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Mountain Views-News Saturday June 29, 2024 


FREE ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT SERVICE

 

 Discover the perfect assisted living community with 
Safe Path for Seniors. Our compassionate advisors 
specialize in assisting individuals with unique needs. 
Benefit from our extensive network and affordable 
options. Plus, we offer personalized tours to help you 
explore each community firsthand. Call (626) 999-
6913 or visit www.safepathforseniors.com for free 
assistance.

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JUNE BIRTHDAYS*

Joanne Thrane, Nellie Haynes, Dorothy McKay, Diane Hatfield, Georgette 
Dunlay, Elizabeth Shula Donna Doss, Mary Carney, Carol Handley, Marilyn 
McKernan, Pat Fujiwara, John Shier, Beth Smith-Kellock, Ann Disbrow, 
Joan Ellison, Anne Montgomery, Trini Ornelas, Martha Spriggs, Pat Starkey, 
Kathleen Coyne, Suzanne Decker, Jacque Persing, Jeanne Peterson, Roxana 
Dominguez, Carolyn Lanyi, Claire McLean and Grace Sanders .

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


From The Desk of Steve Sciurba, Safe Path For Senior

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ASSISTED 
LIVING COMMUNITY: THE 
IMPORTANCE OF RESIDENT 
COMPATIBILITY

As families navigate the complex decision of 
selecting an assisted living community for their 
loved ones, one often overlooked yet critical 
factor is the compatibility of residents within 
these facilities. Beyond amenities and healthcare 
services offered, the social environment plays 
a pivotal role in the overall well-being and 
happiness of seniors.

In recent years, there has been a growing 
recognition among experts and families 
alike that the compatibility of residents can 
significantly impact the quality of life in assisted 
living communities. Compatibility refers to how 
well individuals living in these communities 
mesh together in terms of personalities, interests, 
and social dynamics.

Dr. Emily Thompson, a geriatric specialist at 
St. Mary’s Hospital, emphasizes, "Ensuring 
compatibility among residents is vital 
for fostering a supportive and enriching 
environment. When individuals share similar 
interests or backgrounds, they are more likely 
to form meaningful connections and support 
networks, which can combat feelings of 
loneliness and isolation."

Studies have shown that social interactions and 
relationships in later life are crucial for mental 
and emotional health. When seniors feel a sense 
of camaraderie and belonging, they are more 
engaged in activities and generally experience 
higher levels of life satisfaction. This sense 
of community can also have positive effects 
on physical health, as it encourages regular 
socializing and participation in recreational 
activities.

When evaluating assisted living communities, 
families are encouraged to look beyond the 
physical facilities and inquire about the social 
programs and initiatives in place to promote 
resident interaction and engagement. Many 
facilities now offer diverse activity calendars 
designed to cater to different interests and 
preferences, from book clubs and gardening 
groups to fitness classes and arts workshops.

Jane Davis, whose mother recently moved 
into an assisted living community, shares her 
experience, "Finding a place where my mom 
felt comfortable with the other residents was 
crucial. She's made friends who share her love 
for painting, and it's really improved her overall 
mood and outlook."

Furthermore, administrators of these 
communities recognize the importance of 
fostering an inclusive environment where 
all residents feel valued and respected. By 
promoting compatibility among residents, they 
aim to create a supportive atmosphere where 
everyone can thrive in their own way.

As the demand for assisted living facilities 
continues to rise with an aging population, the 
emphasis on resident compatibility is expected 
to grow. Families are advised to visit multiple 
communities, talk to current residents and staff, 
and observe social interactions to ensure that 
the chosen facility aligns with their loved one's 
social needs and preferences.

In conclusion, while the physical aspects of 
assisted living communities are important, it is 
equally essential to consider how well residents 
fit together socially. By prioritizing compatibility, 
families can help ensure their loved ones not 
only receive the necessary care but also enjoy a 
fulfilling and enriching social life in their new 
home.


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

SOME THINGS DO HAVE A PURPOSE!

HOW EXTREME HEAT AFFECTS SENIORS: TIPS TO STAY SAFE

One thing I have learned in life is that some things do have a purpose 
no matter how bad they seem at the time. They don’t seem to have any 
purpose when they happen, but you later discover a significant purpose 
behind it.

I try to prepare for everything in life, but there are many things that I just can’t 
prepare for. I learned this after I got married.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has often teased me about not having a brain.

When I flub up something, she looks at me, puts both hands on her hips, and says, 
“Don’t you have a brain?”

With all the evidence on the table, I cannot verify that I actually do have a brain. 
According to her assessment, if I had a brain, a lot of the stuff I flub up wouldn’t get 
flubbed up. But, as The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage says, “It is what it is.”

When I’m in trouble and can’t figure something out, she usually says, “Don’t you 
have a working brain to help you here?”

The way things turned out, I could not answer in the affirmative.

I like to think I have a brain, but the evidence along that line is not very strong.

Lately, things have begun to turn around to my benefit.

I had a health issue; I think it was some kind of flu bug, which hit me pretty hard. 
During one of my Sunday services, while preaching, I almost passed out. Because we 
were in a nursing home facility, a nurse came in and took my blood pressure. At the 
time, it didn’t read very well.

It was then that the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage told him that I had to be 
taken to the hospital. I didn’t quite understand what was happening at the time, so I 
just went along with where they took me. What choice did I have?

I spent a day in the hospital and finally got out and was able to schedule a visit with 
my physician. He checked me over and said he thought I needed to have one of those 
MRIs.

