Senior Times EDC Area Agency on Aging - 937 Spring Street Placerville, California 95667 M ay 2 0 1 7 - 530-621-6150 Older Americas Month 2017: AGE OUT LOUD Getting older doesn’t mean what it used to. For many aging Americans, it is a phase of life where interests, goals, and dreams can get a new or second start. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and living the way that suits you best. Take Barbara Hillary, for example. A nurse for 55 years who dreamed of travel, at age 75 Hillary became the first African American woman to set foot on the North Pole. In 2011, at age 79, she set another first when she stepped onto the South Pole. Former president George H.W. Bush celebrated his 90th birthday by skydiving. Actress Betty White, now 95 years old, became the oldest person to host Saturday Night Live in 2010, coincidentally during May—the same month recognized as Older Americans Month (OAM). Since 1963, OAM has been a time to celebrate older Americans, their stories, and their contributions. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the annual observance offers a special opportunity to learn about, support, and recognize our nation’s older citizens. This year’s theme, “Age Out Loud,” emphasizes the ways older adults are living their lives with boldness, confidence, and passion while serving as an inspiration to people of all ages. El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency will use OAM 2017 to focus on how older adults in our community are redefining aging—through work or family interests, by taking charge of their health and staying independent for as long as possible, and through their community and advocacy efforts. We can also use this opportunity to learn how we can best support and learn from our community’s older members. Inside T h i s I s s u e Senior Legal News.....................Page 2 Senior Shuttle Trips....................... Page 3 Emergency Preparedness.................. Page 4 Nutrition Menu.............................. Page 5 Senior Trips & Activities................... Page 6 Community Activities.................Page 7 Articles of Interest........................... Page 8 iPAD Workshops........................... Page 9 Volunteers Sought............................. Page 10 Senior News.......................... Page 11 Community Invited to Provide Input on Mental Health Services Act Plan The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Division invites the public to review and provide comment on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three-Year Plan. The draft Plan provides information on current and new MHSA programs and budgets for three fiscal years (FY 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20). MHSA components in the Plan Update include: Prevention and Early Intervention; Community Services and Supports; Workforce Education and Training; Innovation; and Capital Facilities and Technology Needs. Public comment regarding the draft Plan Update may be submitted in writing through May 17, 2017, via email to [email protected] or via postal mail to: Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Division, MHSA Project Team, 768 Pleasant Valley Road, Suite 201, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. A public hearing will be hosted by the El Dorado County Mental Health Commission after the close of the 30-day comment period. This meeting will be noticed on the Mental Health Commissions calendar and on the MHSA website. Individuals with questions may email the MHSA team or call (530) 621-6340. The draft Plan is now posted on El Dorado County’s MHSA website at www.edcgov.us/ mentalhealth/mhsa.aspx. 2 Area Code (530) Western Slope Senior News Information & Assistance 621-6369 Legal Assistance 621-6154 Long Term Care Ombudsman 621-6271 Senior Nutrition Program 621-6160 Senior Trips & Activities621-6255 Senior Day Care Center 621-6180 Senior Times 621-6255 Family Caregiver Support Program 621-6151 Senior Shuttle621-6369 In Home Supportive Services 642-4800 Senior Peer Counseling Program 621-6304 Multipurpose Senior Services Program 621-6278 Senior Health Education Program 621-6151 Adult Protective Services (APS) 642-4800 Department of Veterans Affairs El Dorado Transit/Dial-a-Ride 621-5892 642-3696 South Lake Tahoe Senior Legal News Medicare Fraud Alert By Diana Steele, Senior Legal Services From SMP-Empowering Seniors to Prevent Healthcare Fraud New MediCare cards will be issued in 2018, and already scams are brewing. You won’t get your new card until April of 2018, however the confusion surrounding the change of cards is an opportunity for fraud and abuse. The best prevention is education. New Law In 2015, Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, also known as MACRA. As part of this new law, all Medicare and Medi-Cal services are required to remove Social Security numbers from all Medicare and Medi-Cal cards. Helps Prevent Fraud This change is to help prevent fraud and to protect your identity. Currently, most