January 9, 2012 Meeting Minutes

Monument Community Partnership
SENIOR ACTION TEAM
January 9, 2012

Present, Kathy Renfrow, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Vicky Lizarraga, Sally Smith, Maxine McCormick, Delores Leon, Elizabeth Leon, Susan Lawson, Elaine Breshears, Dave Pitman, Harold Blair, Hilda Giminez-Paglia

Announcements

First activity was sharing what sort of things we've been involved in this past month. Vicky reported on her trip with the seniors to Walnut Creek.

Dave Pitman - newspaper announcement about upcoming meetings of the One Bay Area - there is a waiting list for a future meeting, but many of us have been able to attend.
Senior Expo March 23, 2012 - Chamber of Commerce - along with groups who work with seniors. Mark your calendar as there will more information later. Ellen is involved in the planning and she will get us more information. Concord chamber of Commerce website will give more information.

Community Reports

Posada - at Frisbie Court. BART provided presents for over 500 children. It was a very festive and safe activity.
Christmas Party with MCP and Michael Chavez Center staff - good opportunity to know each other as we begin working more closely.
Senior Holiday Adoption - the Concord Senior Center promoted this event and provided gifts for many seniors in the area. Vicky had gifts provided for twenty of her seniors. Senior Action Team delivered 30 package sets. There were some problems with the whole process, but was so good and so many people were involved.

HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) Update - by Kathy Renfrow, Program Coordinator -

• HEAL Grant Goals: …1- Lower calorie consumption, 2- Eat increased numbers of fruit and vegetables, 3- increased activity in the community, increased activities in institutions.
• Main focus is on children 0-5 Years of age. Mainly child centers in the new HEAL area (2 sq miles from Oak Grove and Monument).
• Fresh Tap water and decreasing soda consumption. Many from other countries know they can't drink the water in their country so the need is to get the apartment owners to improve the piping so the tap water is healthy. Making water fountains and drinking fountains available in the broader community. There is more to the problem than soda consumption - so we are trying to get to the root and tap root of the problem.
• More fruits and vegetables can be the community garden and the "incubator garden" idea, even garden clubs and co-ops in the apartment complex.
• How to increase physical activity in the park setting. City of Concord is looking at exercise machines that can be put in parks. The idea is to increase physical activity for people of all fitness levels, size, with focus of health, rather than losing weight …Ellen suggested using Helen Bacon's Healthy at Every Size
• Bicycle education - highlight the things that already exist and work on ways to improve plans for the future.
• Needs - the bike trails. She needs someone to assess how new bike trails are working and what would make them better. Mary Lou and Ellen are on the Fall Prevention committee that might work on this.
• How it will help seniors -… increased fresh fruits and vegetables, fitness classes, learn cooking together to cook from scratch healthy, safer community,
• Hilda - what change would you like? Nutrition program at churches, traffic issue around Cambridge (Kathy reported all that has been done on that issue with the city. (Much has been done, but it takes time to get it done.) Hilda will work with her church to see if the congregation will work with nutrition and fitness.
• We may get an Urban Farm on Church property.

Senior Action Team Goals/Projects for 2012 See Attachment -

Future SAT Meetings
2-6-12 Alaayne Balke - Senior Needs/ Opportunities from younger eyes
3-5-12 Joanna Marie - Where to Go - What to Do in area
4-2-12 Elaine Welsh, Senior Helpline Services (waiting for response)

What we liked:
Liked having Elizabeth here
Liked opportunity of talking back and forth with Kathy Renfrow about ways we work together
Hilda asked some good questions
Ellen added information that we can work on later

Improve by:

Having more local seniors attending

Next Senior Action Team meeting - February 9, 9:30 am. Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd, Concord

Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all. We are Young in heart and Rich in experience.

December 5, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Monument Community Partnership
SENIOR ACTION TEAM
December 5, 2011

Present: Sgt. Jeff Crump Concord Police, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Vicky Lizarraga, Sally Smith, Maxine McCormick, Delores Leon, Peter Givens, Susan Lawson, Sally Smith, Dave Pitman, Joanna Marie Sees, Arlene Phillips, Harold Blair, Jean Fadavi, Hilda Giminez-Paglia

Announcements

• Large Community Room Space on Monument Blvd. Probably will not be available
• Keller House closed 12-23 through 1-3.
• Dave has assembled our web page: www.monumentcommunity.org

Community Reports

• Bruce Lyon requests volunteers on Tuesday and /Thursday afternoons 3-5 p.m. For his teens in the GGI Program.
• Public and Environmental Health Advisor Committee is celebrating its 25^th anniversary. Bruce, David and Mary Lou are members of PEHAB.
• Metropolitan Transportation Commission will hold an invitational Focus Group here
• MTC has Clipper Cards available now which will take the place of Senior Discount Cards.
• The men's MCP. HOPE anti violence program is off to a good start.
• The Monument Community Outreach Program that Vicky heads up won the top project of this year for John Muir.
• Hilda facilitates a breakfast group every Monday.
• Arleen coordinates Senior Programs across the County for John Muir Health

Southern District Commander Concord Police, Jeff Crump
Jeff grew up in Concord.
Tips:

