2018 Kern Senior Living & Health Directory

FREE

Senior

Paying for

housing long-term options care Nutrition programs

for Kern seniors

SPONSORED BY

www.bndhmo.com www.qualcareipa.com

Providing care with integrity, sensitivity & compassion.

Locally Owned and Serving Kern County for more than 26 years!

When you or someone you love requires assistance in the home due to illness, surgery, or age, you can trust Alternative Care to provide the helping hands you need.

• Carefully screened, qualified, compassionate caregivers.

• Free In-home Care Assessment • 24 Hour Service

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Gables Residential Care Homes When living at home is no longer the best option for your loved one, visit the private homes of Gables Residential Care.

The Meadows • 10702 Four Bears Dr.

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RCFE No. 157204176

RSFE No. 157206898

RCFE No. 155801279

In these elegant, family homes, you will find: • Comforts of home in a beautiful surrounding • Caring and competent staff on duty 24 hours a day • Only six residents in each home - companionship with others • Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks • Lovely patios and secure walking paths

• Personal assistance with activities of daily living - bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, medication supervision, transportation - whatever is needed.

• Alzheimer’s/Hospice Waivers

Gables Residential Care LLC 661.631.2036

Senior Activities

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For detailed calendar and activity descriptions, please visit the Seniors tab at www.bfmc.com or call 661-846-4551.

For more information on our services and membership, call

661-846-4662 www.bfmc.com

Table of contents 7 – Introduction About our directory

8 – Care

Adult Day Care Care Management Services Day Care & Respite Care Geriatric Care Managers Health Care Services Hospitals – Rehabilitation Hospitals – Special Programs In-Home Care Pain Management/Acupuncture Respite Care Skilled Nursing & Rehab Support Groups

20 – Services & Equipment for Special Needs

Dental Hearing Home Modification Mobility Aids National Products & Programs Security Devices Prosthetic Devices Vision

28 – Nutritional Services Congregate Dining Grocery Shopping Home-Delivered Meals Nutrition – General Nutritional Services

32 – Housing

Assisted Living Housing Alternatives Independent Living Relocation Service Residential Care Senior Placement 6

Kern Senior Living

38 – Estate: Legal & Financial Estates – Appraisal & Liquidation Financial Matters/Banking Legal Matters Mobile Notaries Reverse Mortgages

44 – Medical

Insurance Medical Consulting Medical Equipment & Supplies Medical – Long-Term Care Medicare HMOs Medicare Supplements Pharmacies

48 – Fitness, Rehab & Misc.

Services

Health & Fitness Kern County Golf Courses Housekeeping Misc. Services Rehabilitation Senior Centers Transportation Services

52 – End of Life

Hospice End-of-Life Solutions Funeral Directors Funeral Services & Supplies

About our directory

W

elcome to the 2018-2019 edition of the Kern County Senior Directory and Health Care Guide.

It is our hope that this guide will provide information and directory listings for businesses and services relevant to Kern County’s growing senior population and their families and caregivers.

According to a recent report from the governor’s office based on new census projections, Kern County will be among the top five fastest-growing counties in the state in the next 20 years. With nearly 18 percent of our county’s population aged 55 and over, it is important that this vital segment of our community has access to the services, programs, medical care and support that allows our seniors to live more independent and active lives.

In this year’s guide, we endeavored to update and verify the listings and information to the best of our ability, but should you find an incorrect listing, please feel free to let us know. We welcome your comments, as they allow us to improve future directories and better serve the needs of Kern County seniors and their caregivers.

We would like to thank the organizations and businesses that have helped support this guide with their advertising. Without that support, making this guide would not be possible. Their directory listings can be found in bold type, and we encourage you thank and support them as well with your business.

We would also like to thank the Office of Kern County Aging and Adult Services for providing information on many of programs and services available to Kern County’s seniors.

And we would like to acknowledge this year’s naming sponsor, Bakersfield Family Medical Center, and thank them for their support.

Published by:

Editor: Mark Nessia Sales: Cliff Chandler | Advertising Director Art Director: Glenn Hammett

Sincerely, Kern Senior Living staff

Kern Senior Living

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Care

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Kern Senior Living

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Adult Day Care Care Management Services Day Care & Respite Care Geriatric Care Managers Health Care Services Hospitals Hospitals – Rehabilitation Hospitals – Special Programs In-Home Care Pain Management/Acupuncture Respite Care Skilled Nursing & Rehab Support Groups

Kern Senior Living

Second Chance for stroke victims

S

troke is the No. 1 debilitating illness in the United States, and Kern County ranks among the counties most impacted by stroke. This is why HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Bakersfield has held a Joint Commission Disease-Specific certification in stroke rehabilitation for several years. HealthSouth is the only stroke rehabilitation facility in Kern County, which is certified by the Joint Commission.

In other words, HealthSouth is the preferred provider for stroke rehab in Bakersfield.

A person can experience effects of a stroke months or even years after it occurs. For example, stroke survivors may suddenly have difficulty swallowing or experience problems with their balance. Sometimes these late effects are triggered by an everyday illness or a fall. In these instances, the person may qualify to have stroke rehabilitation a second time – we call that our Second Chance Stroke Program.

HealthSouth Bakersfield can complete home screenings for patients who may meet the criteria for the Second Chance Stroke Program. If you or someone you love might benefit from stroke rehab a second time, please reach out to HealthSouth Bakersfield to schedule your free screening.

In addition to our Second Chance Stroke Program, we accept other admissions from home as well. If a person is at home and begins experiencing frequent falls, worsening symptoms of an old or chronic illness or injury, or if they are losing their independence and their family is having increasing difficulty assisting them, they might benefit from a short-term stay at HealthSouth

Bakersfield. We are a rehabilitation hospital, not a nursing home/skilled nursing facility, which means our patients receive intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to help them regain their independence as quickly as possible. Some people may return to their home setting in as little as one to two weeks.

The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association guidelines call for intensive, multidisciplinary treatment for adult stroke rehabilitation. The guidelines state that an inpatient rehab facility, such as HealthSouth Bakersfield, is preferable to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for stroke survivors who qualify for these services.

The AHA’s statement includes this comment from Dr. Carolee Winstein, professor of biokinesiology and physical therapy at the University of Southern California: “If the hospital suggests sending your loved one to a skilled nursing facility after a stroke, advocate for the patient to go to an inpatient rehabilitation facility instead – unless there is a good reason not to, such as being medically unable to participate in rehab. There is considerable evidence that patients benefit from the team approach in a facility that understands the importance of rehabilitation during the early period after a stroke.”

HealthSouth Bakersfield is the only rehabilitation hospital in Bakersfield; the family of a stroke patient may need to advocate for their loved one to go to HealthSouth Bakersfield for rehabilitation to increase the likelihood of a better outcome.

– HealthSouth Bakersfield

Kern Senior Living

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The important role played by physical therapists

A

n injury or illness can impact a person’s mobility and ability to perform everyday activities. While medicine and other treatments can help the situation, physical therapists are often sought to help individuals get back on track.

The American Physical Therapy Association says physical therapists examine each individual patient and develop plans using treatment techniques to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function and prevent further disability.

Men and women who have been told they need physical therapy can heed the following tips to the right as they look for therapists to work with.

– Metro Creative Connection

10

Kern Senior Living

Tips for finding the right therapist • Get a referral from your primary doctor or orthopedist. With some insurance plans, a referral will be needed for treatment.

• Check your insurance benefits to determine how much coverage you have for physical therapy.

• Many physical therapists are board certified in one specialty. They have passed tests and have documented hours treating certain conditions. This can be helpful if you require a pediatric specialist or one who has expertise with the back or neck.

• Ask if you will be the physical therapist’s only patient at an appointment.

• Always ask questions before and after a treatment so you can continue to work on the healing process on your own and so you know which activities are safe, which should change as your treatment progresses.

Long-term care insurance basics

V

arious insurance plans protect individuals from financial calamity. Insurance works by requiring policyholders to pay a premium. In the event of an accident or incident, a claim can be filed and the insurance company will reimburse the person for expenses, minus the deductible.

Health insurance is one type of insurance that people have to manage their health and well-being. There’s also another, perhaps lesser-known, insurance that can prove invaluable. It is called long-term care insurance.

Long-term care insurance, or LTCI, is an insurance product that is found primarily in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. LTCI generally covers assisted living needs, home care, hospice care, adult day care and other requirements of senior living and/ or health management. People who invest in LTCI are planning ahead for the times when they may no longer be able to care for themselves without assistance. LTCI will help offset the ever-rising costs associated with specialized senior housing and nursing facilities.

Traditional health care insurance and governmentsponsored plans (i.e., Medicare in the United States) will not pay for daily, extended care services. The AARP notes that these other plans may only cover a short stay in a sub-acute rehabilitation

center or nursing home, or pay for a limited amount of at-home care. LTCI can help families finance the cost of medical care when all other options will not.

LTCI should be looked into early in life, as policies often cost less if purchased when one is younger and in good health. People in poor health or already receiving long-term care services may not qualify for LTCI outright. But there are some workarounds, including buying a limited amount of coverage or coverage at a higher “nonstandard” rate. Some policies do not require medical underwriting, and these may be advantageous to people with pre-existing health conditions.

When shopping for policies, look into how long LTCI will pay. Some policies include limits on how long or how much providers will pay for care, with some plans maxing out at two to five years. Other policies may not implement a term limit.

Speak with a tax specialist as well, as premiums paid on long-term care insurance products may be tax deductible.

Long-term care insurance is a way for individuals to finance the often-expensive costs for medical services that may be required as one ages.

— Metro Creative Connection

“LTCI generally covers assisted living needs, home care, hospice care, adult day care, and other requirements of senior living and/or health management. ”

Kern Senior Living

11

Cooling centers Cool down this summer at your local cooling center

T

hrough a grant provided by Pacific Gas and

Electric, and a collaborative effort between the Kern County Department of Aging and Adult Services and the Kern County General Services Department, cooling centers will be available to seniors and others as a way to seek relief from the extreme summer heat we sometimes experience in Kern County.

Designated senior centers, community centers, recreation and veterans’ buildings will be opened as cooling centers when the temperatures are forecast by the National Weather Service to exceed certain highs.

Cooling centers in the San Joaquin and Kern River valleys will be opened when temperatures are forecast to be 105 degrees or higher. Centers in the mountain areas will be opened when temperatures are forecast be 95 degrees or higher.

Centers in the desert areas will be opened when temperatures are forecast to be 108 degrees or higher.

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Kern Senior Living

Hours of operation are from 1 to 8 p.m., and centers will operate on weekends and holidays, in addition to weekdays when temperatures are forecast to exceed certain highs.

Residents using the cooling centers are encouraged to bring their favorite nonalcoholic beverages, snacks, reading material, games, etc. to better enjoy the centers.

Watch and listen for announcements on your local television and radio stations and local newspaper.

Information may also be found online by visiting www. kerncounty.com.

For more information, contact the Kern County Parks and Recreation Department at 661-868-7000.

For assistance with transportation to a cooling center, contact the Kern County Aging and Adult Services Department at 661-868-1000 or 800-510-2020. To locate a cooling center site, visit www.kerncounty.com/aas. — Courtesy of Kern County Aging and Adult Services

A little advice is only a page away

Four senior books worth a look The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, More Purposeful Life

By Marc E. Agronin, M.D. The acclaimed author of “How We Age,” whose descriptive powers are a gift to readers, presents a hopeful and practical model of aging – a guide to understanding how we can all make the journey better.

Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year Among the Oldest Old

By John Leland A New York Times Bestseller.

