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 Mountain Views NewsSaturday, September 28, 2024

SENIOR HAPPENINGS


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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …SEPTEMBER Birthdays*

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

 * 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


EMPOWERING INDEPENDENCE AND PEACE OF MIND WITH 

FUTURECARE SOLUTIONS GROUP 

Imagine a home where your loved ones can age comfortably, with their safety and wellness always in view. A 
home where technology quietly works in the background, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family. At 
FutureCare Solutions Group, this isn’t just a vision—it’s a reality we bring to families every day.

As families, we want the best for those we love, especially as they enter their later years. But the demands of 
caregiving can be overwhelming. That’s where FutureCare comes in. We’ve designed a solution that combines 
advanced technology with human compassion, making it easier for seniors to maintain their independence 
while staying connected to their caregivers.

Setting up FutureCare is as simple as installing a couple of discrete sensors in the home—no cameras, no 
microphones, just peace of mind. These sensors work quietly to monitor daily routines, track wellness patterns, 
and detect potential risks, such as falls or wandering. Imagine knowing your mother is safely moving around 
her home, or receiving a gentle reminder that it’s time for Dad’s medication—all without being intrusive.

Our technology adapts to the unique needs of each 
individual, ensuring seniors can age with comfort while 
families can stay connected from anywhere. 

If you’re looking for a way to ensure safety and 
independence for yourself or a loved one, we’d love to 
help. 

Visit futurecare.ai or call (310) 759-0126 to learn more 
and schedule a consultation. Aging doesn’t have to mean 
giving up independence—with FutureCare, it means 
gaining peace of mind.


IF YOU'RE 65 OR OLDER, IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR

PNEUMONIA SHOT


Dear Savvy Senior:

I recently turned 65 and would like 
to know if am supposed to get the 
pneumonia vaccine? And if so, which 
type of vaccine do I need and is it 
covered by Medicare?

Relatively Healthy 

Dear Relatively:

 Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC) does indeed recommend the 
“pneu-mococcal vaccines” for pneumonia for adults 
age 65 and older. They’re also recommended for 
younger people with long-term health issues or weak 
immune systems, as well as children under 5 and 
people who smoke. 

 Pneumonia, which can happen anytime – 
not just during the cold months – can be a serious 
and even life-threatening condition. Each year, 
pneumonia causes a whopping 1.5 million people to 
visit medical emergency departments in the U.S. and 
causes roughly 50,000 deaths.

 A recent study found that the use of 
pneumonia vaccines is associated with a 24 percent 
decreased risk of death, but vaccination rates aren’t 
that high. 

 Around 67 percent of adults over the age of 
65 are vaccinated against pneumonia, and just 24 
percent of younger people (19-64 years old) at risk 
for pneumonia are vaccinated. The main rea-sons 
for this are because many people are unsure whether 
they need the vaccine, while others aren’t even aware 
a vaccine exists.

Types of Vaccines

 There are three different vaccines available, 
some more appropriate for certain people than 
others. They are the pneumococcal polysaccharide 
vaccine PPSV23 (Pneumovax23), the pneumococcal 
conjugate vaccine PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) and PCV20 
(Prevnar 20). The numbers indicate how many 
strains, or serotypes, of streptococcus pneumoniae 
are included in the vaccine.

So, which vaccine should you get? 

 If you’ve never been vaccinated for 
pneumonia, the newer PCV20 is the top choice – it 
covers the 20 most common serotypes now.

 If that vaccine is not available in your area, 
you can get the PCV15 vaccine, followed one year 
later by PPSV23.

 If you had the earlier PCV13 (but not PCV15), 
or the PPSV23 at or after age 65, you’re likely eligible 
to get the PCV20 for increased protection.

 But because of the different possibilities, you 
need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the 
most effective option for you.

 Side effects of these vaccines tend to be mild, 
but may include feeling achy and tired as well as 
redness, swelling and soreness where the injection 
was given.