• Keep an eye on empty houses in your neighborhood. They are often are broken into .Recycling copper is a problem
• Senior Scams are abundant – beware of phone solicitors
• Holiday hot spots for theft- unattended homes, vehicles, public places
• Lock car doors. Keep presents out of site. Best in car trunk.
• New Vietnamese residents do not trust our police
• Lock doors and windows- use poles so windows don't slide
• When salesmen knock on door have them stay outside until you call their company for verification.
• Follow your own intuition on calling for help
• If there is any question don't open door
• Solicitors need business license and health license (food)
• Offer to call if request is made. Don't let unfamiliar persons inside. Take mobile phone out to them
• Take cell phone when walking trails – also take a friend
• Sgt. Rus Norris has information on homeless camps.
• Emergency line is 671-3333
• 911 is just for fire and medical emergencies
• Take a friend when you go shopping
• Don't take a lot of cash. Shop early daylight hours
• Park close as possible to store
• A well lit up house discourages theft
• Medi-Elerts are good
• Volunteers in Police will watch your house when you are away
• In housing complexes keep a record of dates when neighbors are out of line-Helps police to see record of infractions
• Several homeless camps in area. Most homeless have untreated mental health problems.
• New MCP Safe streets program good!
• Sgt. Crump's phone: 671-5069.

Next Steps.

• Look for East Bay places our Seniors could visit. Many do not leave their immediate environment.
• Have Happy Holidays.

Future SAT Meetings

• 1-9-12 Kathy Renfrow – MCP's HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) Grant
  Up date on MCP Activities for the Year
  Set SAT Goals for 2012
• 2-6- 12 Alaayne Balke _ Senior Needs/ Opportunities from younger eyes
• 3-5- 12 Joanna Marie - Where to Go – What to Do in area

What we liked:

• Speaker with police point of view
• Information on local trails our new 3 ½ mile trail included
• Information on hidden homeless in Concord

Improve by–
Having more local seniors attending

Next Senior Action Team meeting – January 9, 2011 9:30 am. Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd, Concord

Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all. We are Young in heart and Rich in experience.

November 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Monument Community Partnership
SENIOR ACTION TEAM
November 7, 2011

Present: Rosemary Robles, DMV, Molly Clark, Joanna Marie, Ellen Breshears, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Vicky Lizarraga, Sally Smith, Maxine McCormick, Delores Leon, Liz Villafuente-Jones, Dave Pittman, Catalina Wright, Arlene Phillips

Community Reports:

• Sally – Children’s Literacy of MCP … tutors starting this week at Cambridge Elementary.
• Maxine – reported on the Physical Therapist program she has discovered at John Muir health.
• Liz reported on the progress her organization, Senior Peer Counselors has made. Now she has a group of trained peer-counselors in WestCounty, CentralCounty, and EastCounty.
• Arlene – Reported on the variety of programs at John Muir and their emphasis of working with Seniors in the area.
• Vicky – working with John Muir and Catholic Charities.
• Commission on Aging is working with several groups to put around Christmas trees with ornaments representing a senior who could use a present.
• Ellen –American Care Quest, now have staff who can focus on neurological as well as physical therapy.
• Molly – Working on publicizing how our Community Driven agency works
• Joanna – “Where to go and what to do” they do a variety of things, but especially those needs that are not covered elsewhere, with an emphasis on legal issues. They are a for profit company but work on a sliding scale.

Guest Speaker Rosemary Robles, Senior Driver Ombudsman DMV

• Rosemary has been with DMV for years but has been focusing on seniors just 8 months.
• The DMV is not here to be the ‘bad guy’ but assist people on a one-to-one basis. The basic purpose is to help seniors be safer, for themselves and others.
• Once you are 70, you must go into the DMV office in person. The intent is to see if you have mobility issues, vision, medical, etc. If there is a concern they refer to other evaluations. With renewal there is the traditional test, however, you could use the test with larger print, or ask for oral test. If you want the special test you need to request that ahead of time.
• A doctor needs to report on anyone who has a lapse of consciousness, after the age of 14. Once that issue is taken care of, the right to drive can be given back. There are many conditions that are considered, and each is evaluated individually. DMV conducts a personal interview. They have discovered that people are already self-limiting … no longer drive at night, on the freeway, during rush hours, etc.
• With a police referral there will be a new set of examinations … including a 40 minute driver test. (Advice: turn your head to check the other lane regularly …. It is OK to rely on your mirrors, but you still must check over your shoulders.) Their goal is not to trick you, but evaluate your ability to reason while driving. Practice backing up looking over your shoulder, not just using your mirrors.
• If they take your drivers license away you have a right to a hearing … be sure to read the letter and follow their suggestions.
• If you need to have a driver’s test on a newer car, be sure you are familiar with all the equipment on the car (know where to find the windshield washer, air conditioning etc.

Coming Events

• 11-28 Senior Mobility Action Committee, 9-11 a.m. 40 Douglas Drive, Martinez
• 12-1 PEHAB (Public and Environmental Health Advisory Board 25th Anniversary Celebration, 597 Center Ave. Martinez. 10a.m. - 1p.m. Light lunch included.
• 12-1 Transportation Action Team 7 p.m. Keller House
• 12-2 Cultural Arts Planning Group , 3:30 Keller House
• 12-23 through 1-3, 2012 Keller House Closed and MCP closed

Future Meetings

• 12-5 District Police Commander – Senior Safety during the Holidays
• 1-9-12 Kathy Renfrow- How our Seniors fit into the HEAL Project (Heathly Eating-Active Living) and Cludia Arredonido- Aztec Dancers
• 2-6-12 Alayne Balke- Young Adult Looking at Seniors from the Fall Prevention Project
• 3-5-12 Joanne Marie – “Where to Go and What to Do”

Next Senior Action Team meeting – December 7, 2011 9:30 am. Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd, Concord

Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all.

