Patricia Osage selected as new Executive Director at LIFE ElderCare

The Board of Directors of LIFE ElderCare has named Patricia Osage as its new Executive Director. Osage brings over 20 years of experience in helping vulnerable populations in the nonprofit sector. Board President Judy Zlatnik, said, “We are delighted to welcome Patricia and look forward to working with her to strengthen and expand our services to older adults, and to more actively engage community members in fulfilling our mission.”

Osage was formerly the Director of Resident Services at Satellite Housing where she developed expansive programs around civic engagement and intergenerational opportunities that helped senior residents to not only age in place, but to also thrive in their community. “When seniors recognize that they are truly being seen and heard,” she says, “they open up and are able to collaboratively tailor their own services in ways that work.”

Prior to Satellite Housing, Osage worked in San Francisco as a director of social service programs providing case management to formerly homeless adults living in the Tenderloin district. In 2005, the agency opened its doors to a new type of housing, the Ramen Hotel on Howard Street, a residence designed solely for seniors. Her commitment to the wellbeing of this most vulnerable population quickly became a life direction.

Originally from Missouri, Osage moved to the Bay Area in 2001 and has been living in Fremont for the past eight years. “I am thrilled to be working in my hometown,” she says, “alongside the passionate staff and volunteers at LIFE who help older adults in the Tri-City area get the services they need to remain independent and healthy.”

To share her experience working with seniors who are hardest to reach, Osage created a guidebook called Connecting with Socially Isolated Seniors: A Service Providers Guide. With the help of many colleagues, and suggestions from hundreds of seniors themselves, the book is filled with concrete, real-life methods that can be used to connect with those most at risk for isolation and increased emotional, cognitive and physical health issues.

She is very excited to start collaborating with the community and welcomes all comments and suggestions on senior services in the Tri-City area. Osage can be reached at posage@fremont.gov or by phone at 510-574-2091.

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Are all seniors really living the good life? At LIFE ElderCare we see the other side of the story.

Based on a poll of 2,250 older adults, USA Today recently proclaimed, “Life’s just good for most older Americans.” The article said that most seniors are content with their finances, their health and where they live, and are the most optimistic about the years to come.

Does this really represent an accurate picture of older Americans? Well, to start off, let’s get some perspective. According to the 2010 census, there are currently 40.3 million people in the US who are 65 or older. And the fastest growing segment of this group are those 85-94 years old. Their numbers have increased 29.9% from 2000 to 2010.

People who are 85 and older are increasingly suffering from chronic, limiting illnesses or conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis and senile dementia. These conditions make them increasingly dependent on others for help in performing activities of dally living.

National data indicates that over 80% of older adults with limitations in three or more ADL’s are still able to live in the community, but not without help. Fifty to sixty percent rely on informal family caregivers.

At LIFE ElderCare the majority of people we serve are over 85, but during the past year the number of younger seniors has increased. One example is Mary, 71 and her husband Michael, 73. After Mary suffered a few minor strokes and Michael lost his vision to macular degeneration, they found themselves without transportation and were unable to buy groceries, get to doctor appointments or maintain the upkeep on their Fremont home without family and outside assistance.

They both feel a deep sense of sadness about the prospect of having to sell their home to move into assisted living. “We always imagined a retirement of traveling and good times,” says Michael, “but you never know when illness is going to strike. This is not how we envisioned retirement.”

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LIFE ElderCare volunteer brings joy to residents of group care home.

A rapidly growing number of older men and women are finding themselves isolated and alone. In many cases this occurs because family members move away to take jobs in other cities, or long time friends stop driving because of illness or safety issues.

LIFE ElderCare’s Friendly Visitors program matches frail, isolated seniors with volunteers that provide companionship through weekly visits, phone calls and outings.  Currently 140 seniors are matched with caring volunteers. This program gives older adults the chance to share their knowledge and experience with people of all ages and backgrounds.  Since 1985, this program has helped thousands of people find stimulating companionship as well as life long friends.

Homa Clifford is a Friendly Visitor who is currently bringing joy to several people at the Treasure Care Home, located in the Warm Springs area of Fremont.  Most of the residents at this Board and Care facility suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s or have had debilitating strokes.

Originally from Afghanistan, Homa came to the US in 1979 and has been working as a realtor for the past 18 years.  With her daughter now in college, she is able to act on her desire to give back to her community by volunteering.  She believes that anything a person can do for the city they live in is great. In addition to volunteering for LIFE ElderCare, Homa also volunteers for Bay Area Women Against Rape.

“I can have a hard day but when I come here to visit, there are smiles and people who can make me laugh,” she says.  “We either walk or play games, or we talk about their past and their families.  I share photos of my family and my dog with them, but most of them forget my name.  Keith, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, was a pharmacist and is still very good with numbers.  I sometimes ask him about different medications and he is able to help me.”