 You’ll also be happy to know that Medicare 
Part B covers both single dose and two-dose pneu-
mococcal shots, and you only need to get it once. 
Unlike the flu shot, which is given annually. 

 Most local pharmacies and community 
health clinics offer pneumococcal vaccines, but you 
may want to call ahead just to be sure. 

 For more information, visit the CDC’s 
Pneumococcal Vaccination webpage at CDC.gov/
vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html.

Other Vaccines

 To avoid getting pneumonia as a consequence 
of a viral infection, you should also consider get-ting 
a flu shot, RSV shot and a Covid-19 booster in the 
fall. 

 While vaccines cannot prevent every case of 
pneumonia (or other conditions they’re given for), 
those who get them usually have milder infections, 
a shorter course of illness and fewer serious 
complications than people who don’t get vaccinated. 

 The flu shot and Covid booster are both 
covered by Medicare Part B, while the RSV vaccine 
(which is recommended every other year) is covered 
under Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plans. All 
three shots can also be given simultaneously.

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.


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

HOW CAN I GET MY SNEEZE BACK?

I've had a lot of health issues 
during this past year, and now 
that I seem to be over them, 
something else has taken 
their place.

I have had a sneezing fit for the past two 
weeks that I've never experienced before. 
Every time I sneeze, it is in triplets. I don't 
know why I have to sneeze three times, and 
I have tried to keep myself from sneezing 
three times, but so far, I lost that battle.

Once, when I started to sneeze, I closed 
my mouth, which was a mistake because 
everything came out of my nose. That was 
not a very pretty sight.

Sneezing may become more of an issue as 
you age. I know it's a big issue for me, and 
I'm confused about how to deal with it.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
says I must have some allergy. I confided in 
her that the only allergy I have is broccoli. 
I tell her that I have one of my sneezing fits 
every time she eats broccoli.

Whether it's true or not is immaterial. It's 
just something I can use against her when 
she complains about my sneezing fits.

I've been trying to figure out how to make 
something good out of these sneezing fits, 
and so far, I have failed. When I get close 
to a solution, I have one of my sneezing fits 
and forget what I was thinking about.

Just thinking about my sneezing fits makes 
me sneeze.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
told me, "Be careful, you might sneeze your 
brains out." Then she laughed.

I responded, "Oh, my dear you're too late for 
that. I've already sneezed my brains out."

Obviously, brains aren't as important as I 
thought they were.

I have been sneezing for about two weeks, 
and it seems to be getting worse. Not only 
do I sneeze, but with the sneeze comes 
some disgusting phlegm. Several times, 
the whole front of my shirt was soaked in 
that disgusting phlegm. Unfortunately, The 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is the 
first to see it, and she always responds in 
the negative.

I have to be careful where I'm standing when 
a sneeze hits. There are no warnings about 
the sneeze, and if I'm facing somebody 
when I sneeze, well, you know the rest of 
the story.

I'll get through it as long as I don't sneeze in 
the direction of The Gracious Mistress of 
the Parsonage.

This past week, we were at a restaurant to 
celebrate something. I'm unsure what we 
were celebrating, but it doesn't matter. We 
were having a great time, but I was still in 
that sneezing fit—sneezing all the time.

I try to be very careful when sneezing 
because I don't want to sneeze on someone, 
particularly The Gracious Mistress of the 
Parsonage. But when a sneeze comes, it 
surprises me and those around me.

We were at a restaurant, ordered our meal, 
and were in the middle of eating our meal, 
and it was a wonderful time together. I 
forget what I ordered, but whatever it was, 
it was delicious, and I enjoyed it.

Right in the middle of eating my meal, I had 
a sneezing fit. I've had some practice with 
these sneezing fits, and I knew I needed to 
be careful which direction I was looking. 
Because I was seated across the table from 
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, 
when I started sneezing, it would've been in 
her direction.

Knowing that would not be a very good 
thing to do, I immediately turned my head 
to the right and sneezed three times. At 
the time, my mouth was full of what I was 
eating, and it all came spewing out.

