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Servin’ It UpServin’ It Up...a serving of quarterly news from SeniorServ

Meals on Wheels to the Rescue As a young man, Patrick had an eye for film and a love of riding horses. Instead of choosing one interest, Patrick split his working years in half, and experienced two distinctively different career paths.

Patrick spent the early years of his career as a Hollywood film editor. One of his proudest accomplishments came from teaming with Animal Behaviorist Jane Goodall and her first husband and filmmaker Hugo Van Lawick to edit the award winning documentary, The Baboons of Bombay. Patrick and a crew of editors created the documentary from 10 years of existing footage detailing the lives of chimps and baboons in their natural habitat in Tanzania Africa. Patrick’s efforts resulted in an Emmy award for Best Film Editing in News or Documentary Programming in the 1973 television season.

After about 10 years in the movie industry, Patrick left his career of film editing and focused on making a second career out of his favorite hobby: horseback riding and showing horses. Patrick toured the country with his students, showing as many as 20 horses at once. After a while it became clear that living his dream was more physically challenging than

expected. “That lifestyle wears on the body,” said Patrick. “There was lots of jumping and lots and lots of accidents that later in life turned into arthritis.”

Now, at 67, Patrick suffers from physical limitations making walking difficult

and shopping or preparing food nearly impossible. Patrick’s parents and brother have all passed,

Special DeliveryHarvey and his trained therapy dogs Buddy and Dakota give new meaning to “Service with a Smile.” The trio have been delivering Meals on Wheels in Anaheim three days a week for the past year and a half, and the clients love it. “Sometimes they like the dogs better than me,” chuckled Harvey.

Harvey retired in 2009 and has since learned massage therapy. He began volunteering for SeniorServ after reading a feature article in the Orange County Register. Delivering meals is rewarding to Harvey and he plans to continue volunteering as long as he is able. “I like helping people, seeing the smiles on their faces, and making their lives a little better,” Harvey said.

In addition to delivering meals, Harvey also often helps with gardening and cleaning excess leaves and debris from clients’ yards. “It gives me a good feeling,” continued Harvey. “Before delivering meals, I never thought about being 90 years old…it gives me a glimpse into the future. Maybe someone else will take care of me one day.”

The clients enjoy Harvey’s sense of humor. He recalled one woman telling him he was ‘doing the work of the Lord.’ He laughed and said, “Well, it doesn’t pay well, but has a good retirement plan!”

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Patrick and his canine companion Jack.

Harvey and dogs Buddy and Dakota deliver SeniorServ’s Meals on Wheels three days a week.

Photo caption

In this issue...Meals on Wheels to the Rescue ...................................1

Special Delivery .............................................................1

Inspired by Love ........................................................... 2

A Message from Our CEO ............................................ 2

Like One of the Family ................................................. 3

A Thousand Gifts Bring Joy to the Home Bound ........ 3

Rita’s Treasures ............................................................ 4

Gifts of Retirement Plan Assets ................................... 4

Health Matters - Medication Safety Tips ..................... 5

Volunteer Opportunities .............................................. 6

Inspired By Love:

Shar

i Bat

tle

Together We Feed NeedsTogether We Feed NeedsBank of America has been a generous funder of SeniorServ programs for over six years, granting a total of $280,000 in support of our mission. In 2014, Bank of America awarded SeniorServ its prestigious Neighborhood Builders Grant in the amount of $200,000. This investment builds on Bank of America’s philanthropic commitment to help address community development, basic human services, workforce development and education.

Over the course of the grant, SeniorServ worked closely with Shari Battle, Bank of America’s Senior Vice President-Orange County Market Manager, Enterprise Business and Community Engagement, and many Bank of America Associates.

Shari has a special place in her heart for Meals on Wheels because it reminds her of her grandmother.

Shari’s grandmother, Lillian Wenneche of Placentia, began receiving Meals on Wheels when she was 92. Meals on Wheels provided nutritious meals and a solution to the stress and worry she felt about driving herself to the store. Receiving the meals also gave Lillian the comfort of knowing she could still live independently without becoming a burden to her daughter. In fact, the meals helped her remain living in the home she loved for an extra year prior to moving to an assisted living facility, where she remained until her passing at 99.

