LIFE ElderCare honors community service awardees

October 3, 2012 by
HRC Awardees

Tammy Duran, MOW Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Margaret Simms, Patricia Osage, Executive Director, Marty Fraga.

LIFE ElderCare is proud to announce that the Fremont Human Relations Commission (HRC) has awarded two of its own: Marty Fraga and Mary Margaret Simms with 2012 Human Services Awards.

At the Fremont City Council meeting on October 2, Mayor Morrison presented the awards for outstanding community service to: Marty Fraga, Mary Margaret Simms, and also to Jeevan Zutshi, Raj Salwan, and Abode Services.

Marty Fraga received the Human Services Professional Award for her long-time leadership at LIFE ElderCare in the Meals on Wheels program. As a nurse and health care educator, Marty brings fourth-year California State University, East Bay nursing students in for a semester at a time to work with the vulnerable seniors who receive our meals. Marty’s deep concern for the needs of older adults has been a life long passion and she is passing that down to the next generation of young health care workers.

“Marty’s program at LIFE ElderCare has enhanced the care provided to our seniors and those with disabilities a hundredfold,” says Barbara Emge, Meals on Wheels Coordinator. “I can’t imagine us being without the vital services they provide.”

Mary Margaret Simms received the Human Services Individual Award for 26 years of service as a LIFE ElderCare Meals on Wheels volunteer driver. Twenty six years! Ms Simms brings a smile to the faces of both staff and meal recipients. She loves what she does and it shows.

“We are very proud of the contributions Marty and Mary bring to LIFE,” said Patricia Osage, Executive Director. “We feel lucky to have so many amazing people as part of the LIFE family. Speaking on behalf of the staff, the other volunteers, and all of our board members and program participants, I can say that we are Marty and Mary’s biggest fans!”

Since the early 1990′s, the HRC has recognized individuals and groups in the community that have made outstanding contributions in the pursuit of equality, justice, human services and human rights for all citizens.

 

Filed Under: Meals on Wheels, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Seniors who desperately need rides for medical treatment or food can get help through LIFE ElderCare.

July 24, 2012 by

Joan, an 86-year-old woman suffering from arthritis and diabetes, recently moved from her home in the Midwest to the Bay Area at the urging of her children. Once settled in, however, the children had to relocate to keep their jobs. She is now living on her own, unsteady on her feet, and unable to shop for food. Her children have invited her join them in their new home but Joan doesn’t feel strong enough to make another move. She recently signed up for VIP Rides because she had no way to get to the grocery store.

Carol, a 71-year-old single woman, started using VIP Rides in April 2010 to get to her physical therapy appointments. She was so pleased with the service that she requested a ride to her doctor for a mammogram. A malignant growth was found in one of her breasts that required surgery. The two VIP Rides volunteers that had been taking her to physical therapy offered to give her a ride to the hospital and back home after her surgery.

Without access to safe and affordable transportation, many older adults may experience isolation and a reduced quality of life. A 2004 study found that seniors age 65 and older who no longer drive make 15 percent fewer trips to the doctor, 59 percent fewer trips to shop or eat out, and 65 percent fewer trips to visit friends and family, than drivers of the same age.

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Filed Under: Senior Transportation, VIP Rides, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

LIFE ElderCare Hosts 2012 Mayors for Meals Day on March 21st

March 6, 2012 by

On Wednesday, March 21, LIFE ElderCare will be joining other communities around the country for the 2012 Mayors For Meals Day. During this annual event, community leaders will help volunteer drivers deliver meals and have the opportunity to meet with some of the seniors in their respective cities who depend on the Meals On Wheels program to meet their daily nutritional needs. The following elected officials will participate in meal deliveries in Fremont, Newark and Union City:

  • Gus Morrison, Mayor, Fremont
  • Alan Nagy, Mayor, Newark
  • Anu Natarajan, (Vice Mayor) City Council Member, Fremont
  • Suzanne Chan, City Council Member, Fremont
  • Bill Harrison, City Council Member, Fremont
  • Maria “Sucy” Collazo, City Council Member, Newark
  • Emily Duncan, City Council Member, Union City

“We are excited to have so many community leaders participate in this year’s Mayors for Meals Day,” said Mary Anderson, Executive Director, LIFE ElderCare. “Their support reflects a commitment to building a caring and sharing community that promotes healthy aging.” Last year, LIFE ElderCare served over 102,000 meals to Tri-City seniors with the help of volunteer drivers who donated close to 15,000 hours to make sure no senior goes hungry.