people’s Social Security number is their Medicare number, which makes collecting Medicare numbers an easy target for scammers to steal your identity, open new credit cards or take out loans in your name. The new number will not be tied to your Social Security number and is therefore more secure. What’s the Scam? You may get a call from a scammer claiming to be from Medicare and stating that he must confirm your current Medicare number (Social Security number) before sending you a new card. Don’t be fooled! Never release your Social Security number to ANYONE over the phone! Information and Assistance 621-6369 South Lake Tahoe Senior Center South Lake Tahoe Senior Nutrition 542-6094 573-3130 You may get a call from a scammer claiming to be from Medicare and insisting that there is a charge for the new card. Don’t be fooled! There is NO charge for the new Medicare card! Legal Assistance 621-6154 You may get a call from a scammer claiming to be from Medicare and wanting personal information for the new card. Don’t be fooled! Medicare will never call you for your personal information. They already have it. El Dorado County Health Dept. Adult Protective Services (APS) 573-3155 642-4800 BlueGo Bus Transportation 541-7149 If you receive any such calls or suspicious solicitations, hang up and call the SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL at (855) 613-7080. SLT Cancer League 573-1203 If you need assistance with your Medicare call HICAP at (530) 621-6369. Better Breathers Support Group 542-9183 Department of Veterans Affairs 573-7955 ext-5892 Hospice/Adult Grief Support Group Report Elder Abuse 24 Hours 542-3171 800-925-1812 May is a great month. Check out these National happenings to see what May brings: -May 5th, Cinco De Mayo -May 6th, Kentucky Derby -May 8th, No Socks Day -May 13th, Tulip Day -May 20th, Armed Forces Day -May 14th, Mother’s Day -May 22nd, Victoria Day -May 18th, Mount St. Helens -May 23rd, Penny Day Erumpted, 1980 -May 29th, Memorial Day Senior News 3 Senior Shuttle Events for May Join the Senior Shuttle car pool! The Senior Shuttle is a volunteer driven van available to assist seniors with grocery shopping and small day trips. Sorry we don’t do medical appointments. We are currently offering weekly shopping trips to various locations in Placerville and Cameron Park. In addition, we are offering a shopping excursion to East Bidwell and WinCo Foods in Folsom. The service has a suggested donation of $2.00 for local trip service to and from your home, and $5.00 for trips outside of El Dorado County. Seating is limited, so call and make your reservation today! **The Senior Shuttle is not wheel-chair accessible. Please call (530) 621-6369 (option #4) for questions and reservations. Placerville Area- Mondays: May 8 - Grocery Outlet & Dollar Tree, Broadway May 15 - K-Mart, Savemart and Safeway May 22 - Raleys May 29 - Walmart Camino, Pollock Pines Area- Thursdays: May 11 - Safeway in Pollock Pines May 18 - Broadway Shopping May 25 - Walmart and Kmart Rescue, Cameron Park, Georgetown, and Coloma AreaTuesdays: May 9 - Walmart May 23 - Folsom Shopping Special Events Fridays– Mark Your Calendar! May 12 - WinCo Foods, Folsom May 26 - Folsom Zoo (Admission $4, Lunch $3) For more information or to make a reservation on the Senior Shuttle, please call (530) 621-6369 (option #4). MOVIE DAY Enjoy POPCORN and a MOVIE! Movies at the Placerville Senior Center every Friday. Movies start after lunch at 1:30 p.m in the Dining Room. Complimentary popcorn is provided. May 5 Waffle Street Shaken by his role in the 2008 financial crisis and in need of a job, an ex-hedge fund manager rejoins the workforce as a server at a diner. (1h 30min) Starring: Danny Glover, James Lafferty May 12 Today’s Special A haute cuisine chef dreams of cooking in Paris, but an emergency forces him to take over his family’s shabby Indian restaurant in the Queens. (1h 38min) Starring: Aasif Mandvi, Jess Weixler, Kevin Corrigan May 19 The Crown (TV Episodes 1 & 2 of 8 part series) Young Elizabeth marries Prince Philip, King George VI’s health worsens, Winston Churchill is elected prime minister again. (1hr 57 min) Starring: Claire Foy, John Lithgow, Matt Smith May 26 Larry Crowne An unemployed middle-aged man tries college for the first time. It’s never too late to start over. (1h 38min ) Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts 4 Senior News Be the Difference -Volunteer! When people are willing to work together for the good of others, communities are stronger. You can make a real difference by volunteering to help your neighbors and your community during an emergency or natural disaster. Your involvement is the key to building a disaster resilient community. Volunteers report that they are happier, healthier people as a result of making a difference in the lives of others. Here’s how you can volunteer successfully: • Interested in helping in an emergency? Get training BEFORE the next disaster. Nearly every organization has their own volunteer