Whistlestop May 2017

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whistlestop.org June 2017

Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 2: Caregiving With a Loving Heart Pg 9: Caregivers Need to Care for Themselves Pg 12: Whistlestock IV Announcement

Celebrating Caregivers

WHISTLESTOP

Whistlestop Perspective

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org

‘So many people depend on what Whistlestop offers.’

Main office open M-F 8:30am-5pm Front Desk – 415.456.9062 Transportation – 415.454.0902 Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 Help Desk – 415.459.6700 resource@whistlestop.org To receive the Express by email sign up at whistlestop.org. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop.

WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Yvonne Roberts Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org

Anita Renzetti Director of Program Innovation

Melissa Groos Active Aging Center Program Manager

John and Val Bowman Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com

Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Ryan, President Etta Allen, Vice President Karen Arnold, Treasurer Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary Sharon Jackson Beth Reizman Robert Sonnenberg PACIFIC SUN STAFF Danielle McCoy, Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com

Marianne Misz, Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com

Alfred Collazo, Production acollazo@metronews.com

Rosemary Olson, Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s J u n e 2 017

OUR MISSION

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Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace.

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Susan with her husband, Craig, and grandsons, Luca, left, and Van.

Caregiving With A Loving Heart

By Val Bowman

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usan Geminani’s devotion to caregiving came at a very early age. Her mother went into a coma during childbirth and her aunt took care of Susan for about nine months until her mother came out of the coma.

“She was not 100% but she could take care of me.

A serious disease affected her body but not her mind.

She was bed-bound or in a wheelchair her whole life. We always had live-in caregivers who were wonderful. They helped raise me and did all the things my mother couldn’t do.”

Susan says she was a total caregiver at a very young age. “When I was 8, my

mother would send me to the neighborhood store with $10 and she would tell me to get milk and eggs and how much change I should bring back.”

It’s not surprising that Susan took all that she learned caring for her mother into her career. She worked for a surgeon, and at UCSF Medical Center. She was director of a homecare agency for 20 years before joining At Home Caregivers in San Rafael 10 years ago.

Her mother lived in San Francisco and Susan would travel from Marin three days a week to care for her.

Susan and her husband just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and

she says his support is one of the reasons she was able to be so present for both her parents.

Her mother died nearly 30 years ago at the age of 58 and Susan also cared for her father, who died of cancer. She said, “You do it with a loving heart, and give what you can.” She added that her mother’s death was a huge loss. “What do I do with my three days a week?” she thought. She took up tennis and gets a great deal of satisfaction out of her job, which involves supporting the caregivers.

Her tips for avoiding burnout include being aware when the stress of overwork is taking its toll. And then she advises resting your brain and body by taking some time off. She says it’s important to give attention to your own life with an active outlet or being in nature. She says the people you care for can feel it if you are burned out. So caring for yourself is good for them as well.

She has high praise for the services Whistlestop provides people in Marin. “So many people depend on what Whistlestop offers,” she says.

“They can get out in the world and not be isolated.

That’s so important.”

Susan Giminani is Operations Manager for At Home Caregivers of San Rafael.

Double Award: Employer of Choice

Quality Assured and Proven.

When it comes to family, quality is key. Hired Hands is honored to win the prestigious Best of Homecare award for our 3rd consecutive year from Home Care Pulse, a national Quality Assurance firm that gauges client and employee satisfaction with care providers across many areas, including compassion, work ethic, training and communication.

This award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback of those we work with, and are dedicated to the highest level of Quality, Expertise, and Professionalism in senior care.

Compassionate Care Include Yourself

Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof

415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com

By Janet Bein Hickey, MS, LMFT Hospice By The Bay

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· Regular exercise – maybe start by adding a 10-minute walk a few times a week · Healthy eating habits – maybe have an apple in the afternoon rather than a cookie · Engage in enjoyable social activities – like meeting a friend for tea

· Keep a journal – writing things down can ease the sense of isolation · Talk about it – find or start a group of people in a similar situation · A good night’s sleep – even an extra 15 minutes can make a world of difference Taking care of someone is not always an easy task. Stepping up to be in service of others shows your capacity for deep caring.

