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Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley
Serving the Tri-Valley for over 38 years.
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Our mission is to provide services and assistance to seniors fostering independence, promoting safety and well being, preserving dignity, and improving quality of life.
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Welcome Diana!
Transportation Assistant
Senior Support is extremely grateful to welcome Diana to the team! Diana is our Transportation Assistant. She helps provide rides to Tri-Valley seniors in and out of the area for essential medical appointments.
When Diana is not at work, you might find her exercising, hiking, exploring with her family, or volunteering her time. Prior to Senior Support, Diana worked in the gift and medical industries.
Diana is already on-the-go providing rides and assistance to the VAST (Volunteers Assisting Seniors with Transportation) Program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver or finding out more information about the program, please feel free to contact: (925) 931-5387.
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A Note from Marjory Tilley
Medication Safety Coordinator
Medication related problems and errors endanger the lives and well
-
being of a high percentage of our older adults, leaving them at risk for falls, dizziness, confusion, or other side effects. Reaching mature adults who may need to improve health behaviors, be supported in wellness at home, and improve
medication adherence
will make an enormous difference to the emotional and physical well
-
being of older adults in our community.
Enrolling in a
Medication Safety Program
provides education about the importance of medication compliance to ensure and enhance the quality of life and safety of older adults. Benefits of this free, confidential, individualized medication review include:
- Education about the importance of medication compliance;
- A medication interaction report;
- Assistive devices, including a pill box and personal medication record;
- Safe disposal guidelines and encouragement for drug disposal to reduce harm from accidental exposure or unintentional use.
Senior Support brings this free
Medication Safety Program
to the homes of older adults in the Tri-Valley. The program supports wellness in the home, while providing the senior with strategies to manage their medication. Strategies include:
- setting up a daily routine;
- encouraging use of adherence devices, such as medication organizers, and alarms;
- creating a list of instructions for all medications; and
- encouragement in working directly with healthcare professionals to identify the easiest way to take all their medications.
The program also delivers a Drug Interaction Report that provides in
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depth information (i.e. medication interaction with food/drink) while screening for duplicate therapies, and ingredients. Participants often request this report be sent directly to their healthcare professional. The report becomes a catalyst for further discussions with the healthcare professional.
Older adults who participate in the
Medication Safety Program
overwhelmingly report their compliance level for properly taking medication does increase. Participants appreciate learning about how to safely dispose of unused and expired medications, and they are appreciative of the Drug Interaction Report.
Here is one success story:
"
Mr. Z, a senior,
remarked that he was not sure he should be taking several OTC (over the counter) medications. He learned of the OTC
'
s from
a friend
and/or
a television program with a medical professional as the host.
The Drug Interaction Report showed therapeutic duplication in the vitamin and nutritional categories. Mr. Z was pleased to have the information and asked that the report be sent to his physician, who will talk about taking the OTC
'
s concurrently. Mr. H felt sure his monthly OTC medication costs would be lowered after the discussion with his physician.
"
To learn more about
Medication Safety,
contact Senior Support: (925) 931-5283.
Funded by Alameda County Measure A Essential Health Care Services Initiative
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Finding Wellness Updates
A new Finding Wellness could be just
what you're looking for.
Finding Wellness is a FREE class meeting once weekly. Classes are open to the public.
*
FINDING WELLNESS SERIES 1:
Congregation Beth Emek
3400 Nevada Ct. Pleasanton
THURSDAYS 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Remaining Classes: Aug 9, 23, 30, Sept 6
Dublin Senior Center
7600 Amador Valley Blvd, Dublin
THURSDAYS from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Sept 13, 27 Oct 4, 11, 25, Nov 1, 8
..................................................................................................
**
FINDING WELLNESS SERIES 2:
Hayward Area Senior Center
22325 North 3rd St, Castro Valley
MONDAYS from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Remaining classes: August 6, 13
Heritage Estates
900 E. Stanley Blvd, Livermore
WEDNESDAYS from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Remaining classes: August 8, 15
Ashland Community Center
1530 167th Ave, San Leandro
TUESDAYS from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Sept 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2
TAUGHT IN MANDARIN:
Dublin Senior Center
7600 Amador Valley Blvd., Dublin
WEDNESDAYS from 10:00 am - 11:15 am
August 22, 29, Sept. 5, 12
(4 week series only)
Class descriptions:
*FW1 is a 90 minute class that meets weekly for 7 weeks. Topics include nutrition, fall prevention, medication safety, hydration, stress management, pain management and emotional wellness. Each class also includes 20 minutes of gentle exercises.
**
FW2 is a 60 minute class that meets weekly for 5 weeks. This series explores your health and well-being as it relates to your brain, heart, liver, gut and skin. In this fun and interactive class, you will learn tips and tricks on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle from a nutritional, physical and emotional perspective.
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To attend a Finding Wellness class series or to learn more,
give us a call at 925-931-5393 or visit our calendar online at
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From the Desk of Joey Tchang
Fall Prevention Coordinator
A Note from the
National Council on Aging
Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. There are many changes you can make to your home that will help you avoid falls and ensure your safety.
In Stairways, Hallways, and Pathways
- Have handrails on both sides of the stairs, and make sure they are tightly fastened. Hold the handrails when you use the stairs, going up or down. If you must carry something while you're on the stairs, hold it in one hand and use the handrail with the other. Don't let what you're carrying block your view of the steps.
