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Mountain View News Saturday, March 22, 2025

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! …MARCH BIRTHDAYS*

Cathy Flammer, Clare Marquardt, Karen Blachly, Carla Duplex, Ella 
Guttman, Viky Tchatlian, Mary Cooper, Sun Liu, Helen Wallis, Nancy Fox, 
Martha Cassara, Rita Johnson, Sharon Murphy, Heather Sheets, Mercedes 
Campos, Dorothy Webster,Terri Elder, Carol Cerrina, Amy Putnam, 
Michael Murphy and Sally Contreras turn 100 this month!

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


CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREGIVER FOR 
SENIORS: A CRUCIAL DECISION

 As seniors age, many face challenges that require assistance with 
daily activities, making the decision of selecting the right caregiver one 
of the most important choices a family can make. Whether the need is 
for part-time help or full-time care, finding a caregiver who is compassionate, 
qualified, and trustworthy is essential for both the senior’s well-
being and peace of mind for their loved ones.

 When starting the search for a caregiver, families should consider 
the specific needs of the senior. For example, does the individual need 
help with mobility, personal care, or medication management? Do they have chronic health conditions that 
require specialized attention? Understanding these requirements will guide the type of care-giver needed—
whether it’s a certified nurse, home health aide, or companion.

 Experience and qualifications are also key factors. Caregivers should have relevant training and experience, 
particularly for those requiring specialized care. Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) or home health aides 
often have the necessary expertise in managing health-related tasks, while companions can provide emotional 
support and companionship for those with less demanding needs.

 Another important consideration is the caregiver’s personality. Seniors often thrive in environments 
where they feel comfortable and respected, so it’s important to ensure a good match between the senior and 
caregiver. Personality tests, interviews, and trial periods can help assess compatibility.

 Lastly, families must consider the logistics, including cost, availability, and the caregiver’s background 
check. Most agencies provide resources to ensure caregivers meet legal and safety standards, offering a level of 
assurance for families.

 Choosing the right caregiver is a process that requires time, research, and careful thought. By considering 
the individual needs of the senior and finding a caregiver who offers both the right skills and a caring 
attitude, families can ensure their loved ones receive the best care possible.


NAVIGATING SOCIAL SECURITY 
AS IT DOWNSIZES


Dear Savvy Senior,

My local Social Security office was recently shut down 
because of staff layoffs and large-scale downsizing by the 
Department of Government Efficiency. All this disruption 
makes me very nervous, as I’ll be applying for my 
Social Security retirement benefits later this year. My 
question is, how are we supposed to get help with our 
Social Security questions or problems now that our office 
is permanently closed? What can you tell me?

Anxious Aaron

 

Dear Aaron,

I’ve been getting a lot of questions on this very topic. 
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing 
massive budget cuts and layoffs under President Donald 
Trump’s administration, which is leading to dozens 
of office closures and a lot of angst across the country.

 

Led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government 
Efficiency (DOGE), many Social Security experts believe 
these deep staff cuts could cause interruptions in 
monthly benefit payments, an increase in improper 
payments, delays in the processing of new benefit applications 
and disability claims, and longer wait times 
for Social Security help.

 

There are 73 million Americans who currently receive 
Social Security benefits, including seniors, children 
and people with disabilities. Many rely on these benefits 
for the bulk of their income, so any disruption or 
errors in payments or other service delays could cause 
a lot of problems for beneficiaries.

 

Advocacy groups are urging concerned Americans 
to contact their members of Congress and demand 
protections for the program. To find your elected 
members contact infor-mation, go to Congress.gov/
members/find-your-member.

 

With that said, here’s how you can best navigate the 
SSA as they downsize.

 

Use SSA.gov

Most Social Security business today can be conducted 
online. To get started, just go to SSA.gov/onlineservices 
where you can create a personal online “my 
Social Security” account so you can view your latest 
statement and earnings history, apply for retirement, 
disability, and Medicare benefits, check the status of an 
application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security 
card (in most areas), print a benefit verification 
letter, and much more.

 

Their 
website 
also has a wealth of information and answers to frequently 
asked questions that you can 

access at SSA.gov/faqs.