Please be sure that you include yourself in the circle of compassionate caring.

For resources and grief support, please call Hospice by the Bay’s Bereavement Department at 415 526-5699. For information about hospice services, visit www.hospicebythebay.org.

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Sales, Service, Repairs, & Rentals

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Visit us today for a tour!

Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com

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aregivers are growing in numbers.

Discovering healthy pathways to better self-care will help you to care for others without sacrificing your own well being.

First is to become more aware of what you are feeling as you go through your day. These simple practices can help:

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Caring for an ‘Elder Orphan’ Mutually Beneficial

By Val Bowman

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s J u n e 2 017

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s a personal organizer, I often bonded with my clients. After all, decluttering closets and organizing piles of paper for people is an intimate activity that requires a degree of trust. When a friend referred me to Larry, I had no idea that our relationship would last for more than 10 years and that I would become his health care agent.

Larry qualifies for the term Elder Orphan, someone who doesn’t have a partner or children to help them when they need it if their health declines. When I met

him, Larry lived in Larkspur and my drive from Oakland was a short jaunt across the Richmond Bridge. We’ve been together through four moves for him and I now live two hours away in Auburn.

In his late 80s when we first met, he wanted to simplify his life after he fell and hit his head. He had never married and his last remaining relative, a sister, died a few years into our relationship. His career as an oboist with the Chicago and Boston Symphonies took him all over the world.

When he retired, he moved to California.

I was connected with

Whistlestop when we got together, and over the years Larry has taken advantage of many of its services. Because of macular degeneration, he had challenges with his vision and we got lots of valuable information from BVIM (Blind & Vision Impaired) when it had an office at Whistlestop.

He enjoyed Whistlestop’s balance classes and buses which took him to doctor’s appointments. He was always a very independent person but he came to rely on many of the services available through Whistlestop and other agencies.

Four years ago, a broken hip led to surgery and a stay in a rehabilitation facility, and it was clear that his apartment, with many stairs, was no longer a safe place for him. He finally agreed to a move to Aldersly, an assisted living facility with a rose garden and views of Mt. Tam. He warmed to it slowly, missing his independence, but the nurturing staff won him over and he loved his daily walks on the grounds and to the nearby Peet’s. Eventually his dementia worsened, leading to a move to WindChime in Kentfield. He balked at being in a secure facility but he eventually adapted to the locked elevator and came up with a new walking regime.

By this time, we had hired two wonderful helpers who visit him regularly, taking him for outings and giving him extra attention. He now lives at L’Chaim House, which works better for him with a homelike setting and only six residents.

One of the things I did for Larry when we worked together regularly was to help him make his end of life decisions. He asked me to be his health care agent and I still coordinate with his doctors and helpers. We have a mutually beneficial relationship and I’m happy to be a part of his life. He has aphasia now, but still is able to say ‘I love you’ as I leave after a visit.

Valerie Bowman is co-editor of the Whistlestop Express.

Whistlestop Volunteers Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont

Marlene Bonham

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To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Whistlestop, contact Laurie Vermont at: volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.

Make a Difference in an Older Adult’s Life!

CarePool Drivers Needed Volunteer drivers provide round-trip rides to older adults going to the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive ride requests through email. You must have a reliable passenger automobile with current insurance certificate, a valid California driver’s license and a clear background check and DMV report. Volunteers must attend a brief training and orientation, held the third Thursday of each month from 3-4pm. Email volunteer@whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.

Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed Most of our meal recipients would not receive their nutritious meals to keep them healthy if it weren’t for volunteers! Our drivers report that this is one of the most rewarding things they have ever done. We

need volunteer drivers on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients – one, 2-3 hour shift per week. A valid California driver’s license and a clear DMV report are needed, with a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate.

Jackson Café Volunteers Needed The Jackson Café provides a warm and comfortable setting for older adults to eat a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Café servers and cashiers provide friendly greetings, excellent customer service and support social interaction. Cashier or food service experience is a plus but not required. Lunch hour shifts are: Monday-Friday, 10:45am-2pm.