- Make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and on each end of a long hall. Remember to use the lights!
- Keep areas where you walk tidy. Don't leave books, papers, clothes, and shoes on the floor or stairs.
- Check that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor so they won't slip. Put no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. You can buy these strips at the hardware store.
- Don't use throw rugs or small area rugs.
In Bathrooms and Powder Rooms
- Mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.
- Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.
- Remember to turn on night lights.
In Your Bedroom
- Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.
- Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power is out and you need to get up.
- Keep your telephone near your bed.
In Other Living Areas
- Keep electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away fromwalking paths.
- Secure all carpets and large area rugs firmly to the floor.
- Arrange your furniture (especially low coffee tables) and other objects, so they are not in your way when you walk.
- Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you to get in and out of them easily.
- Don't walk on newly washed floors-they are slippery.
- Keep items you use often within easy reach.
- Don't stand on a chair or table to reach something that's too
high-use a "reach stick" instead or ask for help. Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores. If you use a step stool, make sure it is steady and has a handrail on top. Have someone stand next to you.
- Don't let your cat or dog trip you. Know where your pet is whenever you're standing or walking.
- Keep emergency numbers in large print near each telephone.
If you have fallen, your doctor might suggest that an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or nurse visit your home. These healthcare providers can assess your home's safety and advise you about making changes to
prevent falls.
Your Own Medical Alarm
- If you're concerned about falling, think about getting an emergency response system. If you fall or need emergency help, you push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to alert 911. There is a fee for this service, and it is not usually covered by insurance.
Home Improvements Prevent Falls
- In the East Bay area, Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in Home Safety Modifications such as ramps, grab bars, etc. They can be reached at: 510-803-3388 or homerepair@habitatEBSV.org.
Source: National Council on Aging
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Local Community Organizations
that are here for you.
Valley Humane Society (VHS)
is a non-profit organization located in Pleasanton. Their mission is to:
"Create a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the bond between people and pets.
VHS rescues and rehabilitates companion animals, champions responsible caretaking, shares pets' soothing affections with people in need of comfort, and supports and preserves existing pet-guardian relationships."
We are very
thankful
Valley Humane Society's Paws to Heal Program has teamed up with Senior Support to bring some furry friends to our SOAR Program. Especially for older adults unable to have pets of their own, the Comfort Canines bring a moment of pure joy and companionship to our seniors' lives.
For more information, please visit:
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Family
Caregiver Support Group
Family Caregiver Support Group
meets
Monday, August 13th
from 1:00-3:00 pm
5353 Sunol Boulevard, Pleasanton
In the main classroom at the Pleasanton Senior Center
Contact Jeanie at 925-931-5389 for more information.
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Are you looking to stay active this summer?
JOIN Senior Support's
FREE Exercise Classes
at Arbor Vista
1300 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore, CA 94550
NEWCOMERS ARE WELCOME!
Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.
Bring your water, and we'll supply the exercise gear.
Call with any questions: Nicole (925) 931-5378
Funded by Alameda County Departments of Public Health and Area Agency on Aging, Kaiser Permanente, and Private Donations.
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Friendly Visitor Program
Volunteers are what keep us going strong.
Are you looking for a way to give back to the seniors in our community? We are always looking for groups and organizations to contribute to our annual luncheons or become Friendly Visitors.
Our Friendly Visitors
contribute a
few hours a week that can fit around your schedule to provide:
- socialization,
- grocery and shopping assistance,
- home and telephone visit.
We are always looking for v
olunteers who are multi-lingual
in Mandarin, Spanish, Farsi and Bengali.
Interested? Contact Lorie for more details:
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We're on Facebook!
Follow our page for updates, newsletters, articles, special events and more! This is a positive space where seniors, their families and community members can connect.
Like, comment and share photos! Invite others to Follow us too!
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Our local Parkinson's Support Group
offers a monthly support group
on the second Saturday of each month.
10:00- Noon
Pleasanton Senior Center
5353 Sunol Blvd.
They also offer a group exercise class for Parkinson's Disease and other neurological & mobility challenges.
on
Thursdays 9:00 am- 10:00 am
Lynnewood United Methodist Church
4444 Black Ave, Pleasanton CA
For more information on either the support group or the exercise class, please contact;
Mary Behrendt
(925)-989-0209 or mary.behrendt@comcast.net
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Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley
would like to
thank the following sponsors
for their
continued support:
Cities of: Pleasanton, Livermore, and Dublin;
Alameda County Departments of: Behavioral Health, Area Agency on Aging, Public Health, and Measure A Essential Health Care Services Initiative;
Alameda County Transportation Commission;
Supervisor Nate Miley;
Supervisor Scott Haggerty;
Senior Assistance Foundation East Bay;
Stanford ValleyCare;
and
Kaiser Permanente.
We love our Individual Donors
Mark Sampson
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Susan Springer |
Lydia Gucker |
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Fran Bruno
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Wan-Ching Sun
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Elaine Szeto
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Chen-Ping Lee
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Lydia Cesar
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Dale Jones
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Arlyne Yauch
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Dolores Bengston |
Geraldine Cassetti
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| Sheila McAlinden |
Juanita Lambert |
Carol Thorngate
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| Patricia Lenz |
Patricia Linck |
Louise Glueck |
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Ronald and Helene Schnorr
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