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Your Guide to Living Well

Out and About Local activities for seniors

A Helping Hand Exploring assisted living options

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is a non-profit, state-licensed adult day care center dedicated to supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive challenges. Since opening our doors in late 2016, we have continued to thrive as a trusted resource for families in our community. Our program is built on stability and compassion. With our original director still leading the organization and a team of longterm caregivers, we provide a consistent, nurturing environment where participants flourish through daily

Our Daily & Weekly Enrichment Offerings • Alzheimer’s & dementia-focused care designed for safety, comfort, and meaningful engagement • Cognitive based activities including arts, crafts, games, and guided social interaction • Daily stretching and chairyoga exercises to support mobility and wellbeing • Weekly music and singing sessions with a visiting musician • A beautiful, secure outdoor compound ideal for walking and fresh air • Gated patio space for outdoor gatherings and supervised relaxation • Daily animal-assisted therapy to promote joy and emotional connection • Weekly intergenerational programs with toddlers, middle school, and high school students

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socialization, structured activities, and attentive supervision. While our primary mission is to offer a safe, loving space for adults with cognitive impairments, we are equally committed to supporting their families. We provide respite care, guidance on navigating the progression of memory-related diseases, assistance in locating financial resources, and referrals for longterm placement when home care is no longer possible. Saint Anne Village exists to uplift both our participants and the families who love them—offering community, continuity, and compassionate care every step of the way.

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NOTARIZATIONS IN HOSPITALS AND CARE FACILITIES:

WHAT EVERY FAMILY SHOULD KNOW

By Tess Meyokovich, LegalEase Document Service A sudden hospitalization, serious illness, surgery, stroke, or move into a nursing or assisted living facility can create an immediate need for important legal documents. During these stressful situations, families are often surprised to learn that obtaining a notarization is not always as simple as calling a notary. California law requires a notary public to verify the identity of the signer, confirm they are signing willingly, and ensure they appear to understand the document they are signing. While notaries are not medical professionals and do not determine legal capacity, they must be satisfied that the signer can communicate and demonstrate awareness of the transaction taking place. This can become challenging in hospitals and care facilities. If a patient is unconscious, heavily medicated, suffering from severe confusion, or unable to communicate, a notarization cannot legally proceed. Unfortunately, many families do not discover this until they need a Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, trust document, or other important paperwork completed. Once an individual loses the ability to understand what they are signing, it may be too late to execute certain documents. Identification can also present challenges. California generally requires the signer to present an acceptable government-issued photo identification. In some situations where identification is unavailable, the use of credible witnesses may be permitted under California law, depending on the circumstances.

Some of the most common documents notarized in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and memory care facilities include Powers of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directives, trust and estate planning documents, property-related paperwork, and financial forms. These documents often allow trusted family members to assist with healthcare decisions, financial matters, and personal affairs when needed. Mobile notaries play an important role by bringing services directly to the patient. This allows documents to be completed without requiring transportation to an outside office or forcing family members to leave a loved one’s bedside. The key is to arrange these services as early as possible, before a patient’s condition declines. At LegalEase Document Services & Mobile Notary, I provide mobile notarization services throughout Contra Costa County and surrounding communities, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living communities, nursing homes, and private residences. As a retired federal public servant with more than 25 years of experience helping people through difficult situations, I understand the importance of professionalism, patience, and compassion during these often emotional appointments. The best time to prepare important legal documents is before a crisis occurs. Planning ahead can help ensure your wishes are honored and reduce stress for the people you care about most. – Advertorial

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The five legal documents that a senior needs are a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, and a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) authorization form.

What legal documents do seniors need most? CONNOR ROBLES

hat kinds of legal documents should a senior have on hand to ensure

smooth sailing in your later life? Golden Legacy Law Group attorney Mike Amthor in Brentwood and Pittsburg notary Tess Meyokovich of LegalEase Document Service and Mobile Notary offer their advice. The five legal documents that a senior needs are a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, and a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) authorization form. The first two of these documents help keep your assets out of the long and expensive process of probate, while the other three ensure that your assets and well-being are in the hands of your loved ones even when you are incapacitated. Amthor also recommended having a MediCal plan to pay for nursing home care, which can bankrupt families if not planned for in advance.

When should you get these documents?