To learn more about these volunteer opportunities or others, contact Laurie Vermont,: volunteer@ whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.

A Licensed Homecare Agency o ering

Home Care Aide Services: Agency is employer; insured, bonded, Employees registered with the state

Geriatric Care Management: RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families

Dignity • Respect Personal Care • Safety All services managed by owner

Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM

(415) 457 2256 • www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com

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ighteen hours after she graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, Marlene Bonham took off in a yellow VW to get as far away from home as she could without swimming. She ended up in San Francisco, where she settled and began her career as a Physical Therapist. Sixteen years later, she migrated to Marin where she continues to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery.

After spending 42 years as a Physical Therapist, Marlene’s final job was at the University of California, San Francisco, in the House Calls program, where she had the opportunity to work with people in their homes rather than in the hospital. She visited patients mostly on the Northern Peninsula and in San Francisco, and truly enjoyed helping her patients when and where they really needed assistance.

Marlene has been volunteering at Whistlestop for about five years. She began delivering Meals on Wheels and then started volunteering at the Jackson Café a few years later as a Thursday lunch server. She enjoys welcoming and chatting with the customers when they come into the Café and occasionally will make helpful suggestions on how to more effectively use a walker, cane or crutches.

Marlene enjoys the Thursday group of volunteers as well as the Whistlestop staff members who regularly eat at the Café. In addition to volunteering at Whistlestop, Marlene works with 5-year-olds at Laurel Dell Elementary School. Marlene says she likes the sweetness and innocence of the Kindergarteners and enjoys working with people of all ages.

She and her grown son, an Occupational Therapist in San Francisco, are both loyal Giants fans who attend games both here and away. They also enjoy going on road trips together, visiting National Parks and driving up the coast to Oregon. They often stop at thrift stores along the way and find it interesting to see what some people discard and others consider treasures.

Marlene says, “The Whistlestop Jackson Café is a wonderful service to Marin. Chef Luis prepares some of the best food in the County. The Jackson Café just won Best Meal under $15 and Honorable Mention for Best Soup.”

Volunteers Needed

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Keep Learning at Whistlestop

For a full list of classes, check out the calendar at whistlestop.org/classes/calendar or grab one at the Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. Class fees are listed as member/ non-member prices. Call 415-456-9062 to sign up or for more info.

WRITE ON! Tues, June 6, 1-3pm; Fee: $3/$5; Facilitator: Robert Harry-Rovin, published author A creative writing program that

nurtures well-being through selfexpression, using a short guided meditation followed by a timed writing with opportunity to read your writing to the group for only positive reflection.

Register at the Front Desk.

Modernize Your Wardrobe Without Breaking the Bank Tues, June 7, 11am-12pm; No Fee; Stylist: Stephanie O’Dell, Shape Your Style stylist and blogger, www.celebratethegray

SPECIAL EVENTS Prevent Elder and Dependent Adult Financial Exploitation Tues, June 13, 11am-12:30pm; No Fee; Expert Speakers panel Whistlestop and Legal Aid of Marin host a prevention seminar featuring: Kristina Warcholski, Marin District Attorney’s office; Jeffrey Pettersen, Bank of Marin Fraud Department; and Mandy Smith, Adult Protective Services. Come for the presentation and stay for $8 lunch in the Jackson Café. Register at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 to RSVP.

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Summer of Love Luncheon: Get into it

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Thurs, June 15, 11:30am1:30pm; Advance Ticket Fee: $8/$10; $10 day of event A Flower power tribute to fathers.

Artichoke dip with crostini; choice of main entrée: chicken skewers or vegetable skewers with rice pilaf, and pineapple upside-down cake for dessert. Get groovy to hits performed by the Tina Carella Duo. Call 415-4569062 for more info. We’ll wait for you with flowers in our hair.

World Religion Series #2: Meet a Zen Buddhist Tues, June 20, 1:30-2:30pm; No Fee; Presenter: Rev. Shokuchi

Deirdre Carrigan Bridge a deeper understanding and connection to Zen Buddhism through her story, and experience a 15-minute guided, Zen meditation. Register at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 to RSVP.