October 3, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Monument Community Partnership
SENIOR ACTION TEAM
October 3, 2011

Present: Margaret Reviera, Chateau III, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Vicky Lizarraga, Sally Smith, Maxine McCormick, Delores Leon, Harold Blair, Susan Lawson, Liz, Dave Pitman, David Vargas, Hilda Giminez-Paglia , Catalina Wright, Liz Villafiurte-Jones, James Andrade, Bryan Balch

Guest Speaker – Margaret Rivera, Retirement Counselor Chateau III
Margaret has been working in senior care for five years. Because of health issues of her family, she was drawn into the senior care industry and began researching help for frail seniors. Currently she is working in Pleasant Hill at the Chateau.
Many seniors cannot afford the care many assisted living facilities offer. She has a dream and has a plan for an intergenerational model for the future… this is her personal project.

Finding the best place for frail seniors ….

1. · Three criteria …
2. 1) Be able to make your own decision, so make the decision before you need it. When home becomes too much to care for, family care givers can’t do it, nutrition is going down, especially when memory and confusion come together, it is time for a change. Start planning right now, when you are able to make the decision.
3. a. In this area there are many ‘fairs’ to educate you ahead of time.
4. b. Find a ‘buddy’ who will follow your wishes when you are ready.
5. c. Margaret suggested a concept of “village” groups to help care of the typical needs.
6. d. Low income people need to start planning for ways they can be part of a community. Need to find suitable/affordable assisted living
7. Note: there are Medicare Board and Care Homes, but they are not good. Skilled nursing expect to see something that says there is financial help. Margaret’s job at Chateau is to work with a family to see if they can afford their facility and to give other suggestions if senior cannot.
8. 2) If you didn’t plan ahead be realistic of what you can afford and where you don’t need to move.
9. 3) Look closely at what you needs are now and what you will need in the future. When outside care is needed ones brain is very confused and one cannot make rational decisions.
10. PLAN …. PLAN……..PLAN….PLAN……….now

Community Reports:

Review of Health Fair …. All comments were positive, however there were not as many people as wanted. Vicky gave a suggestion to think about changing to Sunday rather than Saturday. This year they had a special ‘rest place’ so people could take a break.
CCTA Transportation Group – Dave attended a meeting recently and discussion was concerning transportation for seniors. More information at the transportation blog … google transportation action team and it will take you to the blog. Concord does not have a senior van program. Others buy their van through section 5310 of MTC. and they can buy the van and get volunteer drivers. Elaine Welsh from Senior Helpline Services showed a pyramid starting the driving yourself all the way down to door-to-door transportation services. Another organization is Caring Hands and they also have a waiting list.
Harold –6th Annual Men of Merit Celebration will honor men who volunteer in the community and Wes Laubscher has been nominated. October 27th from 6:30-8:30 at Mt Diablo High School, 2450 Grant Street, Concord
Cultural Arts, a sub-committee of SAT – the goal is to encourage art in the Monument Community, There are so many suggestions and many people ready to offer their talent. If you know of a cultural arts group in the Monument, please tell Mary Lou Laubscher, 925-685-2332.

Announcements:

• Getting around -Senior Transportation Today and Tomorrow ,Rossmoor on October 26th, 8:30-noon. Carpool from Keller House call Mary Lou if you need a ride. Need to sign up now because of limited seating-
• Cultural Foundation annual senior volunteer awards at the Jewish Community Center 2071 Tice Valley Blvd
• Contra Costa Leadership in Sustainability Awards Celebration Friday, October 7th at the Lafayette Veterans Hall, 3780 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
• The Monument Community Outreach Program that Vicky heads up won the top project of this year for John Muir .
• Vicky has an award from the California Senate office and Congressman George Miller, County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, and Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla. Of the John Muir Community Benefit Sponsored The Monument Senior Services Program that Vickie coordinates has the highest rating. (Sat acts as an advisory committee to that program.)
• Sally is heading a Children’s Education Task Force for children in the Monument area. Their meeting is Friday, October 7th. Call Sally if you wish to join the task force – 798-1680.

Next Steps:
Now Do your planning for what may happen when/ if special care is needed.

Future Meetings
11-7 Rosemary Robles, DMV Senior Driving – being safe
12-5 District Police Commander – Senior Safety during the Holidays

Evaluation of This meeting – Like – speaker from the Chateau, because she is talking about the process. What she said was part of Dave’s experience with his mom.
Good participation at the meeting. Happy for Vicky’s awards.
Improve – we could always have more people

Next Senior Action Team meeting – November 7, 2011 9:30 am. Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd, Concord

Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all. We are Young in heart and Rich in experience.

Fall Prevention Week

Presentation by Mayor Hoffmeister to Jane Holt and Mary Lou Laubscher, representing the Fall Prevention Program, proclaiming the week of September 18, 2011 as "Fall Prevention Awareness Week."

The Second Annual Walk for Fall Prevention
A fun and non-competitive fundraising event for all ages and abilities benefitting the Fall Prevention Program.

Register at: www.fallpreventionwalk.org

 Saturday, September 24, 2011

from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

500 Ellinwood Way

Pleasant Hill, CA

April 4, 2011 Meeting Minutes

 Monument Community Partnership

SENIOR ACTION TEAM

April 4, 2011

Present: Elena Soto, David Vargas, Juan Corrales, Elizabeth Villafuerte-Jones, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Vicky Lizarraga, Sally Smith, Jean Fadavi, Mickey Ryan, Maxine McCormick , Ellen Breshears, Janet Johnson, Pat Martin, Susanna Myer (Friendly Visitors), Bill Miller, Susan Lawson, Bryan Balach

Announcements

4-8 Laugh, love, learn – Senior Live Well Forum at PH Community Center 8:30 am to 2 pm

5-19 Fall Prevention –Integration of Best Practices, 500 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill

6-18 Aging Family Members, Tools, Resources & Support – JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, P.H.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority Public Hearings on Deciding which Major Transportation Projects are most important for Contra Costa

Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 6 p.m.

