May 2015

Veterans Benefit from New Partnership

BY ELLEN SCHMEDING
DIRECTOR, AGING & INDEPENDENCE SERVICES
timesheets, payroll, taxes and even
ithout help, 90-year-old Thombackground clearances.
as Ruiz would probably be in a
The most important aspect is
nursing home. The World War II Navy
that the care decisions are veteranveteran has lungs severely damaged
directed, selected by the veteran or
from exposure to asbestos and a heart
that veterans representative, Donna
that needs a new valve, but hes not a
says. Most of the monthly payment
candidate for surgery. Hes tethered to
usually goes to hiring a caregiver.
oxygen that runs constantly, yet he still
Other uses have included buying a
gets winded walking from one end of
special chair or bed, even alarms if
his mobile home to the other.
the veteran has dementia and can
His wife of 65 years, Anita, dotes on
wander.
him as much as she can but her osteoThe SD-VISA partnership is a year
porosis creates physical limitations.
old. The federal Veterans Health
The Veterans Affairs San Diego
Administration allotted slots for 30
HealthCare System (VASDHS) could
veterans for the first year in San
have steered Toms care to a facility,
Diego County. The VASDHS must
but instead is working with AIS on a
refer a veteran to the program rather
new program that helps veterans in
than self-referrals. This ensures the
his situation remain home.
participants are those most in need
The program - San Diego Veterans
for this assistance. Besides providIndependence Services at Any Age
ing patient-centered care, it is hoped
(SD-VISA) - is the first of its kind in
that the program will also save health
California. Instead of costly nursing TOM RUIZ (LEFT) WITH ANITA AND BEN care costs.
home care, the veterans selected for
As with most families, Toms greatthis partnership are provided a budget and meet with AIS est need has been for someone to tackle what he and Anita
social worker Donna Brown, who has the title of VISA cant: grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry,
Options Counselor. Together, they work on a spending transportation, etc. The SD-VISA budget allowed him
plan that is based on the unique needs of each veteran. to hire this help, so he picked one of his six sons, Ben,
The veteran is then referred to Premier Healthcare Ser- who moved into their mobile home last year.
vices (PHS), which acts as the payroll agent, managing
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE)

Ben was in a better position than his other brothers to
move out of his own home and become the live-in caregiver, plus he realized he was putting 150 miles on his
truck each day helping out his folks anyway.
He says the program will be particularly helpful soon
when he needs to go out of town to visit one of his own
sons. Tom will have the funds to hire someone else to
cover the two weeks that Ben is away.
If this program wasnt in place, I dont feel I could go
anywhere, Ben says.
Donna assists another family where the wife has not been
able to work for the past seven years because of the care her
husband needs. The woman is relieved that through SDVISA she is finally able to have employment and pay
into Social Security.
Veterans who feel they might be eligible for SD-VISA
should talk with their VA social workers, according to
Donna.
Ben says its worth the effort: Donna has been very,
very helpful. Theres so much out there that people dont
know about. You have to keep asking and looking and
youll find something that fits.

FOCUS OF VITAL AGING: BRAIN HEALTH

oost your brainpower by attending the June 17 Vital Aging Conference. The event will have all the
components needed to improve your mind: stimulating
speakers, social connections, exercise and brain-healthy
food. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Paul Nussbaum,
a neuropsychologist at the University of Pittsburgh
School of Medicine, founder of the Brain Health Center, Inc. and author of Save Your Brain.
AIS coordinates the Vital Aging conference every
other year to spotlight elements of health and wellbeing for older adults.
The free conference will be held at two locations:
McMillin Center in Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey, San
Diego 92106; and at the California Center for the Arts,
Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 92025.
Sharp HealthCare is the major sponsor and is taking
reservations for the event. KGTV-Channel 10 is our
media sponsor.
For other sponsorship opportunities or to exhibit, visit
www.AISevents.org. You can also visit that website
to RSVP to attend or call Sharp at (800) 827-4277.