Learn the value of shopping your own closet by reinventing your wardrobe with practical and helpful money-saving tips for the ‘third act’ of life. Please bring in one piece of clothing or an accessory that you have never worn. Call 415-456-9062 to sign up.

Senior Housing Options

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES/WORKSHOPS Summer ESL Classes: 75, 100, 250 Mondays and Wednesdays, starting June 5-July 17, 2-3pm; Fee: $12/$15 We offer ESL levels 75, 100, and 250 with experienced teachers. All ages and levels welcome. Get $5 off your ESL series if you become a Whistlestop member for only $10/year.

Sign up before June 5 at the Front Desk.

Age Song Marin Tuesdays, beginning June 13, 3-4:30pm; $80/eight-week series; Scholarships available Age Song Marin discussion groups provide conversation and connection for six to eight seniors who wish to explore life’s third act under the guidance of two trained Age Song Marin facilitators. Call 415-234-5040 to sign up.

Writing Your Life Stories: Workshop #1 Thurs, June 15, 1-2:30pm; Fee: $5; Facilitator: Jean Stumpf, certified writer Have you ever thought about writing your memoir but didn’t know how to begin? Start by learning the Birren Method, known as Guided Autobiography or GAB process. Tickle your memories while doing short writing exercises with an option to share your unique life stories. Beginners and seasoned writers welcome.

Register at the Front Desk.

Brain Fitness

Tues, June 27, 1-3pm; No Fee; Housing expert panel Are you in a quandary about future senior housing? Learn about available senior housing options and leave with more clarity and an enlightened sense of direction for future needs.

Register at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 to RSVP.

Sophia, 415-456-9062, ext.129 for info.

Intuitive Watercolor Painting Thursdays, June 8-29; 1-2:30pm; Fee: $40/$45 for 4-weeks; Artist: Anna Ladyzhenskaya Discover your inner artistic talents through this art medium. Explore different watercolor techniques and produce a one-of-a-kind art project for your home. Register at the Front Desk or call Anna, 415-456-9062, ext. 138 for more info.

Nutrition Bites Workshop Tues, June 13, 10:45-11:15am; No Fee; Nutrition Coordinator: Sophia Osotio Bring your questions for our in-house nutritionist. Learn about nutrition and enjoy a healthy snack. Call

Wed, June 20, 9:30-10:30am (Open to Public); 10:30-11:30am; No Fee; Instructor: Bob Nations, President, Senior Access Board of Directors Are you interested in learning different ways to exercise your brain?

This Senior Access workshop is designed to stimulate certain areas of the brain to promote good brain health. Sign up in advance: 415-456-9062 to reserve a space.

Senior Circle Wednesdays, 10-11:30am; No Fee; Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing A drop-in, open support group for independent men and women (55+), who give each other the gift of listening in a caring environment, which encourages mutual sharing of older adult experiences – the joys, concerns, and wisdom.

See Classes on page 8

Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Tuesdays, June 6 and June 13, 10am-12pm (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two-week course, you’ll be guided through how to make calls, send emails and texts, download music and add applications. A course for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

Smart Phone/Tablet Basics 2: (Android Users Only) Thursdays, June 1 and June 15 (2 classes, not consecutive weeks) 10am-12pm Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

Tuesdays, July 18 & July 25, 10am-12pm (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course, you will review the basics of using your device and learn how to get the most out of your built-in apps, including photo editing, iCloud, calendar, Siri, email, texting, Facetime, maps/GPS, and more. We’ll show you how to find and install new apps, and show you how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

ONGOING Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12pm No Fee Use our PCs to access the Internet.

Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets; they can also help you with software applications. Apple device assistance available on Wednesday from 11-12pm.

Marin County Commission on Aging Monthly Meeting Thursday, June 1 | 10AM-12:30PM Where: Marin Valley Mobile Country Club, Novato Topic: Age & Mental Health Issues Speakers: Panel of Julia Chu, PhD, experienced licensed psychologist who specializes in geriatric services; Shelly Dombroski, regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Northern California and Northern Nevada; Nancy Hoffman, PhD, geriatric neuropsychologist with a specialty practice based in Northern California, and Susan Tavano, PhD, Director Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.

