Visiting Angels September 2017

Visiting Angels September 2017

September 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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Alzheimer’s Awareness Dementia affects millions of people across the country. Many of those dementia cases are classified as Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative condition that leads to memory loss and reduced cognition. It’s estimated that over 5 million Americans live with the disease and that over 16 million will have the disease by 2050. her make a scrapbook for her kids so they would have memories of their mother for years to come. Taking the Disease 1 Step at a Time

We helped Diana with many daily activities, from showering to getting dressed. To keep her mind active, we supplied her with games and other activities that gave her a sense of accomplishment. Our goal was to provide a positive experience of a tough situation. Dan told us how relieved he was and that he should have called sooner. In that, he is not alone. Many family caregivers wait too long before reaching out. When they call us, they are often stressed and don’t know what to do next. When you are in that situation, you need rest. You need time for yourself to stay healthy, to eat right, and to get plenty of exercise. Your well- being is just as important as anyone else’s. While research and treatment of Alzheimer’s is advancing, we still have a long way to go. It’s up to us to change the course of this disease. This month, we invite you and your family to join us for the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This walk is held in over 600 communities nationwide and is the world’s largest event for awareness, support, and research. This year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, September 23, at Seascape Resort and Park. Join our staff and caregivers for this important event. For more details, you can call our office or you can look it up online. Simply search for the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Santa Cruz. We hope to see you there!

We serve hundreds of seniors who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. These people once led productive and fascinating lives as doctors, attorneys, politicians, and aerospace engineers. Today, their accomplishments and memories are in the care of their families and caregivers. I remember one client whom I met when she was in her mid- 40s. This individual, whom I’ll refer to as Diana, lived a fulfilling life. She had many friends, a wonderful career, and an adoring family. She also had early-onset Alzheimer’s. When I first knocked on her front door to meet her, she greeted me and said, “I have Alzheimer’s.” I replied, “You remembered you have Alzheimer’s!” She nodded and told me that while it was one detail she could remember, there were many other times when she struggled to remember things. At times, it was a challenge to focus on more than one thing. “Some days are easier than others,” she explained. Diana’s husband, whom I’ll refer to as Dan, called us because he needed support. He worked long hours and had two teenage kids to take care of. Initially, he wanted to be the primary source of support for his wife, but he confessed that he was close to having a breakdown. We reassured him that he was not alone and that he had a complete support system in us.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

While Diana was in our care, we guided her through old photographs, labeling each one along the way. We also helped

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A CELEBRATION OF HARD WORK The History of Labor Day

As for who brought the tradition to our country, there are two competing candidates. Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter and member of the American Federation of Labor, witnessed the celebrations in Canada and proposed a similar parade to New York City’s Central Labor Union in 1882. That same year, machinist Matthew Maguire proposed a national Labor Day after a public demonstration by the Central Labor Union. Labor Day didn’t become a federal holiday, though, until a few years later. In 1894, the American Railway Union went on strike against the Pullman Company in what is now known as the Pullman Strike. President Grover Cleveland called in the Army and U.S. Marshals in attempt to break the strike, and several workers in Chicago lost their lives. In an effort to quell tensions and garner union vote support, President Cleveland signed Labor Day into law just six days after the strike ended. Our country would not be what it is today without the immense effort of laborers. As you enjoy the last long weekend before fall, take a moment to acknowledge just what a difference these hardworking people make.

Americans work hard, and on the first Monday of every September we take a moment to acknowledge their efforts. Labor Day has a fascinating history, and one that you might not expect.

The roots of Labor Day stretch back to the Industrial Revolution, when jobs became plentiful,

but not without a cost. As conditions worsened and work days grew longer, unions sprang up as a way to protect the rights of the common laborer. Workers in Canada didn’t fare quite so well because unions were illegal. In 1872, workers marched directly to the door of Canadian Prime Minister John Macdonald, demanding the right to organize. He relented, and the march became a Canadian tradition.

9 Lives of Love

Cats continued to aid Richard throughout his life. Today, Richard attends college and majors in art. While Clover passed on many years ago, two new cats, Linus and Melody, follow in Clover’s pawsteps. Richard’s family credits the loving felines in their lives with helping Richard through hard times and teaching him not be ashamed of his autism. Not every cat is suited to take on the responsibility of being a therapy animal. A cat must be affectionate, comfortable

While dogs are considered the go-to therapy animal, cat lovers will vouch for how quickly a sweet kitty can brighten your mood. Pet Partners, a therapy animal certification program, offers felines the opportunity to use their powers for good. In nursing homes, cats have been shown to help seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia recall happy memories. Kitty volunteers in psychiatric wards and hospitals help patients relax in stressful environments. There are many accounts of friendly cats providing invaluable support to autistic children. One such child is Richard Manerling, who, at 4 years old, was still nonverbal. Richard’s father hoped a therapy animal would help the boy come out of his shell, but Richard showed no interest in the dogs at their local animal shelter. As the family walked past the cat room, Richard pointed to a black-and- white tuxedo feline and declared, “Cat!” From the first day the new family member, later named Clover, came home, Richard could be heard practicing conversations with his new friend.

around new people and other animals, unaffected by loud noises, and relaxed in unfamiliar environments. Does your feline have what

it takes to be a therapy cat? Visit petparners. org to learn more about the program and find out how you and your cat can register today.