 

Phone Assistance

If you can’t conduct your Social Security business 
online or you need some extra help, you can also get 
phone assistance by calling your nearby field office (see 
SSA.gov/locator for contact information) or by calling 
the SSA national number at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-
325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, 
Monday through Friday.

 

This number has many automated service options you 
can use without waiting, but if you do need to speak to 
a representative, wait times are typically shorter early 
in the morning (between 8 and 10am) or later in the 
afternoon (between 4 and 7pm). You may also ex-perience 
shorter wait times later in the week (Wednesday 
to Friday) and later in the month.

 

If you need to visit your nearby SSA office, it’s best to 
call and make an appointment first as walk-ins have 
much longer wait times. To make an appointment call 
800-772-1213 or contact your local SSA office.

 

Be Patient

Also remember to practice patience and plan ahead. 
With all the SSA staff cuts, delays and longer wait time 
will be inevitable. And if you’re planning to start drawing 
your Social Security benefits in the near future, it’s 
best to apply as early as possible as the SSA recently 
announced that new applicants who cannot properly 
verify their identity over the agency’s “my Social Security” 
online service, will be required to visit an SSA 
field office in person to complete the verification process. 
And that could take some additional time.

 

This change will also apply to unverified existing recipients 
who want to change their direct deposit 
information.

 

You can apply for benefits up to four months before 
you expect to receive them. Applying as early as possible 
can help ensure they’re available when needed.

 

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

ANOTHER WEEK ON MY OWN!

Several weeks ago, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage informed 
me she would be in St. Augustine with our daughter and granddaughter 
for spring break. As always, I really didn’t properly process 
this information. I get so busy with other things that there are some 
things I can’t process.

It was a Monday, and as I was drinking my morning coffee, the Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage came into my office and said, “Well, I guess the girls and I will 
be leaving for the week. I hope you have a good week.” I put my coffee cup down, 
looked at her, and said, “What are you talking about? Where are you going?”

“Don’t you remember weeks ago I told you that our daughter, granddaughter and I 
will be going to St. Augustine for the spring break?”

I was stunned and said, “I guess I forgot.”

She looked at me and smiled. As she was going out the front door, she said, “Try to 
behave yourself this week, and most importantly of all, do not get any apple fritters. 
Remember our agreement?”

Then she opened the door and said, “Your dinners and suppers are in the refrigerator. 
Try not to make a mess.” Then she closed the door.

It took me a few minutes to process this whole idea, and I’m sure she told me about 
it, and was helping me prepare for this week. There are times I get so busy with a 
project that I don’t hear what’s going on around me. I may not be at my computer, 
but I’m still writing in my head and thinking about my project. I may know what’s 
happening around me, but I’m not processing it as I should.

Sitting back in my chair, I thought about the week before me. The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage will be in St. Augustine, and I will be here managing every 
moment of every day. That doesn’t happen often, and I wasn’t sure where to begin.

I went back to my office and worked until lunchtime. Usually, at lunchtime, The 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has my lunch all prepared for me. All I have to 
do is sit down and eat it. That has been my schedule since I said, “I do.”

I walked into the kitchen, and there is nothing. I almost call out for my wife, but 
then I remember that she isn’t here. I am in charge of my week. I was beginning 
to feel rather happy. I have the whole week to do whatever I want, which rarely 
happens.

Opening the refrigerator, I saw that she had prepared a whole week’s worth of eating. 
There were dishes and bowls in the refrigerator, and all of them had tags telling 
me what they were. That was rather convenient for me, and I appreciated it very 
much.

As I was planning my apple fritter, I remembered that in the Publix store where I 
usually get them, all the workers know my wife, and she knows them. I remember 
one time when she was away, I got an apple fritter.

When she came home and went to Publix to buy groceries, everybody told her I had 
bought an apple fritter. By the time my wife got home from shopping, she knew I 
had bought an apple fritter behind her back. How can you buy something behind 
her back when everybody knows her? 

I had to put a plan together, which was to go across town to a Publix that she had 
never been to.

I got in my vehicle to drive across town to acquire several apple fritters for the week. 
As I began my journey, I just couldn’t help but chuckle and smile. I can’t remember 
the last time I had an apple fritter, and I was surely looking forward to this one.

