come to the College Avenue Center to be part of a community. And they are so much more. JFS strives to empower individuals and families to move toward self-sufficiency, support aging with dignity, foster community connection and engagement throughout San Diego County. JFS provides essential services to people regardless of religion, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ability, gender identity/expression, or sexual orientation. For more information, contact RSVP at (858) 505-6399.
REMINDER: RECOGNITION IN THE FALL The event to recognize RSVP volunteers for their service during 2014 will be held later this fall, not in the May timeframe as it has in the past.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY The Senior Gleaners, an amazing group of volunteers who reclaim and re-distribute food to agencies assisting individuals in need, is looking for office help. The group has no paid staff or government funding, and operates solely on the efforts of volunteers. The group seeks an organized and motivated individual to monitor attendance sheets and manage volunteer hours. If you have been looking for a way to make a difference and put your skills to work, call RSVP at (858) 505-6399.
FUN, FRIENDSHIP AT IG GAMES
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PAIRED
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ADULT VOLUNTEERS WITH THIRD-GRADERS FROM WOLF CANYON ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, SUCH AS PADDLE TENNIS, FRISBEE, FIELD HOCKEY, PLUS NUTRITION GAMES. GIVING THE ATHLETES A GOOD SEND-OFF WERE (ABOVE, FROM LEFT) TRACY LAMB, DIRECTOR OF THE OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER; COUNTY SUPERVISOR GREG COX; FORMER GOLD MEDAL OLYMPIAN JOAQUIM CRUZ; AIS DIRECTOR ELLEN SCHMEDING; AND FRANCISCO ESCOBEDO, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT. BIG THANKS TO THE SPONSORS: HEALTH NET, SHARP CHULA VISTA MEDICAL CENTER, AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE, KAISER PERMANENTE, JANICE POPE, MOLINA HEALTHCARE, SOUTH BAY HEALTH & INSURANCE SERVICES, ST. PAUL’S PACE AND SUNRISE AT BONITA.
PROTECTION FROM WEST NILE VIRUS
UCSD SEEKS DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
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an Diego County environmental health officials remind you to protect yourselves from mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus. Last year, 11 San Diego County residents were diagnosed with the disease and two local residents died. Statewide, 798 people were diagnosed with West Nile virus in 2014 and 29 people died — the highest number of deaths from the disease in California in a decade. Across the country, 2,122 people were diagnosed with West Nile virus in 2014 and 85 people died. West Nile virus is a disease that mainly affects birds, but can be transmitted to people, horses and other animals by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Roughly 80 percent of people exposed never develop any symptoms. In rare cases, people can become seriously ill and die. Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Dump out or remove any item inside or outside of homes that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available for free, may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources. Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites: Stay inside when mosquitoes are most active, at dusk and dawn. Wear long sleeves and pants or use repellent when outdoors. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Make sure window and door screens are in good condition. Report Dead Birds and Green Swimming Pools: Report dead crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls, and green swimming pools to the Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
he UCSD Department of Psychiatry is recruiting for an National Institutes of Health-funded study focusing on older adults who are caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Participants must be 55 or older. The study visits are conducted in participants’ homes. Participants will receive free counseling and lab results. For details, contact the coordinator at (858) 534-9479.
ONLINE SEMINARS FOR CAREGIVERS
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series of live streaming seminars about caring for loved ones are offered free by the San Diego Caregiver Coalition at noon on selected Fridays. These webinars benefit adult children of aging parents, caregiving spouses and professionals in the field of health and aging. Each interactive seminar lasts half an hour. All you need to participate is Internet access and email: June 5: “Long-Term Care and Medi-Cal Benefits” with Philip Lindsley of San Diego Elder Law. June 12: “Alzheimer’s Research Programs” with Brent Mausbach from UCSD. To register, visit www.caregivercoalitionsd.org, or for questions, email martin.dare@sdcounty.ca.gov.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
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randparents raising grandchildren or other kinship families are invited to attend a free symposium from 8:30 to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Ave., San Diego. Call 2-1-1 to RSVP.
SEND IN YOUR ITEMS This monthly calendar welcomes your contributions. Just send items by the 10th of each month preceding the issue date to: Denise G. Nelesen, editor, Aging & Independence Services, PO Box 23217, San Diego, CA 921933217. Or you can e-mail to: denise. nelesen@sdcounty.ca.gov.
MAY 1, FRIDAY NOON TO 4 P.M.
MAY 8, FRIDAY 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
MAY 28, THURSDAY 9 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M.
“A Lifetime of Healthy Living” Health Fair will be held at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla 92037. For more information, call (858) 459-0831.
“Right Choices at the Right Time,” a free conference about planning for your future health and financial needs, will be held at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa 91942. For details and to RSVP: (800) 827-4277.
MAY 11, MONDAY 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.
MAY 29, FRIDAY 6 P.M.
“Still Going Strong” Fair will be held at the Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego 92101. For details: (619) 236-5867.
Access to Independence’s annual Job Fair for People with Disabilities will be held at the San Diego Unified School District’s Ballard Center, 2375 Congress St., San Diego 92110. For questions: (619) 293-3500.
MAY 2, SATURDAY 8:30 A.M.
MAY 12, TUESDAY 4 TO 5 P.M.
San Diego County NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk will be held at NTC Park Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego 92106. To sign up, visit www. NAMIwalks.org/SanDiegoCounty.
Jazz guitarist and composer Peter Sprague will perform at the Spring 8 A.M. Valley Library, 836 Kempton St., The Live Well San Diego 5K will be Spring Valley 91977. For details: held at the NTC Park in Liberty Sta(619) 463-1796. tion. Former Charger Nick Hardwick will be participating. Cost is $30 adults; $25 children. To register, visit MAY 14 & 28, THURSDAYS www.livewellsd5k.com.
MAY 5, TUESDAY 10:30 TO 11:30 A.M. A self-defense class will be offered at the San Carlos Branch Library, 7265 Jackson Dr., San Diego 92119. For details, call (619) 527-3430.
MAY 8, FRIDAY 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. The CarFit program, providing older drivers a 12-point check on how their cars “fit” them, will be offered at the College Avenue Center, 4855 College Ave., San Diego 92115. RSVP required; call (858) 637-7330 to reserve a time.
San Diego Legends Cecil Steppe, John Howard, Robert Alvarez, Jackie Gmach and Aurora Cudal will be profiled at the Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane, Lemon Grove 91945.
MAY 30, SATURDAY
1:30 TO 3 P.M.
“Making Friends with Your iPhone” will be a two-part class at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Dr., UTC area. Learn iPhone basics. Cost is $20. RSVP by May 7 to Melanie Rubin: (858) 362-1141.
MAY 27, WEDNESDAY 9 A.M. TO NOON Senior Resource Fair will be held at St. Paul’s Senior Services, 2340 Fourth Ave., San Diego 92101. For details: www.StPaulSeniors.org, or call (619) 239-6900.
MAY 30, SATURDAY 9:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M. “Creative Aging” Fair will be held at the Pacific Beach Library, 4275 Cass St., San Diego 92109. Include talks, activities, entertainment and exhibitors. For details, call (858) 581-9934.
ADVISORY COUNCIL The AIS Advisory Council will meet at noon Monday, May 11, at AIS, 5560 Overland Ave., Third Floor, San Diego 92123. These meetings are open to the public.
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