CCTA Offices 2999 Oak Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek or

Thursday April 21, 2011, 9 a.m. City of Pleasant Hill

Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

Community Reports:

Liz – they are off to a good start and can use a couple more volunteers to be trained for the bi-lingual Senior Peer Counseling Program- 925-521-5653

Mickey – Vicki has been helping her with her Senior Survey and Assistance and she as she has started working with seniors in the Monument Community

Susanna – Friendly Visitors organization. They are working at getting more low-income seniors, to volunteer as Friendly Visitors, especially Spanish speaking volunteers.

Sally – reported on the Book Giveaway this past Saturday at 5 apartment complexes and at Los Rancheros Supermarket.

Elena – a pre-school teacher in the past and is interested in MCP programs

David – he has been a volunteer with Vicky and is interested in helping more.

Juan- from Vicky’s group. Wants to to learn more about us.

Vicky – Catholic Charities and outreach to the elders of the community. It’s been a very productive month. Her program, Monument Corridor Senior Services Outreach (MCSSO). The Knights of Columbus provided two wheelchairs for residents. (Fair Oaks Church also has a wheel chair to loan out.

Susan – reported on successful Community Day that First Presbyterian Church held this past Saturday. Over 100 Presbyterians volunteered in the community.

Maxine – she has many resources and will be glad to share with you. Neighbors in her Mobile Home Park come to her for information.

Evaluation of East Bay Senior Expo and Senior Resources Fair on March 25 at Crown Plaza Hotel

Positive What Could be Improved

Happy visitors-enthusiastic response Workshops in Spanish

Jan Wall humorous speaker Translators at each table

Medical Management information

Excellent Resource Directory

Goodies at vendor tables

Variety of attendees manning tables

Guest Speakers -

Janet Johnson – At Home Care and Companion Services

When is it time to get a Caregiver? –

• It can be any time along the process as well as if the family caregiver is getting to the end of their rope. The family works hard themselves and when they are beyond the care they are capable of doing, then they need help. It is hard to find who is the right person to do the care giving. But, you need to choose the right person who is appropriate, not just the right schedule. Should a daughter do personal care for their father? And, does a mom want her son doing personal care? Frail Elder might be mortified to have a person of the opposite sex. The same with a young person. They may be willing, but is it right to do so? There are lots of choices for different forms of care.
• Janet brought a booklet prepared by the county “ Guide to Hiring in-home help”. Contact Mary Lou to get your own copy. 925-685-2332
• Referrals are best coming from someone who knows both people. Warning: don’t find your in-home care from Craig’s List. Hire with one of the companies that provide Caregivers you will receive valuable safety issues. The organization will do an assessment. Be sure to find out if there is an upfront cost.
• The placement of the caregiver is done with personality and skills in mind.
• The home needs to be environmental friendly, good lighting, warm/cool temperature … what is best for you might not be comfortable for the “patient”.
• Wear gloves as appropriate. assist when necessary but let them do what they can and be independent as long as possible. Remember … use it or lose it.
• Provide privacy – close off the area or room, keep other family members away.

Activities of daily living-

*Transfer and Ambulation --- cane, footed cane, walker, wheel chair, crutches, transfer board, Hoyer life. Do you know how to use them?

*Grooming …. Shaving, hair combing, styling, washing (at bath time or at a salon), Makeup for women.

*Bathing – set out soap, wash clothes, brushes, rubberized tub mat. Bath chair, comfortable water temperature, have family member check temperature also.

*Oral Care – self care or assist – set out toothbrush, paste, etc. Extra care with dentures so not to drop and break them. Rise thoroughly; if person has dry mouth, should rinse 3 or 4 times daily.

*Dressing – select clothing or not, help undress/dress with clean clothes, put clothes on the weak side first.

*Feeding Self/help Eating – Eat together or with part of the family, have them be part of the gathering. Explain what the foods are that are on the plate, if necessary. Make conversation. Do not rush the meal. If feeding someone, feed appropriate size bites; make sure they swallow.

Ellen Breshears Addus Health Care –

• There are different ways to get in-home health care so you should check out the different options before you need it. There is veteran’s home health care and they might be good for future speaker.
• To be eligible for Medicare a person needs to be homebound, have a physicians order, requires a skilled service, needs intermittent not full time care. Skilled services covered by Medicare rgulations include: Observation and assessment, teaching and training, skilled procedures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical social work, homecare aide.
• Ellen is very knowledgeable about all these issues and if you think you can use her services, please contact her at Addus Health Care. 925-671-4100

Please read the attachments from Addus Health Care for more information.

Next Steps:

Look at the goals of the SAT and pick those that are ready to start.

Parking Lot …

Check out community access TV to come to the meeting and film it so those at home can be part of the meeting.

Future Meetings

5-2-11 La Clinica – services for seniors – Katia Reges.

6-6-11 HICAP – Medicare counseling

Discussion on bringing new members to SAT

Evaluation of This meeting –

Positive – Bill came

Good information

Translation was good

Liked hearing about Mickey’s project. She commented that all the people she has met in developing her project, are special people who are welcoming and skilled at their trade.

Everyone here has a voice and are encouraged to work together

Improve – No suggestions

Next Senior Action Team meeting – May 2, 2011 9:30 am. Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd, Concord

Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all.

