Salinas Senior Center Reopens

A group of people giving thumbs up to the camera.


Active Seniors Inc., the senior center on Hawthorne Street has reopened!  “It’s wonderful people come in and they have the biggest smiles on their faces, it’s so good to see them and everybody wants to hug, we usually do that here so we’re fist bumping and elbow bumping, it feels wonderful to me to be here,†said Karen Towle, a member and volunteer.  The center serves more than 600 people with classes focusing on the mind and body.  Most of their classes have been sold out so call and make a reservation!

https://www.ksbw.com/article/senior-center-in-salinas-reopens-allows-seniors-to-return/36193274?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Coronavirus%20Newsletter%202021-04-22&utm_term=ksbw_coronavirus_COMBINED

Monterey, CA Alzheimer’s Victims Fare Better When They Have A Close Circle Of Friends

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


The Wall Street Journal recently ran a heart breaking story about two women, Abbe Merling and Judy Roder, who have been close friends for 30 years and now have had to revamp their relationship after Judy was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago.  Since then, Abbe has been by her side, taking her on roadtrips, weekend retreats and events at their temple.  More than 6 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, and many have to watch as their friends abandon them, unable to cope with the change in behavior of the one diagnosed with this disease.  That’s sad, as a 2019 study found that those with Alzheimer’s disease that have a close circle of friends have better cognition.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are great people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-importance-of-friendship-for-alzheimers-patients-11618846255

Dementia Caused By Sleep Deprivation

A doctor and patient looking at a book


Middle-age adults who sleep six or fewer hours a night may be at higher risk of developing dementia, according to a study which was published in the journal Nature Communications.  The study looked at people between the ages of 50 and 60 who regularly slept six hours or less per night  and found that they were more likely to develop dementia than those receiving seven hours of sleep per day or more.  Even after controlling for cardiac, metabolic and mental health issues, the study found that 50-year-olds who were sleeping six hours or less a night had a 22% higher risk of developing later in life, while 60-year-olds were 37% more likely to develop dementia.

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

A close up of the word coronavirus with an image of a virus


There were 41 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County today over the last five days, bringing the total to 43,260 cases, with 12 new deaths reported for a total of 364. The agriculture industry remains hardest hit in our county. Globally, the number of deaths has surpassed 3 million for the first time, with 138 million cases in total. Nationwide, cases rose by 61,943 for a cume total of 31.823 million. Deaths rose by 768 to 568,131. Although senior citizens are the most vaccinated age group in America, about 20% have yet to get their shots. In California, there were 2,358 new cases, for a total of 3.723 million, while deaths rose by 82 to 61,083.  Please stay home and stay safe as much as possible

Carmel, CA Financial Elder Abuse Abounds Amidst Pandemic

A pile of money sitting next to stacks of cash.


AARP The Magazine recently ran an article about financial elder abuse, which, unfortunately, is often done by a family member.  Liz Loewy, former chief of the Elder Abuse Unit of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and now chief operating officer of a financial-monitoring company EverSafe said these crimes are all too prevalent.  Sadly, many cases go unreported.  A study of New York residents found that only 1 in 44 elder abuse cases were reported to authorities.  “They may start out helping a parent, with good intentions, and then, after the parent exhibits signs of diminished capacity, start diverting funds,†Lowey said.  “It often starts small, then progresses into ‘I wrote a few checks to pay for Johnny’s college.  She always said she wanted to help with tuition.’  Or beyond that, home improvement or a new car,†she said.  If you believe that you are witnessing elder abuse, please call Adult Protective Services.   Unfortunately, with the wealth on the Monterey Peninsula residents of Carmel, PG and Pebble Beach are often targeted.

http://mcdss.co.monterey.ca.us/aging/

Pebble Beach, CA In Home Dialysis Expands Under Medicare

A woman and a nurse smiling for the camera.


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 in Monterey County which are listed here:

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

Pebble Beach, CA Hope For Those With ALS, AKA Lou Gehrig’s Disease

A doctor and patient looking at a book


Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS, seems similar to Alzheimer’s disease but attacking the body rather than the brain.  There is no cure for either disease, and the ailment just continues to progress and leave you more and more debilitated.  However, USA Today recently ran an article about three promising themes:

  1. A new drug—developed in part with money from the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge—increased the average survival of patients in clinical trials by 7.5 months.
  2. A first-ever clinical trial is testing multiple ALS treatments at once; and
  3. Record levels of federal research funding are planned for this year.

Many are hopeful that Amylyx’s AMX0035 which got a $2.2 million grant from the $111 million Ice Bucket Challenge, will be approved by the FDA.  Findings for AMX0035’s Phase 2 trial were so promising that the ALS community is pushing the FDA to fast track approval.  They have gone so far as to ask the FDA to skip a Phase 3 trial, the only time in history that the ALS Association has asked the FDA to do so.  However, it’s a long-shot.  If you or a loved one are struggling with ALS, contact the Monterey Chapter of ALS here:

http://web.alsa.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=14647&NONCE_TOKEN=D30086CF168CADF46857EB53C986C9EA

Social Security Tips To Avoid Income Tax Surprises

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


Many seniors are surprised to find out that their Social Security benefits are taxable, and the bill can be significant.  The amount that is taxable for an individual earning $25K to $34K is 50%, while if you make more than $34K then 85% of your benefits are probably taxable.  What to do when you don’t want a surprise come April 15 is to fill out Form W-4V with The Social Security Administration requesting an amount to be withheld for taxes.  The choices are 7%, 10%, 12% and 22%.  These percentages apply to the full income, not the 50% or 85% that is taxable.    Most states, including California, do not tax Social Security income.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/powell/2021/03/17/2021-tax-season-are-social-security-benefits-considered-taxable-income/4717044001/

 

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

Three older women are holding pink dumbbells.


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/

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

A nurse is smiling next to an older woman.


Carmel, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral-de-Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside and Soledad

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.