As I was driving, I was listening to some preacher on a radio station. I was listening 
as I was driving, still very happy inside. Unfortunately for me, his sermon that day 
was on lying.

I enjoyed his sermon, and as I was driving into the Publix parking lot, I began to 
think about it. What is a lie? 

I knew I could go into that store, buy as many apple fritters as I wanted, and then 
take them home. I knew I could put this together so that The Gracious Mistress of 
the Parsonage would never know about it. Then, a thought burned into my head. 
Am I cheating on The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage?

Halfway from my vehicle to the store, I stopped. Is it worth lying?

I’m unsure what was happening in my heart, but I stopped, turned around, returned 
to my vehicle, and went home. Not all the apple fritters in the world are worth lying 
to The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage.

Driving home, I remembered a hymn that had the phrase, “Yield not to temptation, 
for yielding is sin.” I can’t stop the temptation, but I can refuse to yield to it.

I also thought of a Bible verse. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is 
common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above 
that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may 
be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Temptations will come, but I do not have to yield.

UNLOCK YOUR LIFE

Tips From Lori A. Harris

ACCEPTING HELP ON THE JOURNEY: THE 
LONE RANGER WASN'T SO LONE AFTER ALL


Sometimes, we 
need a little help, 
and sometimes 
we know it, but 
often we don't. If 
you're anything 
like me, you 
have a lifetime 
of doing things 
independently.

It may have started 
innocently. As 
a toddler pushing your mom away confidently, "I can 
do it!" Or being the elementary student mumbling under 
your breath, "You're not the boss of me," at some 
adult thwarting your plans.

"I can do it!" is a great mantra, but we don't have to do 
everything alone. Getting help is not only a good thing, 
sometimes it's necessary. Why, even the Lone Ranger 
had help. Do you remember that fictional character 
known for the tagline, "Hi-Ho Silver!"? You might be 
surprised to learn that more than one actor played the 
role.

Clayton Moore is most famously known as the Lone 
Ranger, playing the character for the first 78 episodes. 
However, during a pay dispute, John Hart also played 
the role for 52 episodes. Eventually, Moore made it 
back on his horse.

And let's not forget Tonto, the Lone Ranger's trusted 
companion. Despite the "lone" in his name, he relied 
on partnership to accomplish his mission.

When Dreams Go Dormant

As adults, we often find ourselves stuck in a rut, our 
dreams muted by the routines and responsibilities of 
daily life. What once sparked excitement has been filed 
under "someday" or "impossible." But it doesn't take 
much to reawaken that spark.

Many people are reluctant even to try dreaming again 
because they're immediately worried about "the how." 
They put on the brakes before their dream can even 
develop. Sometimes, it's fear of an unknown, unidentifiable 
danger. Sometimes, it's the fear of failure or 
disappointment.

Sound familiar? You're not alone.

Would it be okay with you if life got easier? Think that's 
impossible? Well, the first step is to explore what you 
would love. What would it look like to have support? 
In what areas of your life would you welcome that 
support?

Visionary Salon: Discover Your Path to a Life You Love

If you don't know how to get started, I'm hosting a special 
workshop next weekend where we'll explore how 
to live a life you love. The Visionary Salon is designed 
to help you identify what truly matters to you and create 
practical steps toward achieving it.

Join me in a supportive environment where you can:

• Clarify your vision for different areas of your 
life

• Identify obstacles that have been holding you 
back

• Learn practical tools for creating meaningful 
change

• Connect with others on a similar journey

In this workshop, you'll learn powerful tools to identify 
and articulate your dreams and, most importantly, 
how to take those first steps even in the face of fear. 
You'll discover that dreaming isn't just for children—
it's an essential part of living a fulfilled life at any age.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today at loriaharris.
com/workshop. Together, we'll discover that 
asking for help isn't a sign of weakness—it's the first 
step toward creating the life you truly desire. Don't get 
stuck living the year over and over like "GroundHog's 
Day." 

Your life is the only investment that matters.

--

Lori A. Harris Is an award-winning coach who loves helping 
people. Learn more about her at her website, loriaharris.com, 
or tune into her podcast, Unlock Your Life with Lori Harris

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