April 4 Meeting Agenda

Monument Community Partnership

Senior Action Team Meeting

Monday, April 4, 2011

9:30 a.m.

Keller House

1760 Clayton Rd.

Concord

Main Speakers:

Ellen Breshears, Addus Health Care

and

Janet Johnson, At Home Care and Companion Services

Topic:

Tips for Caring for frail elders at home

and

When should professional help be sought

March 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Monument Community Partnership

SENIOR ACTION TEAM

March 7, 2011 

Present: Judy Vared (Age Song) Elizabeth Villafuerte-Jones,  Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Vicky Lizarraga, Arlene Phillips  Sally Smith,  Jean Fadavi,  Harold Blair, Mickey Ryan, Delores Leon, Elizabeth Leon, Maxine McCormick ,Catalina Wright, Hilda Paglia, Ellen Breshears, Janet Johnson, Suzanna Meyers

Note:  When we have seniors who have limited English, we will have someone translating for them.  Please be patient. Hilda and Vickie tried out the new translation equipment. It seems to work o.k.  

Announcements:

3-25 Senior Resource Expo at the Crown Plaza from 8:30 am to 4 pm
4-8 Laugh, love, learn – Senior Live Well Forum at PH Community Center 8:30 am to 2 pm
5-19  Fall Prevention –Intergration of Best Practices, 500 Ellingwood Way, Pleasant Hill 6-18  Aging Family Members, Tools, Resources & Support – JFK University, 100 Ellingwood Way, P.H.

Community Reports:
Liz – they just finished their first peer counseling training and six were Latinos, three in the Monument  area who are bi-lingual.
Ellen and others advertised the Health Expo, March 25th at the Crown Plaza Hotel.
Ellen told us about a new staff member and will give us more later.
Mickey – she has been exploring ways to complete her project on seniors at risk on the Monument Corridor. She is thinking she can do a project with a drop-in session. 
Delores – Commission on Aging representative. Sub committees are active.
Catalina – she shared articles “Super Foods’ and a Walnut Creek thrift store has moved.
Susanna Meyer – Friendly Visitors organization. They are working at getting more low-income seniors, to volunteer as Friendly Visitors, specially Spanish speaking volunteers.  Sally – upcoming book giveaway at many apartments and businesses in the Monument
Arlene – the Community Benefits part of John Muir Health works with partners to serve those in need in the community. There is funding for a school nurse at Cambridge and Meadow Homes.  One of their goals has been to get the kids to drink more milk. 
Vicky – Catholic Charities and outreach to the elders of the community.  It’s been a very productive month. Her program, Momunent Corridor Senior Services Outreach (MCSSO)

Guest Speaker- Judy Vared, Age Song – She discovered that every senior needs an advocate and everyone in the “sandwich generation” also needs an advocate.  We have not been taught how to work with our elders.  She works with the group called Age Song. Age Song uses the “Holistic Approach” to Elder Care It has several “communities of frail elders” within the Bay Area.
            They are using the word Forgetfulness as a substitute for Dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.  All of us are forgetful and we feel better using softer language.
Interesting thought is: that those with dementia often live ‘in the moment’ and that can be a good for all of us to remember. Living in the moment promotes brain health and decreases stress.

 Boost your brain by doing new things. Find new ways to challenge yourself because learning new things is better for our brain.
 Find a purpose
 Increase social and cognitive activities
 Try intergenerational experiences. 
 Internet sites have brain development information ….www.drugs.com Luminosity.com   also, postitscience.com, freerite.com, sharpbrain.com
 Staying engaged in your community is also important.
 Your heart and brain have the same kind of needs.  If you are helping your brain, you are also helping your heart.
 Blueberries, garlic, oregano, saffron, curry, rosemary, thyme and sage are good for the memory.  Drink lots of water and eat bright colored vegetables,
 Stay flexible, physically at well as mentally/emotionally
 Maintain a good sense of humor
 Use journaling …. Set yourself goals and keep accountable in your journal.  As you use this journal, you will see what you need to emphasize as well as see progress.
 Multi-vitamin, green tea, vitamin D help to maintain good brain functioning

Suggestion that will help you:
 Stop and “be in the moment’ is a good practice for all of us.
 Have a life with a purpose. Find something each person can do.
 Physical activity- Tai Chi and Chio are excellent for elders.
 Combine social, cognitive, and physical activity
Factors that increase memory loss:
 Over Medication can affect this – ask your doctor to monitor your medications for you. Go to the same pharmacist for every medication
 Website where you can put your medication in for an evaluation
 Alcohol
 Depression and anxiety
 Lack of adequate sleep
 Lack of physical and mental exercise
 Vitamin deficiency
 Loneliness and isolation
 By age 85 - 50 % of elders will have some range of dementia

Upcoming generation of elders (Baby Boomers)
     Increased dementia
     Living with technology
     Eating unhealthy fast foods
     Increased Speed of living
     Increased Pressure in professions

Goals and Projects for 2011
We had discussion on our goal priorities for the year. Mary Lou will present an outline of our Goals next meeting. 
In increasing our membership we need to find newly retired and educated Latinos …. How?  Maybe having our meetings out in the community in various locations.

Next Steps:
Mary Lou and Vicky will work together on Spanish speakers to invite to join SAT
Mary Lou will work on goals and present then at April meeting. Everyone will work at getting new members to attend SAT

Parking Lot …
Outreach to the Monument Community – how to reach those who need these different services?

