E PRESS
whistlestop.org August 2017
Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Pg 3: Lilypad Helps Homeowners And Renters Pg 9: Stay In Your Home With Marin Villages Pg 12: Whistlestock Tickets Now Available
Finding Home
WHISTLESTOP
Whistlestop Perspective
930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org
Encouraging Signs For Senior Housing
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
Mia Edwards Marketing and Communications Administrative Assistant
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
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s A u g u s t 2 017
rolson@pacificsun.com
2
OUR MISSION Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace.
LIKE US on Facebook
By Joe O’Hehir Whistlestop CEO
Y
ou may have heard that in May the Fairfax Town Council voted 4-0 to support the development of a new 54unit senior housing complex. The project, known as Victory Village, is a plan to help meet the growing need for affordable senior housing so older adults in Fairfax are not forced to move away from their town because of rising rents. Victory Village would be the first affordable senior housing complex to be developed in Fairfax over the past 30 years. More approvals are needed but the council’s vote moved the proposed project in the right direction. The Victory Village development proposal has had its share of critics, but more importantly, it has received considerable community and countywide support, from organizations such as the Marin Organizing Committee, the Coalition for a Livable Marin, and the Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative. The nonprofit housing developer, Resources for Community Development (RCD), has received funding commitments from the Marin Community Foundation and the County of Marin. Whistlestop has
offered to assist RCD by providing transportation, nutrition, and active aging services to Victory Village residents when they move to their new affordable apartments. The need for senior affordable housing is apparent in Marin, especially when 26% of the population is over 60 years old with a projected growth to 33% by 2030. Marin’s fastest growing segment of the population is over 85 years old. Whistlestop’s nonprofit housing partner, Eden Housing, has a continual wait list of over 500 applicants for its 60-unit Warner Creek Novato senior housing complex that opened in 2013. Whistlestop is teaming up with Eden Housing to do our part in helping address the growing need for senior affordable housing. Our planned new Active Aging Senior Living Community Campus will add approximately 50 new units of senior affordable housing to be located in downtown San Rafael. Whistlestop and Eden Housing are partnering with BioMarin to co-develop the 999 Third Street location that was previously owned by PG&E. Whistlestop’s
parcel will be located on the corner of Third and Brooks, approximately three blocks west of our current 930 Tamalpais location. BioMarin, as the current landowner, expects to file the formal project application later this summer. We anticipate the project approval process will take approximately one year. Like the Victory Village project, we look forward to a 5-0 San Rafael City Council vote to proceed when the matter comes before them. Our goal is to “cut the ribbon” and open the new campus in 2020. We anticipate receiving community and countywide support for our Active Aging Senior Living Community Campus. Generous donors have already made $5.8 million in funding commitments, including significant pledges from local philanthropists Dennis and Susan Gilardi and the Marin Community Foundation. Our capital campaign to raise $10 million for the project will launch in the near future. We will provide continuing progress updates in future editions of the Whistlestop Express. We remain optimistic about the new community campus; it’s not a question of if it will happen, but when.
Rachel Ginis
Rachel’s dog, Sketch, relaxes in their 220 square-foot apartment. Photo by Jocelyn Knight.
Lilypad Homes Creates Two Housing Solutions By John Bowman
“O
Rachel, who earned a degree in anthropology at the University of Maryland, has specialized in high-end residential design for over 20 years. She is a designer and general contractor who specializes in space and energy efficiency. She is devoted to sustainability and is LEED certified. In fact, the name Lilypad came from the idea of promoting “pond ecology” and creating small, flexible, “green” living spaces. The Lilypad idea is to allow homeowners to stay in their homes while providing an affordable rental space for others. Rachel calls these flexible apartments made from spare bedrooms “junior units.” The nonprofit focuses on the development of these simple living spaces along with accessory dwelling units
made from other finished living areas in homes. She said the idea grew out of her educational and professional background, but “It was when I became a single parent challenged to stay in my own home on a designer’s salary that I looked to my house as a resource.” So, she repurposed the master bedroom into “a wonderful little living space and that space allowed me to stay in my home.” She lived in Corte Madera for 18 years and Lilypad Homes is now headquartered in Novato. Many Marin residents live in large and costly houses with more space than they need. Singles are often particularly challenged to maintain homes on lower incomes or find affordable
For more information on the Lilypad program visit their website: lilypadhomes.org or call: 415-250-9317
A u g u s t 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s
ne of the things that gives me the passion to do this every day is how much I value home.” That’s how Rachel Ginis, Founding Director of Lilypad Homes, explains her drive to help homeowners and potential renters solve two major housing issues in Marin County: affordability and availability. Lilypad Homes is a nonprofit organization that facilitates the development of private rental apartments on single-family properties. They do this by helping homeowners through the design, construction and leasing process in the interest of creating housing security and affordability, with particular focus on helping women.