training program that supports their particular mission. • Join a volunteer organization that you want to help. A few local opportunities include: El Dorado County Animal Services, The American Red Cross, El Dorado County Fire Safe Councils or how about the Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees (STAR) volunteers? • Volunteering works best when you can find a service that fits your time, lifestyle and abilities. • If you want to help others more informally, think about driving neighbors to appointments. If you are a member of a faith-based organization or community club, ask if there are outreach programs that need help. Learn more about volunteer opportunities in El Dorado County. VISIT: www.edcgov.us/Preparedness or connect with us on Facebook! Home Alone? When is it no longer safe for someone with Dementia? Nancy Wilson, Program Supervisor , Adult Day Services I received a familiar call the other day. A daughter who is caring for her mother with dementia was wondering if her mother could be left home alone for a few hours while she did errands. After asking the daughter a few questions, my advice to her was “no”. Families often ask if it is safe for their loved one with dementia to be left home alone. That is usually followed up with statements like “It’s in the early stages”, or “I’m only gone for a couple of hours.” My first thought is always if you’re asking the question, you probably already know the answer. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 610,000 Californians are living with some sort of dementia, and that number is expected to rise by 38% by 2025. Dementia is an umbrella diagnosis covering multiple types of brain impairments with various causes. Alzheimer’s is probably the most well-known type of dementia, but there are as many as forty different types. For those with a new diagnosis in the early stages, they may appear to function normally most of the time. Memory is the most obvious problem, but there may be other, less obvious impairments as well. With some forms of early stage dementia, folks may continue to live fairly independently as long as they are in familiar surroundings with a set routine and reminders. Others with different types of dementia may appear to function normally, but have lost insight and the ability to use good judgement. They would not be safe alone. Everyday there is a new company or gadget that promises to keep folks with dementia safe at home. There are door alarms, wrist bands that can detect falls, even video surveillance that promises to provide 24 hour “peace of mind”. You can watch your loved one from your cell phone wherever you are. But then what? What might you see? What will you do if you watch mom leave a pot on the stove and catch the hot pad on fire? Will she have the judgement to handle the situation? Are you sure? Dementia and the deficits it creates in our loved ones can develop over a long time, or the decline can be swift. There is no way Home cont. on page 11 Senior Nutrition Chia Seeds, Health or Hoax kids to help without complaint! After all, if they cooperate, they don’t have to get me a present. “oily”, chia seeds can be consumed whole without affecting Spring is in full bloom, and there the digestion and absorption are plenty of April showers this of their nutrients, unlike other year to bring an abundance A summer garden can be full of seeds such as flax which must of May flowers! With such a squash, tomatoes, and melon be ground up. In fact, just one promising end to our drought, or simply a bountiful garden of tablespoon provides 100% of the it’s time to rethink that garden herbs. How about a little of each? Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) you’ve been putting off these past Just for fun, let’s discover a new for women and 83% for men of few years. May is the perfect flowering annual that is not only the omega -3 fatty acid known as time to plant a garden, after trendy, but can be sure to produce ALA. Not to mention, ALL nine of the frost, but before the heat of an abundance of seeds that are the body’s essential amino acids! summer. Plants are able to take healthy, tasty, and gluten free. People who consume adequate root in the temperate month of Introducing CHIA SEEDS. amounts of ALA, like that in May. My favorite time to plant a chia seeds, experience lower garden is always on Mother’s Day death rates, hospitalization, and weekend. That way, I can get my Derived from a word meaning 5 cardiac arrest. Chia seeds also have no known negative interactions with medications, foods, herbs, or supplements! Planting Chia in your garden can be fun and easy to do. Chia plants grow to be the size of a large bush or small tree. If you are used to growing your herbs in small pots or tucked tightly together in an outdoor herb Chia cont. on page 9 6 Western Slope Activities Senior Hikers... Tuesday, May 9th. Fleming Meadows for Dogwoods. Kat (530) 409-7685. Tuesday, May 23rd. Bassi Falls. Elly (530) 344-1410. For hikes wear hiking shoes, bring lunch, water, bug spray, hiking stick, and usual necessities. Hikes are usually five miles max, unless noted. Meet at the Placerville Senior Center at 7:30 a.m. Please call for hike information only, Chris at (530) 672-8380. Things to Do! Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, Belly Fit, Qigong, Clogging and Line Dancing are all offered at the Placerville Senior Center. Call for more information (530) 621-6255. NEW -Drawing Class by professional artist, Don Campbell. Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. Begining to advance. Book Club at the Placerville Senior Center. 3rd Friday’s of each month at 12:15 p.m. Creative Writing Classes held on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. Senior Trips All trips, unless otherwise noted, include AllWest Transportation, tickets, lunch & driver gratuities. For more information, (530) 621-6255. The Kut-Ups- July 11, 2017. Lunch at Olive Garden. For the past 25 years the Kut-Ups have produced professional quality musical revues at Spreckles Center for the Performing Arts in Rohnert Park. $120 pp. Escape to the Lake- July 19, 2017. Cruise over the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe to pristine Emerald Bay aboard the paddlewheel ship, the Tahoe Gal. Lunch aboard. $135 pp. Summer of Love-de Young Museum- August 9, 2017. The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion, and Rock and Roll exhibit. Lunch on own. $85 pp. Little Bavaria Beckons-August 14th-18th. One night in Bend, Oregon, two nights at the Icicle Village Resort in Leavenworth, WA., one night at Seven Feathers Casino, Outdoor Performance of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and admission to Maryhill Museum. Visit Multnomah Falls. 7 meals incl. $940 dbl/ $1290 single. Longer Trips: Peru, Tuscany, Iceland and Northern Lights, Mackinac Island, Niagra Falls. Community Activities UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS Shakespeare Club Rummage Sale-- May 12-13, 2017 8:00 a.m. The Placerville Shakespeare Club’s ANNUAL GIANT SPRING RUMMAGE SALE will be held at their clubhouse at 2940 Bedford Ave. There will be a large selection of jewelry, house wares, decorative items, books, toys, clothing, tools and garage items. Come early and bring YOUR OWN SHOPPING BAG. Teddy at (530) 677-1134. Main Street Strollers Square Dance Club--Placerville’s Main Street Strollers welcomes experienced square and round dancers to ongoing weekly workshops and club meetings. Dress is casual; music is popular and contemporary. IOOF Hall upstairs, 467 Main St., Placerville. More info: (530) 677-7961. http://www. mainstreetstrollers.org. Spring Antique, Craft and Garden Show--Saturday May 6, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park, CA. Free Admission! On the hunt for antiques, hand crafted items or garden accessories? This large, indoor/outdoor show features antiques, hand-made crafts, and garden accessories specific for the spring season! Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information call (530) 677-2231 or visit us at http://www.cameronpark.org. Historic Main Street Activities: Art galleries and merchants stay open late to host changing art shows and late night shopping and dining. Refreshments, demonstrations and entertainment. The art walk starts after 5:00 p.m. and goes till 9:00 p.m. South Lake South Lake Tahoe Tahoe Senior Center Tuesday Check Out These Other Activities Being Offered In Your Community EL DORADO HILLS GILMORE CENTER For reservations or meeting details, please call (916) 358-3575 or www.edhcsd.org -Some fees apply, not a complete list of activities. - Colorful Creators Adult Coloring Club 5/1/17- 5/22/17, 2:30p-4:00psupplies included- FREE - Smart Social Security Planning, 5/4/17, 630p-830p, $10.00 Class Fee - Organize and Scan Your Photos! 5/5/17, 9:30a-12:00p.Class Fee - Intro to Guitar, Mondays 5/8/2017- 6/5/17, 1:45p-2:30p. Class Fee - Sacramento Underground Tour- Wednesday, 5/10/17, 4p-5p- Class Fee - Summer Dance Parties hosted by Don Frankel- Friday, 5/19/17 6:30p-9:00p, $3.00 Suggested Donation - NEW! Stay Healthy by Listening and Connecting to your Body with Yuko Nagahashi-Lee Tuesday, 5/30/17, 1:00p-FREE CAMERON PARK CSD-Mature Adults Third Saturday Art Walk--Saturday May 20, 2017, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Monday 7 For info., call (530) 677-2231 or www.cameronpark.org Bridge every Mon. at 1pm & Wed. at 9:30am May 1 – Guest Speaker 12:30pm (Every 1st Mon., after Senior Lunch) May 1 – Senior Fitness Strength & Stability (every Mon at 11am) May 2 – Modified Zumba (every Tues/Thurs at 9am) May 2 – Tai Chi for Better Balance (every Tues at 1:30pm) May 3 – FREE Ponté Palmero Lunch - 12pm May 9 – Brain Health Activities -10:30am / BINGO - 1pm May 10 – Master Gardeners – “Turning Dirt into Gold” 9am-12pm May 12 – Speaker Series - “Talk About Your Final Plans” 12:30pm May 17 – Free Senior Legal Counseling – 10am-2pm May 18 – Gift Card Play Day - 10am May 