Salinas, CA Congratulations To Local Centenarian Ruth Andresen, Who Just Turned 100

An older woman with a gray hair sitting in front of trees.


Congratulations to Ruth Andresen, a local woman who moved to Salinas almost 70 years ago.  She sat outside of her house, waving as well wishers drove by and waved.  Friends and family, the Women’s Club and the non-profit Active Seniors all helped to get the birthday celebration in high gear.  Signs adorned her front yard with one saying “You make 100 look fabulous.â€

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver 33K New Cases In California Two Days Running

A blue background with some type of virus


There were 222 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County, bringing the total up to 17,379.  There were five new hospitalizations and five more deaths.  Nationwide, there were a hefty 241K new cases, bringing the total to 15.816 million, while deaths soared to 3,338 leaving the total at 294,362 to date.  In California, the numbers were equally bleak with 33,269 new cases bringing the total up to 1.496 million while deaths rose by 178 to 20,655.  These numbers are huge, please obey the stay-at-home order unless you are an essential worker and don’t travel unless it is absolutely urgent.

Cottages Of Carmel Assisted Living Reports More Coronavirus Cases

A doctor and patient looking at a book


Four more residents and seven workers have tested positive for COVID-19 at The Cottages of Carmel.  Executive Director Alton Mendelson told the Carmel Pine Cone, “These residents and employees were immediately isolated, minimizing the risk of exposure to others in our community. Eight of the employees have already returned to work after resolution of all symptoms and required self-isolation,†he noted.  Management said they are in contact with residents and their families almost daily and is committed to providing accurate information and being transparent.

http://pineconearchive.fileburstcdn.com/201211PCA.pdf

Monterey Hospice Tree Of Life Ceremony To Be Broadcast Online This Year On December 11

An older woman holding a pink string in her hand.


The Hospice Giving Foundation will hold its annual Tree of Life lighting this year online on December 11 at 5:00 p.m.  It’s sad that the event can’t be held live, but we are all coping with ways to deal with this awful coronavirus pandemic.  In addition to being broadcast at www.hospicegiving.org, you can watch it on Comcast’s local AMP Media channel 24.  It will feature jazz vocalist Julie Capili, accompanied by local musician Dennis Murphy, and will also feature an invocation by Reverend Luke Ham of Church of the Wayfarer.  To register, go to www.hospicegiving.org/treeoflife.

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver : 33K New Cases In California

A close up of many viruses on a red background


There were 191 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County, bringing the total up to 17,151.  There were two new hospitalizations and two new deaths.  Nationwide, new cases were up by 220K to 15.575 million, with deaths (like yesterday) are roughly 3K, putting the toll of fatalities at 291K. In California, the number of new cases were massive at 33K, with deaths rising by 215 for a cume total of more than 20K.  Please take the stay-at-home order in Monterey seriously and don’t travel unless it is absolutely urgent.

Carmel-by-the-sea, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available

A nurse is smiling next to an older woman.


Carmel-by-the-sea,  CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral-de-Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gilroy, Gonzales, Greenfield, Hollister, King City, Marina, Monterey, Morgan Hill,  Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pacific Grove, Paicines, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, San Juan Bautista, Seaside, Soledad and Tres Pinos

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.

Carmel, CA New IRA Retirement Tool With No Early Withdrawal Penalties


With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a number of Americans to be laid off, many people are taking a close look at 72(t) plans, which allows you to withdraw money without the usual 10% penalty, even if you are below the age of 59.5 years old.  Dubbed 72(t) plans, they give you a series of equal payments taken at least annually.  The duration of the plan must be at least five years or until the person reaches 59.5 years, whichever is longer.  Talk to your tax planner, Monterey County Bank or one of our other local banks about this option.  Another possibility which was made as part of the Cares Act is an exemption to coronavirus-related distributions as another exception.  If you are interested in this option, act quickly as it’s only available until year end.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/early-ira-withdrawals-can-be-penalty-free-11607004008

Monterey, CA In Home Dialysis Expands Under Medicare

A woman and an older man sitting next to each other.


Senior citizens with kidney problems will have an option of in-home dialysis care covered by Medicare.  About 1 in 3 Medicare patients that are struggling with end-stage renal disease will be enrolled in the new program.  In addition to being more convenient, it will reduce the risk of being exposed to people with COVID-19.  Medicare also announced that it will increase the amount it pays provider of home kidney treatments to help gain traction with the program.  About 92,000 Americans are currently on the kidney transplant list.  For more information, talk to one of our local dialysis centers which are listed here:

https://www.dialysisfinder.com/dialysis-centers/monterey/ca/100#.X9Kn79hKjcs

Monterey, CA Tips For Seniors With Balance Issues—Particularly If You Have Diabetes

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


An article in Diabetes Forecast (September/October 2020, page 40), had a top for seniors who have balance issues—brush your teeth on one leg.  You would be surprised how a series of very short, but powerful exercises throughout the day can help your balance, tight muscles, and soothe aches and pains.  The article says this is particularly important if you have type 2 Diabetes.  To get more information on diabetes, visit Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP’s, Diabetes and Nutrition website.  You will find useful information about support groups, classes and more.

https://www.chomp.org/locations/location-profile/diabetes-and-nutrition-therapy/#.X9F3p9hKjcs

Another useful resource is Community Health Innovations.  A full 45% of Monterey County residents have Diabetes or pre-Diabetes!

https://communityhealthinnovations.org/what-we-do/diabetes-prevention-management/

 

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver : Lockdown Starts Monday

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There were 126 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County, bringing the total up to 16,966.  There were seven new hospitalizations and ten new deaths, a record since the onset of the pandemic.  Speaking to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors today, health officer Dr. Ed Moreno said that Monterey was going on lockdown at midnight on Sunday, and everyone is expected to stay at home as much as possible.  Restaurants are closed except for takeout, hair salons, barber shops and a number of other businesses were shut down, and retail was limited to 20% capacity.  Nationwide, one in 22 Americans have tested positive for COVID-19.  The number of new cases grew by a whopping 241,200 (2%) to 15.355 million, while deaths rose by 2,964 to 288,034.  In California, the numbers were also bleak with cases jumping by 28,352 (2%) to 1.430 million, while deaths rose by 186 to 20,262.  On a positive note, California is releasing a voluntary smartphone tool to anonymously alert people if they spent time near someone who tested positive for coronavirus.  The app, called CA Notify, will be available to download tomorrow.  Please listen to Moreno’s order and stay home as much as possible.