Maria, who has been living in the home for the past year, says, “I love Homa’s visits, she is so sweet, we all look forward to seeing her.”

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Friends Make Our World

Being a Friendly Visitor is a very special experience that brings together both people of different cultures, as well as people who share a common bond. For the past two and a half years, Margot, 95, who grew up in Germany, has been spending her Friday afternoons with Judy, her Friendly Visitor volunteer who was born and raised on a kibbutz in Israel.

While their lives and backgrounds are much different, they share a common German ancestry. “Before the war, my family lived in the same area of Germany where Margot grew up,” says Judy. “Because she reminds me of my grandmother, I felt an immediate connection to her.”

Margot, a lively, silver-haired woman who likes to laugh, grew up in a close family that loved music. “Our neighbors used to open their windows when we started singing and playing the piano,” she says. “Because the streets were narrow and the houses were built close together, our concerts provided music for everyone to enjoy.”

Judy remembers her father, now 93, talking fondly about his life in Germany before the war and her grandmother’s big closets full of clothes and memories of her life there. “In Israel we have a holiday similar to Halloween,” she says, “and when it came around, my grandmother would let us all take clothes out of her closet to dress up in.”

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What do you do when a 98-year-old woman wants to kiss you?

Volunteers playing Jeopardy

When the opportunity came up to talk about problems during the 2012 LIFE ElderCare Meals On Wheels training session on June 4, the only question that was raised came from a male volunteer who asked, “What should I do when a 98-year-old participant wants to kiss me?”  The answer came from the man sitting next to him, “What’s her name?”  The laughter that followed set the tone for a delightful two hours of sharing, learning and joking among the 100 volunteer attendees.

Alameda County requires Meals On Wheels programs to provide annual training on the program’s policies and procedures to ensure that both the person receiving the meal and the volunteer delivering the meal have a safe and rewarding experience.  Rather than doing the training as a dull session of powerpoint slides and handouts, LIFE ElderCare makes it a fun, stimulating group experience that includes a free lunch and complimentary gifts.  “We do this training to provide updates and talk about food safety and also to thank the volunteers for their support and the wonderful gift of their time,” said Mary M. Anderson, Executive Director.  “In addition, we like to provide the information in an entertaining way so our volunteers can have fun as they learn.”

This year’s theme was based on the popular Jeopardy television show.  The LIFE ElderCare Meals On Wheels team, Barbara Emge, Tammy Duran, Barbara Proctor, Evonne Phelps, Bob Siller and Carol Leary created a Jeopardy game format to help volunteers refresh their knowledge of important safety and procedural issues, and added some fun facts about the history and highlights of the program.  Liz Jardin, LIFE ElderCare’s Development Director provided the technical wizardry to put the training materials into the Jeopardy format.

After being divided into two groups the volunteers chose a representative to push the buzzer to answer the questions.  A lively exchange of answers brought both laughter and insights.  Team A won the game and after being served dessert, complimentary prizes from Harriet Whitney of Harriet’s Hands and Anita Ford, were distributed.

“When I became the Executive Director of LIFE ElderCare 12 years ago I quickly learned that the Meals On Wheels program is so much more than just delivering a meal,” said Anderson to the volunteers.  “For many of the seniors you serve, your warmth and friendly smile are more important than the meal.  I want to thank all of you for your healing hands of time that touch and enrich so many, many lives.”

Appreciation was expressed to Meals On Wheels volunteer driver, Jeboy Koshy who as a member of the Fremont Sunrise Rotary Club continues to be a strong advocate on behalf of funding for LIFE ElderCare.  At the Club’s recent fundraiser, “Evening of Sparkles,” $5,000 was raised through the “Fund in Need” auction.

To sign up as a Meals On Wheels volunteer contact Tammy Duran at 510-574-2086.

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A heartfelt thanks to Bay Jewelers for their generous donation.

Janice Cook with Larry and Nobil Ayad

On May 5, LIFE ElderCare’s Board of Directors, led by Janice Cook, held the second Bay Jeweler’s fundraiser at Larry and Nobil Ayad’s lovely Fremont store.  A steady stream of customers enjoyed a delicious buffet luncheon provided by Spin-A-Yarn Restaurant and learned about our services for frail, homebound, Tri-City seniors.  The all-day event generated a $4,500 donation that will help sustain our four programs: Meals On Wheels, Friendly Visitors, Fall Prevention and VIP Rides.  “It was a terrific day with a wonderful turnout,” said Cook.  “In addition to being very knowledgeable jewelers, Larry and Nobil are caring members of the community who enthusiastically support our mission.  We look forward to holding this event with them again next year.”

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Older Americans Month 2012

May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults in our community.  Since 1963, we have honored this annual commemoration — a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012 — Never Too Old to Play! — puts a spotlight on the importance of older adults sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding with younger generations in a variety of ways.  At LIFE ElderCare, this sharing is what sustains our four direct service programs each and every day.