CLASS Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Language Social Circle Persian Social Group Movement & Music Adult Coloring Russian Social Group ESL Classes Whistlesizers Mah Jongg

INFO FEE 9:30AM-10:30AM Drop-in Y 10:00AM-1:00PM Drop-in Y 10:00AM-NOON Drop-in N 10:30AM-NOON Drop-in N 10:30AM-1:30PM 415-472-6020 N 11:00AM-12:00PM 415-485-9318 Y 11:00AM-12:00PM Drop-in N 12:30PM-1:45PM Drop-in N 2:00PM-3:30PM 415-454-0998 Y 9:30AM-10:30AM Drop-in Y 10:00AM-NOON Drop-in N 11:00AM-12:00PM Citizenship Tutoring for Russian Speakers 415-456-9062 x 138 Y 11:30AM-12:30PM French Class 415-456-9062 Y 1:00PM-2:00PM French Social Group Drop-in N 1:00PM-3:00PM Spanish Class 415-454-0998 Y 3:00PM-4:30PM Age Song Marin 415-234-5040 Y 10:00AM-11:30AM Senior Circle Drop-in N 10:00AM-NOON Computer Lab Drop-in N 10:00AM-1:00PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y 10:30AM-1:30PM Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 N 11:00AM-1:00PM Multicultural Senior Program* 415-454-0998 N 11:00AM-12:00PM Adult Coloring Drop-in N 12:30PM-1:30PM Beg./Intermediate Ukulele 415-456-9062 Y 1:00PM-3:00PM Knitting/Crocheting Group Drop-in Y 2:00PM-3:30PM ESL Classes 415-454-0998 N 3:30PM-5:00PM Citizenship Weekly Tutoring 415-454-0998 Y 9:30AM-10:30AM Zumba Gold Drop-in Y 10:00AM-1:00PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y 11:00AM-NOON Whistlesizers Drop-in Y 1:00PM-2:30PM Intuitive Watercolors 6/8-6/29 Y 12:30PM-1:30PM Italian 3 5/11-6/29 Y 2:00PM-3:00PM Italian 2 5/11-6/29 Y 2:45PM-3:45PM Balance Class Drop-in Y 9:30AM-11:00AM Weekly B.P./Cholesterol Checks Drop-in N 11:00AM-NOON Brown Bag Pantry 415-456-9067 N 1:30PM-3:00PM ACASA Drop-in N 1:30PM-3:00PM Spanish Club Drop-in N 2:00PM-4:00PM Ping-Pong Drop-in Y 3:00PM-4:00PM Yoga with Kelly Drop-in Y

* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)

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This course will review some of the basics of using your device and

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications TUESDAYS

In this personalized, two-week course for Android products, you’ll be guided through how to make calls, send emails, take pictures, surf the Internet, download music and add applications. A course for those new to the smart phone/ wireless device world. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (For Android devices only, including Samsung and LG)

WEDNESDAYS

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

TIME

THURSDAYS

Thursdays, May 18 and 25, 10am-12pm (2 classes)

also show you some of the apps that come built in that you might have missed or be afraid to try. Get the most out of your built-in apps including photo editing, storing and retrieving photos, calendar, email, texting, maps/GPS, and more.

Learn the steps to find and install new apps, and how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. (For all Android devices including: Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia)

Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/ calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.

FRIDAYS

Android Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

Whistlestop Weekly Activities

MONDAYS

Technology June - July 2017

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Classes continued from page 6

Trusted providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. licensed • bonded • insured

Community Breakfast First Friday of each month, 9-10am, Fee: $3/$6; Jackson Café Drop in for the best deal in town! Join us for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast, which includes a beverage, fruits and juices.

