Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver : 30K+ New Cases In California Three Days Running

A close up of many viruses on a red background


There were 167 new coronavirus cases detected in Monterey County today, bringing the total to 17,546.  There was one new death reported.  I am hearing the nursing home outbreaks locally are accelerating.  About a quarter of the U.S. deaths from COVID-19 have been nursing home residents and caregivers.  One in five residents who contract coronavirus in a facility die from it.  Frankly, I thought this statistic would be higher.  Nationwide, there were a whopping 281K new cases, bringing the total to more than 16 million, while deaths jumped by 2,462 leaving the total at 296,824 to date.  In California, the numbers were equally depressing with 37,467 new cases bringing the total up to 1.534 million while deaths rose by 206 to 20,861.  These numbers just keep getting bigger, please obey the stay-at-home order unless you are an essential worker and don’t travel unless it is absolutely urgent.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/12/09/covid-19-us-nursing-homes-vaccines-coronavirus/6413672002/

New Study Finds Older People Happier Than Younger People, Even During COVID-19 Pandemic

A group of people giving thumbs up to the camera.


A new study out of Stanford University found that older people are happier than younger people, even during the pandemic.  The researchers surveyed roughly 1,00 people from 18-74 years old and ask them how often and how intensely they had felt 29 different emotions during the past week.  Older people admitted they were more at risk of getting COVID-19 than younger people, but surprisingly they also reported feeling more positive emotions than negative emotions than young people did.  One of the researchers suggests that when there is less time ahead of us, we focus on the good things.  As the phrase goes, life is short.

Pacific Grove, CA Elder Abuse Alert From Citibank

A pile of money sitting next to stacks of cash.


Citibank is alerting cardholders that someone has implemented a phishing scam which involves the crooks to obtain information to allow them to access your account.  Unfortunately, they are doing an all-out attack, contacting people by email, text and phone and impersonating a Citibank employee.  The bank has committed to never ask for your account number, security word, PIN number, checking account number and other sensitive information.  Be on the alert!

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