At the time, I did not know what they were. But according to what I understood, it 
was some brain scan to see if I had a mini-stroke or something.

Given my state of health, I agreed with the doctor, who set up an appointment for me 
to have an MRI.

I never had one before, but I was to learn what the MRI stood for: Make Room for 
Intrusion. And boy, was my head ever intruded.

I went to have the MRI, and they set me up and did all the preparatory things. They 
took me to the room where the MRI took place, prepared me, and then put earplugs 
in my ears. At the time, I had no idea what that was for. I would soon learn.

According to the technician who was with me, I was to spend 25 minutes under that 
machine, and there would be noise.

Boy, was that understated. As soon as I got under, the noise hit me like thunder from 
out of nowhere. I never heard noise quite like that before. It almost sounded like old 
rock ‘n’ roll music. Although, not quite as stupid. No, I did not start singing.

When it was over, they pulled me out, I sat up, and I couldn’t hear a thing. I looked at 
the nurse serving me and said, “I can’t hear anything.”

Looking at me and smiling, she said, “Well, if you took your earplugs out you might 
be able to hear.”

It was an adventure I hope I don’t have to repeat anytime soon. But I had a brain scan 
and I went to the office and ordered copies of my brain scan, which they gave to me.

When I went home, I took the disk with the pictures of my brain and printed off. I 
looked at it again and said to myself, “Self, you do have a brain after all.”

I then took a copy of that picture of my brain out and showed it to The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage.

“See here, my dear, I do have a brain after all.”

I can’t explain how happy I was to prove to my wife that after all of the nonsense I 
created throughout the years, I actually did have a brain.

I showed it to her, chuckled, and smiled.

She studied the picture for a few moments, looked back at me, and said, “Well, this 
proves you do have a brain but it doesn’t prove that you use your brain.”

Even though I have a brain, I didn’t see that coming.

I keep that picture with me all the time so that I can show people that I do have a 
brain. If I hadn’t had that incident, I would not have gone in for an MRI, and I would 
not have proof in my hand that I have a brain.

While looking at the picture of my brain I thought of a scripture in Jeremiah 29:11,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, 
and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

No matter what I think, God has a purpose for my life. Each day is an opportunity to 
trust Him for that purpose.

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. 
Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.
jamessnyderministries.com

Dear Savvy Senior:

I work for a county health department and every 
summer we’re seeing more and more seniors 
get sick and even die from heat-related illiness. 
Can you write an awarness piece on the affects 
extreme heat has on older adults, and what they 
can do to guard against this summertime risk. 
Thanks for helping keep seniors safe!

Health Advocate

 

Dear Advocate:

Happy to oblige! Most people don’t realize that 
each year, extreme summertime heat kills more 
people in the U.S. than hurricanes, floods and 
tornadoes combined. While extreme heat can 
be deadly for anyone, older adults are uniquely 
vulnerable because of three key factors: 
biological changes that occur with age; higher 
rates of age-related diseases; and greater use of 
medications that can alter the body’s response 
to heat.

Here’s how to gauge the risk for a heat-related 
illness for you or an older loved one and how to 
stay safe.

How Heat Affects Seniors

The human body has two main mechanisms 
to cool itself: sweating and increasing blood 
flow to the skin. In older adults, both of those 
processes are compromised. Seniors sweat less 
and they have poor circulation compared with 
younger people.

Chronic health conditions that are more 
common in old age, most notably cardiovascular 
disease and diabetes, can also exacerbate these 
issues. A diseased heart isn’t able to pump as 
much blood, further reducing blood flow to 
the skin. And if the nerves become affected in 
people with diabetes, the body might not receive 
the message that it needs to start sweating. 

As people age, they also stop feeling as thirsty 
and so they tend to drink less. In hot conditions, 
that can cause them to become dehydrated 
faster.

In addition, some older adults, particularly if 
they have some form of dementia or cognitive 
decline, may not perceive temperature changes 
as well. As a result, they won’t respond 
appropriately to heat, both biologically (through 

sweating) and behaviorally (by moving to 
someplace cool).

Finally, certain medications many seniors take 
like diuretics and other high blood pressure 
drugs can affect people’s hydration, blood flow 
and even the sweat response, so be sure to ask 
your doctor about any medications you’re 
taking.

How to Stay Safe

On hot days, older adults and people with 
serious health conditions should limit outdoor 
activities like walking and gardening to the 
cooler mornings and evenings, take 
frequent breaks and drink plenty of water 
even if you aren’t thirsty. Listen to your body. 
If the activity starts to feel harder than normal, 
that’s a signal to stop and find a place to cool 
down.

Signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion include 
dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushed 
face, a racing heart or feeling lethargic. Low 
energy is especially important to watch out for 
in people with cognitive impairment, who may 
not realize how hot they are or be able to express 
it.

If heat exhaustion worsens to a heatstroke, it 
becomes a life-threatening emergency.

While older adults face unique challenges when 
it comes to heat, the ways to cool down are the 
same for any age. If you or a loved one start to 
experience any of the above symptoms, the best 
thing you can do is to go somewhere that has 
air-conditioning. If AC isn’t available in the 
home, check if there’s a local cooling center.

In the absence of air-conditioning, water is 
extremely helpful in reducing the risk for heat-
related injury. Rubbing an ice cube or cold 
compress over your skin, spraying yourself with 
cool water or taking a cool shower or bath can 
also help.

For more heat related safety tips, visit the Center 
for Disease Control and Prevention website at 
CDC.gov/extreme-heat.


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