Shari feels inspired by the memory of her grandmother and shared the following story:

“When I think of my grandmother (‘ma ma ma’ to my daughters), I can’t help but smile. She was only 4 foot 11 inches tall, but was physically strong, and very wise. She broke her hip when she was in her early 90’s, and due to her age, was not recommended by her doctor for a hip replacement. My grandma challenged the doctor’s decision since not having the hip replacement would mean she would be confined to a wheelchair. Needless to say, the surgery proceeded, and she walked until she passed at the age of 99.

When we cleaned out Grandma’s living room after her passing, I found a book on tape titled, How to Improve your Vocabulary for Success. In addition to the tape, I also found a workbook completed in my grandmother’s penmanship. I quickly realized that this book symbolized her desire to live life to its fullest; it demonstrated that she never gave up and never stopped learning!

I also found her tiny thimble in her room which I carry in my wallet at all times so I can be reminded of her dedication, strength and wisdom. Grandma was truly an inspiration to her friends and family.”

Thank you, Shari, for sharing this uplifting story. It’s a wonderful reminder of how much we can learn from the seniors in our lives, the inspiration they provide, and the importance of doing all we can to provide the resources they need to remain living independently, with dignity as long as possible.

Holly

Hag

ler,

CEO

A Message from Our CEOClients benefiting from SeniorServ’s programs and services span a wide range of ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and physical and mental limitations. But they all have something in common. No matter what culture, level of education, financial status, or developmental capacity, they all share

the same basic needs for nutrition, social interaction, and the fundamental desire to accomplish something meaningful for themselves and those around them.

Often it is not until we witness the challenges of aging parents or grandparents that we truly begin to contemplate the seriousness of

aging issues and how they may impact our own lives…both now and later. We realize how precious the ability to live independently really is. Life can change quickly, making the very thing we take for granted, our independence, the most vulnerable. SeniorServ volunteers have shared with us time and again their hope that someone may be available to help them when they are no longer able to serve. We are all fearful of becoming a burden to our children, or being left alone, without the ability to care for ourselves in the homes we love.

It is vital that we team together and become part of the solution to meet the needs of today’s rapidly expanding aging population. Your support today will help those currently in need while also helping to sustain an infrastructure in the future that will be capable of meeting your basic needs and the needs of those you love.

Shari Battle carries her grandmother’s thimble

with her at all times.

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Together We Feed NeedsTogether We Feed NeedsLike One of the FamilyOur Santa Ana Adult Day Health Care center is thrilled to welcome back Tony, one of our beloved participants, after a four month recuperation from a broken hip. Tony had become “one of the family” and was missed during his convalescence. The following is his story.

Before the age of one, Tony suffered a traumatic brain injury and became developmentally challenged. He lived with his parents and siblings during his childhood. By the age of 21, Tony’s parents had both passed away and he went to live with his older sister, Connie.

Tony is now 67 years old, and Connie has been his caretaker for the past 46 years. During those years Connie married and raised two children. Before learning about the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) center ten years ago, caring for Tony had been a family affair requiring constant attention with very little opportunity for respite.

“When I heard that Tony could attend the ADHC, I was so happy,” recalled Connie. “We taught him what we could while he was home with us, but he was bored at home with nothing to do.”

Since he had been home with his sister for so many years, Connie was concerned that Tony would not adjust well to being left at the ADHC on his own. To her surprise, after staying with Tony for 45 minutes on the first day, Tony asked her to leave him there alone.

Since that day, Tony wakes up each morning at 6:30am eager to board ACCESS, the bus provided to transport him to and from the center. “It’s great that he has a reason to get up,” said Connie. “I’m so grateful that he looks forward to going.”

While at the center, Tony’s favorite activities include helping stock the supply cabinet, playing bingo, exercising and spending time on the patio with a special friend he met there. He is happy and friendly.

When ACCESS brings Tony home in the afternoon, he often shares highlights of his day with his sister. “He is very happy to be there and has learned a lot since first coming to the center,” said Connie. “He has become more responsible and learned a lot about safety. Now he can ride the bus from our house to the store and get a haircut on his own.”

Tony isn’t the only one benefiting from the ADHC. Connie enjoys knowing she will have her own time each day. “I know he is safe there. He will have lunch, do his exercises, and receive his daily calcium. I am so grateful.”