rentals. Helpful in this process was AB2046, a new law sponsored by Lilypad and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last September, which allows for the creation of junior accessory dwelling units. Rachel points out that two people, in most cases, sleeping in a single bedroom, occupy 63 percent of singlefamily homes in Marin. Rachel says, “This is a Marin-based housing solution. Let’s face it, we are not known for our support of more affordable housing models. There is no lower cost, lower impact and higher benefit housing solution that makes both renting and owning a home in California more affordable.” Rachel is very grateful for the generous support Lilypad has received from the Marin Community Foundation (a $200,000 grant for 2017) and from the county, including two $10,000 Community Service grants. She has high regard for Whistlestop and gave a talk there recently with Homeshare, which is housed at Whistlestop.
3
Objects of Memory: An Important Narrative A Blog By Martin Codina
U
Liquidating An Estate: A Fine Art By John Bowman
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s A u g u s t 2 017
W
4
ithout realizing it, Martin Codina of San Rafael might have been preparing for his future career when, back in the day, he was a furniture designer doing artistic specialty finishes. Today he is CEO of a successful business, Fine Estate Liquidation and Estate Sales in the Bay Area. “I have two subspecialties,” Codina said. “Art and sterling silver. We had a $250,000 painting in one sale.” He has 20 years experience in the business and enjoys helping people
maximize the sales of belongings as they go from a large home to a smaller one. Equally important, he says, is helping them figure out what they are connected to emotionally. “I ask people, ‘What makes you feel good about having it in your home? You don’t want to wake up in a foreign land after you move and say, ‘Where did that rug come from?’” He provides many tips in his book, Liquidating An Estate: How to Sell a Lifetime of Stuff, Make Some Cash and Live to Tell About It. His wife and
nquestionably, you have things in your home or that you are about to inherit that are so important you will never sell them. And those items, I wholeheartedly agree, you should keep. If you sell an important family heirloom, you may experience an unbearable future emotional pain, because once sold, these items can never be retrieved, at least not easily. We invest all sorts of metaphors of memory into the objects we keep. We won’t sell an item because we want the memory of someone or something to be accessible and alive. We want to live with and have our lives enriched by the memory of the people we love, the places we have been and to demonstrate
business partner, Valetta Ciarla-Codina, is CFO and photographer for the firm. One of his best tips: Don’t try to sell off things piecemeal – the best of the furniture and jewelry, etc. “It’s best to talk to a professional liquidator. They’ll help you get the best price overall.” How did he learn so much about the value of
to others that by dint of hard work, we succeeded in our endeavors. It is a beautiful and wonderful experience when I walk into a client’s home and get a chance to see how they have chosen to weave various objects of memory into a narrative depicting their families and accomplishments. So, keep stuff … but only if it is important to keep. Resist storage as a way to archive your beloved accumulations. Dignity is so very important, and that is often the driving force behind keeping things long past the time of its usefulness. Codina is chair and founder of the National Estate Sales Association (NESA).
art, furniture, and jewelry? “I did a lot of research and reading. But also, you have to network – to ask others in the business the right questions. There’s no school for this.” To learn more or to make an appointment, visit finesf.com or call 415-235-7238.
Whistlestop Volunteers Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont
Fred Ruhland
“W
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Laurie at volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.