25 – Game Day sponsored by Cameron Park Newcomers - 10am May 27 – Welcome to Summer! FREE swim day for all! 12-5pm Wednesday Thursday Friday 9 a.m. Pool Exercise 9 a.m. Pool Exercise 9 a.m. Pool Excercise 9 a.m. Pool Exercise 9 a.m. Pool Exercise 12 p.m. Lunch 10 a.m. Open Art Studio 10 a.m. Line Dance 9:30 a.m. Men’s 10:45 a.m. Fitness Class 1 p.m. Mah Jong 10:45 a.m. Fitness Class 10 a.m. Quilters Group 12 p.m. Lunch 12 p.m. Lunch 12:45 p.m. Duplicate 1 p.m. Painting Bridge 1:15 p.m. Social Bingo Bridge 12 p.m. Lunch 12 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. Party Bridge 1:30 p.m. Pottery Class El Dorado County Senior Services-For a complete list of services available in El Dorado County, please call the Senior Information and Assistance Program at (530) 621-6369 or (800) 510-2020. Widowed Persons Association of California, South Lake Tahoe Chapter – (530) 542-4912. Meets the last Sunday of the month,1 p.m. Call for location and other meeting times. Caregiver Support Group-2nd Thursday of each month from 5:30 7 p.m., SLT Senior Center. Contact Penny (530) 541-2304. Bingo meets the 2nd Saturday at 5:30 p.m. SLT Senior Center. 8 Senior News SCAM OF THE MONTH Door to Door Handymen Typically working in teams of two or more, scammers scour neighborhoods with a high concentration of older residents, or even track recent widows and widowers through obituaries and death notices, then appear on their doorsteps claiming to spot something in need of fixing; a hole in the roof or clogged drainpipe, for example. The scammers demand payment up front, and then often claim that their initial investigation reveals a more serious problem, with a more expensive solution. The “work” they do is unlicensed and often shoddy, such as applying paint to a roof to make it appear as if it has been tangibly fixed. In a twist on this scam, one alleged worker might distract the elder while another enters the house to steal money and other valuables. Before hiring a handyman or contractor, always ask for a quote to make sure that they are not over charging and ask for their license number so that you can check with the Ca. State Contractor’s Board that their license is valid/current. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/elder-abusefinancial-scams-against-29822.html# HICAP Seeks Counselors for South Lake Tahoe and Placerville The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is looking for part-time volunteer counselors for South Lake Tahoe and Placerville. HICAP is a volunteer supported, government-funded program that offers free, personalized, unbiased counseling to help persons make informed decisions about their Medicare options. HICAP gives assistance to Medicare-eligible and Medicare-enrolled persons, including those planning for retirement, who need help comparing Medicare choices, appealing denials, and applying for Medicare financial assistance programs (Medicare Savings Programs). Each volunteer generally works one-half day a week. In Placerville HICAP services are provided at the Placerville Senior Center at 937 Spring Street. In South Lake Tahoe, HICAP services are provided at the Senior Center building at 3050 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Volunteer counselors of the HICAP program receive in-depth training and mentoring to assure clients are provided appropriate guidance regarding their Medicare options. HICAP volunteers provide an invaluable service to the community. Those interested in joining the HICAP volunteer team please call or e-mail Barbara Walters, acting Volunteer Coordinator, at (916) 3753301 or [email protected]. Additional information on HICAP services can be found at the HICAP website: www.hicapservices.net. Concerned About Cholesterol? Check your grocery list If you regularly enjoy bacon at breakfast or a cheeseburger with fries at night, your diet could be steering you toward high cholesterol. Common in adults and even in children, high cholesterol levels can lead to serious health problems. Since high cholesterol levels don’t cause specific symptoms, and can also be affected by your family history, it’s important to have your blood tested periodically. Fortunately, you can take steps to help keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range. You won’t even have to ban the burgers entirely. With some smart food swaps, you can improve your health without sacrificing taste. Breaking down the facts on cholesterol Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your bloodstream. It helps your body build cells, make hormones and vitamins, and digest food. While cholesterol is necessary to keep your body healthy, too much of the wrong kind can be bad. It can increase your chances of a heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoproteins (HDL): This is known as “good” cholesterol, because it helps remove LDL and triglycerides from your bloodstream. Regular aerobic exercise helps your body make more HDL. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): This is often called “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, blocking blood flow. LDL is found in certain foods, which we’ll discuss below. Triglycerides: The most common type of fat in your blood. To store calories that your body doesn’t need right away, your body converts them into triglycerides for later use. Having a high level of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease. When your cholesterol is too high Exercising regularly, not smoking, and making good food choices are the most effective ways to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. If your LDL and triglyceride levels are high, talk with your doctor about the best way to bring them down. It’s a good idea to adjust your lifestyle, regardless of whether you take medication for high cholesterol. List cont. on page 9 Senior News FREE iPad Workshops for Seniors AT&T is once again partnering with Friends of Seniors to offer free iPad workshops for seniors. Alice Perez of AT&T will be providing the instruction. 9 List cont. from page 8 Tips for heart-healthy eating If you need to lower your LDL levels, cut down these foods: • Butter, cream cheese, and other foods high in saturated fats • Margarine, fried foods, and other foods high in trans fats • Sausage, bacon, ground beef, and other fatty meats • Whole milk products • Muffins, croissants, cookies, and other rich baked goods Remember: When you buy packaged foods, check the label for saturated fat and trans fat content. Beginner Workshop If you are new to mobile technology, and want to learn more, we hope you will join us for this course This list may sound like you have to cut out all the good stuff, but remember: it’s fine to get started with small changes. Just reducing unhealthy foods can make a teaching the basics of using an iPad. This course is intended for beginners. iPads will be provided for big difference. It’s also helpful to focus on what you can eat. hands-on practice during the workshop. Healthy choices can be tasty choices Making small changes to your diet can go a long way to lower your cholesterol. Wednesday, May 24th from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cameron Park Library, 2500 Country Club Dr., CP Start by planning your meals for the week ahead, then get reacquainted with your neighborhood grocery store. Intermediate Workshop While you’re there, shop for these healthy food swaps: If you feel comfortable with basic iPad skills, and • Instead of a blueberry muffin in the morning, add berries and almonds to a are ready for more instruction, this intermediate warm bowl of oatmeal. These “good” fats and fiber can lower LDL levels. iPad workshop may be right for you. iPads will • Instead of fried or (traditionally) scrambled eggs, try an egg white scramble be provided for hands-on practice during the filled with flavorful veggies like onions, peppers, and tomatoes. workshop. • Instead of white bread and mayonnaise on your turkey club, opt for a high fiber, whole-wheat bun and a hummus spread. Wednesday, May 31st from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Instead of red meat or processed deli meats, add fish to your menu twice Cameron Park Library, 2500 Country Club Dr., CP • a week. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps your body make good cholesterol. The instructor requests that everyone use the Instead of frying chicken, fire up the grill or roast a whole chicken in the iPads provided for in the workshop, as they will be • oven. set up in a certain way for instruction. • Instead of potato chips and chocolate bars, try pretzels and cocoa-dusted almonds. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. To register, please call Friends of Seniors at (530) Your salty cravings and sweet tooth will be satisfied, but the rest of your body will 334-6090. be happy, too! Chia cont. from page 5 garden, you’ll need to find a new spot for chia. These plants grow taller than most herbs and take up more space, and they do not grow low to the ground like other herbs. On the contrary, it will grow much taller than even the biggest herbs like parsley, sage, or rosemary plants. You need to provide sufficient space for your chia to expand before it flowers. Organic chia plants can reach six feet tall! That’s why, if you intend to grow chia in a pot, it is important to anticipate the size of a mature chia plant when choosing the pot size. The simplest, easiest, and most effective way to harvest your chia is to wait for most of the flowers to fall and pick when there are only a small number of petals remaining. Nature will help the seeds dry and become firm if you allow plenty of fresh air to circulate around your plants. After your first crop harvests, growing more chia is easy! Toss some of your harvested chia seeds in your garden the next spring and enjoy the benefits of homegrown organic chia for years. The most popular and recommended way to enjoy chia is by soaking the seeds in water, or milk, and let soak