Visiting Angels of the Central Coast
You Can Make a Difference
by Jeanette Pagliaro on 07/25/11Whether you employ your senior homecare provider privately or work with an agency to obtain your homecare services, you need to understand the impact AB889 and SB411 will have on you and your family should either or both of these bills pass through the California Legislature and ultimately be approved by Governor Brown.
I have spent a number of days in Sacramento
over the last few months and a considerable amount of time studying
these bills, writing letters, and communicating with our legislators
about these bills, and the two things I have learned are:
1) Bills
do pass through our legislative process without our legislators having
actually read the bills or truly understanding what they are voting for,
and
2) Individuals taking an active role in the process can make a difference.
I am asking you to get involved. These
bills will change the way both private employers and agency employers
do business, and they will affect the cost of senior homecare services
for everyone. Both bills will be heard in Appropriations Committees mid-August. Read
these bills, tell Senator Blakeslee and Assembly Member Monning your
story; write Governor Brown to tell him you oppose these bills.
Senior Independence at Home Threatened
by Jeanette Pagliaro on 07/25/11
I am not opposed licensure to ensure the safety of our seniors and the legitimacy of operations of home care agencies. This
bill goes beyond by requiring a listing of all home care aides on a
public website, invading their privacy as well as that of the seniors
for whom they care.
SB 411 will kill jobs in California at a time when we need employee based small businesses to collect and pay taxes and provide worker’s compensation insurance. The
unreasonable demands of this bill will force home care agencies to
increase their rates, likely forcing families to the underground
caregiver workforce.
The summary of
the bill itself states: “The incidence of abuse and neglect by home
care aides is alarming, in part because for every incident receiving
public exposure, four others go unreported.” The
provisions of SB411 will not extend to the private caregiver
arrangement, where most of the abuse takes place because the private
caregiver is unsupervised.
This bill,
while well intentioned, unless amended, will have unintended
consequences detrimental to seniors, and the employees who care for
them.
Recreation for Seniors – Tennis, Bocce Ball, and Croquet
by Jeanette Pagliaro on 06/21/11
You are never too old to benefit from exercise
and even the smallest increase in activity can improve your health and
overall quality of life. Increased
physical activity can prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases
and can help you maintain your independence longer.
I haven’t played tennis since I was twelve,
but there are many senior tennis players who are reaping the benefits
of this moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Benefits
include greater strength, higher bone density, lower body fat, faster
reaction time, and aerobic capacities that far exceed those of their
less active counterparts.
I have played bocce ball recently, and have
found it to be great fun, especially because it can be enjoyed by
people of all ages, skill levels (including the “no” skill level) and
the game can accommodate groups of varying sizes. While
not requiring a high level of physical activity, the mental challenge
of strategy is important and the game offers a great opportunity to
enjoy the company of others.
Croquet is a moderate-intensity activity recommended by the American Heart Association for its cardiovascular benefits. While mostly likely played outdoors, on any lawn, croquet offers benefits similar to playing bocce ball.
Recreation for Seniors - Golfing
by Jeanette Pagliaro on 06/14/11In professional golf, the seniors tour begins at age 50, and although older, recreational golfers will have different issues than their younger counterparts, seniors can play golf well in to their 80s. Visiting Angel’s caregivers have spent time on the range with several of our elderly, clients bringing joy and companionship for both golfers.
Stretching is essential, no matter what your age, but for older golfers, it is essential. Stretching warms the body and helps prevent injury. Even if you’re just going to the driving range, always stretch before you pick up your clubs and start swinging.
Because losing muscle is a normal part of aging, a weight-training program can make up for some of the muscle loss. Incorporating this into your routine will help make your game better.
If you’ve had the same equipment for years, you may want to investigate new clubs. Manufacturers have equipment especially designed for golfers over 50 to maximize their game.
If you warm up appropriately, Golf is particularly good exercise for seniors, offering even more benefit to seniors than it does for younger players. Even if you can’t play a full 18 holes, consider regular time on the course for the exercise and camaraderie you’ve grown to love.
Recreation for Seniors – Bowling
by Jeanette Pagliaro on 06/13/11Never think you are too old for active recreation. Bowling is an activity that can be enjoyed at any age. The oldest known league bowler passed away at the age of 105!
I was at Boardwalk Bowl recently while my teenage son was playing some practice games. I
had planned to spend the time catching up on some reading, but instead
enjoyed watching a group of seniors in their seventies and eighties
thoroughly enjoying themselves. Their skill levels varied, but all shared the camaraderie equally.
One man I
know, who probably doesn’t consider himself a senior, not only bowls in
the same winter league my husband and I bowl in, but he also coaches the
youth league on Saturday mornings. He shares his time and energy with his grandchildren as well as other kids in our community. He is healthy, active, and full of fun. His love for life is well shared in this activity and I expect to see him continue for years to come.
A senior who
stretches properly before bowling and wears any needed supportive
devices for the wrist or knees, can easily adapt his approach and swing
to avoid injury. So rent those cool shoes and give bowling a try.