A u g u s t 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s
histlestop is a unique and satisfying place to volunteer,” says Fred Ruhland, who volunteers at the Jackson Café. Fred is a regular volunteer at the Café each Wednesday. He has been volunteering since 2012. Fred, a San Francisco native, has lived in the Bay Area his entire life. He moved to Marin from the East Bay in 1983 and until 20 years ago, commuted to his job as a broker with Morgan Stanley in San Francisco. Upon retiring, he wanted to spend more time volunteering, specifically in food-related organizations. He began helping with food prep at St. Vincent’s Dining Hall and, after casually stopping into the Jackson Café for lunch one day, he joined the Wednesday group of friendly servers. He also believes there are many benefits to volunteering. The feeling of being part of something greater than yourself, the mental activity of having to remember and learn new things for the job, the physical activity of getting to your job and moving around all help keep you young. In addition, there are so many benefits to volunteering. The feeling of being part of something greater than yourself, the mental activity of having to remember and learn new things for the job, the physical activity of getting to your job and moving around, are all things Fred believes are so very necessary to staying young and active. In addition to volunteering, Fred is still an active member of the San Francisco Olympic Club, where he works out in the gym and takes a few classes to keep him on his toes. Gardening at his house in Kentfield is another passion and he is looking forward to his tomato crop coming in soon. He especially likes the Paul Robeson tomato and the Sweet 100s. Fred has a large family: two girls and two boys, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Sophia Osotio, Café and Nutrition Coordinator, said, “Fred always makes a point of saying hello and welcoming each guest to the Café. We love having him as part of the team.”
5
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 with questions. while doing short writing exercises with an option to share your unique life stories. Beginners and seasoned writers welcome. Sign up and pay in advance at the Front Desk. More info: 415-456-9062.
Movement and Music for Older Adults: a Universal Language Mon, Aug 28; 11am-Noon; Instructor: Diane Hain; Free with College of Marin Emeritus College Membership, $15/year; Register at 415-485-9318 or 415-485-9305.
Ping Pong Fridays, 2-4pm; Fee: $2/$4; Instructor: Vivian Malcy Ping Pong is a lively game offering aerobic exercise that stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain that lets us form and retain longterm facts and events.
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS
Chair exercise class is for older adults who have not been exercising regularly, or those with arthritis-related problems. Moves at a moderate and comfortable pace to meet individual needs focusing on flexibility, strength, balance, and deep breathing techniques. Movement & Music is part of College of Marin Community Education.
Therapeutic Massage Mon, Wed, & Thurs, 10am1pm.; Fee $1/minute; Rabel K. Mangahas
SPECIAL EVENTS Hawaiian Luau Luncheon
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s A u g u s t 2 017
Thurs, Aug 10; 11:30am1:30pm; Advance ticket prices: $8/$10; $10 day of event
6
Aloha! Whistlestop’s weekly Ukulele class shares their talents with Lucina of 1,000 Faces, Sandy Bailey, and Leila, Hawaiian dancer, during a Polynesian-themed luncheon. Buy your tickets at the Front Desk or RSVP to 415-456-9062. FREE parking available at the corner of Third Street and Tamalpais Avenue for members and guests.
World Religion Series #4: Meet a Baptist Thurs, Aug 31; 1-2:30pm; No Fee; Featured Speaker: Royce Y. McLemore Bridge a deeper understanding and connection to the Baptist faith through personal stories. Register at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 to RSVP. Free parking is available in the Whistlestop parking lot on the
A Certified Massage Therapist performs therapeutic massages specializing in soft tissue. Massage is available by appointment, 415-4194608, or walk- ins on a first come/ first serve basis.
corner of Third Street and Tamalpais Avenue for members and guests.
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES/WORKSHOPS Nutrition Bites Workshop
Senior Circle
Tues, Aug 8; 10:45-11:15am; No Fee; Nutrition Coordinator: Sophia Osotio
Wednesdays, 10-11:30am; No Fee; Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing
Bring your nutrition questions for our in-house nutritionist. Learn about nutrition and enjoy a healthy snack. Call Sophia at 415-456-9062, ext. 129 for more info.
Write Your Life Stories workshop #3 Thurs, Aug 24; 1-2:30pm; Fee: $5; Certified, GAB Instructor: Jean Stumpf Would you like to write your memoir but don’t know how to begin? Learn the Birren Method, known as Guided Autobiography or GAB process. Tickle your memories
HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES
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.