SeniorServ’s Adult Day Health Care centers maintain the dignity of older adults while also providing much needed support and respite to families. Caregivers feel relieved and better able to handle the challenges of caring for an aging or disabled loved one.

Meals on Wheels to the Rescue ...Continued from page 1

so he depends on his home service provider to assist with his needs.

At first it was a daily habit for Patrick to request fast food whenever he needed a meal. But it didn’t take long before he noticed a change in his overall sense of well-being. He just didn’t feel himself: He was sluggish and lethargic. “I wasn’t nourishing myself well,” recalled Patrick.

Finally, a health professional recommended SeniorServ’s Meals on Wheels, and within weeks, Patrick felt like a new person. He commented, “Meals on Wheels has helped me physically and mentally. I feel more energetic. Life is easier now.”

Without family to lean on, it was particularly devastating when his dog and faithful companion of 16 years recently passed. “I cried for

a week,” said Patrick. Fortunately, it didn’t take long before a rescue dog named ‘Jack’ became a new companion for Patrick.

Now that Patrick is receiving the proper nutrition and has Jack by his side, he walks twice daily.

Patrick enjoys eating his Meals on Wheels from SeniorServ while watching nature shows on television with his new companion. “He is bouncy, affectionate and keeps me fit,” said Patrick. Patrick paused and then added, “I think everyone needs to get a rescue.”

SeniorServ couldn’t agree more: Whether it’s a dog needing a home, a man needing a companion, or body needing nourishment, ‘everyone needs to get a rescue.’

Tony pauses before he climbs aboard ACCESS, the bus that transports him to the ADHC

center and back.

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Rita’s TreasuresA Thousand Gifts Bring Joy to the Homebound

Thanks to the generosity of our holiday gift donors, SeniorServ’s 2014 Holiday Gift Program was a huge success! Individuals from 20 companies and organizations collectively filled 746 holiday gift bags and provided over 315 gift cards. SeniorServ volunteers and drivers delivered the thoughtful remembrances to homebound seniors throughout the community. Gift bags were also given to senior participants of our Adult Day Service centers.

SeniorServ phones buzzed with messages of thanks and gratitude. Lydia of Anaheim said, “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Everything in this gift bag is needed and will be used. Thank you for caring about us.”

In addition to the gifts, over $13,000 was donated to benefit the seniors we serve.

Thanks to all for bringing the spirit of the holidays to those who need it the most!

To learn how you can bring year-round joy to seniors in need, contact Linda Molthen at 714-299-3377 or lmolthen@seniorserv.org

Rita has been enjoying a nutritious lunch provided by SeniorServ at the Orange Senior Center every weekday for twelve years, and is a big fan of the program. “The lunch program is great!” exclaimed the 88 year old. “You get a very good meal…everything healthy for elderly people. I live alone and don’t cook at home, so this is my only hot meal each day.” Rita continued, “I sit in the same seat every day, right next to the kitchen. I get my food first, just like a big shot!”

If anyone is a “big shot” at the Orange Senior Center, it would certainly be Rita. Her passion for helping and her commitment to the center is evident by the time and energy she devotes each day. Rita begins most days at 8am by preparing Bingo prizes and organizing donated bakery items for daily distribution. Then she moves on to her true passion…a rummage store adjoining the lunch room lovingly named “Rita’s Treasures” in honor of her dedication to improving the quality and size of the enterprise. Rita takes in donations, sorts them, prices them, and sells them. She even holds giant rummage sales on the weekends. All proceeds are donated to the Orange Senior Center. “If I didn’t have the store to go to, I’d be gossiping,” said Rita.

By noon each day, Rita has worked up an appetite and joins her friends for lunch provided by SeniorServ. Sometimes she leads the flag salute and song before the meal. The food isn’t the only reason Rita enjoys SeniorServ’s lunch program, however. Rita explained, “I sit with a group. We love to socialize, play cards, and dance.”

Rita has had two hip surgeries, but that doesn’t slow her down. “They can’t get rid of me,” Rita says with a chuckle.

“Rita loves what she does and it shows,” remarked SeniorServ’s Site Manager, Diane Castner. “She is an inspiration and a treasure. She gives tirelessly of her time and energy. We appreciate all that she does!”

Rita enjoys

hot lunch and

volunteering at

the Orange

Senior Center.