Future Meetings
4-4-11  Tips for In-Home Care Givers Janet and Ellen
5-2-11  La Clinica – dental and seniors programs – Katia Reges. 6-6-11  Discussion on outreach strategies to bring in new members

Evaluation of This meeting –
Positive – excellent speaker, useful information
            New people
            Good to have Delores, Janet, and Elizabeth back
            Good exchange of ideas and resources
Improve –
       Nothing mentioned

Next Senior Action Team meeting –  April 4, 2011 9:30 am. Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd, Concord  

Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all.

February 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Monument Community Partnership

SENIOR ACTION TEAM

February 7, 2011

Present: Deborah McDonald, O.T., Elizabeth Villafuerte-Jones, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Vicky Lizarraga, Arlene Phillips Sally Smith, Jean Fadavi, Harold Blair, Mickey Ryan, Catalina Wright, Maxine McCormack, Ellen Breshears, Susan Lawson, Harold Blair, Bryan Balach.

Community Reports:

Arlen Phillips reported that the Monument Corridor Senior Services Outreach Program (MCSSO) funded by a John Muir Health grant is now operating with Vicky Lizarraga as the Senior Outreach Coordinator.

Vickie said that her focus will be education, outreach, presentations, and case management. John Muir wants her to encourage health, safety, and social well-being of isolated elders. Vickie is also doing referrals and follow-ups. Highlights of her first month showed:
     10 meetings with county or community leaders
     8 number of open cases 1 closed case
     54 older adults assisted with referrals: 36 HEALTH;17 SAFETY; 14 SOCIAL WELLBEING
     Number of follow ups 1
     3 Older Adult outreach table events 2 trainings attended
Vickie helped a 92 year old women facing foreclosure due to sweep stakes gambling from Hawaii. She lost $100,000. and was promised that she would double that amount if she kept gambling. Working as a team she was connected with Senior Housing, a social worker, Senior Peer Counseling, a representative payee to oversee her finances, Caring Hands and MCSSO case Management

Latino Senior Peer Counseling
Elizabeth reported that all day training sessions are now under way for bi-lingual seniors. Coming up in the future will be another Latino Senior Peer Counseling group in the Monument area.

Stan Hansen Day in the City was February 3rd. He was presented his Proclamation by the Mayor at the Heartfelt Dinner for Monument Crisis Center,

February 17 Fall Prevention Quarterly Meeting 9 a.m. 500 Ellingwood Way Pleasant Hill.
February 22 Brain Health and Fitness 9 am. to 11:30 am Rossmoor Community Fireside Room –Speaker Ruth Gay, Alzheimer’s Association, Linda Hughes, Premiera Care, Carrol Larhken, Brain Gym Instructor, Dr. Eric Freitag, Nueropsychologist. Call Lindsay at 925-516-8005 for reservations.
February 24 Town Hall Meeting on State Budget with Senator Tom Torlakson 7 – 9 p.m. Pleasant Hill City Council Chambers 100 Gregory Lane
March 25 - . Senior Resource Expo at Crowne Plaza from 8:30 to 4 pm. Jan Walsh will be the keynote speaker at 10 am. There will be many venders and other workshops
April 8 Laugh, Love, & Learn Senior Live Well Forum, 8;30 am to 2 p.m. Pleaseant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr. P.H. call Kendra at 925-798-8788 for information or to reserve a display table

Helpful information on Assistive devices – canes, walkers, crutch, scooters and other assistive devices By Debra McDonald, Occupational Therapist.
Most of her professional work has been in home care. Here are her tips:

• To stay independent – ask per a prescription for a visit to a Physical Therapist so your walker or wheel chair can be fit properly.
• A walker is a two handed piece of equipment. It is not stable enough to use as support with one hand. It is important to use two hands on the walker and two hands reaching to the refrigerator (or whatever) you will be more stable with two hands.
• Turning is often a problem and that is when we might lose our balance
• Hold on to something sturdy when turning.
• A vertical grab bar can make stairs safer. 12 “ or 15” are best.
• A grab bar just outside the door of the tub or shower is very important.
• Bar soap in a nylon stocking saves bending over to pick up dropped soap
• Transfer benches can help you get in and out of the bathtub.
• Hand held shower hose – her example has an extra long hose which makes it very useful (cheaper sets may not have this). There is a swivel connector that is easier to use (Alson’s hand held shower swivel connector at Ace Hardware). There is a diverter fixture to use a regular shower head or a shower hose.
• If using a LifeLine, calling device around your neck put a sticky hook an the edge of the shower low enough so you could reach it if you fall.
• Shower chair can be a big help. Maybe you can sit the small seat in and use your back against the wall to slide down.
• Adhesive Tub Treads can be better for the bottom of the tub than a shower mat. She suggests putting them diagonally Herring Bone fashion on the bottom of the tub
• Replace towel racks with grab bars.
• PVC tapes in different colors … mark with tape on the burner button to show where ‘off’ is. One color can be for on and one for off.
• A “Reacher” is also a valuable tool … grabbing stuff in the dryer, high things,
• There is also a Dressing Stick that helps pull pants up and has a shoe horn on the bottom.
• Be sure to sit down when pulling pants on and off.
• Hook-on lights are good to put on a walker or put up in helpful places in the house.  When using a walker, attach a small basket with ties and Velcro.
• Shelf liners can be used to keep things from slipping ….
• Use a door stop with an extended stick to keep doors open.
• If you get a new bed, consider getting 3” box springs instead of a thicker mattress which makes the bed too high to get off easily.
• You can also purchase a button hook to help button your shirts.
• Straight back chairs are safer than swivel chairs for elders
• Rubber squares halp keep chairsd and couches from slipping.
• Rubber backed square rugs are best
• Elastic shoe laces are available and make it easier to get shoes on.