LIBRARIES SALUTE OLDER AMERICANS

BOOK CLUB FOCUS: STILL ALICE

ay is Older Americans Month. This years theme is

Get into the Act, celebrating the 50th anniversary
of the Older Americans Act, which created the national
vehicle for coordinating community-based services and
opportunities for older Americans and their families.
Through this measure, AIS receives designated funding
for nutrition programs, caregiver support, volunteer coordination, transportation assistance and more.
To recognize the achievements of older San Diegans, the
County Library and San Diego Public Library branches are
offering special programming this month, plus spotlighting
the wide variety of programs and classes regularly available for older adults at libraries in their neighborhoods:
May 7 at 11 a.m.: Food for Thought Yoga, Vista branch.
RSVP required for $4 lunch: (760) 726-1340, ext. 1531.
May 13 at 1 p.m.: Offline & Online Security talk at
the City of San Diego Central Library. No RSVP.
May 14 at 2 p.m.: Rhinestone Grannies, Encinitas
branch. No RSVP required.
May 16 at 1 p.m.: Death Cafe, discussion about life and
death at Pacific Beach Library. No RSVP required.
For more events and details, visit the County Library
website: www.sdcl.org, and the City of San Diego Public
Library website: www.sandiego.gov/public-library.

nother way that the local libraries are honoring older

Americans this month is by focusing on the book,
Still Alice, about a Harvard professor who suffers early
onset Alzheimers disease. The book was made into a
movie released earlier this year, starring actress Julianne
Moore, who won the Best Actress Oscar for this role. The
story not only profiles the main character, named Alice
Howland, but deals with the toll that Alzheimers disease
takes on her family. Some library branches will be having
book discussions of Still Alice this month and next:
May 11 (Monday) at 1 p.m. at the Vista branch.
May 14 (Thursday) at 2:30 p.m. at the Jacumba branch.
May 16 (Saturday) at 10:30 a.m. at the Julian branch.
June 9 (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. at Rancho San Diego branch.
June 20 (Saturday) at 1 p.m. at Borrego Springs branch.
The City of San Diego Public Library is also making Still Alice available through June through www.
ReadandRideSD.org as an eAudioBook or eBook, or
available for request at the branches.
On May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Casa de Oro Branch,
County Supervisor Dianne Jacob will be welcoming
attendees for a talk about Alzheimers disease.
For details: www.sdcl.org and www.sandiego.gov/
public-library.

Honoring
RSVP: LEAD WITH EXPERIENCE
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

SPOTLIGHT: JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

Mike Epstein, nominated by

Tanja Schroeder from the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, is
the May RSVP Volunteer of the
Month. Mike has been a volunteer at the Science Center for
nearly three years. He trains and
mentors new volunteers, which
means that the Centers growing
family of volunteers are turning
out to be as excellent as Mike.
Mike also volunteers as a Gallery Facilitator, engaging visitors
and helping them understand the
MIKE EPSTEIN
exhibits. He is always ready to
help the visitors make their way
around the museum and ensure that a pleasant time is
had by all. He also volunteers in the Tinkering Studio,
showing families what cool things they can create. Mike
is always looking for gaps in the schedule and is willing to come in whenever he is needed most. He is one
of the few volunteers who comes in on purpose on
days like Free Tuesday, because despite the difficulties
with finding parking on this day, he knows that is when
he is needed the most. His personal initiative to obtain
training and willingness to volunteer in any department
of the Fleet is part of what makes him so valuable. He
never hesitates to jump in and help out the other departments. It is always a pleasure to have Mike around,
says Tanja Schroeder. Not only is he a great volunteer
at the Fleet, but he is a great friend, always making time
to catch up and share great stories! Congratulations
Mike! Your dedication to volunteering is touching lives
in the community.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Jewish Family

Service of San Diego (JFS). Through their tremendous
commitment and dedication, the volunteers exemplify
the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world). With
more than 30 volunteer opportunities available, JFS
provides diverse and flexible volunteer experiences.
Who are the volunteers that dedicate their time and
skills to improving the lives of others? They are Fix-It
volunteers who put their skills to good use by making minor home-safety repairs, allowing older adults to remain
safely in their homes. They are On The Go volunteers
who drive older adults to personal and medical appointments that they would be unable to get to otherwise.
They are Foodmobile volunteers who deliver delicious,
kosher meals and a friendly smile to homebound older
adults and younger adults living with disabilities that
dont have access to warm meals. They are Cozy Careista volunteers who serve coffee while socializing with
older adults that come to the College Avenue Center to
be part of a community. And they are so much more.
JFS strives to empower individuals and families to
move toward self-sufficiency, support aging with dignity,
foster community connection and engagement throughout San Diego County. JFS provides essential services
to people regardless of religion, race, color, ethnicity,
national origin, ability, gender identity/expression, or
sexual orientation. For more information, contact RSVP
at (858) 505-6399.