An extraordinary look at what it means to grow old and a heartening guide to well-being, “Happiness Is a Choice You Make” weaves together the stories and wisdom of six New Yorkers who number among the “oldest old”– those 85 and up.

The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias

By Gayatri Devi, M.D. Imagine finding a glimmer of good news in a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. And imagine how that would change the outlook of the 5 million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, not to mention their families, loved ones and caretakers.

The Longevity Diet: Discover the New Science Behind Stem Cell Activation and Regeneration to Slow Aging, Fight Disease, and Optimize Weight

By Valter Longo The internationally renowned, clinically tested, revolutionary diet program to lose weight, fight disease, and live a longer, healthier life.

www.optimalcares.com Kern Senior Living

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Adult Day Care

Care

• Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County Inc. 4203 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-665-8871 Respite Care: 661-301-6154 Toll Free: 888-571-3443 • Delano Adult Day Health Care Center 1457 Glenwood St. Delano, CA 93215 661-725-7070 _________________________

Care Management Services • Infinity Care Solutions, Bakersfield IinfinityCareSolutionsBakersfield.com Cassandra Ortiz, BA, CMC Aging Life Care Professional Cell: 661-337-0922 PO Box 1154 Bakersfield, CA. 93302 • Valley Caregiver Resource Center 3845 N. Clark St., Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93726 661-821-1626 Toll Free: 800-541-8614 _________________________

Day & Respite Care • Adult Day Services Program 5500 Olive Drive, Building 1 Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-393-8871 Toll Free: 888-571-3443 • Delano Adult Day Health Care Center 1457 Glenwood St. Delano, CA 93215 661-725-7070 • Pacifica Senior Living 3209 Brookside Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-9671 • Senior Services of I.W.V. 417 W. Drummond Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-4322 14

Kern Senior Living

• Tehachapi Manor 20400 Oak Knoll Drive Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-7885 • The Village at Seven Oaks Senior Living 4301 Buena Vista Road Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-837-1337 _________________________

Geriatric Care Managers • Infinity Care Solutions, Bakersfield IinfinityCareSolutionsBakersfield.com Cassandra Ortiz, BA, CMC Aging Life Care Professional Cell: 661-337-0922 PO Box 1154 Bakersfield, CA. 93302 • Kern Medical Center 1700 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-326-2000 _________________________

Health Care Services • Bakersfield Family Medical Center 4580 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-327-4411 • Bakersfield Family Medical Center Northeast 5601 Auburn St., Suite A Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-616-9700 • Bakersfield Family Medical Center Northwest 3400 Calloway Drive, Suite 400 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-387-6000 • BFMC Oak Tree Medical Group 432 S. Mill St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-823-2273 BFMC Urgent Care 4580 California Ave Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-846-4835

• Comprehensive Cardiovascular 5945 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-323-4278 • Gentiva Hospice 5001 E. Commerce Center Drive, Suite 140 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-324-1232 Toll Free: 866-324-1232 • Brookdale River Walk 350 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-0221 • HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 5001 Commerce Drive Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-323-5500 • Bakersfield Heart Hospital 3001 Sillect Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-316-6000 • Interim HealthCare 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700 • QualCare IPA 5058 California Ave., Suite 415 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-371-2790 • LifeHOUSE Parkview Healthcare Center 329 N. Real Road Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-327-7107 • Mayflower Gardens 6570 West Ave., Suite L-12 Lancaster, CA 93536 661-943-3228 • Mercy Southwest Orthopedic and Hand Center at Mercy Southwest Hospital 300 Old River Road Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-664-2300 • Nandakumar, Ravi, M.D. Gastroenterology and Nutrition 9870 Brimhall Road, Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-588-8725

• Omni Family Health: Brimhall Community Health Center 1014 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-377-0439 Buttonwillow Health & Dental Center 277 E. Front St. Buttonwillow, CA 93206 661-764-5211 Joy Cariño Kimpo Family Medical Center 1001 Main St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-7080 Lost Hills Community Health & Dental Center 21138 Paso Robles Highway Lost Hills, CA 93249 661-797-2667 Oildale Community Health Center 525 Roberts Lane Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-392-7850 Ridgecrest Medical & Dental Center 1133 N. Chelsea St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-446-7978 Rosedale Community Health Center 3409 Calloway Drive, Building 300 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-387-6930 Shafter Community Health Center 659 S. Central Valley Highway Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-9194 Taft Community Medical & Dental Center 1100 Fourth St. Taft, CA 93268 661-765-5044 Tehachapi Community Medical & Dental Center 161 N. Mill St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-9054

The power to connect your

FAMILY.

Do you find it difficult to hear during phone conversations?

California Relay Service (CRS) is here to connect you!

A ffree public bl service, CRS b brings an array off accessible bl telecommunications l services that make phone calls easy and keep you connected to your loved ones.

• A Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) displays everything that is being said to you during a phone call on a built-in display screen.

• Additional calling options are available for individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or have difficulty speaking.

CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

Provided by Hamilton Relay

www.DDTP.org

To learn how to get started, call 1-877-632-9095 (English), 1-877-419-8440 (Spanish), or visit ca-relay.com Kern Senior Living

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Care

Wasco Medical & Dental Center 2101 7th St. Wasco, CA 93280 661-758-2263

• Delano Regional Medical Center 1401 Garces Highway Delano, CA 93215 661-725-4800

Panama Lane Health Center 4600 Panama Lane, Suite 102B Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-241-7900

• Kern Medical Center 1700 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-326-2000

• Optimal Hospice Care 1675 Chester Ave., #401 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-716-4000 • Ridgecrest Healthcare Center 1131 N. China Lake Blvd.

Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-446-3591 • Senior Services of I.W.V. 417 W. Drummond Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-4322 ___________________________

Hospitals – Rehabilitation • Bakersfield Heart Hospital 3001 Sillect Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-316-6000 • HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 5001 Commerce Drive Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-323-5500 • The Village at Seven Oaks Senior Living 4301 Buena Vista Road Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-837-1337 ___________________________

Hospitals – Special Programs • Bakersfield Heart Hospital 3001 Sillect Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-316-6000 16

Kern Senior Living

• Tehachapi Hospital 115 W. E St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-823-3000

• Interim Assisted Care 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700

• Veterans Administration Medical Center 2615 East Clinton Ave. Fresno, CA 93703 559-225-6100

• Kern County Aging and Adult Services 5357 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-868-1000 toll-free 800-510-2020

• Kern Valley Healthcare District 6412 Laurel Ave. Lake Isabella, CA 93240 760-379-2681

• VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Blvd., #6005 Los Angeles, CA 90073 310-478-3711 ___________________________

• Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals:

In-Home Care

Memorial Hospital 420 34th St. Bakersfield, CA 93303 661-327-4647

• Adventist Health-Home Care Services 2800 K St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-869-6700

Mercy Hospital Downtown 2215 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-632-5000

• Agape In Home Care 4800 District Blvd.

Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-835-0364

Mercy Hospital Southwest Orthopedic 300 Old River Road, Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-6000

• Ally Senior Care P.O. Box 1438 Shafter, CA 93263 661 397-2559

• Palmdale Regional Medical Center 38600 Medical Center Drive Palmdale, CA 93551 661-382-5000 • Ridgecrest Regional Hospital 1081 N. China Lake Blvd.

Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-446-3551 • San Joaquin Community Hospital 2615 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-395-3000 • Tehachapi Family Health Center, Mojave 2041 Belshaw St. Mojave, CA 93501 661- 824-4511

• Alternative Care 2029 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-631-2036 • Antelope Valley Home Care 44335 Lowtree Ave. Lancaster, CA 93534 661-949-5938 • Around The Clock 5251 Office Park Drive, #400 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-5800 • The Gables 903 Spirit Lake Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-631-2036 • Hoffman Hospice 8501 Brimhall Road, Building #100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-410-1010

• Kern County Veterans Services Department 1120 Golden State Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-868-7300 • Maxim Healthcare Services 5201 California Ave., Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-322-3039 Toll Free: 866-869-2345 • Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Home Health 1600 D St., Suite 202 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-632-5050 • Optimal Hospice Care 1675 Chester Ave., #401 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-716-4000 • Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Home Health and Hospice Agency 1653 Triangle Drive Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-499-3617 • St. John’s Homehealth Care Center 4800 Stockdale Highway #209, Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-323-8145 • Senior Services of I.W.V. 417 W. Drummond Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-4322 ___________________________

Pain Management/ Acupuncture • Acupuncture Center of Ridgecrest 136 Garnick Ave., Suite B Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-371-1520

• Delano Acupuncture & Chiropractic Center 1224 Jefferson St., Suite 3 Delano, CA 93215 661-721-1234 • Haynes Chiropractic 3865 Stockdale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-322-2875 • Mary Jane’s Express 1545 Olive Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-750-0049 ___________________________

Respite Care • Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County Inc. 4203 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-665-8871 Respite Care: 661-301-6154 Toll Free: 888-571-3443

• Golden Living Centers, Shafter 140 E. Tulare Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-3912

• Senior Services of I.W.V. 417 W. Drummond Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-4322

• Golden Living Centers, Bakersfield 3601 San Dimas St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-323-2894

• Valley Caregiver Resource Center 3845 N. Clark St., Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93726 Main office: 559-224-9154 Toll Free: 800-541-8614 ______________________

• Kern County Aging and Adult Services 5357 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-868-1000 toll-free 800-5101-2020 • Maxim Healthcare Services 5201 California Ave., Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-322-3039

• Delano District Skilled Nursing Facility 1509 Tokay Ave. Delano, CA 93215 661-720-2100 • Evergreen Arvin Healthcare Center 323 Campus Drive Arvin, CA 93203 661-854-4475 • Evergreen Bakersfield

Skilled Nursing & Rehab Healthcare Center • Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County Inc. 4203 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-665-8871 Respite Care: 661-301-6154 Toll Free: 888-571-3443 • Crestwood Behavioral Health Center 6700 Eucalyptus Drive Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-363-8127

6212 Tudor Way Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-871-3133 • Brookdale River Walk 350 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-0221 • Golden Living Centers 3601 San Dimas St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-323-2894

What is an Aging Life Care Professional?

Often referred to as Geriatric Care Managers your local Aging Life Care Professional have obtained certification from the Aging Life Care Association to expertly guide their clients through the following areas that affect the senior community:

• Health and Disability • Financial • Housing • Local Resources • Advocacy • Legal • Crisis Intervention Infinity Care Solutions is your local Aging Life Care Professional service and can offer assessment of the activities of daily living, general health, psychological and cognitive needs, medications, and their home environment and safety. With this information, we create a plan of care that outlines the concerns and challenges involved and the solutions to meet those needs. We specialize in Medi-Cal and Social Security benefits review. We will help guide you in the process of getting the benefits that are available for you with an office right here in Bakersfield.

1-877-337-0922 or

visit: www.infinitycaresolutionsbakersfield.com

Located in SW Bakersfield, offering exceptional care for all stages of life.

Call to Schedule a Tour (661) 834-0200 2001 Akers Rd., Bakersfield, Ca 93309

License #155801264

Kern Senior Living

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Care

• Golden Living Centers 140 E. Tulare Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-3912

• American Heart Association 7425 N. Palm Bluffs Ave., #101 Fresno, CA 93711 559-435-5246

• HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 5001 Commerce Drive Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-323-5500

• American Cancer Society 1831 Truxtun Ave., Suite 158 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-7827

• Valley Caregiver 26150 Columbia Way Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-821-1626 Toll-free: 800-541-8614 • LifeHOUSE Parkview Healthcare Center 329 N. Real Road Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-327-7107 • Mayflower Convalescent Hospital 6705 W. Columbia Way Lancaster, CA 93536 661-943-3212 • Parkview Julian Convalescent 1801 Julian Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-831-9150 • Bellasera 1131 N. China Lake Blvd.

Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-446-3591 • Valley Convalescent Hospital 1205 8th St. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-334-2200 • The Village at Seven Oaks Senior Living 4301 Buena Vista Road Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-837-1337 ___________________________

Support Groups • Aging & Adult Services Department 5357 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-868-1000 • Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County 4203 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-665-8871 18

Kern Senior Living

• Braille & Talking Book Library Toll-free: 800-952-5666 • American Diabetes Association 888-342-2383 • Grandparent Guardianship Project 615 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-325-5943 • Kern County Adult Protective Services Hot Line Bakersfield, CA 661-868-1006 • Kern County Department of Public Health 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-321-3000 • Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 615 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-323-7884 • Kern County Mental Health Department 2151 College Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-868-8080 • Kern County Veterans Services 1120 Golden State Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-868-7300 • Lake Isabella Office On Aging 661-868-1000 Toll-free: 800-510-2020 • Legal Services for Seniors Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance 615 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-325-5943 • Medicare 800-633-4227

• Multipurpose Senior Services Program Bakersfield, CA 661-868-1042 • Partners in Care Foundation-Kern 732 Mott St., Suite 150 San Fernando, CA 91340 818-837-3775 • Pioneer Senior Citizens Of Buttonwillow 131 E. 1st St. Buttonwillow, CA 93206 661-764-5970 • Kern County Aging and Adult Services 5357 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 Phone: 661-868-1000 Toll Free: 800-510-2020 • Rosamond Senior Citizens Inc. 2500 W. 20th St. Rosamond, CA 93560 661-256-1012 • Volunteer Senior Outreach 868-1021 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 2020 R St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-8835 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 530 4th St. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-325-1113 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 27177 Twenty Mule Team Road Boron, CA 93516 760-762-5501 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 191 E. First St. Buttonwillow, CA 93206 661-764-5970 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 10211 Heather Ave. California City, CA 93505 760-373-1006 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 925 Ellington St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-3337 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 2014 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-392-2011

• Senior Outreach/Assessment 1751 McKee Road Greenfield, CA 93307 661-834-9041 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 1247 Broadway St. Inyokern, CA 93527 760-377-4800 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 10300 San Diego St. Lamont, CA 93241 661-845-0938 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 271 California St. Maricopa, CA 93252 661-769-9898 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 100 S. 2nd St. McFarland, CA 93250 661-792-3187 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 115 E. Roberts Lane Oildale, CA 93308 661-392-2030 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 125 S. Warner St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-5438 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 500 Cascade Place Taft, CA 93268 661-763-1535 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 500 E. F St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-5412 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 1280 Poplar Ave. Wasco, CA 93280 661-758-2755 • Senior Outreach/Assessment 505 Sunset Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-7838 • Senior Services of I.W.V. 417 W. Drummond Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-4322 • Valley Caregiver Resource Center 661-821-1626 Toll Free: 800-541-8614

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Services & Equipment

Dental Hearing Home Modification National Products & Programs Security Devices Mobility Aids Vision 20 Kern Senior Living

The link between diabetes and dental health

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egular dental checkups are essential to maintaining oral health. In addition to preventing dental caries and removing tartar that contributes to gum disease, dental checkups can alert patients to other potential health problems. For example, symptoms of periodontal disease may be indicative of the presence of diseases that stems from outside of the mouth, including diabetes.

Diabetes, a condition of uncontrolled blood sugar or insulin production, can affect many areas of the body, including the mouth. Diabetics face a high risk of oral health problems because of fluctuating levels of blood sugar, which impairs white blood cells.

White blood cells are the body’s main defense against disease and are dispatched when a virus or bacteria is present. Should white blood cells be rendered less effective, the body’s defense system is compromised and infections can occur in the mouth and elsewhere.

The American Diabetes Association says that not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.

Many people are unaware they have diabetes until an oral health exam raises a red flag that warns of uncontrolled blood sugar.

Those who are aware of their diabetes should take treatment seriously to keep blood sugar levels in check.

They also should discuss their diabetes with a dentist and other oral health practitioners so that a custom exam and screening schedule can be implemented. It is vital for diabetics to maintain oral health to reduce the risk of infections of the mouth that can spread elsewhere throughout the body.

– Metro Creative Connection

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Transportation services available for seniors, disabled

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wo curbside transportation programs serve Bakersfield residents. Both require completing an application and advance scheduling.

GET-A-Lift is sponsored by Golden Empire Transportation. GET-A-Lift is a special transportation service designed to provide curb-to-curb service within its service area to qualified persons with disabilities and is only available to individuals who meet one of the following criteria: • Any individual with a disability who is unable to board, ride or disembark a bus on the fixed route system that is accessible and usable by other individuals with a disability.

• Any individual with a disability who needs the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance and the fixed route they wish to travel is not wheelchair accessible.

• Any individual with a disability who has a condition that prevents them from walking or traveling to and from a bus stop on the fixed route system.

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Kern Senior Living

There are two types of services available: • Subscription Service is offered for customers traveling to the same location on a regular basis. This is limited to employment, school and ongoing medical appointments.

• General Purpose is offered to customers who take occasional trips for purposes such as medical appointments, shopping or recreation. Reservations can be scheduled between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week, by calling 661-869-6363.

Applications are available at the district offices or online from the website, getbus.org/getalift. You may also request an application be sent to your home by calling the district office at 661-324-9874. When you have completed the application contact the GET district office to schedule your in-person functional assessment.

When you have concluded the in-person functional assessment, a GET official will review it and determine eligibility within 21 days. You will be notified of the decision in writing or another appropriate format. An ID

card will be sent to you in the mail if you are approved.

If you are denied certification, you will be notified of the reasons and of the procedure to appeal. You will have 60 days, from the date of your notification, to file an appeal.

A one-way trip cost is $2.50. Attendants ride free if you are certified to have one. A companion may ride on a space-available basis for the regular $2.50 fare.

Passengers must have the exact fare or purchase a GAL punch pass. This pass is good for 10 rides and can be purchased for $25 at the GET office.

Golden Empire Transportation also offers a reduced fare monthly or day bus pass for those able to use the fixed route bus system, customers 65 and older and customers with a certified disability are eligible for discount fares. Any of the following items will be accepted as proof of age or disability: a valid GET Senior ID card, California DMV ID card, Medicare Card or GET Reduced Fare ID card. Call 661-324-9874 to learn more about obtaining a GET Senior or Special Rider ID card. Customers who do not have appropriate documentation verifying age or qualifying disability will be required to have their physician complete the Reduced Fare Application as verification of their disability. Please note: Customers who purchase the Reduced Fare Monthly Pass must complete the Reduced Fare application, and bring the application to the GET administration office along with appropriate identification and/or documentation verifying age or qualifying disability. Customers will then receive a photo identification card. Customers purchasing the Reduced Monthly Fare Pass will then affix the monthly pass, sticker, to their card.

is required if under age 60.)

• Any individual with a permanent disability requiring the assistance of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance, and the fixed route available is not wheelchair accessible.

• Any individual with a condition preventing him or her from walking or traveling to or from a bus stop on the fixed route system.

Kern Regional Transit (KRT) is a transit service designed to provide transportation throughout the 8,000 square miles of Kern County. Kern Regional Transit currently has 13 different fixed routes, making it easy for residents and visitors to get around the county without a car.

The KRT Dial-A-Ride is a general public, shared, curb-to-curb transportation service provided for residents who live in Lake Isabella, Lamont, Mojave, Rosamond, Tehachapi and Frazier Park. KRT also provides a nonemergency medical dial-a-ride service to passengers that come into Bakersfield on their fixed routes for medical appointments. Kern Regional Transit currently has a mix of diesel and CNG vehicles, ranging from cutaways to 32-foot transit buses, and operates seven days per week. Kern Regional Transit can be contacted by calling 800-323-2396 or 800-560-1733.

– Courtesy of Golden Empire Transportation

Consolidated Transportation Service Agency (CTSA) provides low-cost transportation service for seniors 60-plus and disabled community members. Services are available Monday through Friday. CTSA office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications may be obtained by calling 661-392-2035 or may be downloaded from the website at: norfun.org.

Transportation is provided for doctor appointments, senior activities, grocery shopping and other essential trips. A $2 fee will be charged for each one-way trip.

This is a door-to-door ride share program. The first passenger on the bus may not be the first one off the bus, as riders will be picked up and dropped off along the route.

A personal caregiver may ride with passengers incapable of caring for and/or making decisions for themselves. Wheelchairs must be in proper working condition. Wheelchairs will not be pushed up or down steep inclines. Ramps and lap belts are required. There is a suggested two-week notice required for wheelchair transportation due to limited availability.

This program is available to: • Any individual 60 years of age or older.

• Any individual with a permanent disability impeding his or her ability to board, ride, or disembark public transportation that is accessible for individuals with disabilities. (A note signed by your primary physician

• • • •

When is the right time to locate for assisted living?

Can my loved one afford quality care in a location?

How are the caregivers trained?

Does my loved one qualify for VA benefits to help with the cost of assisted living?

• What will their insurance cover?

Those are just some the hard questions you find yourself asking when trying to locate assisted living. The Senior Placement Advisors at Guidance Senior Care Services can meet you in person to guide you through the journey of locating an assisted living that meets the care needs and budget of your loved one. Local Senior Placement Advisor personalize your search vs an online website who have never met your loved one. With over 50 locally prescreened assisted living facilities and a statewide network of local advisors, Guidance Senior Care will guide you towards peace of mind.

Contact Michael Parugrug (661) 202-3170 www.GuidanceCare.com Kern Senior Living

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Vision changes not all related to aging

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s a person gets older certain bodily changes are to be expected. For example, muscle tone may diminish and bones can become more fragile as we age.

Exercise and healthy eating may be able to stave off some of the effects of aging, but avoiding vision problems may require some additional effort.

Difficulty seeing clearly for reading and close work is one of the most common age-related vision issues. This condition can begin as early as age 40 and worsen, as a person gets older.

Variation in the eyes' ability to focus properly is called presbyopia, and it will worsen over time.

Certain eye disorders may become more prevalent as a person gets older, but that does not mean they are a byproduct of aging. Macular degeneration, which causes spotty loss of detail or sudden and severe loss of central vision, may occur.

According to the Mayo Clinic, about half of all 65-year-old Americans have some degree of cataract formation in their eyes. People who have cataracts may think they're an unavoidable part of getting older. While aging may increase the risk of getting cataracts, according to Lighthouse International, its true cause is unknown. – Metro Creative Connection

Adults should not assume all vision changes are a direct result of getting older.

Annual vision examinations by qualified eye doctors can pinpoint the cause of problems and find treatment options that are successful.

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Senior citizen volunteer opportunities Bakersfield Museum of Art Volunteers are always needed for few hours or for several days a month. Volunteer work can range from setting up art exhibits to to giving tours and even special gardening projects.

1930 R St. 323-7219

California Living Museum (CALM) The California Living Museum relies on volunteers who help in many areas, such as taking care of gardens, working directly with some of the animals, or keeping the public informed about events and exhibits.

Volunteers can choose the area of interest.

10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256

Kern Adult Literacy Council Volunteers are needed to help Kern County residents speak, write and understand the English language.

331 18th St. 324-3213

Bakersfield Homeless Shelter Volunteers are needed for serving food, helping at the warehouse with donations, assisting kids with after school programs, and helping with group projects.

1600 E. Truxtun Ave. 322-9199

M.A.R.E. M.A.R.E Riding Center’s mission statement is “to provide therapeutic equine assisted activities for the benefit of people living with special needs and disabilities.” They need volunteers to help around the horse stalls or walk next to the horses with riders.