Ideas for Mickey
Mickey Ryan a nurse with the County Hospital is working on a second Masters Degree. She wants to do an 8 week volunteer program with seniors at risk in the Monument Ccorridor. These are the suggestions our group came up with for her to explore:

• Work with Vickie in the Monument Corridor Senior Outreach Program
• Work with Katia Regis in the La Clinica Senior Program
• Set up an Invite to Dinner Program where isolated elders do not need to eat alone
• Set up a senior to senior Friendly visitor program
• Distribute a shopping list for easy to prepare meals and distribute it widely
• Set up a weekly soup and salad meal for Monument Seniors
• Set up a cooking demonstration for Brown Bag seniors on easy to prepare meals.
• Have a weekly drop in “Talk with the Nurse” program at Keller House (MCP) or Lakeside Apartments.

Parking Lot …
• Rex’s Locksmith on Clayton will give a AAA discount (maybe even free) for seniors who need a car key made.

Future Meetings

3-7-11 Improve your memory by Judy Vared, Age Song
4-4-11 Tips for In Home Care Givers – When to call in a professional by Janet Johnson, At Home Care and Companion Services
5-2-11 Life Can Be an Amazing Adventure by Francoise Buchignawi

Evaluation of This meeting –
Positive – good information (best meeting ever)
     Lollipops from Ellen
     Good ideas
Improve –.shorter (how do you get great information in a shorter time)

Next Senior Action Team meeting – March 3-07-11, 2011 9:30 am. Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd, Concord

Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all.

January 10, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Monument Community Partnership

SENIOR ACTION TEAM

January 10, 2011

Pre Meeting Visit: Ray Kuzbari, Concord’s Transportation Manager came by to tell us about the Planned for Monument Corridor Bikeway Network connection to the Contra Costa Canal Trail (via Tioga Road) and the Concord Skate Park. Ray talked with Jean and other early to arrive members about Monument transportation issues. It pays to come early!

Present: Harold Blair, Ellen Breshears, Jean Fadari, Janet Johnson, Elizabeth Villafuerte-Jones (Liz), Jacie Jones (with the community health alliance and is the Monument connection with Caring Hands), Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Vicky Lizarraga, Hilda Giminez-Paglia, , Arlene Phillips, Cynthia Rothschild, Sally Smith

• Jacie is with Caring Hands of the John Muir Hospital District. She is recruiting both Spanish speaking seniors who need the service, or volunteers to help with the program.
• Cynthia – works at a new position with Catholic Charities as Chief Program Officer for Catholic Charities which has many programs in both Alameda and Contra Costa county.
• Elizabeth is with Peer Counseling in the County Health Department. She would like to have a Peer Counseling Training in March in Spanish. Do you know a prospect for the training?
• Arlene Phillips and Vicky Lizarraga reported the Monument Corridor Senior Services Outreach grant is almost complete. It is in the process of being signed and should start soon.
• Janet – “Assisted Living in your home”- At Home and Companion Services. Working with Hospice clients.
• Ellen – Addis Health Care and is deeply involved with new health plan issues. Now a person who falls and needs extra care must see their primary care physician within 90 days.

Community Reports
• Our own Stan Hansen is being honored at the Heartfelt Dinner sponsored by the Monument Crisis Center at the Concord Hilton, February 3 from 5 – 9 p.m.
• A Consumer Boomer Survey is being conducted in our county. If you are or know of a boomer born from 1946 to 64 your are encouraged to fill out the survey - www.surveymonkey.com/sT3DHXk2.
• East Bay Senior Expo Friday March 25 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel

Adventures in Portugal
Sally showed pictures of the trip to Portugal she ,Susan Lawson and Virginia Brunk took to Portugal.

Vickie’s Adventures
Vickie related highlights of the recent trip she and her husband took to Dubai, Turkey and Amsterdam

Evaluation of Senior Action Team Programs in 2010
First set of marks are ABC rankings on the value of program. The second set of C’s votes are to continue that program

Current Senior Action Team Programs to Continue or Not
Monthly speakers on elder health and well being A+ AAAA CCCCC
Individual and Group Support and Encouragement A+ AB CC
Encouraging use of senior experience and knowledge A+BA BAA CCC
Developing Senior Leadership in the Monument, City and County BCBB CCCC
to support community improvements
Advocating for space on Monument Blvd. A+CAC CCC
Planning for a Monument van to replace Route 8 CCBBB CCC
Advocating for affordable senior housing BCCC CC
Advocating for safe walking trails A+AAAAB/A CCC
Partnering with John Muir Health and Catholic A+AABAA CCC
Charities to bring additional services to elders

Continued active participation in the following Senior Action Team initiated programs now with partnership wide action teams of their own:
Children’s literacy Action Team A+BABAA CC
Community Gardens Action Team A+BACAA CC
Transportation Action Team A+BABAA CC

Goals for 2011
Possible additions to goals for 2011:
Developing local Senior Peer Counseling Trainings
Bring in new members especially residents

Note:The above informal survey and suggested goals will be used to determine 2011 goals at the February SAT meeting.7-

Future Meetings
2-7-11 Senior Assistive Devices -Deborah Mc Donald O.T.
Report on Monument Corridor Senior Services Outreach grant
3-7-11 Improve Your Memory – Judy Vared from Age Song

Evaluation of This meeting –
Positive –
• Cynthia from Catholic Charities
• Ellen’s Information on Federal Regulation Changes
• Liz’s efforts to bring Senior Peer Counseling in Spanish to Monument area

What Could be Improved –.
• More residents attending

Next Senior Action Team meeting – February 7, 2011 9:30 am. Keller House, 1760 Clayton Rd, Concord

Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all.