overnight. Then you can simply drink the mixture or add it to yogurt, cereal, or salads. You can also add it to your favorite baked good recipes without affecting the final outcome of the product. Who knows, maybe we will start serving chia seeds in one of our menu items. Not this ambitious? Do not worry, you can purchase chia seeds at your local market too! Natalie Patterson, RD 10 Senior News Home Delivered Meal Volunteers Sought; Orientation Sessions Scheduled in May The El Dorado County Senior Nutrition Program is currently looking for dedicated, caring volunteers for the home delivered meal program. Each volunteer generally works one day each week on an assigned route, delivering meals between 10:30 a.m. to noon. Orientation sessions for potential new volunteer drivers are scheduled for May. “If you have a heart for seniors and helping others, we could greatly use your help,” said Ruth Green, Program Coordinator for the Senior Nutrition Program. “Our volunteer drivers often provide the only daily contact some of our recipients receive. A warm, nutritious meal delivered with a smile can brighten any day.” Volunteers who cannot provide a weekly commitment can serve as back-up drivers. “Some individuals may choose to share the commitment with a group of friends to alternate driving from week to week. Home school families are also invited to become involved,” said Green. Orientation sessions for new volunteer drivers will be held in May as follows: • Monday, May 8, 2017, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street, Placerville. • Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, 3050 South Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe. For more information about the Senior Nutrition Program, please call (530) 621-6160 or visit www.edcgov.us/hhsa. The Senior Nutrition Program is a service of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. Commission on Aging The El Dorado County Area Agency on Aging has a Commission on Aging (COA) that serves as an Advisory Board to the County Board of Supervisors. The 14 members of the COA are appointed and represent all parts of the county. Various committees work hard to recommend services that help seniors survive in this ever more complicated world we live in. www.2nd50yrs.org For more information about the COA or for a schedule of upcoming meetings, please call (530) 642-4833. Department of Human Services Meetings and Programs Adult Day Center Caregiver Support Groups/Meetings After a while, providing care to a relative or close friend with a chronic health condition, such as dementia, can take its toll. Join us to gain support and insight. “My Time” Caregiver Gathering Friday, May 5th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. location: Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street. For more information, please call (530) 621-6180. El Dorado Hills Support Group “My Time EDH” Support group for care partners of people with dementia. The next meeting will be May 25th, 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Free respite care is provided during My Time. For questions, (916) 358-3560. The Divide Caregiver Support This Caregiver Support Group is for persons who are caring for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend and wish to receive pratical tips and information on how to make their caregiving journey successful. Group meets the 2nd Tuesday afternoon of each month. 2:30-4:00 p.m. Greenwood Community Center, 4401 HWY 193-next to CCC. Please call (530) 6216192 for more information. Senior Peer Counseling Offers counseling services to adults 55 years or older enabling them to make choices and changes for personal growth. For more information, call (530) 621-6304. Telephone Reassurance Program The You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program is a FREE telephone calling service that provides daily phone calls to seniors. For more information, call (530) 621-6255. Senior Times 11 Home cont. from page 4 to know for sure. So again, if you are asking the question, you probably already know the answer. Sometimes you can ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to spend time with your loved one while you are out. If that is not available, or you want more than an occasional break, there are great programs to offer help and support for those families caring for a loved one with dementia. El Dorado County offers support for caregivers through the Family Caregiver Support Program, to teach you how to care for yourself while being a caregiver for someone else. The Adult Day Center is a day program that provides supervision and assistance in a fun and social setting. Loved ones with dementia can attend the Adult Day Center one to five days a week. There they receive social interaction, exercise, nutritious food and snacks, help with their individual needs, and have a great day. Caregivers can rest assured, knowing their loved one is safe with a professional staff and lots of friends. 