Mountain Views News          Saturday, September 13, 2014

10

THE GOOD LIFE

Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 13, 2014 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

WANDERING SOLUTIONS FOR ALZHEIMER�S 
CAREGIVERS

Dear Savvy Senior:

My mother, who lives with me, has Alzheimer�s 
disease and I worry about her wandering away. 
What tips can you recommend to help me protect 
her? Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned:

According to the Alzheimer�s Association, 
about 60 percent of people who suffer from dementia wander at some point. For caregivers, this can 
be frightening because many of those who wander off end up confused and lost, even in their own 
neighborhood, and are unable to communicate who they are or where they live. But there are things 
you can do to guard against this and protect your loved one.

Wandering Prevention

For starters, to help reduce your mom�s tendency to wander, keep her occupied and involved in 
familiar daily activities such as preparing dinner or folding the laundry. It�s also important to 
encourage daily exercise and limit daytime napping to reduce nighttime restlessness.

 There are also a number of simple home modifications you can make to keep her from wandering 
away. Some possible solutions include: adding an extra lock on the top or bottom of the exterior 
doors out of the line of sight; install child-proof door knobs or levers; place a full-length mirror, or 
put a �STOP� or �Do Not Enter� sign on the doors you don�t want her going through; or get a signal 
device or motion sensor that lets you know when the door is opened. See alzstore.com for a variety 
of product solutions. And, be sure you hide the car keys to keep her from driving.

 It�s also a good idea to alert your neighbors that your mom may wander so they can keep an eye 
out, and have on hand a recent picture to show around the neighborhood or to the police if she does 
get lost.

Wandering Services

If you want some added protection in case she does wander off, there are a number services you can 
turn to for help, like the MedicAlert + Safe Return program (medicalert.org/safereturn).

 This service comes with a personalized ID bracelet that will have your mom�s medical information 
engraved on it, along with her membership number and the toll-free MedicAlert emergency phone 
number.

 If she goes missing, you would call 911 and report it to the local police department who would 
begin a search, and then report it to MedicAlert. Or, a Good Samaritan or police officer may find 
her, call the MedicAlert number, to get her back home safely.

 Another option that could help, depending on where you live, is a radio frequency locater service 
like SafetyNet and Project Lifesaver, which are offered by some local law enforcement agencies.

 With these services, your mother would wear a wristband that contains a radio transmitter that 
emits tracking signals. If she goes missing, you would contact the local authorities who would send 
out rescue personnel who will use their tracking equipment to locate her. Visit safetynetbylojack.
com and projectlifesaver.org to see if these services are available in your community.

GPS Tracking

There are also a number of GPS tracking devices that can help you keep tabs on your mom. With 
these products, she would carry or wear a small GPS tracker that would notify you or other 
caregivers via text message or email if she were to wander beyond a pre-established area, and would 
let you know exactly where to find her if she did.

 To find GPS trackers, consider the PocketFinder (pocketfinder.com) or the Alzheimer�s Association 
Comfort Zone (alz.org/comfortzone). Or, if you have concerns that your mother wouldn�t wear a 
GPS device or would take it off, there�s the GPS SmartSole (gpssmartsole.com), which is an insole 
with an embedded GPS device.

For more wandering prevention tips and solutions, visit the Alzheimer�s Association Safety Center 
at alz.org/safety and This Caring Home at thiscaringhome.org.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim 
Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of �The Savvy Senior� book.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! � September Birthdays*

Clem Bartolai, Pat Hall, Donna Anderson, Teresa Chaure, Cathy Gunther, Esther Macias, 
Sheila Pierce, Nancy Sue Shollenberger, Yvonne Osti, Patti O�Meara, Judie Cimino, Mary 
Steinberg, Geri Wright, Parvin Dabiri, Denise Reistetter and Nehama Warner.

 *To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR 
of birth not required.

..................................................................

Quote of the Week: �Grandchildren are God�s way of compensating for growing old.�

 ~ Mary H. Waldrip

..................................................................

ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park 
House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 

 YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Caf�: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon 

(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.) 

All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 
for those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary as space is 
limited. Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256

Free Balance Class: Every 3rd Monday, from 11:00 to 11:45 am with Shannon. All ability levels are 
encouraged and welcomed.

Hawaiian and Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday morning from 10:00am to 11:00am. Join 
instructor Barbara Dempsey as she instructs you in the art of hula.