Fall Prevention Events

A Walk for Fall Prevention!
Join the fun and help us raise funds for the Fall Prevention Program of Contra Costa County!
Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
500 Ellinwood Way
Pleasant Hill, CA

Concord City Council
Tuesday, September 14 2010

Presentation - to Jenny Lind, representing Senior Helpers, proclaiming September 19-25, 2010 as "Fall Prevention Awareness Week." – Presentation by Mayor Bjerke.

Sep 14 2009 Meeting

August Meeting Minutes - Senior Action Team

Monument Community Partnership
Senior Action Team
www.senioractionteam.blogspot.com
August 18, 2008 Police Substation

Present: Bill Oliver, Sally Smith, Mary Lou Laubscher, Ruth Stephenson, Susan Lawson, Lucy Keller, Hilda Giminez-Paglia, Jean Witucki, Marion Bruce, Marge Perez.

Special – Susan Lawson shared a book, whose cover her son designed, as a graphic artist.

Welcome – Bill Oliver, Contra Costa Literacy Council

Retired former college textbook editor and sales representative. He has always been interested in language. Now that he is retired teaching English as a Second Language has come naturally. He has been with this program now for four years. The volunteers are trained and usually do their teaching one-to-one.

The Literacy Council has been in the community for 30 years. Most of their clients are Spanish speakers.

There are more that 70,000 in our county who are not fluent in English. 49% of the residents of Concord use a language other than English.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District has good adult education classes, but many cannot go to the classes because of their work schedule. The Literacy Council sends their volunteer tutors to their home, library, or church.

The mission of the Diablo Valley Literacy Council is to teach English to non-English speaking adults so that instructors can improve the quality of life for this underserved group.

Training – The new volunteer completes a total of 12 hours of training in a series of 3 workshops provided by certified instructors.

Curriculum – they have an assessment that helps place the people at the right level, and have workbooks that meet these different needs.

Tutor Characteristics:

* enjoy working with people
* Have some spare time to volunteer
* Many are retired, some are still working full time jobs
* Have traveled and/or learned about other cultures. …

Training – the next training starts October 4th …To register and for more information please call Shirley Mattes, 925-685-3881. New clients should contact Rebecca Byrd, 837-5418.

MDSD has 6,500 English Language learners. Primary languages are Spanish, Farsi, Russian, and Korean.

Anthony Burik is the MDUSD English Language and Civics Head Teacher- 685-7340 x2766


Community Reports –

Mayores in Accion – Third Monday at Lakeside, 12-2 pm - If you know people who might be interested in this group, phone Zanida 925- 367-3957.

Children’s literacy – Next Children’s Story Time training Aug 27 from 10-12 at the Concord Library

Next book giveaway at Meadow Homes Park on October 4

Re-established the Story time at Palm Terrace, Mondays at 1 pm, with Robin as the reader.

Community Gardens – August 18th at Lakeside to talk about their garden. A lady contacted Lucy with lots of seeds to donate. She will be delivering seed to Mary Lou net week.

Lakeside Planning –

Bingo will be starting on the first and third Fridays at 10 am.ESL on Thursdays from 12:30-2 pm. Computer class for seniors at Lakeside –Tuesday afternoon 12 noon – 2 pm starting August 20th. If you give Bill your name he
willnight before to remind you

Lakeside Community Garden Group Starting . Next meeting September 3rd 6 p.m.

Announcements:

o August 20 Fall Prevention Program of Contra Costa County 9-11 am Pleasant Hill

o August 22 – MCP Leadership Training 6:30 Keller House

o Community Center, 320 Civic

* August 24 – Senior Action Team presentation at First Presbyterian Church – 11 am
* August 25 – Mobility Management at County Connection
* August 29th - Catholic Charities Multi Cultural Center 12 year anniversary celebration 10-1:30 Oakland Center 1-3:30 pm at the Oakland Center. Check with Marge Perez 510-867-0481.
* September 27 – Community day sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. Several activities are being promoted; Quilt Day with a group making quilts for Bay Area Rescue Center, and a variety of other projects. If you know someone who needs help at their home, or business, or any other need that could be met on this day, please contact Susan Lawson, 372-8919. Barbeque at Lakeside Apartments and Garden Park Apts.
o Collect small toiletries for “goodie bags”
o Collect “white elephants” for Bingo prizes
o Volunteers from MCP are needed at the Lakeside Apartments
Barbeque 9-27.
o Monday September 29th The 2008 Literacy Conference at the Concord Hilton. Special Guest speaker is David Boulton, Creator of Children of the Code.

Community Reports

MCP Leadership Training starts August 22 6:30 at Keller House

Salvation Army Basketball Camp 26 Monument youth receiving scholarships

Future Meetings

9-1 Labor Day, no meeting

9-15 AARP Programs– Virginia Brunk

10-6 – Monument Futures – Molly Clark and staff

Next Steps –

Prepare a calendar for SAT related meetings and activities.

Dental need for tooth brushes to give away at health fair…

This meeting –

Positive – speaker gave good information. All at the meeting were very involved. New sunshine committee established. (Jean and Marion)

What could be improved-
more people attending

Next meeting – September 15, 2008 9:30 am Police Sub Station


Mission Statement - The Monument Community Senior Action Team represents seniors ages 55+. We actively promote activities to meet senior needs resulting in an improved quality of life for all seniors creating healthy life styles for those in the corridor. Our slogan: Young in Heart. Rich in Experience