In The News
by Kristana Jenson
If you have an aging father, use this Father’s Day (June 16th) to check up on him to make sure that he is safe, happy and healthy.
If your father is living independently, take the time to make sure his environment is safe and comfortable. For instance, can he walk up and down the stairs without difficulty? Is the refrigerator well stocked? Does the house look clean and sanitary? If not, then it may be time to suggest a home healthcare worker to assist your father (and mother) with chores and other upkeep.
If your father is in an assisted living facility, nursing home or other long-term care establishment, give him a visit and make sure that he is comfortable. Not only will he enjoy the company, but you can also make sure that he is being treated well. Is the facility clean? Does your father look healthy and well-fed? Is the staff attentive and caring?
Lastly, when you speak with your father, make a note if he seems confused, has trouble following the conversation or asks the... Read More
San Diego is the second largest city in California and is known for its ideal year round weather, 70 miles of beautiful beaches, and some of the most well-known attractions in the world. For both residents and visitors, there are seeveral aspects that make San Diego a special place.
Freebies & Discounts for Seniors
Monday, June 10, 2013 (12:30-2:30 p.m.) - Do More and Hurt Less Hand Screening. Have you noticed an increase in swelling, redness or deformity in your elbows, wrists and fingers or decreased grip strength? Come to this free screening program at Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, Classroom A (3075 Health Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92123) and learn about treatment options. For more information call 1 (800) 827-4277.
Are You O.K. Daily Calls* - Senior Services' staff and volunteers make daily "Are You O.K.?" calls to interested senior citizens between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Call (619) 236-6905 if you would like to... Read More
by Kristana Jenson
Independent living facilities have become incredibly popular as the baby boomer
generation seeks to live active and independent lives as they age. There are a wide variety of independent living facilities and communities available, and the cost of living differs accordingly. At the high end of the scale, residents purchase houses or condos in luxurious gated communities that often have golf courses and other facilities on the premise. On the low end, seniors can rent government subsidized apartments.
Many independent communities require their residents to pay an “entrance fee”, which can range from $10,000 - $100,000 depending on the quality of the housing, popularity of the facility and amenities offered.
Maintenance fees are common in communities where seniors own their homes. These fees, much like an HOA fee, go towards keeping up the grounds and shared common areas. For those who rent apartments or condos, maintenance fees are usually included in the... Read More
by Kristana Jenson
Alzheimer’s is a gradual disease that slowly steals the memories of its victims.
Depending on the pace of the disease, an Alzheimer’s sufferer may be able to live in their home for quite a while. Eventually, however, they will need close care.
Those in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s can become a danger to themselves. They may leave the stove on, get lost in a grocery store or wander outside and then forget how to get back home. In many cases, spouses or family members will at first step in to help. Grown children may even move an elderly parent into their home for closer observation.
Children and spouses want to do what is best for their loved one, and most want to keep them out of an anonymous nursing home for as long as possible. However, being a caregiver can be an incredible strain, especially as the sufferer’s mental awareness continues to decline. An Alzheimer’s victim can become aggressive or very frightened, and they may need help getting... Read More
by Kristana Jenson
There may come a time when you, a parent or an aging loved one no longer feels
comfortable living in your home but is not yet ready or does not yet need nursing home care.
The retirement of the baby boomer generation has coincided with the increasing popularity of independent living communities, which come in all shapes and sizes and provide different levels of support for their community members.
At its core, an independent living community offers housing to seniors, allowing them to be in close contact with those in their age group who have lived through similar experiences. This feature alone attracts many seniors to such communities.
Many independent living communities also offer special services for their residents, including dining options, activities and facilities on the ground. While some communities do not offer personal care or monitor a resident’s physical condition, other communities combine assisted living units and a nursing facility with independent units.... Read More
by Kristana Jenson
Choosing which place is right for your loved is oftentimes the hardest part of the process. Making sure that their care needs along with their emotional needs and personal preferences are met is an important decision. But once a decision is made as to what care provider would be best, it is good to know what the rest of the process entails before a physical move to the home or community takes place.
First of all, you can meet with the Administrator of any Assisted Living Community or Residential Care Home (Board and Care) and give them as detailed of an account of your loved one’s needs as you feel necessary, but state law requires that all Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) must perform an assessment of the prospective resident prior to proceeding with admission. Furthermore, a Physician’s Report must be filled out by a Doctor prior to being admitted to the home. A Physician’s Report is like a ticket to the home. On... Read More
by Kristana Jenson
One of the most challenging situations a family can face is when a loved one requires medical care but is not able to make medical decisions for themselves, either due to physical incapacitation or dementia. In these cases, it may not be
readily apparent who has the right to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual or what types of intervention that family member may even want.
That’s why it is so important for seniors to establish a healthcare power of attorney, which gives legal authority to a specific person (known as an agent) to make medical decisions on the person’s behalf if that person can’t make medical decisions for themselves.
In order to create a power of attorney, an individual must display a sound mind when composing and signing the document. Seniors need to create a power of attorney when they are healthy so that there isn’t chaos or confusion when it is too late.
Creating a Power of Attorney
While your estate planning attorney or... Read More
About Shea Family & Its Affiliates
Shea Family & its affiliates have been connecting families with quality care for the elderly for over four generations. Shea Family & Affiliates offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home care, other in-home services, transportation and assisted living services throughout the San Diego area. The organization provides personalized healthcare that helps patients and residents feel more like themselves again.
Rehabilitation Centers
8787 Center Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 460-4444
7160 Fay Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-4361
3680 Reynard Way
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 297-4484
635 South Magnolia
EI Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 442-8826
444 W. Lexington Ave.
EI Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 442-7744
151 Claydelle Avenue
EI Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 442-0245
654 South Anza
EI Cajon, CA... Read More
by Kristana Jenson
The purpose of hospice care is to help people who are terminally ill to be as
comfortable as possible by ensuring that not only their physical needs are met but also their social, emotional, and spiritual needs are met as well.
Hospice care is intended to help individuals who have 6 months or less to live, however a person can continue to qualify for hospice even after 6 months as long as their doctor confirms that they are still terminally ill. A person can receive Hospice care while they are at home or while they’re in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly including Board & Cares and Assisted Living Communities are also allowed to have residents receiving Hospice care as long as certain requirements are met. These requirements will be reviewed in part 3 of this series.
It is important to understand that accepting hospice care does not mean giving up on life. www.hospicedirectory.org puts it beautifully stating,... Read More
by Kristana Jenson
In 1963, a New York born, well-educated nurse by the name of Florence Wald
attended a lecture given by Dr. Cicely Saunders of London, England regarding the care of terminal patients. Florence had always been interested in providing more appropriate end of life care, and continued to follow Dr. Saunders’ work. Dr. Saunders went on to open the world’s first hospice home in 1967 called St. Christopher Hospice, where Florence worked for 1 month in 1969 to gain a better understanding of the program.
Florence left England with the goal of introducing the same hospice program to the United States. She studied how terminally ill patients did at home as well as how they did in medical facilities. She worked with doctors, religious leaders, and other nurses to learn about the needs of patients receiving end of life care and the needs of their families. In 1974, Florence and her team opened the first hospice home in Connecticut. Wald’s work did not end there as she continued... Read More