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. Call Sophia, 415456-9062, ext. 129 for more info.
Free Legal Consultation Most Thursdays at Whistlestop and the Mill Valley Community Center. By appointment only: 415-459-6700
Computer Lab Volunteers
Meals on Wheels Drivers Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed on Monday, Wednesday or Friday to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. Each volunteer agrees to take one, 2-3 hour shift per week. A valid California driver’s license and a clear DMV report are needed as well as a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate.
Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program Homeshare and Telephone Reassurance Programs Call for appointment: 415-4569068; No Fee Homeshare is a free referral service for older adults seeking or offering shared housing. Telephone Reassurance is trained volunteers calling isolated older adults who need personalized connections.
Volunteer drivers provide round-trip rides to ambulatory older adults going to the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive ride requests through email, which they can accept or decline, driving on their own schedule. Volunteers need access to a reliable passenger automobile with current insurance certificate, valid California Driver’s License, a clear background check and DMV report. The CarePool Orientation and Training is on the third Thursday of each month, from 3 to 4pm. Email volunteer@ whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.
The Jackson Café provides a warm and comfortable setting for older adults to eat a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Café volunteers 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. (Café hours: 11:30am-2pm.) To learn more about these opportunities or others, contact Laurie, volunteer@ whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.
9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM 10:00AM-NOON 10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-12:00PM 11:00AM-12:00PM 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 3:00PM-4:30PM 10:00AM-11:30AM 10:00AM-NOON 10:00AM-1:00PM 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-12:00PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 12:30PM-1:45PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 3:30PM-5:00PM 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 2:45PM-3:45PM 11:00AM-NOON 1:30PM-3:00PM 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM
CLASS Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Language Social Circle Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Movement & Music Whistlesizers Mah Jongg French Class French Social Group Spanish Class AgeSong Marin Senior Circle Computer Lab Therapeutic Massage Persian Social Group Multicultural Senior Program* Adult Coloring Intermediate Ukulele Russian Social Group Knitting/Crocheting Group Citizenship Exam Prep Class Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian 2 Balance Class Brown Bag Pantry ACASA Spanish Club Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly
* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)
INFO Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-472-6020 Drop-in 415-485-9318 Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9062 Drop-in 415-456-9062 415-234-5040 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-472-6020 415-456-9062 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9062 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 7/6-8/24 7/6-8/24 Drop-in 415-456-9067 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in
FEE $6 $1/min Free Free Free Free $15 $4/$5 Free $3 Free $2 $80 Free Free $1/min Free Free Free $35/$40 Free Free $30/45 $6/$8 $1/min $4/$5 $20/$25 $20/$25 $10/$12 Free Free Free $2/$4 $3/$5
A u g u s t 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s
Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers
TIME MONDAYS
Join the volunteer tech team every Monday and Wednesday from 10am to Noon. Assist seniors using our computers to access the Internet and give advice on problems with their laptops or tablets and software applications. Must be knowledgeable about PCs and software and have the patience to assist older adults with technical issues. Apple knowledge is a plus but not required. (We are adding three Mac computers to the lab in August.)
TUESDAYS
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.
Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/ calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.
WEDNESDAYS
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 9am-Noon; No Fee
Whistlestop Weekly Activities
THURSDAYS
Victim Witness Assistance
Volunteer Opportunities
FRIDAYS
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.
7
Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo
Juanita says
“WE CARE”
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
Technology August - September 2017 Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062
ONGOING Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon No Fee Use our PCs to access the Internet. Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets and software applications.
course for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts so you can practice at home. (For Android devices only, including Samsung and LG)
iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications Tuesdays, August 8 & August 15, 10am-Noon (2 classes)
The most famous duck in San Anselmo!
Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people iPad and iPhone users, come discover the incredible world of applications. Find apps to help you manage your daily activities and feed your passions. In this two-week course, we will focus on finding helpful, fun and interesting applications that you can download. Come discover how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, Internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, travel, and much more. Don’t forget to bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)
Visit us today for a tour! Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s A u g u s t 2 017
no gas... all electric no noise... quiet power no license, insurance, maintenance
8
Remember, August 21st is National Senior Citizen’s Day This special day of observance was created to support, honor, and show appreciation to our seniors and to recognize their achievements and invaluable contributions to society.