Bingo: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00pm. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcome to 
join. May be canceled if less than 5 people. Canceled on August 5th and 12th.

Free Blood Pressure Testing: Held 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11:00am to 12:00pm. No 
appointment is necessary.

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, August 27th from 10:00am to Noon. Attorney Lem 
Makupson is available for legal consultation. He specializes in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates, 
and Injury. For an appointment call 626-355-7394.

Chair Yoga: Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45 am, except on the third Monday of the 
month when the balance class is held. A suggested donation of $5 at one of the classes is requested, 
but is not required.

Birthday Celebrations: Every second Thursday of the month the Hart Park House Senior Center 
celebrates birthdays of our patrons. The free birthday cake is provided by the Sierra Madre Civic 
Club.

Game Day: Every Thursday starting at 12:45pm. A regular group of seniors play poker. Other 
games available for use.

Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 12:45pm to 1:30pm with Lisa Brandley. The class 
utilizes light weights for low impact resistance training. All materials for the class are provided.

 

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS

Gondola Getaway (Long Beach, CA) - Friday, September 19, 2014 

Time: 9:15am to 3:15pm Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: 
$30.00 (does not include lunch) The Gondola Getaway brings old world charm and a 
thousand year old tradition to Long Beach. Authentic Venetian gondolas gently cruise the enchanting 
canals and waterways of Naples Island near the resort area of Belmont Shores in Long Beach. Join 
us for an hourlong cruise followed by lunch at one of the charming restaurants in Belmont Shores. 
Participants are asked to bring $20 for lunch. Level of Walking: Low

Oasis Camel Dairy & Julian (Julian, CA) Date: Friday, October 17, 2014

Time: 8:00am to 6:00pm Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center

Cost: $20.00 (does not include lunch)

Join us as we visit the Oasis Camel Dairy and Julian, California. The adventure begins with an 
�All About the Oasis Camel Dairy� tour led by Camel Dairy Owner�s Gil and Nancy Riegler. This 
intimate, candid tour includes a seated �show� presentation where camels come to you followed by a 
leisurely, short stroll to the camel enclosures for some camel cuddling. There is also an opportunity 
for a camel ride, please see below for information about camel rides. 

 Following the dairy we visit the historic town of Julian to eat lunch, shop, experience the fall 
foliage, and enjoy the tastes of homemade apple pie, cider & much more. Lunch will be on your own 
and there are a few restaurants to choose from in Julian; participants should bring money for lunch

and souvenirs. Last day to register is Thursday, October 9th. Level of Walking: Medium to Low.

Camel Rides

Camel rides are available after the group tour. The camel rides are the county fair, around in a big 
circle, handled kind of ride. The price is $10.00 per person and we need a minimum of 15 people to 
sign up for the camel rides to occur. If you are interested in the ride please let staff know when you 
register for the excursion. If the minimum number is met, staff will follow up with you regarding 
payment. Please note that there is a 200lb weight limit to ride the camels.

Excursion Refund Policy: Notification of the cancellation must be made at least 3 business days 
before the excursion. A refund will only be issued 1) for a medical excuse or 2) if the Department 
is able to fill the patrons spot from a waiting list. This refund will be issued in the form of a credit 
which will be applied to the patron�s account with the City, less a $10 cancellation fee. The credit 
will remain on your account for one year from the date issued and the credit may be used for any 
program or service offered by the Community Services Department.

1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAY 

Shown at the Hart Park House Senior Center 

SEPTEMBER 3RD: THE BOOK THIEF (2013)

To escape the horrors of World War II Germany, a young girl steals books 
to read and visits with the Jewish refugee hiding in her house. Rated PG-
13, Start time: 1:00 pm (run time 131 minutes) Featuring: Sophie N�lisse, 
Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson

SEPTEMBER 17TH: MANDELA-LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (2013) 

A chronicle of Nelson Mandela�s life journey from his childhood in a rural village through

to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Rated PG-13, 
Start time: 1:00 pm (run time 141 minutes) Featuring: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto 


KATIE Tse..........This and That

Trader Joe�s --Ambassador of Food

 You�ve gotta love Trader Joe�s! 
I go there at least once a week. 
Our relationship has had its 
bumpy moments (like when they 
discontinued bagged grapefruit). 
But for the most part, I usually leave the store satisfied. 
Besides reasonable prices and convenience, Trader Joe�s 
bridges the gap between unadventurous shoppers and 
�ethnic� food.