“Historically, people think ‘when I get old, I’ll need an estate plan, or when I get sick.’ A lot of times, it’s too late by the time that happens,” Amthor said. “People can’t always predict when they’ll pass or get sick. I tell everyone that everyone needs an estate plan. Even if you don’t have a lot of money, you need to say where your assets go even if it’s not a lot, and give people control over your medical

situation and finances.” Amthor said if you don’t own real estate or your assets are worth less than $200,000, you do not need a trust. Such a document is primarily for those over 55 who have “some money in the bank, and in their retirement fund, when they’re diagnosed with some medical condition.” Revocable living trust and pour-over will According to financial advice website SmartAsset, a revocable living trust determines how your assets, such as real estate, valuable items, and money, are distributed after your passing. You, the grantor of the trust, appoint a successor trustee to handle the assets therein after your death, and the trustee manages the distribution of assets to recipients known as beneficiaries. These trusts can be created with the help of an estate attorney after taking inventory of your assets and determining who the trustees and beneficiaries will be. According to Amthor, a revocable living trust’s main benefit is that the assets in the trust do not have to go through probate court, which often takes two years to resolve the distribution of assets in a regular will and can cost “about eight percent” of the total value of one’s assets. If your assets have a value of $1 million, that’s $80,000 in probate costs. You can also be more flexible in how you distribute assets with a revocable living trust--if a potential beneficiary has issues with drugs or their marriage, for example, you can restrict how much of your assets they get. According to Meyokovich, the state of California “doesn’t get involved” in your asset distribution when you go through a living trust, and the trust can be managed while you are still alive, unlike a regular will. Amthor also explained that a pourover will is a way of putting into a trust (“pouring-over”) after your death, any assets that did not make it into a trust see Documents page 10B

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“There’s probably 1,000 different changes that happen with normal aging,” said Dr. Robert E. Beer, Director of Balfour Dermatology at 2221 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Examples of normal aging are wrinkles, age spots, or even eczema. Although, Beer also mentioned more dangerous skin conditions that are common among seniors. He said for, “abnormal aging, such as cancer, the most common type [for seniors] is the Basal Cell Carcinoma.” A skin cancer that appears because of large amounts of ultra violet damage to the skin. Beer said the cancer “can be treated early with topical medications. They can be treated with surgical procedures. And now we have non-surgical procedures that can even treat advanced basal cells.” Beer also said, “the second most

common is Squamous Carcinoma,” which is also caused by sunlight. The cancer can also be treated with surgery or non-surgical methods. However, of all the cancers Beer mentioned he noted that, “the most concerning one would be Melanoma,” because it spreads fast and deeply to deadly proportions. The cancer is also caused by unmanaged exposure to sunlight, and can also be treated with surgery. A way to check if you are close to having any of these skin conditions is to check for warning signs. Because so many skin conditions are linked to the sun, Beer listed a few signs for when your skin may be getting too much sun: “freckles, fine lines, and pigmentation on our cheeks or upper lip.” But all these signs are treatable a lot of the time and are reversible using the new technology in dermatology. A second way to tell if you are having skin problems is itching. It may be a sign that the spot has become cancerous. Finally, Beer said “the ABCD’s, A would be change in asymmetry. B would be a change in the border. C would be change in color. And D would be a change in the diameter” for any odd spots that see Skin page 10B

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JOIN SIR & ENRICH YOUR LIFE! SIR IS A NONPROFIT WITH 7,000 MEMBERS IN CA

East County cities offer a number of activities designed specifically for seniors.

Looking for something to do? Join SIR, Branch 161

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Cities offer activities to keep seniors engaged DAWNMARIE FEHR

arious East County cities offer a variety of activities for seniors. Following is a

list of those cities and what they offer: Oakley The City of Oakley offers services for seniors through Studio 55 at the Oakley Recreation Center at 1250 O’Hara Ave. For an annual membership fee of $25 for Oakley residents, and $35 for nonresi-

dents, adults age 55 and older can enjoy social space as well as daily activities including pickleball, exercise, selfdefense, book club, dancing, cooking classes and more. Studio 55 is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday. For more information and to register, call 925-625-7041 or visit www.ca-oakley.civicplus.com/367/ Aging-Services. The Oakley Senior Citizens is a separate organization from the City that hosts potlucks, bus trips and other activities. For

Who is SIR - A group of 115 local men over 50 years old representing Discovery Bay, Brentwood and the surrounding communities of Mountain House, Byron, Knightsen, Oakley, Bethel Island, Antioch, And Rio Vista. Purpose - Social, Mental, and Physical interaction. Good friendship over a monthly luncheon. Time & Place - First Tuesday of each month (11-1:30) At the Club Los Meganos (Trilogy in the vineyards in Brentwood) Luncheon includes a guest speaker. Cost - $35 lunch, plus $30 Annual Dues

Activities - Participation in Organized Competitive activities with other local branches of SIR. Activities such as Bowling, Golf, Bocce Ball, Pickle Ball, and Bicycling. Two popular co-ed events, one Monthly Group dinner with the ladies. There is also a monthly Wine Tasting with the ladies.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW BY CALLING 925-276-0752 More information -Go To SIR161. org or Sirinc.org SIR – Make Friends For Life!