The worst thing about that sneezing fit 
was I was facing our waitress and I got my 
sneezing fit all over the front of her. Oh boy! 
Was I in trouble. At least I didn't sneeze it 
in my wife's direction or that might've been 
the end of my sneezing fits for the rest of 
my life.

At the time, I didn't know what to do 
because the front of that waitress was full 
of yucky, sneezing phlegm. What do you do 
in a situation like that?

I apologized and asked her if there was 
anything I could do to help. She looked 
at me and said, "No, you've done enough 
already." Then she walked away to the back 
of the restaurant.

I don't know when I was more humiliated 
than at that time. But when I sat back and 
regained some control of myself, I realized 
that there were customers all around, and 
all of them saw exactly what I did. I just 
felt like everybody in that restaurant was 
staring at me.

It's not that I don't like attention; I'm just 
not too fond of this kind of attention.

I leaned across the table and asked The 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, "Do 
you know how I can take back that sneeze?" 
She just looked at me and then looked 
down at her plate. That's the first time I 
remember that she couldn't figure out a 
solution to a problem.

I then thought about a Bible verse, Romans 
8:28. “And we know that all things work 
together for good to them that love God, 
to them who are the called according to his 
purpose.”

No matter my problem, if I trust God I can 
get through it.

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

SENIOR MATTERS

AGING IN PLACE REMODELS—WHICH ONES HELP 
OR HARM HOME VALUE?

As more seniors choose to age in place, home modifications for safety 
and accessibility have become increasingly important. The city of Sierra 
Madre offers a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for 
eligible residents to help improve safety standards at home. However, it’s 
crucial to consider how these changes might impact your home’s value.

Not all modifications are created equal when it comes to resale. Some 
can enhance a home’s market appeal, while others might reduce it. 
Here’s a guide to help you make informed decisions:

Modifications That Can Boost Home Value:

1 Full Bathroom on Main Level: This is a highly desirable feature 
for buyers of all ages, making it a smart investment.

2 Wider Doorways and Hallways: Doorways at least three feet 
wide and hallways at least four feet wide improve accessibility and add 
to the home’s appeal.

3 Non-Slip Floor Surfaces: Safety is a priority, and non-slip floors 
are a practical yet attractive upgrade.

4 Step-Free Entrances: A seamless entryway without steps can 
enhance curb appeal and accessibility.

5 Lever Door Handles: Easier to use than knobs, lever handles are a subtle yet appreciated upgrade.

6 Hands-Free Faucets: Modern and convenient, these are increasingly popular in kitchens and 
bathrooms.

7 Pull-Out Drawers: Replacing standard cabinets with pull-out drawers improves functionality and 
adds value.

8 Smart Home Features: Automated light shades, LED bulbs, rocker light switches, and smartphone-
controlled lighting systems are in high demand.

Modifications That Could Decrease Home Value:

1 Elevator: According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 56% of 
respondents did not want this feature.

2 In-Law Suites: While functional for some, 42% of NAHB respondents found this feature undesirable.

3 Permanent Exterior Ramps: These can negatively affect curb appeal and are often considered a turnoff 
for potential buyers.

4 Chair or Wheelchair Glides on Stairs: These are highly specialized and can deter buyers not in need 
of such features.

5 Large Grab Bars and Push Bars on Doors: While essential for safety, they may be seen as institutional 
or unattractive by buyers.

6 Walk-In Bathtubs: These tubs can be a drawback due to their specific use and high cost.

It’s important to weigh the costs against potential benefits. For example, widening a hallway can improve 
accessibility, but if a load-bearing wall is involved, the expense could range from $20,000 to $50,000 or 
more—far exceeding the potential increase in home value.

When planning aging-in-place remodels, consider both your immediate needs and the long-term impact on 
your home’s value. Consulting with a real estate professional or contractor can help you make the best choices 
for your situation. 


JANETTE LEDEA, 

REALTOR/CONSULTANT 

ePro, GRI,CDPE, SRES RE/
MAX Tri-City DRE#01480942

Cell: (626)242-3244

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