Presented as a service by Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., this repository of information, articles, reprints and links to other websites of interest to seniors is constantly being updated.

The articles presented here have appeared in the Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House Quarterly Newsletter. As other articles become available they will be added to the site.

Peninsula Volunteers has provided services for more than 55 years and has led the nation in developing programs and properties to support the welfare of the senior members of the community.

Links to Resource Categories

Aging and Health

A library of articles and other information pertaining to medical information, pharmaceutical information, lifestyle and other issues surrounding aging and health.

Dementia

A library of articles and other information pertaining to dementia.

Assistance

A library of articles and other information pertaining to seeking and providing assistance and care to seniors and their families.

Finance

A library of articles and other information pertaining to senior's financial needs, financial assistance, etc.

Links to External Web Sites
The following links also have information that can help in providing important information and assistance to seniors and their families:

Alzheimer's Association Northern California & Northern Nevada

Provides information about Alzheimer's, services offered by Alzheimer's Association Northern California & Northern Nevada, care giver questions, research, advocacy, multi-cultural programs and more.

California HealthCare Foundation and Consumers Union:

Information on Medicare HMOs, Medicare supplement or Medigap policies, drug discount card programs and other options is at www.calmedicareoperations.org. It includes basic information on the Medicare card program.

Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services:

Medicare's Web site, along with the new drug pricing tool is available at: www.medicare.gov. The information also can be obtained by calling a Medicare representative at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Family Caregiver Alliance

Provides extensive information about long-term care issues.

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program:

Seniors can learn about their local Medicare options by calling 1-800-434-0222. Information is also available on www.calmedicare.org.

San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities

Provides the opportunity for persons with disabilities to influence and participate in the development of public policy.

The San Mateo County Commission on Aging Help at Home Guide:

To request a copy of this 34-page guide to assist San Mateo County residents to remain at home, contact the San Mateo County Commission On Disabilities and request that this guide be delivered to your address. You may also call 650-572-2707 (TDD 650-573-2220).

San Mateo Network of Care

Senior Action Network:

For drug-pricing comparisons between brand-name and generic drugs, go to www.senioractionnetwork.org or www.drugcompare.org.

Senior Center Without Walls

Sequoia Hospital Senior Services Coordinator

Sequoia helps you navigate your insurance, links you with community resources, and offers personal assistance emphasizing wellness, fitness and peace of mind. Sequoia enables you to manage your health and optimize your independence. You may also call 650-482-6064.

Stanford Health Library

Additional Miscellaneous Resources
The following also have information that can help:

Free Booklet on Aging

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is offering a free 50-page booklet that explains in easy-to-understand language what scientists are learning about aging. "Aging Under the Microscope: Biological Quest" includes the latest findings from the top researchers in the biology of aging. It offers details on the progress scientists are making in understanding the aging process and how their findings may help us move closer to the ultimate goal of promoting health and independence throughout the lifespan. More information: www.niapublications.org.

Medicare Discount Cards Available in Spring

$600 Subsidy Program for Eligible Low Income Beneficiaries

The Medicare bill authorizes the implementation of the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Program.

According to HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson. "Seniors and individuals with disabilities will be able to use these cards to garner savings of about 10 to 15 percent on their total drug costs, with savings of up to 25 percent or more on individual prescriptions. All Medicare beneficiaries except those who already have Medicaid outpatient drug coverage, will be able to enroll. A key part of the Medicare-approved prescription drug discount card program is a subsidy of up to $600 a year for eligible low-income beneficiaries. Individuals whose income is less than $12,123 each year or married couples whose income is less than $16,363 may qualify for this special help."

CMS Discount Card Information: www.cms.gov/discountdrugs

New Family Caregiver Alliance website at: www.caregiver.org

The award-winning website of Family Caregiver Alliance and its National Center on Caregiving has gotten even better. Along with an updated look, the redesigned site offers better navigation, expanded coverage of national public policy issues and the full text of new FCA monographs, policy briegs and other publications, making it one of the most comprehensive sources for caregiving information now available on the web.

More than 3000 pages of content are contained in seven major departments:

• Research and Public Policy
• Caregiving Information and Advice
• Fact Sheets and Publications
• Newsletters
• Discussion Groups
• Press Room
• About FCA

Offering a wealth of practical advice for families and friends caring for adults with disabling health conditions, the website also offers information on current practices, trends and policies in long-term caregiving.

