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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
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