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Special Speakers at Monthly Luncheons • Wisdom Exchange SIR Branch #161 Serving East Contra Costa County 925-276-0752 SIR161.org

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What seniors should know about anxiety

iscussions surrounding older adults and health often focus on seniors’ physical

health. That’s understandable, as agerelated issues affecting the body can add up over time, making it vital that seniors emphasize a physically active lifestyle that can reduce their risk for an assortment of medical conditions.

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But mental health also is an important consideration for older adults, many of whom may be struggling. Anxiety is one mental health issue that affects a significant percentage of older adults. A 2024 study published in the Journal of General and Family Medicine noted that the global prevalence of anxiety symptoms among older adults is 28 percent. That means nearly one in three older adults is experiencing symptoms of anxiety. With so many seniors potentially confronting anxiety, it can be helpful to older adults and their loved ones to learn about the condition, its causes and its signs and symptoms.

Defining anxiety

The National Council on Aging notes that anxiety is a natural response to many life stressors. But when anxious feelings overwhelm an individual and make daily life more difficult, a person may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. According to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP), anxiety disorders cause feelings of fear, worry, apprehension, or dread.

What distinguishes anxiety from an anxiety disorder?

The American Psychiatric Association notes occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. But occasional anxiety comes and goes rather quickly, whereas an anxiety disorder is marked by a more persistent level of anxiety that’s harder to control. In addition, an anxiety disorder can affect how people interact with others, how they work, and even their overall well-being. see Anxiety page 9B

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How volunteering benefits seniors’ mental health

eniors are vulnerable to mental health issues. The World Health Organization says around one in

five older adults experience psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and dementia-related mood changes. While various therapies can help, seniors may discover volunteerism can be a surprising antidote to mental health concerns.

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Volunteering offers seniors many benefits, including a renewed sense of purpose. Volunteering also helps combat social isolation, which can lower rates of depression and anxiety. According to Voices for National Service, older adults who volunteer have reduced risk of mortality, more optimism and feel less depressed and lonely. People who were once working full time and are now in retirement may find they have hours to spare. Those hours can be directed toward volunteer efforts, which can boost seniors’ mental health in myriad ways. ♦ Lowers depression and anxiety: The National Institutes of Health says research indicates consistent volunteering can help to reduce risk of depressive symptoms. Staying

engaged and active combats feelings of hopelessness. ♦ Decreased social isolation: Points of Light says regular time spent with peers and the people being helped can reduce loneliness. Having a strong support network can make stress more tolerable and increase feelings of belonging. ♦ Restores sense of purpose: When work ends, many seniors lose the structure that governed their working life. Volunteering gives the opportunity to wake up, follow a schedule and achieve goals. It can be rewarding to play a valuable role in the community again, according to Voices for National Service. ♦ Mental stimulation: Volunteering may lead to learning new skills and interacting with others, and that can keep the mind sharp. ♦ Physical activity: Older adults may lead sedentary lifestyles if they have nothing to keep them busy. Volunteering helps a person engage in some sort of physical activity. A 2025 study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found volunteering is associated with lower levels of hypertension and chronic inflammation. Staying active can lower blood pressure, risk of heart disease and eight types of cancer.

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What causes an anxiety disorder?

The AAGP notes a number of factors can contribute to an anxiety disorder, including: ♦ Extreme stress or trauma ♦ Bereavement and complicated or chronic grief, which may be of particular concern for older adults dealing with the death of a spouse or a longtime friend ♦ Consumption of alcohol, caffeine or drugs, including prescription or overthe-counter medication ♦ A separate medical condition or illness ♦ Neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia

Seniors are urged to speak to a health care professional if they feel they are overwhelmed by anxiety. Family members also can learn to look for signs of anxiety disorder, which the AAGP notes include: ♦ Excessive worry or fear ♦ Refusing to engage in routine activities or being overly preoccupied with routine ♦ Avoiding social situations ♦ Excessive concern about safety ♦ Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, trembling, nausea, and/or sweating ♦ Difficulty sleeping or poor sleep ♦ Muscle tension, feeling weak and shaky ♦ Hoarding, which the Cleveland Clinic notes is a distinct mental health condition but also a sign of an underlying anxiety disorder ♦ Depression ♦ Self-medication with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines and barbiturates. – Metro Creative

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By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

a place, thing or event. Social anxiety is another type of disorder that occurs when an individual feels overwhelmingly anxious and self-conscious in the typical social situations people encounter each day. Generalized anxiety disorder is marked by constant worry even when there is little or nothing to cause concern. These are just some of the various types of anxiety.