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 local elected officials to raise awareness of senior hunger. Senior nutrition programs across the United States, like LIFE ElderCare, promote Mayors for Meals Day in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives.

Filed Under: Meals on Wheels, Senior Meals & Nutrition, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Volunteers have the magic touch

December 19, 2011 by


LIFE ElderCare’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon drew an enthusiastic crowd of 275 people to the Newark Hilton on December 7 for an elegant meal and entertainment by local magician, Ryan Adler. This year’s theme, “Volunteers Have the Magic Touch,” celebrated the efforts of 574 volunteers who, along with 318 nursing students from Unitek College and Cal State East Bay, donated close to 42,000 hours last year towards helping frail, at-risk seniors in the Tri-City area stay healthy and maintain their independence.

Mary M. Anderson, Executive Director of LIFE ElderCare, welcomed the guests by saying, “Within each of us is a powerful design for living. Every day that you volunteer, your own special magic makes life better on behalf of our community’s seniors.” Janice Futch-Claridge, event sponsor, added, “This is a special time of the year but you are special all year long.”

This year’s recipient of the organization’s Friend for LIFE Award was outgoing Newark mayor, David Smith. Smith accepted the award on behalf of the volunteers by saying, “Through your dedicated service to the community, all of you are MY friends for life. On my last official day of being Mayor, I couldn’t be spending it with a finer group of people.“

Smith moved some people in the room to tears with a heartfelt story about how sharing a candy bar with a classmate when he was in the third grade was remembered more than 30 years later at a high school reunion. “You never know how much you are impacting someone’s life,” he said, “with a just a simple act of kindness.”

One of the guests, Paul Ray Andrus, has been giving rides to homebound seniors through the VIP Rides program for the past two years. “I like the flexibility of being able to volunteer when I have a break or some free time during the week,” he said. Dori Alexander started delivering meals through the Meals On Wheels program three months ago. After she retired, she knew this was what she wanted to do. “When I see people on my route I feel so happy,” she said, “and if they have time to talk, I enjoy visiting with them.”

According to a recent article in the AARP Bulletin, the value of one volunteer hour in California is $23.42. When you add it up, this represents a $900,000 in-kind investment by LIFE ElderCare volunteers. If you would like to join them in building an aging-friendly community, and make some heart-friendly connections along the way, please sign up today.

Filed Under: Meals on Wheels, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Senior men looking for a Friendly Visitor

October 5, 2011 by

Friendly Visitors is a Tri-City service that matches older, homebound adults with community companions. Started in 1985, this program has helped thousands of people find life long friends. Our experienced “friend-maker,” Bernie Thien, has developed a keen sense for putting the right people together. From a tentative first visit, he has watched friendships blossom that have led to both volunteer and Visitor developing a deep appreciation of the joys and challenges of aging. In addition, many of the Visitors provide a much needed respite for weary caregivers who desperately need a few hours during the day to recharge their batteries. All volunteers go through a background check and a comprehensive training session.

Here are the Tri-City seniors in the program who are currently looking for a friend. If you would like to talk to Bernie in more detail or sign up to visit one of the men below you can email him or call 510-574-2097.

ROBERT, 82, Fremont - Born and raised in Hawaii. He has limited mobility, uses a cane, walker and power chair. He worked as painting contractor for over 40 years. Enjoys sports, especially boxing (fought as an amateur boxer). Has traveled extensively in U.S., lived in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Alaska, Texas and California. He enjoys playing card games – Poker, Hearts, Spades, Pinochle and especially Cribbage. He is very talkative and friendly.

HERMAN, 75, Newark - Born and raised in Texas. Due to a stroke in 1991, he has limited mobility and uses a walker. Played football in high school and also excelled at bowling all his life. Herman is a very friendly guy and would enjoy having someone to share conversations, short walks, coffee, lunch and trips to the bowling alley. His wife Carolyn, who is his caregiver, could also use a break when a visitor comes to see him.