18200 Johnson Road. 589-1877

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers are currently needed for a variety of areas – not just building houses. Help is needed with customer service, pricing and other opportunities.

622 Jackson St. 327-7067

California Veterans Assistance Foundation, Inc. The California Veterans Assistance Foundation assist homeless, or people who are close to becoming homeless, so that they have a safe environment to be in.

1400 Easton Dr. #102. 695-3626

CASA of Kern County Volunteers are trained to help children who have been neglected, abused, or abandoned and serve as mentors.

2000 24th St., Suite 130. 631-2272

American Red Cross Volunteers are needed to train in disaster response, planning blood drives, sending messages to military members, and helping families in need.

5035 Gilmore Ave. 324-6427

Kern County Veterans Services Department 1120 Golden State Ave. 868-7300

Mercy Hospital of Bakersfield Auxiliary volunteers are needed to help at the main entrance desk, gift shop, with puppet shows and other areas.

2215 Truxtun Ave. 632-5000

Bakersfield SPCA Caring and responsible volunteers are needed to help maintain a clean, safe environment for the animals.

2015 S. Mt. Vernon Ave. 323-8353

United Way of Kern County A network of local agencies, organizations, private individuals, and homeless/formerly homeless persons working together “to put an end to homelessness in Kern County through collaborative planning and action.”

5405 Stockdale Highway, Suite 200. 834-1820

Volunteer Center of Kern County

The Volunteer Center recruits volunteers for nonprofit agencies matching volunteers to agencies to assist in their daily operations, fund raising efforts and delivery of services to the community.

1311 Eye St. 395-9787 Kern Senior Living

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Dental

Services & Equipment

• Alliance Brokers & Consultants Inc. 5301 Office Park Drive Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-427-4700 Toll-free: 855-799-9881 • Capital Dental Group 8701 Camino Media, Suite A Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-861-8000 • Crown Dental 6300 White Lane, Suite C Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-827-1100 • Enhance Dental 1405 Commercial Way, Suite 140 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-328-9993 • Omni Family Health: 1014 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-377-0439 277 E. Front St. Buttonwillow, CA 93206 661-764-5257 1215 Jefferson St. Delano, CA 93215 661-454-1700 21138 Paso Robles Highway Lost Hills, CA 93249 661-797-2677 Oildale Dental 525 Roberts Lane Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-215-2342 Panama Lane Health Center 4600 Panama Lane, # 102B Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-241-7900 1133 N. Chelsea St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-446-3808 3409 Calloway Drive, Building 300 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-387-6930

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Kern Senior Living

655 S. Central Valley Highway Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-9194 • Wasco Medical & Dental Center 2101 7th St. Wasco, CA 93280 661-758-5903 • Independent Living Center of Kern County 5251 Office Park Drive, #200 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-325-1063 • Kern County Dental Society Referrals 930 Truxtun Ave., Suite 101 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-843-7715 • Old Towne Dental 20406 Brian Way Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6706 • RC Dental 214 E. California Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-8416 • Rosetown Family Dentistry 1229 7th St. Wasco, CA 93280 661-758-5338 • San Dimas Family Dentistry 602 34th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-323-2929 • Southwest Family Dentistry 1601 Mill Rock Way Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-833-0101 • Tranada-Lee Family Dental Care 3409 Calloway Drive Suite 510A Bakersfield, CA 93312 ___________________________

Hearing • Bell Tone Hearing Aid Center 801 N. Downs St., Suite H Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-4327

• Comfort Hearing Aid Centers, Taft 333 S. 10th St., Suite 104 Taft, CA 93268 661-322-8444 • Hear for Life 1400 Easton Drive, Suite 147 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-322-6670 • Hearing Aids Today 2618 K St., Suite C Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-634-9141 • HEAR USA 2530 F St., Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-633-2934 • Miracle Ear 1043 Stine Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-247-0063 • Mountain Hearing Center 695 Tucker Road, Suite B Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-823-0717 ___________________________

Home Modification • LiveAble Solutions 5880 District Blvd., Suite 19 Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-837-1117 ___________________________

Mobility Aids • Driving Specialties 2563 N. Fordham Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 559-291-2563 • Express Pharmacy: Rosedale 3400 Calloway Drive., #302 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-829-7870 Fax: 661-829-7873 Shafter 825 Central Valley Highway Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-5600 Fax: 661-746-4978 Southwest Bakersfield 9802 Stockdale Highway, Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-381-7600 Fax: 661-381-7605

Wasco 650 F St. Wasco, CA 93280 661-240-5900 Fax: 661-240-5901 • Medi-Stop Home Medical Supplies 2333 Brundage Lane Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-328-9920 • Mercy Plaza Respiratory & Medical Supplies 1329 34th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-324-9411 • Mobility Plus 217 Mount Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-321-9023 • Pacific Pulmonary Services Customer Care Center 3101 N. Sillect Ave. Suite 106 Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-861-6160 Toll-free: 800-974-6331 _________________________

National Products & Programs • Ableware Independent Living, Maddak 661 Route 23 South Wayne, NJ 07470 973-628-7600 Toll Free: 800-443-4926 • Brand New Day HMO Healthcare You Can Feel Good About 866-255-4795 TTY: 866-321-5955 • The Alzheimer’s Store 420 Osierfield Drive Fitzgerald, GA 31750 800-752-3238 • Dr. Leonard’s Healthcare Catalog 800-785-0880 • Healthy Living Catalog 6864 Engle Road Cleveland, OH 44130 800-800-0100

• Rehabmart 1353 Athens Highway Elberton, GA 30635 800-827-8283 __________________________

• Bakersfield Prosthetics & Orthotics Center Inc. 2023 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-281-2127

Security Devices

• Valley Institute of Prosthetics & Orthotics 1524 21st St., Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-322-1005 ___________________________

• ADT Home Health Security Services 877-678-6952

Vision

• 1-800 Med Alert 359 San Miguel Drive, Suite 109 Newport Beach, CA 92660 800-633-2537

• High Desert Medical & Sleep 112 N. China Lake Blvd.

Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-3680 • Lauren’s Hope Medical ID Bracelets 800-360-8680 • Life Alert 800-920-3410 • Lifeline of Mercy Memorial Home Health 1600 D St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-632-5111 Toll Free: 800-566-0885 • Medic Alert Foundation International 2323 Colorado Ave. Turlock, CA 95382 888-633-4298 • Napco’s Waterproof Personal Panic Button 800-645-9330 • San Joaquin Valley Pulmonary Medical Group 3551 Q St., Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-3747 __________________________

Prosthetic Devices • Achilles Prosthetics & Orthotics 2624 F St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-323-5944 or 661-379-8880

• Advanced Center for Eyecare 1721 Westwind Drive, Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-215-1006 • Boston Eye Care, Dr. Joseph F. Figazolo 600 Coffee Road, Suite H Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-832-3939 • Delano Optometric Center, Dr. Larry DeDonato 1429 Main St. Delano, CA 93215 661-725-9771

www.omnifamilyhealth.org

• Eagle View Optometry, Dr. John Fagan 20231 W. Valley Blvd., Suite G Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-1212 • Focus Optometry Clinic 905 W. Drummond Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-9709 • James Simonson 417 Center St. Taft, CA 93268 661-765-4270 • Larry Waggoner, OD 12134 Mount Mesa Road Lake Isabella, CA 93240 760-379-3602 • Park Family Optometric Center 919 13th Ave. Delano, CA 93215 661-725-3795 • Tehachapi Optometric Center 20131 W. Valley Blvd.

Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6886 Kern Senior Living

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Nutritional Services

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Kern Senior Living

Congregate Dining Grocery Shopping Home-Delivered Meals Nutrition – General Nutritional Services

Diet and exercise needs change as men and women age

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aintaining a healthy weight is important at any age. But avoiding being overweight or obese can be particularly crucial for seniors, considering many illnesses are tied to body weight.

Maintaining a healthy immune system also can require eating a balanced, nutritionally sound diet.

The Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center at Durham Medical Center in Virginia says people need to change how they eat for every decade they reach.

Caloric intake should be reduced because individuals are generally moving around less, have less muscle and their metabolic rates decline. People who find that they are having trouble losing weight in their 50s and older may be basing weight-loss goals on calorie recommendations

for younger people.

In addition to modifying food and beverage choices and reducing their calorie intake, seniors should continue to exercise. Healthy eating paired with moderate exercise remains one of the best combinations for healthy weight loss or weight maintenance. The goal is to consume fewer calories and expend more energy.

Apart from diet and exercise, aging adults may need to consult with their doctors about nutritional supplements.

Your body may produce less stomach acid as you get older, making it more difficult to absorb vitamins from food, including vitamin B12 and vitamin D. – Metro Creative Connection

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Nutrition program available to Kern County seniors

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he Kern County Aging and Adult Services administers the Senior Nutrition Program, which is funded by the Federal Older Americans Act, State, and County General Fund dollars.

The Senior Congregate Nutrition Sites provide the following: • Provide daily noon meals, social activities and information clearinghouse services in a congregate setting for senior citizens aged 60 and older.

• Acts as liaison, as needed, to direct seniors to other emergency services/providers.

Meals are available for anyone 60 years and older with a 24-hour advance reservation, for a donation of $2 at most centers. The donation is not required to receive a meal. Some centers provide free or low-cost transportation to and from the center.

Call Kern County Aging & Adult Services at 8681000 or 800-510-2020 (within Kern County) for the nutrition site closest to you, or check the website at www.co.kern.ca.us.

The Meals on Wheels Program serves individuals age 60 and older, who are homebound by reason of illness, incapacitation, disability or isolation, and unable to attend the Senior Congregate sites. Please call Kern County Aging & Adult Services to obtain

30 Kern Senior Living

the telephone number of the appropriate geographic service provider.

The Golden Empire Gleaners “Senior Sack Program” targets low-income seniors in Kern County as recipients of food. It is run in partnership with the site and is staffed by volunteers many of whom are senior citizens themselves.

Food is delivered to the site twice each month for distribution to registered seniors. “Sacks” include at least 10 items including fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, snack items, and staples. The site provides refreshments and a chance for socializing. There is a onetime $2 registration fee.

There are currently 24 sites throughout Kern County.

A listing is available at www.goldenempiregleaners.com or by calling Kern County Aging & Adult Services at 8681000 or toll free at 800-510-2020.

Kern County Aging & Adult Services is available to assist seniors age 60 and over with an emergency referral to the Golden Empire Gleaners once every six months. The referral needs to be called in before 10 a.m. on the desired day of pick-up to 868-1000 or 800510-2020.

