Carmel, CA Retinal Implants To Restore Sight In Macular Degeneration Patients Shows Promise


A treatment where surgeons implant a tiny device in the retinas of patients which contain stem cells looks extremely promising for those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  Although it has only been done with 15 patients, many participants have passed the one-year mark with improving vision.  One woman who had the treatment said, “Shortly after the surgery, I turned to my husband while we were watching TV and said, ‘I can see all of their faces!’â€Â  Doctors say FDA approval is about five years away.  To see local specialists in macular degeneration, see links below.

https://news.usc.edu/trojan-family/stem-cell-therapy-macular-degeneration-usc-clinical-trial/

https://www.montereyeye.com/our-services/retinal-care
https://www.peninsulaeyecarecenters.com/low-vision.html

 

Pebble Beach, CA Online Latino Caregiver Support Group

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Please join Lory Carriedo, Julia Cruz-Moreno and Maria Quiroz on the second Monday every month from 5:30 to 7:30 for a caregiver support group sponsored by Natividad Medical Center. It can be lonely and depressing during the COVID-19 lockdown so all are encouraged to join in. Call 1-800-624-8304 for more details.

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

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There were 53 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 43,1574 cases, with one new death reported.  Nationwide, cases rose for the third day in a row, with 81,769 new cases for a cume total of 31.114 million.  Deaths rose by 773 to 561,200.  In California, there were 3,434 new cases, for a total of 3.695 million while deaths rose by 135 to 60,325.  Please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.

Carmel, CA Online Latino Caregiver Support Group

A heart shaped word cloud with words related to caregiving.


Please join Lory Carriedo, Julia Cruz-Moreno and Maria Quiroz on the second Monday every month from 5:30 to 7:30 for a caregiver support group sponsored by Natividad Medical Center. It can be lonely and depressing during the COVID-19 lockdown so all are encouraged to join in. Call 1-800-624-8304 for more details.

Monterey, CA New Hope For Seniors With COPD

A woman with glasses and a tie dye shirt smoking.


Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be extremely difficult.  A new medical device called Zephyr, which is working miracles in some people.  The tiny lung valve needs to be  implanted in the lungs via a bronchoscope.  The one-way valve blocks air from invading the damaged part of the lungs, where it can get trapped and hinder breathing.  “The instant I woke up from anesthesia, I felt the difference,†said one woman who had the device implanted.  Cardio Pulmonary Associates on Garden Road in Monterey would have more information on the non-surgical device which 20K people have already been treated with.

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/lung-disease-breakthrough.html

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

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There were 41 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 43,104 cases, with two new deaths reported.  Nationwide, cases rose for the second day in a row, with 81,320 new cases for a cume total of 31.033 million.  Deaths rose by 977 to 560,427.  In California, there were 3,195 new cases, for a total of 3.692 million while deaths rose by 133 to 60,190.  Please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.

Carmel, CA Guide To Social Security Survivor’s Benefits

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


After the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to deal with bills, insurance, and Social Security.  Of the 5.7 million people awarded Social Security benefits in 2019, 886K were survivors of deceased workers.  In total there were 3.9 million widows and widowers receiving benefits in 2019.  You should report to the Monterey County Social Security office when a spouse dies.  Their number is 1-800-772-1213.  Unfortunately, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.  The calculation is that if your deceased spouse was taking Social Security, your benefit will be the greater of your benefit or your spouse’s benefit.  If you are not yet collecting Social Security and you’re at least 60, the best way to maximize your benefits are to collect the survivors benefit at your current age and then switch to retirement benefits starting at age 70.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2021/01/20/social-security-covid-understanding-how-survivors-benefits-work/4221795001/

Carmel, CA Tips For Warding Off Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease

A purple square with the words " the end of alzheimer 's starts with me ".


Everyone wants to keep their brains working in full order as long as possible, and the key can be healthy living, getting the proper amount of exercise and social interaction.  The latter is easier said than done given the massive spreading of coronavirus.  Although board games can be fun, with COVID-19 many seniors are turning to video games.  According to an AARP survey, 44% of adults over the age of 50 played video games in 2019 versus 38% in 2016.  That’s 10 million more older gamers!  About a quarter of gamers play multiuser games, which can increase social interaction which will hopefully ward off early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.  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.

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver

A close up of a cell with viruses inside


There were 6 new cases of coronavirus reported in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 43,063 cases, with two new deaths reported.  Nationwide, there were 73,200 cases (up from 65K yesterday), for a cume total of 30.951 million.  Deaths rose by 935, for a total of 559,450.  In California, there were 2,273 new cases, for a total of 3.689 million.  Deaths rose by 131 to 60,057.  Please stay home and stay safe as much as possible.

Pacific Grove, CA Elder Abuse Alert : Scammers Posing As The Police

A pile of money sitting next to stacks of cash.


The Monterey police are warning local residents of a phone scam where callers identify themselves as law enforcement and demand payment, threatening you with arrest if you don’t comply.  Some identify themselves with the actual names of local or federal law enforcement.  They will ask you to buy bitcoin or gift cards and then read the serial numbers off of the cards.  Your caller ID may show the call is coming from a local law enforcement agency, the FBI or the IRS.  If you receive a suspicious call, you can contact the Monterey Police Department at 646-3830 or 646-3914.

 

https://www.montereyherald.com/2021/02/26/monterey-police-warn-residents-of-phone-scams/?utm_email=7404B4F5358244C5647B14D271&g2i_eui=B5dv00xjia5jtX%2fZFTuOn45qYHnjNzVq&g2i_source=newsletter&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.montereyherald.com%2f2021%2f02%2f26%2fmonterey-police-warn-residents-of-phone-scams%2f&utm_campaign=norcal-monterey-morning-report&utm_content=automated