Send a Family Member to Camp

Family Caregiver Alliance's "Camps for Caring" offer a weekend of fun for adults with cognitive impairment and a brief respite for caregivers from their daily responsibilities. The weekend also offers individuals in the community an opportunity to participate as camp volunteers.

The camps are held four times each year. To find out more about these weekend adventures or to volunteer for a four-to-six hour shift to assist in camp activities, contact Jennifer Hull at 800-445-8106.

Menlo Park "Shopper's Shuttle"

The City of Menlo Park free "Shopper's Shuttle" is specially designed for seniors who do not have easy access to public transportation. The shuttle's stops include Sharon Heights Safeway, downtown Menlo Park, and Stanford Shopping Center. Additional stops can be made if requested.

Every Wednesday, starting at 10:00 am, the shuttle will pick you up at your home. For the return trip home, the shuttle will pick passengers up starting at noon and again at 1:00. Earlier pickups can be requested.

The shuttle is a 20-passenger vehicle with a lift that includes two spaces for wheelchairs and accommodates walkers.

For more information, call the Menlo Park Transportation Department at 650-330-6770.

The TIES Line

Provides a 24-hour connection to services and supports for seniors and adults with disabilities. Call the TIES Line at:
    Voice: 1-800-675-8437 (1-800-675-TIES)
    TDD: 1-800-994-6166

The TIES Line is answered by experienced social workers that can work with you to identify exactly what information and services you need. Call for:

• Information about services and programs
• Consultation – to explore the options available to you at the present and to help you plan for the future
• Access to programs operated by Aging and Adult Serives
  • Adult Protective Services
  • Public Guardian/Conservator
  • In-Home Supportive Services/Public Authority
  • Veterans Service Office
• Help accessing other programs in the community

VA Respite Program

VA Respite Programs offer assistance to veterans being cared for at home and to their caregivers in coping with long-term disability and chronic illness.

The VA Palo Alto Health Care System has inpatient respite programs in the Nursing Home Care Units (NHCU) at the Livermore and Menlo Park Divisions, and a day respite program at the VA San Jose Clinic. Inpatient Respite provides a chance for socialization and activity for veterans and a period of rest for caregivers by providing scheduled, short inpatient admissions. Day Respite offers scheduled attendance in a day program, such as Rosener House, that provides opportunity to veterans for socialization and activity in a supervised setting. These programs share the following goals:

• To promote the highest level of independent functioning.
• To provide opportunity for participation in activities designed to enhance social interaction, mental stimulation, individuality and self-esteem.
• To provide support to the veteran and caregiver in coping with the present life situation, enabling them to enrich their lives, and prevent or delay hospitalization.
• To provide educational opportunities to veterans and caregivers for topics including self-care, health maintenance, community networking and services, and recreation.
• To provide a period of rest for the caregiver.

Please call for more information:

San Jose Day Respite Program
Karen Brown, RN
Day Respite Program Director
VA San Jose Clinic
408-363-3001

Menlo Park Impatient Respite Program
Jean Bell, MSW, M. ED
Inpatient Respite Coordinator
650-493-5000, Ext. 27196

Livermore Inpatient Respite Program
Cindy L. Wilkinson, RN, MSN
Inpatient Respite Intake Coordinator
925-447-2560, Ext. 36436

West Nile Virus Anticipated in the Bay Area

West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause inflammation of the brain. It is spread to humans by the bite of specific types of mosquitoes that have bitten a virus-carrying bird. The virus is not spread by person-to-person contact or directly from birds to people.

Most people who are infected have no symptoms or may experience mild illness such as fever and headache, before fully recovering. In some cases, West Nile Virus (WNV) can cause serious disease that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms generally occur 5 - 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. Less than 1% of the people infected with the virus become seriously ill from the disease.

WNV is anticipated to arrive in the Bay Area this summer and homeowners need to take action to reduce their risk of infections. In addition, officials at the County are stepping up surveillance and control efforts.

Here are some important tips:

1. Drain sources of standing water.
2. Report dead crows, ravens, magpies and jays by calling
   877-WNV-BIRD.
3. Repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
4. Get free mosquitofish to eat mosquitoes in backyard ponds by calling
   650-344-8592.
5. Contact the San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District at
   650-344-8592 to report mosquito problems.

Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.
800 Middle Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Telephone: 650-326-0665
Fax: 650-326-9547