Sales, Service, Repairs, & Rentals
415.457.1664 1281 Anderson Dr., Ste. F, San Rafael
Intro to Computers – Windows and Apple (NEW – we now have 3 Mac computers)
Tuesdays, September 12, 19, 26 & October 2, 10am-Noon (4 classes) Fee: $65 Maximum 6 people Designed for the first-time computer user, this class teaches how to start your computer and turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, how to create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, search the Internet to find information and set up an email account.
iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Android Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Thursdays, August 24 & August 31, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two-week course for Android products, we guide you through how to make calls, send emails, take pictures, surf the Internet, download music and add applications. This is a
Thursday, September 14 & 21, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two-week course, we guide you through how to make calls, send emails, send texts, download music and add applications. This is for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world. Each session provides oneon-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)
Community Connections
Matt helps Judy with her grocery shopping.
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Marin Villages Helps People Stay in Homes
SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866
By John Bowman
A
from USC, pitches in herself, driving people to appointments and helping with errands when needed. “I enjoy it and I like to see firsthand what the needs are. One time when I went into a home, I saw that some light bulbs were burned out. I got a volunteer to return later with new bulbs to replace them.” Marin Villages has 420 members who sign up for services and pay a $32 monthly fee. They can then call in when they need a ride, help at home, or would simply like some companionship while waiting for a cab or a bus ride. “We have more than 250 volunteers,” Lisa said. “Mostly older adults. They are a great team. We fill between 85 and 90 percent of all requests.” She said the organization receives about 500 requests per month from people who want to stay in their homes. Marin Villages helps them to avoid isolation.
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 Technology helps. “We have a web-based dashboard where a volunteer can log in and click a button to fill a need of a client. Volunteers do a variety of things. They can even help someone find a good plumber, which is difficult if they don’t use Yelp.”
Clients range in age from some in their late 50s, but most are 75 or older. One client, who is 99 and a half, goes to Trader Joe’s every Saturday and hosts a domino game once a month at her village community. Visit marinvillages.org for more information.
A u g u s t 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s
Marin Villages volunteer noticed one day that a woman she had taken home after a trip to the grocery store was having trouble reaching the chain to her front door lock. By that afternoon, a handyman had been dispatched to lower the chain. Lisa Brinkmann, executive director of Marin Villages, has a bagful of stories like that. “Ours is a neighbor to neighbor operation,” she says. “We have three-pronged services: helping people with a variety of needs; directing folks to other local organizations, like Whistlestop and its Meals on Wheels Program; and direct service, like helping a grandmother watch her granddaughter’s wedding on Skype.” She said they enjoy their relationship with Whistlestop. “Joe O’Hehir is a friend and we provide our clients with Whistlestop’s Travel Navigator options.” Lisa, who has a master’s degree in Gerontology
9
Getting Around
Gratitude to Marin Subaru for naming Whistlestop ‘Hometown Charity’ for their Share the Love Campaign Volunteer Carol Huang, right, helps Laurie Peterson with a ride.
Filling Transportation Service Gaps W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s A u g u s t 2 017
By Joanna Huitt, Transportation Services Project Manager
10
T
ransportation is a growing challenge for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and the economically disadvantaged across Marin. It can be particularly hard for those who wish to age independently in their homes, as these people often live alone. At Whistlestop, we recognize this challenge and we are focusing our new program efforts to help fill Marin’s transportation gaps. Thanks to generous funding from the Marin Community
Foundation, we are researching how Whistlestop can help Marin’s healthcare payers and providers provide their patients with better access to care. You can build the greatest healthcare system in the world but it is of no benefit if people cannot get to it. Whistlestop’s research identified the need for low-cost same-day transportation options, on-demand transportation (with little or no advance notice), and direct rides (as
opposed to shared). A new pilot study program to assist Marin Community Clinics’ patients get to medical appointments, in particular to see specialists in other counties, is an example of how Whistlestop is filling transportation service gaps in new and innovative ways. Whistlestop is actively seeking additional healthcare partnerships and funding to develop similar pilot projects across Marin. We plan to build off the recent
success partnering with the Institute on Aging (IOA) in San Francisco, using transportation network companies (such as Lyft) and specially trained staff to provide affordable, direct transportation options for IOA clients. Several exciting new programs and transportation options will be available to Whistlestop clients in the near future. Stay tuned to the Getting Around column to learn more.