 Case in point: my family 
has Trader Joe�s to thank 
for my dad�s new love of 
dim sum, wasabi, and 
roasted seaweed. This is 
a big deal because my dad 
and I both love, LOVE, 
routines. We can eat the 
same four or five meals 
for years on end without 
complaining. So, you can 
imagine my dad�s resistance 
when I recommended 
�exotic� dishes such as sushi, 
hummus, and Japanese snacks.

 My dad claims he first came to appreciate hummus 
when one of his coworkers suggested they grab a meal 
at Zankou�s. Had it been my mom or I choosing our 
lunch destination, my dad would�ve undoubtedly 
refused. But he�s ever-accommodating to non-family 
members. Though he may have first tried hummus at 
Zankou�s, I believe it was my aunt�s regular inclusion of 
Trader Joe�s hummus at holiday gatherings that won my 
dad over.

 Trader Joe�s offers a safe haven for people to try 
suspicious, unknown non-American food. Some folks 
are intimidated by the thought of going to Super King to 
pick up pita bread and humus, or to go out for dim sum 
on Valley blvd. But if these foods are available at Trader 
Joe�s, in a nice, friendly container with English writing, it�s 
okay. Similarly, when I was dating a Japanese guy, my dad 
declined all the classic Japanese 
snacks like roasted seaweed. 
Now that Trader Joe�s carries 
it, my dad�s hooked! He even 
says the original flavor�s too 
bland, and prefers the wasabi. 
Recently, he also bought 
wasabi peas from Trader Joe�s, 
all on his own, without any 
prompting. I reminded him 
that, years ago, I offered him 
the same product (in Japanese 
packaging), which he strongly 
declined.

 I�m convinced that if Trader 
Joe�s came out with chicken feet, such as is served for 
dim sum, there would be a great demand for it from 
people who would�ve never before considered eating 
the stuff. At the end of the day, the majority of us like 
things that are fatty, salty, sweet, or all of the above. 
If something seems too weird to try now, don�t worry. 
Trader Joe�s will come out with a friendlier version of 
it for you to try soon. Until then, enjoy the humus, 
seaweed, and wasabi peas!


SENIOR 

CINEMA

 
This lovely 3 bedroom, 3 bath home has 
hardwood floors throughout. Abundant built-ins 
make the office and kitchen extraordinary. Set 
on a huge lot this pool home is a show piece of 
the neighborhood.
431 S. Old Ranch Rd.
Arcadia
�2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a 
subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker� and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International� and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does 
not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of 
that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.
CAROLYN PAPP626.353.7443cshp@aol.comOpen House Sunday 2-5pm$1,388,888
ARCADIA REGIONAL OFFICECOLDWELL BANKERNew Price!
TECH TALK: TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE

Mondays, September 8th and 22nd

2:00 to 3:00 PM

Tech-savvy youth from Sierra Madre Middle School will provide assistance with the operation 
of cell phones, tablets, and computers. Participants should bring the device with which they 
need assistance; two computers are available at the Senior Center for general instruction. The 
class is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, or for questions regarding the 
program call 626.355.7394.

SENIOR HEALTH SCREENINGS 

(Previously Wellness in the Park)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH � 9:00AM-12:00PM � 

HART PARK HOUSE

Hosted by the Senior Community Commission and City of Sierra Madre Community 
Services Department, this event provides a variety of free to low cost health screenings and 
services for seniors age 55 and older. 

The event takes place on Saturday, September 20th from 9am to 12pm at the Hart Park

House Senior Center located in Memorial Park, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

The following health screenings or services will be provided:

� Blood Pressure - Methodist Hospital

� Body Mass Index - Methodist Hospital

� Hearing - Hear Center

� Memory - Family Peace Inc.

� Balance - On the Move Physical Therapy

� Acupuncture - Yoon Min Acupuncture & Herbs

� Chair Massage - The Salt Studio

� Flu shots - Walgreens Pharmacy

*Primary insurance needs to be Medicare, otherwise $25.00

Don�t miss the opportunity to receive these free or low cost services. Screenings

are drop in and appointments do not need to be made. 

Held in conjunction with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast in Memorial park. For more 
information about this event please contact the Senior Center at 626.355.7394.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com