Visiting Angels July 2017

Visiting Angels July 2017

July 2017

5274 Scotts Valley Dr #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-430-0616 www.VisitingAngels.com/SantaCruz 229 Reindollar Ave., Suite E Marina, CA 93933 831-392-0876 www.VisitingAngels.com/Monterey

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A Happy Heart

How Caregiver Support Keeps Visiting Angels Flying

What do we do when a client feels like they have nothing in common with their caregiver?

increases, premium pay for caregivers who

average 30 or more hours per week each month, family picnics, and awards banquets to recognize outstanding caregivers. Each year, we

Recently, we received a call from the daughter of a client whose mom told her, “I just don’t get along with the person they send. We have nothing in common; it’s just not working.” We could have immediately made a move to replace the caregiver, but this wouldn’t have addressed the real issue, which is helping the caregiver discover how she could get to know her client better and possibly find some commonalities. It is not uncommon for a care recipient to feel as though they have nothing in common with the caregiver, since they are, essentially, virtual strangers. Part of the caregiver’s job is to find ways to get to know the care recipient. This is a skill that many caregivers have to learn. In this particular situation, the care manager became involved and helped the caregiver ask the right questions to get to know the care recipient better. They found they had a common love for gardening and scrapbooking. This simple connection helped improve their relationship tremendously. Now, the care recipient looks forward to their visits. The training we offer our caregivers is intended to help develop their skills and make them better at what they do, which means our clients are more satisfied. I know I’ve said it before, but our caregivers are truly the heart of Visiting Angels. We work hard to make sure they are satisfied and happy while working with us. We do this through hands- on training, which caregivers can take advantage of whenever they want to improve their skills. We offer competitive pay

have a holiday open house here at our office, where we visit and enjoy refreshments, and each caregiver receives a gift card and has a chance to enter a drawing for an incredible prize. Last year, it was a big-screen TV. We also have an open-door policy at the office, so if a caregiver ever needs to come in and talk about any concerns they might have, they are free to do so. We can’t correct problems if we don’t know they are happening. Last week, I mentioned the survey service we use to check in with our clients and their families, but Home Care Pulse serves another function. This program helps us make sure our caregivers are satisfied too. Our caregivers will be randomly selected to anonymously rate their experience with Visiting Angels. We want to score well, and recently, we earned a high honor. Home Care Pulse named us an Employer of Choice for 2017 based on the positive feedback they collected from our caregivers. It’s nice to know we have achieved our goal in providing our caregivers with the environment they need to feel successful and happy. When our caregivers are happy, our clients are the direct recipients, and we can ensure they will be happier, too.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Personalized Homecare ... When You Need It ... From People You Trust!

Nature’s Great Multitasker

3 WAYS TO USE COCONUT OIL AND SEE RESULTS!

Coconut oil is one of nature’s great

and numerous other skin conditions. Just keep in mind, it cannot treat the base cause of any of these conditions. Give your hair extra luster. The plant-based fatty acids in coconut oil help alleviate dry hair, dry scalp, and dandruff. At the same time, it can help reduce the effects of everyday damage, including sun damage. Use coconut oil as-is, or combine it with an essential oil for an extra punch. Apply it about 30 minutes before showering and let it soak in. Just be sure not to use your typical shampoo to wash away the oil; hot water alone should do the trick. It may take a little longer to rinse the oil residue, but you’ll be left with soft, clean hair. Freshen your smile. When swished around in the mouth, coconut oil can reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. It’s all thanks to coconut oil’s antibacterial properties, and the fact it literally pulls bacteria away from your teeth and gums as you swish it around. All it takes is a tablespoon of oil and about 20 minutes. Once you’re done, spit the oil into the trash. That may sound a little gross, but avoid spitting in the sink. The oil may solidify and cause a clog.

multitaskers. You can cook with it, bake with it, use it as a dietary supplement,

apply it to your skin, and run it

through your hair, all of which deliver unique benefits. In this issue, we’re

going to look at three of the most immediate benefits you can enjoy by

using coconut oil.

Rejuvenate your skin. Instead of reaching for lotion or body oil, reach for the coconut oil. It’s a single ingredient, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. That means you don’t have to worry about any sort of reaction. That is, as long as you aren’t already allergic to coconut! It helps keep skin hydrated and youthful-looking, plus it can treat symptoms related to dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis,

(Good) Help Wanted

A real estate license doesn’t automatically make someone experienced enough to handle your listing. Bad real estate agents have been known to move up closing dates just to get their commission faster, make critical mistakes on paperwork, and cost their clients more money in the long run. Here are four hiring strategies you need to remember when looking for a real estate agent so you can avoid an expensive mistake. Don’t hire a real estate agent just to “do them a favor.” A real estate agent should be helping you, not the other way around. Don’t hire your cousin who just got their real estate license last month. Do some research. Check with your state’s regulatory body to find out if a potential real estate agent is licensed, and if they have any complaints against them. This information may be available online, and you should also look up credentials, peer-given awards, and reviews. Zillow.com is a great place to find reviews from previous clients. Always interview a potential real estate agent in person. Someone could look great on paper, but meeting them in

person is the only way to know if you like them enough to work with them.