REMINDER: RECOGNITION IN THE FALL

The event to recognize RSVP volunteers for their service during 2014 will be held later this fall, not in the
May timeframe as it has in the past.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
The Senior Gleaners, an amazing group of volunteers
who reclaim and re-distribute food to agencies assisting
individuals in need, is looking for office help. The group
has no paid staff or government funding, and operates
solely on the efforts of volunteers. The group seeks an
organized and motivated individual to monitor attendance sheets and manage volunteer hours. If you have
been looking for a way to make a difference and put your
skills to work, call RSVP at (858) 505-6399.

FUN, FRIENDSHIP AT IG GAMES

THE

RECENT

SOUTH BAY INTERGENERATIONAL GAMES

PAIRED

100

OLDER

ADULT VOLUNTEERS WITH THIRD-GRADERS FROM WOLF CANYON ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, SUCH AS PADDLE TENNIS, FRISBEE, FIELD

HOCKEY, PLUS NUTRITION GAMES. GIVING THE ATHLETES A GOOD SEND-OFF
WERE (ABOVE, FROM LEFT) TRACY LAMB, DIRECTOR OF THE OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER; COUNTY SUPERVISOR GREG COX; FORMER GOLD MEDAL OLYMPIAN JOAQUIM CRUZ; AIS DIRECTOR ELLEN SCHMEDING; AND FRANCISCO
ESCOBEDO, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
DISTRICT. BIG THANKS TO THE SPONSORS: HEALTH NET, SHARP CHULA VISTA
MEDICAL CENTER, AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE, KAISER PERMANENTE,
JANICE POPE, MOLINA HEALTHCARE, SOUTH BAY HEALTH & INSURANCE
SERVICES, ST. PAULS PACE AND SUNRISE AT BONITA.

PROTECTION FROM WEST NILE VIRUS

UCSD SEEKS DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

an Diego County environmental health officials remind

you to protect yourselves from mosquitoes that can
transmit West Nile virus.
Last year, 11 San Diego County residents were diagnosed with the disease and two local residents died.
Statewide, 798 people were diagnosed with West Nile
virus in 2014 and 29 people died the highest number
of deaths from the disease in California in a decade.
Across the country, 2,122 people were diagnosed with
West Nile virus in 2014 and 85 people died.
West Nile virus is a disease that mainly affects birds,
but can be transmitted to people, horses and other animals
by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Roughly 80
percent of people exposed never develop any symptoms.
In rare cases, people can become seriously ill and die.
Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Dump out or remove
any item inside or outside of homes that can hold water,
such as plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, garbage cans,
toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available for free, may be used to control mosquito breeding
in backyard water sources.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites: Stay inside
when mosquitoes are most active, at dusk and dawn.
Wear long sleeves and pants or use repellent when outdoors. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin,
oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Make sure window
and door screens are in good condition.
Report Dead Birds and Green Swimming Pools:
Report dead crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls, and
green swimming pools to the Vector Control Program at
(858) 694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.

he UCSD Department of Psychiatry is recruiting for an

National Institutes of Health-funded study focusing on
older adults who are caring for a spouse with Alzheimers
disease or other dementia. Participants must be 55 or older.
The study visits are conducted in participants homes.
Participants will receive free counseling and lab results.
For details, contact the coordinator at (858) 534-9479.

ONLINE SEMINARS FOR CAREGIVERS

series of live streaming seminars about caring for

loved ones are offered free by the San Diego Caregiver Coalition at noon on selected Fridays. These webinars benefit adult children of aging parents, caregiving
spouses and professionals in the field of health and aging.
Each interactive seminar lasts half an hour. All you need
to participate is Internet access and email:
June 5: Long-Term Care and Medi-Cal Benefits with
Philip Lindsley of San Diego Elder Law.
June 12: Alzheimers Research Programs with Brent
Mausbach from UCSD.
To register, visit www.caregivercoalitionsd.org, or for
questions, email martin.dare@sdcounty.ca.gov.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

randparents raising grandchildren or other kinship

families are invited to attend a free symposium from
8:30 to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Jacobs Center, 404
Euclid Ave., San Diego. Call 2-1-1 to RSVP.