– Kern County Aging & Adult Services

• Arvin Senior Center 800 Walnut Drive Arvin, CA 93203 661-854-1521 • Bakersfield Community House 2020 R St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-8835 • Bakersfield Senior Center 530 4th St. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-325-1113 • Delano Senior Center 925 Ellington St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-3337 • East Niles Senior 6601 Niles St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-363-8910 • Greenacres Community Center 2014 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-392-2010 • Kern County Aging and Adult Services 5357 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-868-1000 Toll-free: 800-510-2020 • North Kern Senior Nutrition Center 1280 Poplar St. Wasco, CA 93280 661-758-2755 • R. Prado E. B. Senior Center 2101 Ridge Road Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-323-8624 • Rasmussen Senior Center 115 E. Roberts Lane Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-392-2030

• Ridgecrest Senior Center 125 S. Warner St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-2222

• Kern River Valley Meals On Wheels Kern River Valley, CA 760-379-5831

• Heritage Family Chiropractic 978 N. Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-446-1088

• Rosamond Senior Center 2500 20th St. W. Rosamond, CA 93560 661-256-1012

• McFarland Meals on Wheels McFarland, CA 661-746-7838

• Lassen's Natural Foods & Vitamins 4308 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-324-1264

• Shafter Senior Center 505 Sunset Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-7838 • South Fork Elementary School Cafeteria 6401 Fay Ranch Road Weldon, CA 93283 760-378-4602 • Taft Community Center 500 Cascade Place Taft, CA 93268 661-763-1535 • Tehachapi Senior Center 500 E. F St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-5412 __________________________

Grocery Shopping • Interim Healthcare 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700 • Schwan’s Home Delivery 1-888-724-9267 • Vons Delivery Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA 661-328-6950 __________________________

Home Delivered Meals • Bakersfield Metro Meals on Wheels Bakersfield, CA 661-868-0973 • City of Delano Meals On Wheels Delano, CA 763-972-0547

• McKittrick Meals on Wheels McKittrick, CA 661-868-0973 • North of the River Rec. & Park Dist. Meals On Wheels Bakersfield, CA 661-392-2016 • R. Prado E. Bakersfield Center Meals On Wheels Bakersfield, CA 661-323-8624

• Mercy Hospital of Bakersfield 2215 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-632-5000 • Nandakumar, Ravi, M.D. Gastroenterology and Nutrition 9870 Brimhall Road, Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-588-8725

• Ridgecrest Senior Center Meals On Wheels Ridgecrest, CA 760-375-5438

• Reed Chiropractic Herb & Vitamin Center 1715 30th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-322-3997

• Shafter Senior Center Meals On Wheels Shafter, CA 661-746-7838

• Sunshine Herbs & Vitamins 169 E. Lerdo Highway Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-0659 __________________________

• Southeast Desert Nutrition Program Meals On Wheels Rosamond, CA 661-256-0557 • Taft Meals On Wheels Taft, CA 661-763-1535 __________________________

Nutrition – General • Apple Tree Health Foods 1910 N. Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-393-6287 • Brand New Day HMO Healthcare You Can Feel Good About 866-255-4795 TTY: 866-321-5955

Nutritional Services

Congregate Dining

Nutritional Services • Golden Empire Gleaners 1326 30th St., Suite A Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-324-2767 • Community Action Partnership of Kern Food Bank 1807 Feliz Drive Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-398-4520 • Ridgecrest Senior Nutrition Program 125 S. Warner St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-5438 • Shafter Senior Nutrition Program 505 Sunset Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-7838 Kern Senior Living

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Housing 32

Kern Senior Living

Assisted Living Housing Alternatives Independent Living Relocation Service Residential Care Senior Placement

Shopping for an assisted living facility

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he decision to move yourself or a family member to an assisted living facility can be difficult. When men and women begin to experience difficulty with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing or getting around, families may need to explore assisted living facilities.

Millions of people in North America reside in assisted living facilities. The majority of residents in senior living are those who may need assistance with one or two daily activities, but who are otherwise mobile and self-sufficient. Families faced with moving relatives into assisted living facilities can consider the following pointers to find facilities their loved ones will enjoy.

• Consider the arrangements and services offered. Some facilities offer single rooms, while others provide apartment-style living. Most assisted living facilities provide a variety of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, exercise and wellness classes, and social activities, for their residents. Investigate the offerings at each home you visit, looking for a facility that best suits your loved one’s needs.

• Inquire about staff and their schedules. It is important to know how many staff members a facility has and how many people are working at any given time. Do staffing schedules differ at night? If a resident has a particular rapport with one staff member, can he or

she be requested? Look for a facility that is well-staffed and adept at dealing with elderly men and women.

• Learn about individual service plans. Many assisted living facilities create individual service plans, or ISPs, for their residents to ensure individualized care is given. These plans are important for the safety and comfort of residents and also can help maximize a person’s independence. Some communities offer memory care programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders.

• Consider the security in place. A good assisted living facility has a 24-hour support system in place and immediate access to care. Rooms may be equipped with emergency phones that can be accessed day or night. Many homes have check-in desks so that residents are accounted for when going on outings and for announcing guests.

• Check on licensing. In the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements for assisted living facilities. Confirm a facility is licensed and that it meets the expectations of the local regulatory agency. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the home.

Assisted living facilities can meet the needs of people who cannot live independently but do not require the around-the-clock care of a nursing home.

– Metro Creative Connection

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Senior living options Residential care, nursing facilities available locally

M

any of us have heard of the concept of assisted living. These are normally large facilities with communal dining, social activities, possibly their own transportation service, housekeeping and maybe laundry service. They come at a price, and many of us assume we will never be able to afford this. The rest of us just think we don’t want to leave home.

Some people may have heard of board and care facilities. These are normally homes in residential communities that may have six to 10 residents and they share a room with meals, housekeeping and maybe transportation provided.

Assisted living facilities and board and care homes are both licensed through the State of California’s Department of Community Care Licensing under the listing of Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly.

Residents pay a fee for living in these facilities and need to be able to perform or provide for their own personal care, such as dressing, grooming, bathing, etc.

Some long-term care insurance policies might allow provisions to cover some of these expenses, but you need to refer to your individual policy to see if that is the case.

Skilled nursing facilities or convalescent homes are another option often heard of. A skilled nursing facility is a health facility that is licensed by the Department of

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Kern Senior Living

Health Services to provide continuous skilled nursing care and supportive care to patients whose primary need is for the availability of skilled nursing care or supportive care on an extended basis. A nursing facility provides 24-hour inpatient care and, as a minimum, includes physician, skilled nursing, dietary, pharmaceutical services and an activity program.

Listings of residential care facilities can be downloaded through the website for California Department of Community Care Licensing, which is www.ccld.ca.gov.

Listings of skilled nursing facilities can be downloaded from the website sponsored by California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform at www. nursinghomeguide.org/NHG/nhg_txt_home.lasso.

Another option is to call the Kern County Department of Aging & Adult Services at 868-1006 or and request the listings for either residential care facilities or skilled nursing facilities be mailed to you.

The Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman investigates complaints on behalf of residents in residential care facilities and skilled nursing facilities and can be contacted to review complaint files when researching facilities or to file a quality of care complaint on behalf of a resident at 323-7884. – Courtesy of Kern County Aging and Adult Services

• Bakersfield Senior Placement 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700 • Country Assisted Living 23371 Banducci Road Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6457 • Brookdale River Walk 350 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-0221 • Evergreen Villa Assisted Living 14116 Palm Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93314 661-317-4777 • Florence Gardens Senior Living 6701 Auburn St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-873-0701

• Guidance Senior Care Services 1707 Eye St. Ste. 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 703-7131 • Kern Village Assisted Living P.O. Box 647 Kernville, CA 93238 760-376-6733 • LifeHOUSE Parkview Healthcare Center 329 N. Real Road Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-327-7107 • Mayflower Gardens 6570 West Ave., L-12 Lancaster, CA 93536 661-943-3228 • Mulberry Place Assisted Living Community 809 Mulberry St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-8077

• Pacifica Senior Living 3209 Brookside Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-9671 • The Burlington Assisted Living 13 Sycamore St. Wofford Heights, CA 93285 760-376-6474 • The Gables 903 Spirit Lake Bakersfield, CA 93314 661-631-2036 • The Meadows 10702 Four Bears Drive Bakersfield, CA 93314 661-631-2036 • Tehachapi Manor 20400 Oak Knoll Drive Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-7885 • Westchester Gardens 2228 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-324-3091

Housing Alternatives • Bakersfield Senior Placement 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700

Housing

Assisted Living

• Brookside Senior Apartments 2605 Brookside Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-7801 • Carriage House Estates 8200 Westwold Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-8393 • Columbus Estates 3201 Columbus St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-872-5855 • Florence Gardens Senior Living 6701 Auburn St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-873-0701

The Care You Need.

When and Where You Need It. Around The Clock Care provides a variety of home health services focused on ensuring that your loved ones are cared for in their home.

We are the largest, locally owned Home Health provider in Kern County offering convenient and comprehensive services to help maintain independence at home.

Home Health • Companion Care • Caregiver Training • Payee Program 5251 Office Park Drive, Suite 400 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661.395.5800 www.bakersfi eldcare.com www.bakersfieldcare.com Kern Senior Living

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Medication Record Name:

Phone:

Primary Care Doctor:

Phone:

Copy this page and use it to list all medications, including over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements. Keep a copy handy for your caregiver, the doctor’s office or your pharmacy. * Be sure to include ALL prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Use Dose How Much How Much What I’m Reason Form & When Taking* for Use (pill, patch, (regularly or Strength & When liquid, etc.) occasionally)

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Kern Senior Living

Start Date

Stop Date

Notes

• Gables Residential Care 2029 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-631-2036 • Guidance Senior Care Services 1707 Eye St. Ste. 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 703-7131 • Brookdale River Walk 350 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-0221 • LifeHOUSE Parkview Healthcare Center 329 N. Real Road Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-327-7107 • Pacifica Senior Living 3209 Brookside Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-9671 • Pinewood Glen Retirement Community 2221 S. Real Road Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-834-4222 • The Meadows 10702 Four Bears Drive Bakersfield, CA 93314 661-631-2036 • Royal Palms 608 Clubhouse Drive Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-325-3312 • Westchester Gardens 2228 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-324-3091 __________________________

Independent Living • Bakersfield Senior Placement 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700 • Brookside Senior Apartments 2605 Brookside Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-7801 • Canyon Hills Senior Housing 6701 Auburn St, Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-873-0701

• Carriage House Estates 8200 Westwold Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-8393 • Columbus Estates 3201 Columbus St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-872-5855 • Continuum Senior Care Management 4800 Stockdale Highway Suite 308 Bakersfield, CA 93309

• Darlene Tobias, Prudential Realtors 1620 Mill Rock Way, Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-301-1722 • Guidance Senior Care Services 1707 Eye St. Ste. 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 703-7131 __________________________

Residential Care

• Florence Gardens Senior Living 6701 Auburn St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-873-0701

• Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center 323 Campus Drive Arvin, CA 93203 661-854-4475

• Guidance Senior Care Services 1707 Eye St. Ste. 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 703-7131

• Brookdale River Walk 350 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-0221

• Brookdale River Walk 350 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-0221 • Mayflower Gardens Retirement 6570 West Ave., L-12 Lancaster, CA 93536 661-943-3228 • Royal Palms Mobile Home Estates 608 Clubhouse Drive Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-325-3312 • The Village at Seven Oaks Senior Living 4310 Buena Vista Road Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-837-1337 __________________________

Relocation Service • Bakersfield Senior Placement 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700 • Cheryl Ketchum Watson Realty ERA 9101 Camino Media Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-319-5033

• Pacifica Senior Living 3209 Brookside Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-9671 • Spruce Gardens 2029 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-631-2036 • The Gables 903 Spirit Lake Drive Bakersfield, CA 93314 661-213-3927 • The Meadows 10702 Four Bears Drive Bakersfield, CA 93314 661-631-2036

• • • • • • • •

• Tehachapi Manor 20400 Oak Knoll Drive Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-7885 • Westchester Gardens 2228 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-324-3091 __________________________

Senior Placement • Bakersfield Senior Placement 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700 • Continuum Senior Care Management 4800 Stockdale Highway, Suite 308 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-861-8628 • Guidance Senior Care Services 1707 Eye St. Ste. 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 703-7131 • Interim Healthcare 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700 • Tehachapi Manor 20400 Oak Knoll Drive Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-7885 • The Village at Seven Oaks Senior Living 4310 Buena Vista Road Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-837-1337

At Royal Palms you Swimming pool will discover the best in Jacuzzi carefree senior (55+) living 2 Clubhouses in Bakersfield. Awaiting you is a charming community 3-Hole Golf Course atmosphere, friendly BBQ Area neighbors, affordability.