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How do I know if Are there different I or a loved one is types of anxiety? Yes. The AAGP notes that anxiety may experiencing an be a specific phobia in which a person harbors an intense and irrational fear of anxiety disorder?

Anxiety from page 6B

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MEDI-CAL PLANNING: PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY BEFORE A CRISIS Most people don’t think about Medi-Cal planning until they or a loved one needs long-term care. Unfortunately, waiting too long can lead to costly mistakes, including the possibility of the state seeking reimbursement for Medi-Cal benefits after a person’s death. A recent family learned this the hard way. After enrolling a loved one in a program that helped keep her at home rather than in a nursing facility, they later discovered it was funded through Medicaid. Following her passing, the family received notice that the state would seek repayment for the care she received. They had no idea that accepting the assistance could affect their estate. Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) helps eligible individuals pay for long-term care, but qualification depends on meeting specific financial rules. While certain assets, such as a primary residence, may be exempt, other assets may count toward eligibility. Married couples also receive important protections to help prevent the healthy spouse from becoming financially impoverished. Proper planning can make a significant difference. One common strategy is using an irrevocable trust, which may help protect certain assets from being counted for MediCal eligibility while preserving wealth for future generations. However, these trusts

must be established well before care is needed because Medi-Cal applies a five-year look-back period to certain asset transfers. Waiting until a health crisis occurs can result in penalties and delayed eligibility. Even after qualifying for Medi-Cal, families should understand that the state may seek reimbursement through the MediCal Estate Recovery Program. Depending on the circumstances, recovery may be made from the recipient’s estate, making advance planning essential to protecting family assets whenever possible. The good news is that with proper legal guidance, many families can qualify for Medi-Cal while preserving their home and other assets. Every family’s situation is unique, and Medi-Cal rules are complex and subject to change. If you or a loved one may need long-term care in the future, don’t wait until a crisis occurs. Planning early provides the greatest number of options and can help protect your family, your home, and your legacy. Consulting with an experienced California estate planning and Medi-Cal planning attorney is one of the most important steps you can take to secure peace of mind for the future. Get your free consultation today at Golden Legacy Law Group, 925-516-4888, 1181 Central Blvd., Suite A, Brentwood, CA 94513, www.goldenlegacylaw.com – Advertorial

10B

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Documents from page 3B during your lifetime. It is possible that assets in a pour-over will, like those in any other kind of will, will have to go through probate court, unlike assets placed in trust during your life.

AUGUST 7, 2026

Power of attorney must be granted to specific people with specific duties, according to Meyokovich. Advanced healthcare directives appoint someone to make healthcare decisions when a person isn’t able to make them themselves due to being incapacitated, according to Amthor. It also lists medical preferences, such as DNR (do not resuscitate) orders. The related HIPAA authorization form allows one’s agent, identified in advanced healthcare directives, to have access to medical information and records that would otherwise be private under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Financial power of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, and HIPAA Medi-Cal planning and final authorization “Durable financial power of attorney is when [a instructions person] names someone to be in charge of their finances when they’re unable to communicate mentally, if they have Alzheimer’s, or if they’re medically incapacitated,” Meyokovich said. “It can be more than one person. If they have a kid who’s really good with real estate, they’ll make the real estate decisions, while another person is in charge of paying bills, and another person is in charge of medical decisions.”

Skin from page 4B

Medi-Cal is a state-federal partnership to provide nursing home care for those who are unable to care for themselves and need skilled nursing, according to Amthor. This care becomes especially important when a person is over 65 years of age, “significantly ill,” or at risk of becoming significantly ill. Amthor said that nursing home costs, which can reach over $15,000 per month, can

bankrupt many families, even those who have “substantial assets,” which can be absorbed by the care costs. “The idea is to plan ahead and prevent that from happening,” Amthor said. “You create specialized trusts, and get specialized coverage when they need it.” This planning is especially important now, Amthor said, because of recent budget cuts for Medi-Cal, which reduced the financial qualification threshold from “millions in the bank,” allowing most people to qualify, to just $130,000 for a single person. This could be further reduced to just $2,000, and Amthor says that many more people are worried about qualifying. Meyokovich said seniors should create final instructions or letters of intent, which convey specific instructions for one’s funeral and important information such as passwords and the locations of insurance documents and keys. Golden Legacy Law Group can be found at 1181 Central Blvd. in Brentwood at Brentwood Estate Planning - Golden Legacy Law Group, and at (925) 516-4888. LegalEase Document Services and Mobile Notary can be found at https://legalease-docs.com and at (925) 848-1158.