SEND IN YOUR ITEMS

This monthly calendar welcomes your
contributions. Just send items by the
10th of each month preceding the issue date to: Denise G. Nelesen, editor,
Aging & Independence Services, PO
Box 23217, San Diego, CA 921933217. Or you can e-mail to: denise.
nelesen@sdcounty.ca.gov.

MAY 1, FRIDAY
NOON TO 4 P.M.

MAY 8, FRIDAY
10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

MAY 28, THURSDAY

9 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M.

A Lifetime of Healthy Living

Health Fair will be held at the La
Jolla Community Center, 6811 La
Jolla Blvd., La Jolla 92037. For more
information, call (858) 459-0831.

Right Choices at the Right Time,

a free conference about planning
for your future health and financial
needs, will be held at the La Mesa
Community Center, 4975 Memorial
Dr., La Mesa 91942. For details and
to RSVP: (800) 827-4277.

MAY 11, MONDAY

10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

MAY 29, FRIDAY

6 P.M.

Still Going Strong Fair will be

held at the Central Library, 330 Park
Blvd., San Diego 92101. For details:
(619) 236-5867.

Access to Independences annual

Job Fair for People with Disabilities
will be held at the San Diego Unified School Districts Ballard Center,
2375 Congress St., San Diego 92110.
For questions: (619) 293-3500.

MAY 2, SATURDAY
8:30 A.M.

MAY 12, TUESDAY

4 TO 5 P.M.

San Diego County NAMI (National

Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk
will be held at NTC Park Liberty
Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego 92106. To sign up, visit www.
NAMIwalks.org/SanDiegoCounty.

Jazz guitarist and composer Peter

Sprague will perform at the Spring 8 A.M.
Valley Library, 836 Kempton St., The Live Well San Diego 5K will be
Spring Valley 91977. For details: held at the NTC Park in Liberty Sta(619) 463-1796.
tion. Former Charger Nick Hardwick
will be participating. Cost is $30
adults; $25 children. To register, visit
MAY 14 & 28, THURSDAYS
www.livewellsd5k.com.

MAY 5, TUESDAY
10:30 TO 11:30 A.M.
A self-defense class will be offered at
the San Carlos Branch Library, 7265
Jackson Dr., San Diego 92119. For
details, call (619) 527-3430.

MAY 8, FRIDAY
10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
The CarFit program, providing older
drivers a 12-point check on how their
cars fit them, will be offered at the
College Avenue Center, 4855 College Ave., San Diego 92115. RSVP
required; call (858) 637-7330 to
reserve a time.

San Diego Legends Cecil Steppe,

John Howard, Robert Alvarez,
Jackie Gmach and Aurora Cudal
will be profiled at the Lemon Grove
Library, 3001 School Lane, Lemon
Grove 91945.

MAY 30, SATURDAY

1:30 TO 3 P.M.

Making Friends with Your iPhone

will be a two-part class at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community
Center, 4126 Executive Dr., UTC
area. Learn iPhone basics. Cost is
$20. RSVP by May 7 to Melanie
Rubin: (858) 362-1141.

MAY 27, WEDNESDAY

9 A.M. TO NOON
Senior Resource Fair will be held
at St. Pauls Senior Services, 2340
Fourth Ave., San Diego 92101. For
details: www.StPaulSeniors.org, or
call (619) 239-6900.

MAY 30, SATURDAY

9:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M.
Creative Aging Fair will be held at
the Pacific Beach Library, 4275 Cass
St., San Diego 92109. Include talks,
activities, entertainment and exhibitors. For details, call (858) 581-9934.

ADVISORY COUNCIL
The AIS Advisory Council will
meet at noon Monday, May 11, at
AIS, 5560 Overland Ave., Third
Floor, San Diego 92123. These
meetings are open to the public.

WHEN YOU DONT KNOW

WHERE TO TURN,
TURN TO US.

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