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Gifts of Retirement Plan AssetsA large number of Americans consider an IRA or other qualified retirement plans to be one of their largest assets. Oftentimes however, those planning to leave their unused retirement funds as a nest egg for their children or loved ones, do not realize that as much as 40% could be lost to taxes at the time it is passed to their heirs.

Instead of the government receiving all of these tax dollars, an individual may choose to direct a portion of these tax dollars to the SeniorServ Endowment Fund.

For those who may have significant retirement plan assets remaining in their estate at the time of death, potential estate and income taxes on any part of those assets may be avoided simply by naming SeniorServ as a beneficiary of a percentage of the unused retirement funds. Parents or loved ones may then leave other cash assets to heirs named in their will to avoid an additional tax bill.

For more information about potential gifts of retirement funds, please contact Darla Olson at (714) 229-3362.

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Medication Safety Tips

As we advance in age there may be a time when we need to take more than one medication on a regular basis to treat a particular medical condition. These medications need to be monitored since they may have the potential for side effects and drug interactions. It’s not that the medications are bad when used correctly. It has more to do with the way they work and how their actions may have certain effects on our bodies. The best way to minimize any troublesome effects is to be knowledgeable about our medications and to always ask questions.

Here are simple tips to keep you in charge of your medications and to reduce any potential problems from your medications.

1. Keep a current medication list. You must know the names of all your current medications at all times so you can let your physicians know what you are taking. This will eliminate any confusion or uncertainty regarding what medications you should be taking and hopefully keep the total number of medications to a minimum.

2. Know why you are taking each medication. If you do not know the reason you are taking a medication, it is important to ask your physician or pharmacist. This will also help keep your total number of medications to the absolute minimum.

3. Understand how to take your medications. The instructions on how to take your medications, how much and how often, are always on your prescription vial. These instructions should be transferred to your medication list along with the name of the medication and the reason why you are taking it.

4. Know your allergy history and record your allergies on your medication list. If you are not sure if a particular reaction to a medication is an allergy, ask

your physician and request that your medical records be updated as needed.

5. Remember to take your medications. At times this is not as easy as it might seem, especially if you have an active lifestyle. If possible, set aside your medications for the next day as part of your bedtime routine. You may also find it helpful to organize your medications according to the time of day you take them. There are numerous pill organizers available for purchase that can help you prepare your medications up to a week in advance. These are particularly helpful when you are travelling.

6. Take your medications as per your physician’s instructions. Do not save certain medications, such as antibiotics, for use later in case you feel better after only a couple of days. Many medications, such as those for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are meant to be taken regularly and not to be stopped and started. If you have any questions regarding how to take your medications, especially if you are experiencing side effects, contact your physician or pharmacist.

7. Discard all medications that you are no longer taking and all medications that are past their expiration date (Don’t Save!) This will reduce any confusion you may have regarding which medications are on your current medication list.

8. Never hesitate to ask your Doctor or Pharmacist questions. Can you give me an updated medication list? Are there any side effects I need to watch out for? Are there any drug interactions I need to be aware of? Are these medications safe for my age and how well my kidneys are working?

My best wishes as you utilize these Tips To Put YOU In Charge!

Martin Torres, PharmD Director of Pharmacy Anaheim Regional Medical Center

H e a l t h M a t t e r s

Proudly Sponsored By

1111 West La Palma Avenue • Anaheim, CA 92801www.anaheimregionalmc.com • 714.774.1450

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Meals On Wheels drivers needed in Anaheim.

In Kind Donations Needed - Homebound Seniors appreciate your donations of the following items:

• Senior 30 Day Bus Passes

• Access Passes

• Nutritional supplements (Ensure and Boost)

• Incontinent Supplies (all sizes)

• Chux Disposable Bed Pads

Adopt A Senior Program - Volunteers provide much-needed larger items to Seniors Year-Round

helping them stay independent in the homes they love.

For more information contact Linda Molthen, Volunteer Coordinator, at 714-229-3377

NEED HELP? SENIORSERV IS HERE TO HELP!For General Information: 714-220-0224. We’re here from 8am to 4:30pm to answer your questions

For Information on Senior Lunch Programs: 714-229-3354

For Information on Meals on Wheels: 714-823-3294

For Information on Adult Day Services: 714-229-3369

1200 N. Knollwood Circle Anaheim, CA 92801

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTMG

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Senior Care Heroes Recognized

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