Ping Pong Fridays, 2-4pm, Fee: $2/$4; Instructor: Vivian Malcy

• • • • • • • •

Light Housekeeping & Laundry Meal Preparation & Clean Up Medication Reminders Personal Care • Respite Care Wardrobe, Dressing Assistance Help with Daily Grooming Bathing & Toileting Assistance Help with Ambulation

• Bed-bound Assistance • Protective Supervision for those with Impaired Judgment • Transportation & Errand Services • Companionship, Conversation • Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping • Help with Pets And much, much more…

Ping pong is a lively game offering aerobic exercise that stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for allowing us to form and retain long-term facts and events. Have fun and stay healthy.

(707) 931-4280 • (415) 599-4333 NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Memory Screenings Wed, June 7, 8:30am-1pm; No Fee; Senior Access volunteers Four, 45-minute, confidential, memory screening appointments available.

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An ongoing initiative to community memory screenings and awarenessraising education is available thanks in part to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Register at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 with questions.

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Join us for our Community Open House June 25th 2-5 p.m.

Schedule a Visit!

Thank You Marin!

Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741

pbill@theredwoods.org

Voted Best Senior Living

40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941www.theredwoods.org

Whistlestop offers information, resources and referrals to people of all cultures. No fee for consultations; small fee for translation services.

Free Legal Consultation Most Thursdays at Whistlestop and the Mill Valley Community Center. By appointment only: 415-459-6700 Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and, if appropriate, refer people to attorneys who have expertise in certain areas of law.

Victim Witness Assistance

northbay.homewellseniorcare.com

Celebrate!

We’ve been doing that since 1972

By appointment only: Anna Ladyzhenskaya (bilingual Russian), 415-456-9062 ext.

138; Mrs. Mehrbanoo Esmaili (Farsi), 415-472-6020.

Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings Fridays, 9:30-11am; No Fee; Bright Star Care Weekly blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and prevention advice is offered by Bright Star Care, a local agency providing home care, caregivers, and medical staffing solutions to families and businesses in Marin, 415-332-3300.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Need Assistance? Multicultural Consultants Can Help

2nd & 4th Thursday, 9am-12pm; No Fee Advocate Yolanda Johnson from the District Attorney’s office answers questions, provides information, and connects you to helpful resources.

More information? Call 415-473-6450.

Homeshare and Telephone Reassurance Programs Call for appointment: Leslie Klor: 415-456-9068; No Fee Homeshare is a free referral service for older adults seeking or offering housing. Telephone Reassurance is trained volunteers calling isolated older adults who need personalized connections.

Facility Rentals Whether it is a weekly breakfast meeting for your group or club, a computer training session or meeting in a convenient downtown San Rafael location, Whistlestop provides a variety of rental choices.

See Whistlestop.org for details under Business Services, or contact SOsotio@whistlestop.org

Community Connections ‘Forget the person you knew and get to know the person who just arrived.’

Senior Access Knows Caregivers Must Take Care of Themselves First

By John Bowman

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social day program providing exercise, stimulation for brain games, music and outings for people with early stage Alzheimer’s.

Senior Access has free caregiver support groups for family caregivers the first and third Thursday of each month. “We know that caregivers are more vulnerable than the people they care for,” Ward said.

“They face unremitting stress.

Our people are trained by the Alzheimer’s Association.

We know if caregivers do not care for themselves, they can’t care for others. We tell them,

it’s like on the plane – put the mask on yourself first. We tell the caregivers to be good to yourself, cut yourself some slack with your emotions.

It’s easy to get impatient, so lighten up. If you raise your voice, that’s par for the course. Sometimes, just take a deep breath, step back, leave the room.”

He said caregivers often get upset with themselves when they get upset with the one they are caring for.

This can contribute to an increase in elder abuse. “We have some good resources,” he said. “There are facilities

J u n e 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s

aregivers are 60% more likely to die than the people they care for. Jim Ward understands this and his agency, Senior Access, provides essential support and training for caregivers.

Ward, who retired as a priest at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Belevedere-Tiburon, has been Executive Director of Senior Access for the past five years. Senior Access, a nonprofit founded in 1973 by two nurses from UC San Francisco, helps seniors with dementia. They offer a

where they can place their loved ones for a week and go on vacation, get some relief.”