outside employ the use of umbrellas, hats

you suspect might be cancerous. But many seniors might want to know how to prevent these scenarios in the first place. Ways to prevent these skin conditions amount to habit, skin care, and vigilance. “The most important thing is sunscreen and sun protection,” Beer said. “ We should wear it every day, even on cloudy days.” The sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, when outside. And while

and neckguards to prevent sunlight from

“The most important thing is sunscreen and sun protection. We should wear it every day, even on cloudy days,” Robert Beer said.

damaging your skin over time. Beer said “The most basic needs are sunscreen, sun protection, and moisturization. Any dermatologist can help tailor a plan for your individual needs based on your skin type and findings during an exam with a dermatoscope.” For more information, call (925)

Photo by Adobe Stock

240-9116 or go to www.SkinQuestions.com.

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Senior Activities from page 5B information, call 925-626-7223. Brentwood The city provides a variety of activities for its senior citizens, along with a quarterly newsletter from the Brentwood Senior Club. Many activities take place at the city’s Senior Center at 193 Griffith Lane. “Most of the programs and activities offered through the Senior Activity Center are open to adults ages 50 and older,” said recreation coordinator Devan Campos. “The primary exception is a few services and programs offered through Contra Costa County, such as Cafe Costa and Senior Legal Services, which are available to adults 60 and older, Brown Bag which is open to adults 55 and older, and HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy) counseling, which is (for those) 65 and older.” For more information, a schedule of activities, or to sign up for the newsletter, call 925-516-5400 or visit www.brentwoodca.gov/government/parks-recreation/ recreation/adults-50-and-better-activities. Discovery Bay The Town does not offer any seniorspecific activities. However, Assistant General Manager Stephen Griswold said many of the community center’s activities are popular with the local senior crowd. The community center is home to six pickleball courts, and offers chair and water fitness classes, a book club and adult lap time in the pool.

The Discovery Bay Community Center is at 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd. For more information, call 925-392-4575 or visit www.todb.recdesk.com/Community/ Program. Pittsburg Pittsburg’s Senior Center is at 300 Presidio Lane. Residents can find classes, resources and activities. According to its website, the Senior Center “strives to create an active and engaging environment for seniors.” Senior Center staff partners with nonprofits, volunteers and other organizations to ensure it provides a variety of services and meets the needs of local seniors. For more information, call 925-252-4890 or visit www.pittsburgrec.com/services/parks-and-recreation/ senior-services. Antioch Antioch’s Senior Center is at 415 W. Second St. The center offers resources for those who don’t have enough food to eat, financial assistance resources, as well as health and safety resources and support for mental health. The center is preparing for the Senior Resource Fair on Friday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St. The fair will showcase senior organizations and service providers. For more information, or to sign up for the senior newsletter, visit www.antiochca.gov/607/Antioch-Senior-Center or call 925-779-7074.

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11B

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Where Your Dog Plays While You’re Away!

Dog Boarding & Day Camp D MEDAL OLWARD

2025 A

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Delta Dog Camp’s Boarding is all Indoors and Climate Controlled. On overnight stays your social dog can play all day… No extra charges!

- Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas - Swimming for All (seasonal) - 1st Day Camp Evaluation free - Individual Attention Given to All - Training Available by Appointment - Ask About Day Camp & Overnight Packages

www.deltadogcamp.com D MEDAL OL D

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2400 Devpar Ct., Antioch • 925-757-2600 MEDA L LD AWARD

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Open Mon-Fri 7am - 6:00pm, Saturday 8am - 5pm, Sunday 3pm - 5pm Mon - Sat. Closed for Lunch & Nap Time: 11:00 am - 2:00pm

12B

LIVING 50 PLUS

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

AUGUST 7, 2026

Elevated Independent & Assisted Living in Brentwood, CA

Difference EXPERIENCE THE

Call now for our move-in specials!

(925) 350-4634 CogirofBrentwood.com

150 Cortona Way Brentwood, CA 94513 LIC #79201196