NATHANIEL, 76, Union City - Born and raised in Louisiana. He is a Katrina flood victim who came here to live with his family. Nathaniel is a double knee amputee and his mobility is limited to a wheelchair and scooter. Since he is unable to leave the house much, he would really appreciate a new friend for socializing, watching TV, playing cards, and wheel chair rides. The family is usually away at work, so Nathaniel is home alone most of the time.

JAMES, 73, Fremont - He has had multiple strokes that have affected his sight and thought/speech processes. James was a true “outdoorsman” – hunting, fishing, horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting. Also traveled extensively – Europe, Africa, Panama, Mexico, Canada. Needs a very special patient person for socialization, conversation, walks, lunch and coffee outings. His wife Elaine is his sole caregiver.

JESUS, 74, Newark - Born and raised in the Philippines, came to U.S. in 1971. He has Parkinson’s disease and is confined to a wheelchair. College degree in accounting with 20 plus years working in that field. Enjoyed fishing in both ocean and streams. Jesus needs a special, patient person to be his friend. Speaks both Tagalog and English. His wife Delia is his sole caregiver.

TERRY, 72, Fremont - Born and raised in Ohio. Alert, talkative, pleasant, and eager for a new friend. Enjoys the outdoors, uses a walker. Worked 30 years installing mainframe computers for various industries. Has traveled extensively in Europe, French Morocco, Belgian Congo, and 40 states. Served as boy scout leader for 30 years. Terry has led a full life and has some great stories to tell.

LEWIS, 96, Fremont - Lewis is alert, friendly, and conversational. He is quite adept at many skills – electronics, keyboard and organ. He worked for 50 years in advertising. His wife of many years passed away in 2005 and he misses her very much. Lewis has many stories and adventures to talk about and would like to share them with a new friend.

JOSE, 63, Union City - Speaks English and Spanish. He was born and raised in Canal Zone. Worked 30 years as journeyman carpenter and layout expert. Due to diabetes his mobility is limited to using a cane, walker and power chair. Jose is interested in finding a new friend for socialization, brief walks and outings for lunch, shopping and the park.

ZUYI, 80, Union City - Born and raised in mainland China. He has a University degree and taught agriculture and chemistry classes for over 30 years. Very interested in locating a Mandarin speaking gentleman with whom he can converse and go walking. Health is stable with arthritis and poor vision. He is friendly, but sometimes forgetful.

MANNY, 63, Fremont - Born and raised in the Philippines. He has a college degree in medical technology, and worked for 30 years in Seattle and San Francisco hospitals. Manny was afflicted in April with stroke that affected the left side of his body, causing limited speech ability as well a general paralysis to left side. His wife, Ofelia and her family are looking for a patient volunteer who could come to the house and engage in “conversation” with Manny. He currently speaks by nodding, and his regular speech is slowly returning.

Filed Under: Friendly Visitors, Senior Friendship, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

An increasing number the “near-elderly” (55-64) in the Tri-City area need our help.

February 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

At 58, Susan has no permanent home, no car, and no valuables other than her loving cat. She lives in a nearby motel where the manager gives her a good rate. She has been getting meals from Meals On Wheels since March 2009 and started using VIP Rides in April of last year.

In November of 2009 she had a stroke that has made her unsteady on her feet and has brought on chronic back pain. Social Security is threatening to cut off her medical benefits if she does not meet their criteria for the medically disabled.

Susan uses VIP Rides on a regular basis to get to the Fremont Food Bank, her doctor visits, and to do necessary errands. After she received notice that her medical coverage might be terminated, she called us to get a ride to her local clinic. Fortunately, a volunteer was available to help her on short notice. They both went to the clinic and the desk attendant told Susan not to fear anything yet, and made an appointment with her doctor for the following day. This brought much relief. After returning home, Susan offered the volunteer a glass of water and thanked her for being so kind. “Without VIP Rides” she said, “I would be stranded.”

Lori Vogel, VIP Rides Coordinator

Filed Under: Senior Transportation, VIP Rides, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Forgetting to turn off the stove can make some seniors averse to cooking.