People can check with local assisted living or memory care facilities.

Ward said Whistlestop is a great resource. “We have outings four days a week from 10:30 to 3, going to a museum and lunch and back again, for example. That is our connection with Whistlestop.

We use their vehicles. We are very high on Whistlestop and we are pleased that we are contracted with them for these rides. Their buses are great and we have worked with them for ten years or more.”

Some of Ward’s tips for caregivers: “Besides patience, keep a sense of humor. You need to be able to laugh at yourself and realize that the person you are caring for is going through a process that may cause them to not recognize you or remember things. It’s not uncommon for folks to get frustrated when Mom or Dad forgets things.

You need to forget the person you knew and get to know the person who just arrived.”

He suggests avoiding trying to explain something or do something in the moment.

“You have to be a little creative. Saying ‘You need to eat now’ doesn’t work. And it’s difficult for them to make decisions. It’s better to say, do you want this, or that? Give them a choice. Their dignity and agency are important to maintain.”

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Getting Around ‘... the opportunity to connect with and share time with each other.’

What Benefits Do Clients Get From CarePool?

By Joanna Huitt

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s Mobility Manager at Whistlestop, I hear about a variety of challenges clients face in getting access to healthcare, nutritious food and social activities – all of which are needed to remain happy and healthy. Having accessible, convenient, and low cost transportation options is vital to the quality of life for our clients at Whistlestop.

CarePool is the volunteer driver program offered by Whistlestop to help eligible clients get to and from

medical appointments or to the grocery store. To qualify, you must be 65 or older or eligible for ADA paratransit service. Rides are provided at no cost to the rider other than parking or bridge tolls.

Eligible riders simply call us and schedule the ride and we match you with a volunteer willing to provide the ride.

We make every effort to fulfill every ride request, but due to increasing demand, that is not always possible.

CarePool is a unique doorthrough-door service that

we are looking forward to improving and expanding over the next few years.

A major goal and benefit of CarePool is that it gives our clients access to medical appointments that, if missed, would contribute to declining health. Many clients use CarePool to get to routine check-ups, recurring appointments and even dental appointments.

Common destinations are Marin General Hospital, Kaiser or Sutter. Clients can even use CarePool to visit

the pharmacy to pick up a prescription or to get to a community health fair.

CarePool also gives our clients access to nutritious food. Clients can schedule rides to destinations such as United Markets, Safeway or Whole Foods so that they can do their grocery shopping. An added benefit is the assistance provided by volunteers – they might accompany a client while shopping and even unload groceries when they arrive back home. Having access to nutritious food helps clients take the first step to remaining healthy and active.

Perhaps the best benefit of CarePool for both our volunteers and clients is the opportunity to connect with and share time with each other. Volunteers and clients often report that this is their favorite part about the program – spending time with each other and learning about each other’s lives. Many of our clients request the same drivers for each trip and have built a friendship all through the simple act of sharing a ride!

CarePool would not exist without our family of clients and volunteers – if you’d like to see if you’re eligible for CarePool or see if serving as a volunteer is right for you – contact us at 415-454-0902.

Caregiver Resource List Following is a list of Caregiver Resources in Marin County. Details about these agencies and other resources for older adults can be found in Whistlestop’s 2017 Official Guide and Directory of Older Adult Services.

AgingCare.com info@agingcare.com 239-594-3222

West Marin’s Stockstill House Offers Respite

By Robyn Torres

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To learn more: www.wmss.org. For a tour, contact Robyn Torres, RN/ RFCE Administrator, 415-663-8148, ext. 112, or robyn@wmss.org.

Aging Life Care Association aginglifecare.org 520-881-8008 Also known as geriatric care management, this is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, our professionals provide answers at a time of uncertainty.

The Campaign for Aging Research – Elder Helpers Program help@elderhelpers.org 734-330-2734 Elder Helper’s Program matches people in need of help (elders or family) with volunteers from their own communities throughout the world.

Health Care Connection contact@healthcareconnectionllc.com 415-457-2256 Founded in 1998, we provide home

Marin Center for Independent Living Marincil.org 415-459-6245 Seniors and people with disabilities may need a personal attendant to assist in the activities of daily living.