Dog Park 608 Clubhouse Drive Pool & Ping-Pong Tables (661)325-3312 Active Residents Club www.RoyalPalmsCommunity.com Kern Senior Living

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Estate, Legal & Financial

Estates – Appraisal & Liquidation Financial Matters/Banking Financial Matters/Budgeting Legal Matters Mobile Notaries Reverse Mortgages

38 Kern Senior Living

The benefits of establishing advanced health care directives

H

ealthy adults may give little thought to injuries or illnesses. When the going is good, it is easy to forget about the less pleasant side effects of aging. However, putting off these conversations and decisions can lead to unnecessary obstacles in the years to come.

Advanced health care directives can be invaluable resources for family members and friends who will be responsible for managing a person’s plans should they become unable to make their own decisions. Various organizations, including AARP, offer resources on advanced planning and the options available to adults looking to plan their estates.

The National Healthcare Decisions Day movement, a group dedicated to providing clear, concise and consistent information on health care decision-making, defines advanced directives as establishing: • A “health care power of attorney” (or “proxy” or “agent” or “surrogate”) or the person you select to be your voice for your health care decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.

• A “living will” to document which medical treatments you would or would not want at the end of life.

While these are decisions that people often put off, it’s important to make them as early as possible.

Not only will they dictate your wishes, they’ll take the pressure off of loved ones who would otherwise be tasked with making difficult decisions on their own.

Health care proxy Appointing a health care proxy ensures that there will be someone there who has the legal authority to make health care decisions for you if you are no longer able to speak for yourself. This may be a spouse, child, relative or close friend. The Mayo Clinic suggests choosing a person who can be trusted to make decisions that adhere to your wishes and values and to be your advocate if there are disagreements about your care.

Be sure to have a candid discussion with your health care proxy in which you go over the types of medical care you wish to receive and any ways you would or would not like your life prolonged. It helps to keep the proxy up-to-date on any medical conditions you may have so that he or she can make the most informed decisions on your behalf.

Having a health care proxy does not mean you are giving up your right to make medical decisions. It’s a fail-safe in the event you are unconscious or cannot direct medical care.

Living will An advanced health care directive enables you to create specific written instructions for future health care, known as a living will. The living will should include wishes regarding life-sustaining medical treatments and resuscitation if you are no longer able to speak on your own behalf. It also can spell out whether you want to remain in a hospital or receive palliative care at home for a terminal illness. A living will can be changed if/when your wishes or circumstances change.

Legal and medical advice Although legal advice is not required for an advanced directive, it can be helpful to iron out the legalities of your directives.

Speak with your doctor about your desires and needs. A physician can help you form a coherent directive that is in line with your wishes.

Remember, an advanced directive is not reserved for the elderly. Any consenting adult age 18 or older can benefit from a living will and other documentation.

– Metro Creative Connection

Kern Senior Living

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Avoiding scams

W

e have all been impacted by scams. Who has not received an annoying phone call or email telling you that you have just won or that if someone could get your bank account information they can move money from another country into your account and they will leave you millions for the effort?

Scammers have gotten more sophisticated and use new technology to their advantage to seek out millions of potential victims. These scams impact all of us daily and they prey upon seniors that may have cognitive deficits or just have no knowledge of these scams. We all can play a part to reduce the risks to others by learning about these scams, their tactics and share this information with our friends, loved ones and neighbors.

Common Tactics Most scammers will use either trust and/or pressure to make you take immediate action. They

40 Kern Senior Living

may try to impersonate being from law enforcement, IRS or other agencies. They are trying to get your money, identity and/or insurance. They will separate you from those you trust or encourage you not share the information with anyone else. They will make an amazing offer for close to nothing in return if at all.

Tips • Do not act on impulse or rush to make a decision.

• Discuss with others before entering into the transaction or sharing your information.

• Do your homework and verify the source or contact accredited agencies.

• Seek the details by contacting the main number and not the one they give you. Remember scammers can spoof caller identification to make it look like they are calling from an agency.

• You should always feel free to hang up or let your answering machine pick up calls that you do not recognize.

The Scams Here are some of the most common scams that are impacting seniors in Kern County.

1. The “Grandparent Scam” – A supposed relative contacts you stating that they need you to wire them money or purchase green dot or other gift cards to send them money. They will claim to have either been kidnapped, robbed, arrested or lost their cash. Some variations of the scam include handing the phone to someone pretending to be a “lawyer” or “police officer” who tells you how to go about sending the money. The relative will usually ask that you keep this private since they don’t want the rest of the family to know. NEVER send money by wire or through prepaid cards. These funds are untraceable once the scammer has the information. Always feel free to contact other relatives to verify that the person you are worried about it is truly safe.

2. The “IRS Scam” – Someone calls claiming to be from the IRS stating you owe taxes and will be arrested unless you send money right away. Remember the IRS never calls. The IRS will contact you by mail and they will include information on your options. They will never demand payment through prepaid cards.

3. “Medicare Scams” – Scammers are looking for your Medicare information to either take your identity or bill for services that are substandard, not needed or false. Remember to protect your information at all times and only provide to service providers that you have asked for and know are legitimate.

Always review your Medicare statement and contact Medicare if you see things billed for that you did not have done or have not received. Be aware Medicare will not contact you to verify your information.

4. The “Foreign Lottery Scam” – You’ve won! You should start by asking yourself if you ever entered the contest or that particular lottery to begin with? It’s a scam anytimethey request you to payor purchase something to receive your “winnings.” Doesn’t matter if it is fees, taxes or anything else they want you to pay for. Additionally, be careful if you receive a check in the mail, oftentimes these are not valid and your banking institution can notify you if it does not appear to be a valid check. Sending you a fake check and then asking you to send the overpayment or taxes back to them is another scam. Once the fake check is run through the banking system, you have lost your money and will have fees for the fake check taken out of your account.

5. “Home Repair/Improvement Scams” – Common door-to-door salesman showing up and stating that you need a new roof, solar panels, home alarm system, paint and other repairs. Never rush to have a repair made. Even if it is urgent, seek multiple bids

from valid licensed contractors. You can check their license with the State Contractors Board or Better Business Bureau. Additionally, the law states that the down payment must not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less. Avoid paying in cash and ensure a clear contract has been drawn up for the services to be completed including removal of debris or trash.

6. “Computer Virus Scam” – You may see a pop-up message or receive a call stating that you have a virus on your computer. As soon as you download their services or give them information to access your computer they install software that locks you out of your computer.

They will charge you fees to remove the software or in many cases they just take your money and leave you with a computer or device that you can no longer use.

Never give them information and if you feel you may have something wrong with your computer take it to an authorized service provider or purchase your own programs to protect your device.

Warning Signs of Abuse Scams are a form of financial abuse and it is equally important to watch for other types of abuse of seniors or dependent adults. Signs of abuse are noticeable changes in physical conditions and behavioral patterns such as: • Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns • Increased physical pain • Dehydration or malnourishment • Overly medicated without cause • Unusual confinement • Lack of cleanliness or grooming • Fearful to speak in front of caregiver • Shame, anxiety, embarrassment • Sudden change in mental status • Unusual or large bank withdrawals • Unexpected closing of bank accounts • Transfer of assets, deeds, trusts Who can you contact if you have been a victim or if you want more information?

Adult Protective Services 24 hr. Hotline:661-868-1006 Toll Free:800-277-7866 Kern County Sheriff’s Office (661) 861-3110 (800) 861-3110 Local Law Enforcement in Your Area If abuse occurred in a residential care home or nursing home contact: Long Term Care Ombudsman 661-323-7884 24-Hour Crisis Line: 800-231-4024 Kern County District Attorney Victim Services Unit 661-868-2400

Kern Senior Living

41

Estates – Appraisal and Liquidation

Estate, Legal & Financial

• Absolute Estate Liquidators Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-303-5624 • Affiliated Appraisers 110 S. Montclair St. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-327-9045 • Darlene Tobias, Tobias Real Estate 1620 Mill Rock Way, Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-301-1722 _________________________

Financial Matters and Banking • Chevron Valley Credit Union: 8200 Granite Falls Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-7250

5555 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-587-7250 1092 W. Kern St. Taft, CA 93268 661-587-7250 _________________________

Legal Matters • Bynum & Wells, LLP 5601 Truxtun Ave #195, Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-379-0322 • David Evers 1301 L St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-587-5889 • Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 615 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-323-7884

• Phillip H. Darling, Attorney at Law 112 E. F St., Suite E Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-7300 P.O. Box 300 93581 Bakersfield address: 4800 Easton Drive, Suite 103 Bakersfield, CA 93309

• Anthony Bernal Notary Service 503 King St. Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-324-4289 • Tehachapi Court Services 533 Jacobsen Court Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-1994 _________________________

• The Law Offices of Young Woolridge 1800 30th St., 4th Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-9661

Reverse Mortgages

• Wall, Wall & Peake 1601 F St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-8461

www.agapemtgco.com www.agapemtgco.com

• Young & Nichols 1901 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-401-6263 _________________________

Mobile Notaries • Breezy’s Mobile Notary 6837 Wofford Blvd.

Wofford Heights, CA 93285 760-417-1702

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Kern Senior Living

• Agape Mortgage 5001 California Ave #200, Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-324-2427 • Chevron Valley Credit Union: 8200 Granite Falls Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-7250 5555 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-587-7250 • Finance of America Craigory L. Webb NMLS#1232514 661-337-0303 cwebb@fareverse • Prince Financial 1712 19th St #102, Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-326-7300

Discover a healthier you! %)0& RIIHUV D YDULHW\ RI ZHOOQHVV SURJUDPV DQG VHUYLFHV VXFK DV D FRPSUHKHQVLYH +HDOWK (GXFDWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW 8UJHQW &DUH DQG D KRXU 1XUVH $GYLFH /LQH

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Dedicated to a healthy community.

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Urgent Care 8:00am to 8:00pm 4580 California Avenue %DNHUV¿HOG

24 Hour Nurse Advice Line

661-327-4411

Kern Senior Living

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Medical

44 Kern Senior Living

Insurance Medical Consulting Medical Equipment & Supplies Medical Equipment, Supplies & Repair Medical – Long-Term Care Medicare HMOs Medicare Supplements Pharmacies

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy offer these medication safety tips.

• When a new medication is prescribed, ask the doctor to explain more about it, including its intended

purpose and any common side effects to be expected.

• Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications you are taking,

Trouble juggling medications?

Ask a board-certified geriatric pharmacist for help

Y

ou may have heard that pharmacists are the “drug experts.”

But did you know, that certain pharmacists become certified in geriatric pharmaceutical care? These board certified geriatric pharmacists (BCGP) have undergone a rigorous, quality-assurance process to certify that they have the skills and expertise to understand the complex medication needs of older adults, many who have multiple disease states and geriatric syndromes.

Often, following a hospital discharge, older adults may find themselves being prescribed, on average, 14 different medications. These medications tend to pile on side effects prompting providers to prescribe more medications in order to address the symptoms experienced.

This is known as the “prescribing cascade,” and if you, or a loved one, has or is experiencing this, seek out a BCGP pharmacist. Several studies have found that emergency department visits, as well as hospitalizations, were solely a\ributable to medications.