February 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Last month I did an assessment on a man, close to 90 years old, who came to the US from Ireland. He says he really likes Meals On Wheels because the food is nutritious, and if he’s not hungry when the meal comes, it is easy to heat it up in the microwave later. He tries to make Irish stew at least twice a month but finds that once he walks away from the stove he forgets about it. ”I can’t tell you how many times I make stew and burn it,” he says. ”I use to be a good cook, but not anymore.”

His daughters have warned him about the dangers of both cooking and driving, at age 90, but he pays no attention to them and drives to see his wife who is in a nursing home in Hayward. He has a great need to see her everyday. He left his wife in Ireland with 4 kids to come to California to get a job. She had to raise the kids alone for years before he had enough money to bring everyone over.

Notes from the Field
Barb Proctor, Meals On Wheels Assessment Coordinator

 

Filed Under: Meals on Wheels, Senior Meals & Nutrition, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Have a healthy heart!

February 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment

February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.

LIFE ElderCare’s Meals On Wheels program helps seniors learn about heart healthy eating by including nutrition tips and information on the back of every monthly MOW menu. This month we featured information about diseases and conditions that put the heart at risk and the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. (To learn more about heart disease, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) website).

Sometimes seniors already know about these signs and symptoms because they learned about them the hard way — by dealing with the disease itself. One gentleman in his 80’s, who recently experienced heart failure and hospitalization, called to tell me that he recognized that his own nurse, while visiting him at his home, had symptoms of a heart attack and he called 911 for her.

You never know when you might be called upon to save a life.

Barbara Emge
Meals On Wheels Coordinator

Filed Under: Meals on Wheels, Senior Meals & Nutrition, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

LIFE ElderCare can help older adults meet the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines.

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Meals On Wheels

Meals On Wheels provides one nutritionally balanced, healthy meal a day.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued yesterday by the US Department of Agriculture, focuses on balancing calories with physical activity, and encourages Americans to consume more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood, and to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and refined grains. LIFE ElderCare’s Meals On Wheels program, along with the Fall Prevention program, can help get older Tri-City residents get on track to meet these goals.

Meals delivered through our Meals On Wheels program are specifically designed to meet the nutritional parameters set by the Older Americans Act and the Alameda Area Agency on Aging. Every fresh cooked meal provides one-third of the minimum daily requirements for older adults and includes food that is high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. The entrees are low fat, contain no added salt, and are delivered with a pint of milk and fresh fruit.

Our Fall Prevention program helps seniors by enrolling them in a 12-week, personalized, in-home exercise program that includes a weekly support visit from students enrolled in Unitek College’s LVN program. Through the use of resistance bands, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, participants are able to gradually improve their muscle strength, balance and gait. This leads to greater mobility, enhanced functioning and less fear about falling in the future.

Here are some of the tips that will be provided to help consumers translate the Dietary Guidelines into their everyday lives:

  • Enjoy your food, but eat less.
  • Avoid oversized portions.
  • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
  • Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
  • Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and
  • choose the foods with lower numbers.
  • Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
Filed Under: Fall Prevention, Senior Health Concerns, Senior Meals & Nutrition, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kind and gentle, 90-year-old woman is a favorite with volunteers.

January 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Just signed up a new client. She is 90 years old, a retired teacher who lives on her own in a mobile home in Fremont. Because she has a speech impediment I went to her home to do the initial interview/assessment. Her name is Myrtle and she learned about VIP Rides from a friend that lives in the same mobile home who had used VIP Rides and was pleased with the service. Myrtle greeted me at the door with a hug and she led me into her kitchen where she had milk and cookies ready for me.

After explaining the program to her she was eager to set up her first appointment. She had a doctor’s appointment later in the week and was concerned that she might not have a ride. I assured her that a volunteer would be available for the appointment. After her first ride, Myrtle was delighted with the service and set up two more appointments. So far, every volunteer that has helped Myrtle would like to do so again. Her kind and gentle ways are a gift.

Lori Vogel
VIP Rides Coordinator
510-574-2096

 

Filed Under: Positive Aging, Senior Transportation, VIP Rides, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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