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The moving industry attracts disreputable contractors who just want to make a quick buck. To protect yourself, your family, your belongings, and your wallet, keep these red flags in mind when searching for the perfect mover: Red-flag pricing. Some movers advertise questionably low prices. It’s tempting to hire a bargain mover, but once these low-priced movers have your possessions, they might not give them back until you pay up. The AARP says to watch out for small, unlicensed companies advertising on roadsides and on Craigslist. Red-flag details. Pay attention to company names, addresses, and other contact information. The AARP says to look for a physical address on their website (if they have a website). If they don’t have one, that’s a big red flag, as is a lack of insurance or registration. If you can’t track down this information, or if the company refuses to share it, walk away. Red-flag payment. Disreputable movers may ask for payment upfront and in cash, or they may ask for an unusually large deposit. This gives the movers a chance to walk away with your money without completing the job. They may even take your belongs to dump or sell later. How can you protect yourself? Before hiring a professional mover, check out moving.org and fmcsa.dot.gov/protect- your-move. Both websites contain a host of information to help you find a reputable mover close to you.

PROTECT YOUR MOVE 3 Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Moving Company

If your plan is to relocate, near or far, you may be considering a professional mover. The challenge, however, is finding the right moving company — a company offering reputable and reliable service. Since 2014, there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of complaints against interstate movers (with about 3,600 complaints logged last year), as reported by the AARP.

ONE-PAN Harvest Pasta

SUDOKU

Grid n°1669070380 easy

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Ingredients • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 small eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups) • 1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped (2 cups) • 2 tomatoes or 4 Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped (1 cup) • 1/3 cup chopped red onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (19-ounce) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained • 13/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth • 1 cup dried whole grain elbow macaroni • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper • Kosher salt • Ground black pepper (optional) • Snipped fresh basil • Grated Parmesan cheese boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 7–10 minutes more or until vegetables and pasta are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper; top with basil and Parmesan cheese and serve.

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Directions 1. In a very large skillet, heat oil

over medium heat. Add eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Cook, uncovered, 7–10 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender, stirring occasionally. 2. Add beans, broth, pasta, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a

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

Recipe courtesy of midwestliving.com.

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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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The Importance of Alzheimer’s Awareness

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A Celebration of Hard Work

When Therapy Comes on 4 Paws

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3 Red Flags to Watch for When Moving

One-Pan Harvest Pasta

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Local Events

Plenty of Fun in the Fall Shake Up Your Week With Memorable Local Events

FOOD &WINE CLASSIC WHERE: Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga, California WHEN: Sunday, September 10, 4-7:30 p.m.

Bring your friends or make some new ones as dance instructors teach a number of beloved dances. Whether you’re a dance machine or total novice, everyone is welcome at this fun community event. NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD WHERE: Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose, California WHEN: Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m. ADMISSION: $14-$21 WEBSITE: sjsu.edu/hammertheatre Set against the backdrop of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are tasked with escorting the Prince of Denmark to England, where he is to be executed. Things do not go quite as planned when pirates, players, and the randomness of life send Rosencrantz and Guildenstern toward their unfortunate fate. Daniel Radcliffe and Joshua McGuire star in this comical, absurd, and ultimately tragic parody.

ADMISSION: See website for pricing WEBSITE: montalvofoodwine.com

It’s time for Silicon Valley’s premier culinary event. Chefs from celebrated restaurants across the Bay Area come together to simmer, saute, and sear, while award-winning wineries offer wines to pair with the sweet and savory delicacies. With proceeds going to benefit Montalvo’s art and education programs, you don’t want to miss this elegant, delicious afternoon at Montalvo’s historic villa. SENIOR DANCE WHERE: Hamann Community Center, San Jose, California WHEN: Sunday, September 17, 12-5 p.m. ADMISSION: $10 donation WEBSITE: sanjose.org/events/senior-dance-17377

Let’s dance! Kaisahan of San Jose Dance Co. is proud to invite seniors across the Bay Area to show off their movies.

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