As of last month, Bakersfield had seven BCGP pharmacists, three of whom work at Kern Medical. BCGP pharmacists can help idenNfy medications that may be causing

side effects and drug-drug interactions; recommend cost-effective therapies, age-appropriate goals (such as aiming for higher blood pressure and A1c (diabetes) goals), and discontinuing medications that may not serve abenefit; and provide tools and education to help with medication adherence. BCGP pharmacists can help determine the appropriateness of the medication regimen you are on. If the cost of medications is a concern, especially if you are in the “donut hole” of your Medicare Part D plan, BCGP pharmacists can also help—there may be drug manufacturer programs or coupons, as well as formulary alternatives that may be more affordable, yet just as efficacious.

With so many medications out there to treat so many different disease states, it can be daunting to juggle it all on your own. Fortunately, there are several geriatric medication experts within Kern County. If you are interested in speaking to a BCGP pharmacist about medication use in the older adult, you may call Kern Medical at (661) 326-2000 or visit one of our outpatient pharmacies (one at 2014 College Ave. and the other at 1111 Columbus St., Suite 2000). We can help juggle your medications.

including nonprescription products, herbal remedies, dietary supplements and vitamins.

• Question anything that you do not understand.

Check the prescription for dosing information. For refills, make sure the refill information conforms to the original prescription strength.

• Fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy and develop a rapport with the pharmacist so that potential drug interactions will be flagged.

• Many pills look the same. If you are confused and taking multiple medications, keep medications in the original packaging and double-check the labels before taking any medications.

• Use the right dosing tools. A spoon from the kitchen is not accurate for measuring out a teaspoon of medication.

• Routinely discard expired or unneeded medications. Medicine take-

back programs for disposal are a good way to remove medicines from the home and reduce the chance that others may accidentally take the medicine.

Kern Senior Living

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Insurance

Medical

• Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Plans Toll Free: 855-715-5316 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week • AARP Delta Insurance P.O. Box 2059 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 866-583-2085 • Anthem Blue Cross 2011 Fresno St., Suite 104 Fresno, California 93721 559-488-1380 TTY: 800-241-6894 • Brand New Day HMO Healthcare You Can Feel Good About 866-255-4795 TTY: 866-321-5955 • GEMCare Health Plan 4550 California Ave., Suite 500 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-716-8661 Toll Free: 877-697-2464 TTY: 888-833-9312 • Medi-Cal 800-541-5555 • Medicare 800-633-4227 • Paul Sheldon Insurance 5251 Office Park Drive, Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-398-2298 Toll Free 888-201-2386 • QualCare IPA 5880 California Ave., Suite 415 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-371-2790

• Kern County Aging and Adult Services 5357 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-868-1000 Toll-free: 800-510-2020 • Mercy Hand Center 300 Old River Road Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-664-2300 ____________________________

Medical Equipment & Supplies • Cole’s Medical Arts Pharmacy 1205 Garces Highway, Suite 107 Delano, CA 93215 661-725-7777 • CPAP 1717 30th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-322-2125 • DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 5880 District Blvd., Suite 19 Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-837-1117 • Drug Store 111 Piute Drive Kernville, CA 93238 760-376-2216 • Express Pharmacy: Shafter 825 Central Valley Highway Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-5600 Fax: 661-746-4978

• Komoto Medical Pharmacy 2110 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-7524 • Lifeline of Mercy Memorial Home Health 661-632-5111 • Lincare 4300 Stine Road, Suite 603 Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-833-3333 • Pacific Pulmonary Services Customer Care Center 7500 District Blvd.

Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-631-5050 Toll Free: 866-876-2727 • Pacific Pulmonary Service 1427 Lexington St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-7173 • Quality Team Inc. 3740 N. Sillect Ave., Unit 1B Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-327-5500 • United Medical Services 1313 Main St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-2300 • Weatherby’s Furniture 620 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-2747 _________________________

Medical – Long-Term Care

Southwest Bakersfield 9802 Stockdale Highway, Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-381-7600 Fax: 661-381-7605

• Alliance Brokers & Consultants 5301 Office Park Drive, Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-427-4700

Medical Consulting

Wasco 650 F St. Wasco, CA 93280 661-240-5900 Fax: 661-240-5901

• Around The Clock 5251 Office Park Drive, Suite 400 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-5800

• Advanced Center for Eyecare 1721 Westwind Drive, Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-215-1006

• Janus Medical Supplies 3740 Sillect Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-326-8073

• Bakersfield Senior Placement 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700

• Veterans Administration Clinic 1801 Westwind Drive Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-632-1800 ____________________________

46 Kern Senior Living

• Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center 323 Campus Drive Arvin, CA 93203 661-854-4475 • Maxim Healthcare Service 5201 California Ave., Suite 110 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-322-3039 • GEMCare Health Plan 4550 California Ave., Suite 500 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-716-8661 Toll Free: 877-697-2464 TTY/TDD: 888-833-9312 ____________________________

Medicare HMOs • Brand New Day HMO Healthcare You Can Feel Good About 866-255-4795 TTY: 866-321-5955 • GEMCare Health Plan 4550 California Ave., Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-716-8661 Toll-Free: 877-697-2464 TTY/TDD: 888-833-9312 • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage 800-2905703 • MetLife Long-Term Care Policies 800-308-0179 • Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System 800-538-9552 _________________________

Medicare Supplements • AARP United Healthcare 800-523-5800 • Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Plans Toll Free 844-409-1758 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week • Blue Shield of California 888-568-3560

• Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage 877-552-1148 • Mutual of Omaha 800-228-7104 • Nationwide Health Plan 877-669-6877 • Harry P. Thal Insurance Agency 11006 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238 661-498-8842 _________________________

Shafter 825 Central Valley Highway Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-5600 Fax: 661-746-4978 Southwest Bakersfield 9802 Stockdale Highway, Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-381-7600 Fax: 661.381.7605

Wasco 650 F St. Wasco, CA 93280 661-240-5900 Fax: 661-240-5901

• Albertson’s Pharmacy

• Kern Avenue Pharmacy 205 W. Kern Ave. McFarland, CA 93250 661-792-2198

Chester and Brundage 1520 Brundage Lane Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-328-0818

• Komoto Pharmacy 1017 Ellington St. Delano, CA 93215 661-725-9489

Pharmacies

Hwy 58 & Allen 13045 Rosedale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-0158 • Express Pharmacy: Rosedale 3400 Calloway Drive, Suite 302 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-829-7870 Fax: 661-829-7873

• Walgreens 9550 Hageman Road Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-0838 3315 S H St. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-396-0634 2628 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-871-3855 3300 Buena Vista Road, Bldg. A Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-665-9109 4306 Ming Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-827-9058

3301 Panama Lane Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-835-9383 40 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-631-2837 4949 Gosford Road Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-858-0218

Medical

• Celtic Life Insurance 800-766-2525

1101 W. Tehachapi Blvd.

Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-823-0163 101 Drummond Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-384-2358 1435 High St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-2294

• Komoto Medical Pharmacy 2110 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-7524 • Mesa Clinical Pharmacy 12608 Mt. Mesa Road Lake Isabella, CA 93240 760-379-6106 • Shafter Medical Pharmacy 825 Central Valley Highway, Suite A Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-5600

Traveling tips for older adults with medical conditions The opportunity to travel is one of the best perks of retirement. Even men and women who are only semi-retired have more freedom to travel than those who are still working full time.

But while men and women over 50 may have more time to travel, they also must take more precautions when traveling, thanks in large part to medical conditions.

The following are a few travel tips for men and women with medical conditions.

• Speak with your health care provider before any trips. Whether you are about to embark on an overseas adventure or just spend a couple of

weeks visiting your grandchildren, speak to your health care provider in advance of your trip.

eling. Before traveling, make a detailed list of the medications you take and why you take them.

• Refill your prescriptions. Men and women who must take medication should refill their prescriptions before traveling away from home. Doing so ensures you will have enough medication to last your trip. When filling a prescription, explain to your pharmacist and/or physician that you are about to travel and tell them where you will be going.

• Keep medications in their original containers. Some men and women find it easier to remember to take their medications if they transfer pills from their original containers into pill organizers.

• Carry a list of your medications and medical conditions with you when trav-

• Drink plenty of water on flights. Airplane cabins can be very dry, which can exacerbate dry mouth that results from taking medication.

– Metro Creative Connection

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Fitness, Rehab & Misc.

Services 48 Kern Senior Living

Health & Fitness Kern County Golf Courses Housekeeping Misc. Services Rehabilitation Senior Centers Transportation Services

Hobbies for the golden years

W

hether retirement is on the horizon or has already begun, more free time equates to an increased opportunity to fill your days with enjoyable activities.

Individuals facing busy schedules are often forced to push hobbies to the sidelines, as more pressing things, such as a job, household responsibilities, and parenting tasks, are accomplished. Once retirement arrives, a newfound freedom in your schedule may occur, and there can be plenty of hours to devote to the hobbies and pastimes you find enjoyable.

According to research, hobbies can have many benefits. They may serve as an emotional outlet or a way to relax. When deciding on a hobby, you can first take an inventory of your skills and interests

If you have always been handy around wood and construction, perhaps a woodworking hobby will be enjoyable and also may work as a source of income revenue.

Other activities that require the use of the hands and mind include knitting, needlepoint, painting, puzzles, quilting, scrapbooking, and crocheting. These can keep the mind active and improve dexterity and fine motor skills.

A hobby can take the form of volunteer work, teaching, mentoring, joining a martial arts class, taking classes at a college, and even caring for a pet. If you are the type who likes to interact with other people instead of engaging in a solitary hobby, consider one of these types of activities instead.

Explore what your friends are doing.

If you want to get into a new hobby, ask neighbors and friends what they do to keep busy – and try it out. You just may find that you're naturally inclined to do this type of activity and enjoy it.

– Metro Creative Connection

Kern Senior Living 49

Health & Fitness • American Health & Fitness 1427 S. Lexington St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-7191

• Kern County Aging and Adult Services 5357 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 Phone: 661-868-1000 Toll Free: 800-510-2020

• Anytime Fitness 2445 Highway 46, Suite A Wasco, CA 93280 661-758-1500

• Valley Fitness Center 6200 Lake Isabella Blvd.

Lake Isabella, CA 93240 760-417-2206 ___________________________

• TERRIO Aquatic Center 1800 Westwind Drive, Suite 500 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-322-9411 Spanish: 661-616-9110

Kern County Golf Courses

• Body Exchange Fitness Spa 7691 White Lane, Suite A-4 Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-847-2639 • HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 5001 Commerce Drive Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-323-5500

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Housekeeping • Senior Service of Indian Wells Valley 417 W. Drummond Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-4322 • Visiting Angels Senior Care 800-365-4189 ___________________________

Misc. Services

• Buena Vista Golf Course 10256 Golf Course Road Taft, CA 93268 661-398-9720

• TBC Media Bakersfield Life Magazine 1707 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-395-7500

• North Kern Golf Course 17412 Quality Road Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-399-0347

• Bakersfield Senior Placement 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700

• Kern River Golf Course Lake Ming Drive, off of Highway 178 Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-872-5128

• Boston Eye Care 661-832-3939

• Dr. Joseph F. Figazolo 600 Coffee Road, Suite H Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-832-3939 • Spectrum 4450 California Ave., Suite A Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-323-4892 Toll Free: 800-734-4615 • Gentiva Hospice 5001 E. Commerce Center Drive, Suite 140 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-324-1232 Toll Free: 866-324-1232 • Levan Institute for Lifelong Learning at Bakersfield College 1801 Panorama Drive Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-395-4431 • Darlene Tobias, Tobias Real Estate 1620 Mill Rock Way, Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-301-1722

• Brand New Day HMO Healthcare You Can Feel Good About 866-255-4795 TTY: 866-321-5955 • HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 5001 Commerce Drive Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-323-5500 ___________________________

Senior Centers • Arvin Senior Center 800 Walnut Drive Arvin, CA 93203 661-854-1521 • Bakersfield Community House 2020 R St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-8835 • Bakersfield Senior Center 530 4th St. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-325-7205 • Ben Austin Greenfield Senior Center 1751 McKee Road Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-834-9041 • Delano Community Center 925 Ellington St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-3335 • Delano Senior Center 436 Jefferson St. Delano, CA 93215 661-721-3336 • East Niles Senior Center 6601 Niles St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-363-8910 • Greenacres Community Center 2014 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-392-2010

• Kern River Valley Senior Center 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd.