MCIL runs a registry of carefully selected personal attendants who specialize in working with people with disabilities.

Institute on Aging info@ioaging.org 415-750-4111 Non-profit organization provides older adults with assistance through care coordination, household management, personal support, bookkeeping and professional fiduciary services.

Marin Adult Day Health Center marinadhc.org 415-897-6884 Licensed health facility provides organized day program of therapeutic, social and health activities and services for those with functional impairments to restore or maintain

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Mail to 930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael 94901

J u n e 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s

or many, life in West Marin is as good as it gets.

Beautiful surroundings, ocean breezes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure make for an incomparable lifestyle. However, for families and spouses struggling to care for a frail homebound senior, life along Marin’s rural coastline can become isolating and exhausting.

Thankfully, with support from West Marin Senior Services, and the occasional receipt of paid respite care, family caregivers are able to more effectively manage the stress and daily challenges of caring for an ailing senior long term.

West Marin Senior Services serves as a site for the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP), funded by the Older Americans Act and administered by the Marin County Division of Aging. These funds, in the form of respite care grants, may be used to pay for respite services in the home or at Stockstill House, a state-licensed residential care home owned and operated by West Marin Senior Services. Located less than a mile from the historic town of Point Reyes Station, Stockstill provides 24-hour care for up to eight residents (60 years and older) and whenever possible, accommodates requests for short stay respite. West Marin families caring for a senior at home are encouraged to apply for a respite care grant at Stockstill House. In addition, Stockstill is a highly desirable setting for East Marin families seeking paid respite and short stay options for their loved one in a peaceful rural setting.

Families may be reluctant to consider placing their loved one in residential care on a long-term basis, and spouses may feel that long-term placement is a form of betrayal to their partner. A respite stay at Stockstill can provide an opportunity for the caregiver to have an extended period of time at home, on their own, or allow for a getaway. A respite stay may also allow family or spouse to “test” the acceptance of residential care (by their loved one) for a longer term.

Free online community that connects people caring for elderly parents to other caregivers, personalized information, and support to its audience.

care aides and geriatric care management for seniors and disabled adults.

We are locally owned and based in Marin County.

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Whistlestop

E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Durable Power of Attorney: Important Estate-Planning Tool

By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher

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durable power of attorney is an important estate-planning tool. It can be broad or limited in scope – you can set restrictions. The document is tailored for a specific purpose, so your agent can only act within the scope designated in the document. You can authorize your agent to sign checks, deposit or withdraw funds, do tax returns, enter into contracts, and buy or sell real estate. A regular power of attorney ends when its purpose is fulfilled or at your incapacity or death.

A durable power of attorney is an important estate-planning tool because the relationship with your agent remains effective even if you become incapacitated.

It allows your agent to maintain your financial affairs, such as managing your investments, depositing checks and paying your bills, until you are able to do so again, without the need for court involvement.

It is important that you make your wishes known to your designated financial and medical agents while you are able to communicate them. Your financial and medical agents should work closely together so that your medical agent understands the financial resources available when making decisions about your care, and your financial agent should be given authority or direction

about using your assets for treatments authorized by your medical agent.

Your agents don’t have to be financial or medical experts, but you need to trust them to handle your financial affairs and medical care management according to your wishes, financial means, and with integrity. They can hire professionals to help, using funds from your assets.

Make sure your healthcare and financial agents are easily accessible. You can also have the same person act as both your financial and medical agent.

You can download the California Advanced Health Care Directive and the California Financial Power of Attorney from the web. Your healthcare provider and financial advisor may also be able to provide and assist you with these forms.

Need help with your estate documents?

Whistlestop, in partnership with Marin Legal Aid, offers Marin seniors free half hour appointments in a two-hour window on the first four Thursdays of the month.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Information and Referral office: 415459-6700.

For a free booklet, “How to Make a Will That Works,” or to learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, CFRE at sfisher@whistlestop.org, or 415-456-9062, ext. 114.

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