Request references. A talented real estate agent will confidently give you contact information

for previous clients or employers. Ask how the agent knows the people on the list and if you can call them with additional questions. Ultimately, you need to treat finding a real estate agent as you would treat conducting a job interview. Don’t feel uncomfortable about asking questions or doing a background check. Remember, you are hiring a real estate agent to do a job for you. You should feel confident about your decision to work with someone before you hire them.

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Drink more water with medication. If you already take daily medication, use it as a reminder to increase your fluid intake. Drink eight ounces, or one cup, of water each time you take your medication. Keep bottles of water around your living space. It’s easier to remember to drink more water when you have water right on hand. Have reusable, BPA-free water bottles near your bed, by the TV, or wherever you spend most of your time. A water cooler is also a great option. Eat foods that are high in water. You don’t have to get all your daily water by just drinking it. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of hydrating water and packed with tons of vitamins and nutrients. Watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, and tomatoes are all both hydrating and tasty. Mix up some fun drinks! Water can get a bit boring, but soda and alcohol are not good beverages for staying hydrated. Luckily, there are plenty of alcohol-free cocktails you can enjoy; these are fondly referred to as “mocktails.” Town & Country has a selection of delicious mocktail recipes at townandcountrymag.com/leisure/ drinks/g3127/new-years-eve-mocktails. Even if you aren’t spending long hours in the hot sun, it’s important to keep your body hydrated. Adults over the age of 65 are more at risk for dehydration, but whether you’re over 65 or not, make sure getting enough water is a top priority. ONE-PAN Mexican Quinoa

WATER YOUWAITING FOR? Easy Tricks for Staying Hydrated

After spending some time in the summer heat, there’s nothing like a refreshing, cool glass of water. However, you shouldn’t only reach for that good old H2O when you need to cool down. Water makes up over 60 percent of your body and is one of the most important nutrients you need to stay healthy. If you struggle with drinking enough water, these tips are for you.

SUDOKU

Grid n°555912364 easy

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Ingredients • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 jalapeno, minced • 1 cup quinoa • 1 cup vegetable broth • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

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• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned, or roasted • 1 teaspoon chili powder • ½ teaspoon cumin • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and diced • Juice of 1 lime • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

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Directions 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. 2. Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder, and cumin; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice, and cilantro. 3. Serve immediately.

We have all the free sudokus you need! 400 new sudokus every week. Make your own free printable sudoku at www.PrintMySudoku.com

Recipe adapted from DamnDelicious.net.

831-430-0616 | 3

Personalized Homecare ... When You Need It ... From People You Trust!

5274 Scotts Valley Dr #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 24/7 831-430-0616

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Scotts Valley Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday

www.VisitingAngels.com/SantaCruz Home Care Organization #444700002

Inside

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A Happy Heart

3 Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Immediate Results

Is Your Real Estate Agent Going to Ruin Your Listing?

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How to Get Your 8 Glasses a Day

One-Pan Mexican Quinoa

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Local Events

Summer Fun ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA WHERE: Del Mar Theatre, Santa Cruz, California WHEN: Tuesday, July 18, 7 p.m. ADMISSION: See website for pricing information WEBSITE: landmarktheatres.com/santa-cruz/del-mar- theatre After the assassination of Julius Caesar, the great Mark Antony reaches the pinnacle of his power and rules over the Roman Empire. But when he falls in love with Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, both kingdoms are thrown into peril as love and duty collide. Brought to life by the unrivaled talent of England’s Royal Shakespeare Company, “Antony and Cleopatra” is a harrowing tale of two powerful leaders and their tragic end. STAMP AND SCRAPBOOK EXPO WHERE: Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California WHEN: July 28–29; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADMISSION: See website for admission WEBSITE: scrapbookexpo.com/2017-expo-show-list/sj-17/

Local Events to Spark Your Creative Side

That’s right, it’s an entire expo dedicated to the art of scrapbooking! Start your day with a complimentary door prize before you stop by the creativity center to work on a new project, shop around at the vendor booths, attend a hands-on workshop to learn new techniques, or join our crop party. The activities are endless! There’s so much to do and see, and you’re sure to leave full of new inspiration.

SUMMER FEST 2017 WHERE: Downtown San Jose, California WHEN: August 11–13 ADMISSION: See website for admission WEBSITE: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org

For three days only, San Jose will transform into the jazz capital of the world! Chris Botti, Maceo Parker, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, and The Whispers join over 120 other renowned musicians. This will be a weekend of blues, R&B, funk, big band, and, of course, jazz. If you love jazz, you don’t want to miss Summer Fest 2017!

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