Lake Isabella, CA 93240 760-379-5831 • Lamont Community Health Center 8787 Hall Road Lamont, CA 93241 661-845-3731 • North Kern Senior Center 1280 Poplar Ave. Wasco, CA 93280 661-758-2755 • R. Prado E. B. Senior Center 2101 Ridge Road Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-323-8624 • Rasmussen Senior Center 115 E. Roberts Lane Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-392-2030 • Ridgecrest Senior Center 125 S. Warner St. Ridgecrest, CA 93556 760-375-2222

• City Transit Ridgecrest, CA 760-499-5040 • Consolidated Transportation Service Bakersfield, CA 661-392-2035 • Dial-A-Ride California City 21000 Hacienda California City, CA 760-373-8665 • Dial-A-Ride Delano Delano, CA 661-721-3333

• Golden Empire Transit Get-A-Lift 1830 Golden State Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-869-6363 • Kern Regional Transit 5438 Victor St. Bakersfield, CA 93308 800-560-1733 •North Of The River Transportation Service Bakersfield, CA 661-392-2035

• Dial-A-Ride Shafter Shafter, CA 661-746-2955

• Taft Area Transit 333 Commerce St. Taft, CA 93268 661-763-3822

• Dial-A-Ride Taft Taft, CA 661-763-3822

• Valley Medical Transport Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-873-1460

• Golden Empire Transit 1830 Golden State Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-869-2438

• Yellow Cab Bakersfield, CA 661-325-5155

Fitness, Rehab & Misc. Services

Rehabilitation

• Rosamond Senior Center 2500 20th St. Rosamond, CA 93560 661-256-1012 • South Fork Elementary School Cafeteria 6401 Fay Ranch Road Weldon, CA 93283 760-378-2211 • Taft Community Center 500 Cascade Place Taft, CA 93268 661-763-1535 • Tehachapi Senior Center 500 E. F St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-5412 ___________________________

Transportation Services • Alternative Care 2029 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-631-2036 Kern Senior Living

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End of Life 52

Kern Senior Living

Hospice End-of-Life Solutions Funeral Directors Funeral Services and Supplies

Planning ahead eases grief for loved ones

P

rotect those you love today and tomorrow because your funeral will be one of the most difficult days of your loved ones’ lives. Advance planning for cemetery property is not only one of the smartest and most appropriate decisions you can make, it is also an act of love that will be appreciated now and later.

Advance Planning Benefits

• Secures your cemetery property at today’s most advantageous prices.

• Guarantees what you pay for today will be fully funded in the future.

• Lets your family clearly know your wishes and helps ensure they’ll be followed.

• Spares your family the emotional burden of making unexpected and hurried decisions.

• Alleviates any worries your family has about expenses associated with your death and protects them from inevitable inflation.

• Reduces much of the stressful paperwork required at the time of need.

Prepaying Makes Good Financial Sense Sparing survivors the discomfort of making these decisions is probably the best reason for advance planning, but it is not the only one. Prepaying for your funeral arrangements – which can be funded over time – can result in substantial savings.

Like most things today, the cost of a funeral will surely increase due to inflation and other factors. It is smart to look at purchasing at the earliest possible time as a sound and practical decision. It will be a required purchase whether you buy now or wait.

It’s the Right Thing for You and Your Family

If you are like most people, making your own funeral arrangements isn’t high on your list of priorities. Advance planning, however, gives you the time to think about and record your end-of-life choices in a stress-free and unhurried manner. It thoughtfully protects those you love from added grief. And it gives you a say in what is right for you. Once done, you can relax knowing your plans are made.

– Courtesy of Dave Hepburn, general manager Historic Union Cemetery

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Hospice care: Things to consider

W

hen the goal of medical treatment begins to shift from curing an illness to providing comfort and relief, it is time to consider hospice. Sadly, many people wait until their final days to involve hospice. By contacting hospice early in the diagnosis, the patient and family reserve time to understand their options and choose the path that will have the most positive impact on their quality of life. The best time to learn about hospice is before you need it.

Hospice care is carefully designed to add quality of life to the patient and to the caregiver.

Quality of life may mean feeling better, eating and

54 Kern Senior Living

sleeping better and it may mean being able to visit with family and friends and participate more fully in life.

There are multiple hospice programs available in Kern County. You can find some of them listed in this directory or go online and search for “hospices in Kern County.� You should also talk to your doctor and let them know that you are interested in learning about all of your options for supportive end-of-life care.

– Courtesy of Todd Jeffries, director of community relations at Optimal Hospice Care

• Hospice care focuses on enhancing the quality of life in its final stages by aggressively managing a patient’s pain and symptoms. It seeks neither to shorten nor prolong life. It is also important to know that a patient can choose to discontinue hospice care at any time and return to curative treatment if their physician thinks it will be helpful. The choice is always yours.

• Misconceptions abound in hospice, and one of the most common in hospice is that you are giving up when you choose hospice. Electing to receive hospice is not giving up – it is merely choosing a type of health care that is most appropriate during the end stages of a life limiting illness. Hospice can also help people revise what they may hope for. Hospice focuses on maximizing the quality of life based on an individual’s choices, so that the person may live life as fully as possible for as long as possible.

Hospice agencies are available to meet with you and your loved one at home or in the hospital to see if hospice is appropriate in your circumstances. There is no cost and no obligation for this consultation visit.

• Hospice care takes place in the home. For some, “home” may mean a house or an apartment. For others, it may be some form of extended care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living community. Regardless of your circumstance, the hospice team will come to where you live.

• The majority of hospice patients live in their own home with the help of a family member or friend who serves as the “primary caregiver.” This caregiver works closely with the hospice team to provide for the patient’s daily needs. In extended care facilities, hospice teams create a partnership with the staff and family, just as they would with the family in the home.

• Care is provided by the combined knowledge and skill of a team of hospice professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, certified aides, spiritual care providers and trained volunteers. Patients may continue to use their own physician who becomes part of the hospice team.

• Hospice’s expertise in palliative, or “comfort” care, assures the patient of state-of-the-art pain control and symptom management.

• Hospice is a Medicare and Medi-Cal benefit that is a cost-effective alternative to the high costs associated with hospitals and traditional institutional care. Most private insurance plans also include a hospice benefit.

Additionally, most hospices also have a nonprofit component that will pay for hospice care if the patient does not have insurance.

• There are no charges for medical equipment, supplies or medications that are specifically related to the hospice care.

Hospice • Gentiva Hospice 5001 E. Commerce Center Drive, Suite 140 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-324-1232 Toll Free: 866-324-1232 • Hoffmann Hospice 8501 Brimhall Road, # 100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-410-1010 • Mercy Memorial Home Health 400 Old River Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-6400 • Optimal Hospice Care 1675 Chester Ave., Suite 401 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-716-4000 • Optimal Hospice Care 6504 Lake Isabella Blvd., Suite 4 Lake Isabella, CA 93240 760-379-5038 • Sanderson’s Help Services 720 North Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-375-4511 • Visiting Angels 800-365-4189 __________________________

End-of-Life Solutions • Alliance Brokers & Consultants, Inc. 5301 Office Park Drive, Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-427-4700 Toll Free: 855-799-9881 • Bakersfield Senior Placement 4801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-395-1700

• Centurian Memorial Society 125 Minner Ave. Oildale, CA 93308 661-324-3795 • Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center 323 Campus Drive Arvin, CA 93241 661-854-4475

End of Life

Here are a few things you should take into consideration:

• Gentiva Health Services 5001 E. Commerce Center Drive, Suite 140 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-324-1232 Toll Free: 866-324-1232 • Hoffman Hospice 8501 Brimhall Road, Building 100 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-410-1010 • Kern County Administrative Office 1115 Truxtun Ave., Fifth Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-868-3198 • Kern County Recorder, Vital Records 1655 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-868-6400 • Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Home Health 400 Old River Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-6400 • National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization 703-837-1500 • Optimal Hospice Care 1675 Chester Ave., Suite 401 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-716-4000 • Procare Hospice 5500 Ming Ave., Suite 190 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-864-0490

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55

Funeral Directors

End of Life

• Arvin Funeral Home 600 Tucker St. Arvin, CA 93203 661-854-6161 • Bakersfield Funeral Home 3125 19th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-871-8080 • Basham-Hopson Funeral Care 620 Oregon St. Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-861-8200 • Cecil Martin Family Funeral Care 701 34th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-323-3441 • Cherished Memories Memorial Chapel 3000 E. Tulare St. Fresno, CA 93721 559-320-1111 • Delano Mortuary 707 Browning Road Delano, CA 93215 661-725-0330 • Doughty Calhoun O’Meara 1100 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-324-9821 • Erickson & Brown Funeral Home 501 Lucard St. Taft, CA 93268 661-765-4111 • Greenlawn Mortuary 3700 River Blvd.

Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-324-9701 • Greenlawn Southwest 2739 Panama Lane Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-834-8820 • Greenlawn Family Service and Monuments 2739 Panama Lane Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-834-8820

56 Kern Senior Living

• Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary 9101 Kern Canyon Road Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-366-5766

• Mish Funeral Home 120 Minner Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-399-9391

• Rucker’s Mortuary 301 Baker St. Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-322-2001

• Historic Union Cemetery 730 E. Potomac Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-324-9648

• Neptune Society, Bakersfield 201 H St. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-325-3963

• Holland & Lyons Mortuary 216 S. Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-371-1376

• Neptune Society, Fresno 1154 W. Shaw Ave., #B Fresno, CA 93711 559-222-7764

• Wood Family Funeral Service 321 W. F St. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-822-6897 __________________________

• Lake Isabella Valley Mortuary 6048 Lake Isabella Blvd.

Lake Isabella, CA 93240 760-379-5829

• Peters Funeral Home, Shafter 844 E. Lerdo Highway Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-6314

• McFarland Family Funeral Home 425 W. Perkins Ave. McFarland, CA 93250 661-792-3866

• Peters Funeral Home, Wasco 1401 7th St. Wasco, CA 93280 661-758-5144

Funeral Services and Supplies • Historic Union Cemetery 730 E. Potomac Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-324-9648 • Mt. Vernon Florist 1519 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-871-7511

www.pacificabakersfield.com

www.bndhmo.com

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57

4 Locations to serve you better BFMC Main Facility & Urgent Care 4580 California Avenue %DNHUV¿HOG 661-327-4411

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%DNHUV¿HOG )DPLO\ 0HGLFDO &HQWHU Oak Tree Medical Group 432 South Mill Street Tehachapi 661-823-2273

Dedicated to a healthy community.

For more information on our services and membership, call

661-846-4662 www.bfmc.com

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Insist on HealthSouth...

Insist on HealthSouth Bakersfield Hospital as your first choice for rehabilitation after illness, injury, surgery or stroke.

•

Licensed as an inpatient hospital level of care

•

Specialized rehabilitation physicians

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Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy at least 3 hours per day

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Rehabilitation registered nurses and certified respiratory therapists on staff 24 hours a day

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Admission from home or hospital The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification in Stroke and Pulmonary rehabilitation

Safer, Stronger, Sooner eld.com 5001 Commerce Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93309 | 661 323-5500 www.healthsouthbakersfi | healthsouthbakersfield.com