1-800-510-2020 When I suggested the Adult Day Center to the daughter on the phone, she thought it was a great idea, but told me her mother would never agree to come, another familiar response. I asked her if they would like to come in and look around and then decide? They did. We came up with several ways for the daughter to tell Toll Free One-Stop Shopping for Senior Services Statewide her mother about coming. She can call it a club, or a Senior Center, or a volunteer position. She can say “Mom, today we are going to the Center and I will pick you up at 3:00.” Leave the choice out of the conversation. A person with dementia will usually say no. Dementia makes the world a scary place and mom would rather stay home in her favorite chair, all day, every day. It is familiar and safe. Fortunately, the Adult Day Center’s professional and caring staff is well versed in this and will make sure the first day and each day after is a good one. After a few visits, mom will look forward to coming to the “club” and the daughter won’t have to worry every time she leaves the house. Please call (530) 621-6180 for more information. Then take a deep breath and relax. Caregivers are often the casualties, the hidden victims. No one sees the sacrifces they make- Judith L. London Senior Times $5 Donation for 12 issues! Name Address CityState Zip FRUSTRATED by having to Phone remember a host of different ($5) 2 years ($10) telephone numbers to get Please sign me up for: 1 year information about senior Cash and Checks are Accepted. Please make checks payable to: “Senior services in El Dorado County? Times” 1-800-510-2020 Mail to: Senior Times Department of Human Services, 937 Spring Street, Placerville, CA 95667 Senior Times Non - Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Placerville, CA 95667 Permit No. 293 Return Service Requested Community Meetings FREE SCREENING: Being Mortal Placerville Fellowship and Newcomers Open to all newcomers and residents of El Dorado County. Luncheon meeting is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. (530) 344-9209. Stroke Education and Support Group Meets at 681 Main Street, room 208, Placerville 4th Wednesday of each month, Brown Bag Lunch – 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. For more information, (530) 626-2642. Widowed Persons Association “The Widowed Persons Assoc. of CA” (WPAC) meets monthly for lunch. This is an opportunity for widowed men & women to take part in social activities. For more information, (530) 391-4154. Golfers!! Bowlers!! RVrs!! Fishers!! SIR is a non-profit organization of men retired from full time employment. We have a monthly luncheon meeting and a guest speaker. No dues. For more information, (530) 644-1405. POETRY FOR ALL Poetic License, a poetry readaround, Saturday,May 27th from 2-4 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. All ages welcome. The event is free. Bring your own poems to share; read from your favorite poets; or just come to listen. Poetry in Motion, a poetry readaround, Monday, May 22nd from 6-7 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. All ages welcome. The event is free. Bring your own poems to share; read from your favorite poets; or just come to listen. If you thought you were dying, what would matter the most? Snowline and the Placerville Senior Center think this is an important question for everyone to think about. Join us in a national dialogue taking place in our community! Discuss the inescapable reality of life: death. Gather with your friends, neighbors, and peers to watch Being Mortal. Explore what matters most to those experiencing serious illness. Being Mortal explores the personal journey of patients and their loved ones facing endof-life alongside with their medical providers. Dr. Atul Gawande, physician and author, shares his own experience with his patients and the profound impact he had in managing this own father’s terminal illness. Join us Tuesday, May 9th, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street, Placerville, CA 95667. We will screen the 1 hour documentary and conduct a guided discussion afterwards. Explore what matters the most to you. Learn what you can do to ensure that your wishes are honored. Shakespeare Club Plant Sale The Placerville Shakespeare Club’s Annual Spring Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 13th from 8 to 11 a.m. outside in the yard of the clubhouse at 2940 Bedford Avenue, Placerville. There will be a large selection of perennials, vegetable plants and tomatoes galore. In addition, there will be yard art available. Come early for the best selection! Please bring your own shopping bags. Disclaimer: Any listed Community Events and Meetings and any other non-County events listed in the Senior Times are not represented or provided by El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Agency. For information regarding events, dates, locations, etc., please call the organization directly. Thank You.
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