By delivering meals, older adults in their 60’s form close ties with people in their 80’s and 90’s.  Home schooling moms and other parents volunteer with their children.  As a Friendly Visitor, young people experience face-to-face conversation and hear real life stories from their elders on the rich historical heritage and events of our country.

The rides to doctor appointments by VIP Rides volunteers help frail, isolated seniors stay connected to health care and medication.  And, through our partnerships with Unitek College and California State University, East Bay, LVN and RN nursing students provide ongoing assessment, assistance and education about fall prevention, blood pressure monitoring, exercise and the importance of staying active.

There are always stories in the news about the dire consequences ahead as our country adjusts to a rapidly aging population.  What we need to hear more about are the adaptations people are making to cope with these changes.  While it is true that aging does present challenges, it is also true that older Americans are finding ways to thrive by simply taking advantage of the resources available in their community.

LIFE ElderCare currently has over 400 volunteers who have made an inter-generational commitment to healthy aging in the Tri-City area.  Make your commitment to Older Americans Month by signing up to join them or visit our website to learn more about community-supported elder care.

 

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Easter lilies bring cheer to Meals On Wheels seniors.

For the past several years, Pastor Bryan Murphy and members of his congregation at South Bay Community Church have contributed an array of gorgeous lilies to Meals On Wheels participants for the Easter holiday.  This year the group delivered lilies to 281 seniors on April 2nd.

Calls of thanks and love have been coming in all week to the LIFE ElderCare office for this kind gift.  Gig and Rob Ingebretson, who are members of the church and also MOW volunteers, arrange this joyful giving with the help of Lowe’s Home Improvement who provide a wonderful discount for the flowers.   Assisting Rob and Gig this year are Larry Roberts, Charlie Dickinson and Jose Aguilera who are also MOW volunteers.

South Bay Community Church
47385 Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont,CA

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Five Star Night supports the delivery of meals to local homebound seniors in Alameda County.

Five Star Night is an elegant evening where guests are lavished with a delec­table four course meal and enjoy excellent wine while perusing select live and silent auction items. This year’s event will be held April 27, 2012 at the Scottish Rite Center in Oakland near Lake Merritt. Attendees are comprised of Bay Area foodies and wine lovers who enjoy an evening of epicurean exploration. Celebrity Chef Narsai David will be the emcee, guiding guests through each course of the extraordinary meal, prepared by skilled chefs from the finest restaurants. It’s like touring the best East Bay restaurants without leaving your seat!

For 24 years, Five Star Night has been a major fundraising event for Alameda County Meals on Wheels. 

Tickets are $250 per person. Tables of ten may be procured for $2,500.
Click here to buy tickets.

LIFE ElderCare is one of the five beneficiaries of this event.

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Community Leaders Deliver on Mayors For Meals Day

Enis, 95 and Mayor Morrison

On Wednesday, March 21, Mayor Gus Morrison of Fremont and Mayor Al Nagy of Newark helped LIFE ElderCare volunteers deliver meals to seniors as part of the organization’s annual Mayors for Meals Day.  They were joined by five City Council members, Anu Natarajan, Suzanne Chan and Bill Harrison from Fremont, Maria Collazo from Newark and Emily Duncan from Union City.

“On this day, there are close to 1,200 other elected officials delivering meals all over the country to frail, homebound seniors,” said Mary Anderson, LIFE ElderCare Executive Director.  “We enjoy celebrating this event because it shows how important community support is in building and sustaining our Meals On Wheels program.  Last year we delivered over 102,000 meals and we could not have done it without the enthusiastic support of people like you.”

During the event, Suzanne Chan presented Anderson with a donation in honor of the late Fremont mayor, Bob Wasserman.  “This was a very special program to Bob and his wife Linda, a longtime Meals On Wheels driver,” said Chan.  “It takes financial support and volunteers to make a daily connection with the frail elderly who need our help.  I encourage all of you to join me in making a commitment to sustaining this vital service.”

In addition to providing meals, volunteers do a daily wellness check on each of the people on their route.  While delivering meals with Mayor Morrison, Janaki Arayambath, 46, warmly greeted each of the seniors and asked them how they were doing.  Janaki started volunteering four years ago when her son left for college and currently delivers meals three to four days a week on different routes.

“I had fun delivering meals today,” said Morrison.  “It gave me the chance to meet some of the older residents in our community and to hear about how grateful they are to be getting one hot meal a day.  I was also impressed by the commitment of the volunteers.”

Mayors For Meals Day is a component of March For Meals, a national campaign, initiated by the Meals On Wheels Association of America that utilizes the involvement of local Mayors and other elected officials to raise awareness of senior hunger. Senior nutrition programs across the United States, like LIFE ElderCare, promote the event through public events and partnerships with local businesses.  This year’s refreshments were provided by Super Suppers.

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