Navigating Choices for Aging Parents By Cynthia Seymour
W
ith planning, a firm grasp of their medical situation, and financial resources, you can help your aging parents meet their priorities for living well. Many aging baby boomers have had the experience of taking care of an elderly relative and realize requirements and costs in today’s world. Boomers want to address how they will live and be economically secure with adequate health care. Most importantly, they want to achieve the highest quality of life possible. Knowing the cost of medical and personal care, what’s covered and what’s not as needs evolve, are critical to support quality of life goals. Planning - Every good decision starts with some analysis on what’s most important at different ages and stages •
•
Would you ideally like to live in a larger senior community with lots of activities and social opportunities, or would you like something smaller, cozier and quieter? If aging in place is your priority, what life event would cause you
to re-consider it? Death of a spouse? Cost of inhome care? Medical - Having an understanding of medical needs today, and in the future, will also help point the compass in the right direction. •
Do you have a good relationship with your MD? Is your treatment plan clear? Are there specific resources and directions for you to follow through on?
Financial - There’s also the math regarding what you and your family can afford beyond insurance and other benefits. The care plan (medical and personal care, safe living, engagement) always follows the financial plan by definition. •
Is there willingness on the part of family members to help meet financial obligations?
•
Are family members able and available to help with some level of care to reduce cost?
•
Have you considered creative arrangements with family members?
Cynthia Seymour, Health Navigator, and Tina Cheplick, RN, CCM, are partners at Care Solutions for Elders, empowering families to navigate the complexities of aging. Visit www. carenavigate.com for classes and more information on “You and Your Aging Parents.”
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. Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof
415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com
Whistlestop 4.3438 w x Trusted 4.8438 h providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. 6-22-15 licensed • bonded • insured
Expore Creative 707-938-9960
• • • • • • • •
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…
(707) 931-4280 • (415) 599-4333 northbay.homewellseniorcare.com
A u g u s t 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s
•
Have you expressed your goals for living well should your health decline and/or finances diminish?
Double Award: Employer of Choice
11
Whistlestop
E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
Rethinking Reverse Mortgages
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s A u g u s t 2 017
H
12
By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher
ome Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), or reverse mortgages, have been a controversial topic. I spoke with MaryAlice Cárdenas (NMLS #468646), a HECM specialist with 15 years of work in the nonprofit sector of senior healthcare. She says that recent regulatory changes have strengthened consumer protections. Today, reverse mortgages can offer many benefits as part of a sound retirement funding strategy. A HECM can help homeowners age 62+ avoid tapping into their retirement nest eggs too early. This can significantly extend their retirement income, improve their lifestyles, help maximize their Social Security benefits, and provide an alternative (or supplement) to longterm-care insurance. To qualify, you must be 62 or older, live in and own your home. Most condos qualify. Homes with existing mortgages may qualify if you have sufficient equity in your home. Your home must be your principal residence and meet minimum property standards, most of which are set by federal guidelines. Many homeowners refinance traditional mortgages into a HECM, as you can repay as much as you like
toward principal and interest each month, or make no monthly loan payment. As long as you meet your loan obligations (keeping current with property taxes, insurance and maintenance), the loan does not have to be repaid until you pass away, sell the home, or move out. A reverse mortgage is not for everyone. It’s designed to help you stay in your home, so if you only plan to live there for a short time, it may not be financially worthwhile. However if you plan to relocate, a HECM can actually be used to purchase a different home. Please consult with reputable reverse mortgage specialists to determine if a reverse mortgage is right for you. Mary-Alice Cárdenas, who is licensed in California (NMLS ID 468646), can be reached for reverse mortgage questions at 415-233-1007 or mcardenas@reversefunding.com. She works with Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC (Company NMLS ID 1019941), a California Finance Lenders Law and Residential Mortgage Lending Act licensee. To learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’ArcyFisher, CFRE at sfisher@whistlestop.org, or 415-456-9062, ext. 114.
–