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Category: Success Matters

Easing Arthritis Pain

Sun, August 19, 2018 Published by

According to mayoclinic.org, arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide, but there are a variety of approaches to minimize the effects.  Recently, NAU occupational therapy instructor and certified hand therapist, Dr. Ivy, Cindi, presented an educational seminar on hand arthritis treatment and management.  Because the hand arthritis event was so well-received and not everyone was able attend Dr. Ivy’s seminar, Dr. Ivy will be available for individuals to drop in and learn personalized tips for hand arthritis management on August 31st from 1:30-2:00PM in AgeLink 1. 

For those who experience arthritis in any form, Success Matters would like to offer you four general tips to reduce the pain and stiffness:

Warm up: Warm up before doing an arduous activity with the affected joints. This can be done by using heat (heating pad, warm shower, or Beatitudes hot tub) to begin warming up the joints, followed by gently stretching and moving the joint through its full range of motion several times.  After a proper warm-up, your joints will be ready for activity with less pain and stiffness. 

Protect your joints: Joint protection involves using the bigger muscles to do challenging or repetitive tasks.  For example, carry objects close to the body so less stress is put on the smaller joints, use proper posture, and use simpler push/pull movements rather than twisting movements whenever possible.  Additionally, wearing a brace, such as a back brace or wrist brace, during activities can help ensure proper body mechanics and joint support.

Find the right tool for the job: Built-up tools (pictured) create a larger surface area, which puts less stress on the fingers and wrist.  Other practical tools, such as reachers or long handled tools, help users avoid strain from bending or reaching, and some tools like the bottle opener pictured, allow for a push/pull movement rather than a twisting movement.

Move it or lose it: The most important principle of arthritis management is to keep the joints moving.  While our instinct can be to avoid using a joint when we have pain or stiffness, over time, this will lead to muscle loss, increased stiffness, and as a result, more pain.  It’s important to interrupt this cycle by incorporating the appropriate amount of activity, stretches, and exercises to keep the joints strong and mobile for the long-term. 

We hope you’ll use these tips to minimize the effects of arthritis, and consider dropping by Age Link Classroom1 on August 31st from 1:30-2PM for hand arthritis advice from guest Dr. Cindy Ivy.*

Are You ALTCS Curious?

Sun, July 29, 2018 Published by

The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is designed to help people pay for long term care. Part of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS (pronounced “access”), ALTCS (pronounced “all-tex”) provides support for both children with substantial needs as well as older adults. ALTCS is part of the Medicaid system, and it has very specific medical and financial qualifying guidelines.

To qualify medically, applicants will be interviewed by a nurse or social worker who will come to your apartment. The interviewer will ask for a list of current medications and recent medical records. Questions are designed to evaluate activities of daily living (“Can you dress yourself? How long does it take?”). They may ask about recent falls, as well as orientation to time and place. In order to qualify medically an applicant’s level of need must be determined to be at or near a nursing home level of care. I often observe these interviews on Campus and have found the interviewers to be friendly and helpful.

While the majority of people who receive ALTCS services do live in assisted living or higher level of care, an ALTCS designation does not mandate setting.  If an individual lives at large in the community, or in an independent living apartment here on Campus, they can still qualify for ALTCS services. However, in these cases ALTCS will provide (pay for) caregivers to assist with needs; these caregivers can be from an agency or someone of your own choosing, including your spouse. If you are in independent living, ALTCS will not help pay for rent. If you live in assisted living, they will.

The second qualifying category is financial. Income and assets are evaluated to see if a person meets the qualifying standard. If you have over $2,000 in a checking account, or earn more than $2,250 per month (these numbers change for married couples) you will not appear to be financially eligible. However, the financial guidelines can get complicated. For example, if you earn over the monthly limit, but meet other criteria, you can have an income-only trust set up that will allow you to qualify. It can pay in the long run to have your application handled by experienced ALTCS planning professionals or elder law attorneys. Please feel free to contact me at x16117 if you have questions about ALTCS.*

Hand Arthritis workshop

Sun, July 15, 2018 Published by

Have you ever realized how important your thumbs are in your everyday life? Join us for a FREE Hand Arthritis Workshop. Try out simple gadgets and practice techniques to reduce the strain on your joints, making everyday activities easier. In addition, learn about an exciting research opportunity. Open discussion Q & A forum with Dr. Cindy Ivy, Certified Hand Therapist from Mayo Clinic.  By the end of the workshop, you will give yourself, Two Thumbs Up! Join us this Friday, July 20th at 1PM in Agelink Room 1.*

 

Falls Prevention at Beatitudes

Sun, July 8, 2018 Published by

Success Matters is holding a summer session of the SAFER Stepping falls prevention program, which is not offered anywhere else in the country. The SAFER Stepping acronym stands for Surefooted Aging with Falls-related Education and Resources, and the workshop was carefully designed for Beatitudes Campus residents.  When many older adults think about falls risks, they consider balance and the obvious trip hazards, but few consider the many other components that combine to contribute to an overall increased risk of falls.  The SAFER Stepping workshop was developed to address all of these factors.  SAFER Stepping meets twice weekly for an hour and divides time between developing strength, coordination, and balance through exercises, AND systematically addressing the following falls-related factors: fear of falling, vision and hearing related falls risks, brain health and nutrition, medications related to falls, advocacy and how to discuss falls with health professionals, friends, and family, as well as home and environmental risks and adaptations.

The next SAFER Stepping workshop will begin again on Tuesday, August 7th at 3:00PM and will meet every Tuesday and Thursday for six weeks through September 13th. Call Jessica Meyer at x16110 to reserve a spot or be put on the waiting list for the next available course.*

Behind the Curtain: Setting The Stage For Success

Tue, May 29, 2018 Published by

Mark your calendars for a special series of presentations and discussions coming to you Tuesday afternoons, starting June 5th, at 2:00PM in the Agelink Great Room (AGR). Sponsored by the Health and Wellness Committee, this five-part series examines situations and solutions that arise when living and working in a Life Plan Community such as Beatitudes Campus. It results from months of planning and collaboration among staff from Resident Services, Success Matters, and Comfort Matters.

Just A Phone Call Away

Mon, January 22, 2018 Published by

February is National Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month, and many residents here experience low vision in various forms. While many have macular degeneration, which causes loss of central vision, others have glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and numerous other visual conditions. What many don’t realize, however, is that almost all older adults experience age-related changes in vision.  These age-related changes frequently include increased sensitivity to glare, diminished ability to see contrast, increased sensitivity to light changes, decreased depth perception, diminished visual acuity or sharpness, and decreased ability to see in dim light.  Not only that, most older adults with vision loss have some degree of hearing loss too, which can make previously simple tasks like talking on the phone more challenging.  To address both vision and hearing challenges on Campus, the Low Vision Support Group will be sponsoring a special presentation on February 9th at 1:00PM in Boardroom East. Connie Short is a representative from CapTel phones and has previously worked with the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  She will be demonstrating and answering questions about the latest telephone technology for those with vision and/or hearing loss. AND THE BEST PART IS…THE PHONES ARE FREE TO RESIDENTS WHO QUALIFY! We hope you’ll join us to learn more!

Success Matters: 2017 Year In Review

Fri, January 5, 2018 Published by

More than once the Success Matters team has been asked, “What is it you do exactly?”  Since this has been a great year for our Success Matters program, we thought we’d share some highlights.

A big part of our work is educational outreach. Our Lifelong Learner classes include: “Family Ties”; TED Talks “Life Lived Well”;  “Healthy Aging”; and “Maintain your Brain”.  We held information sessions on urinary incontinence, Life Planning documents, GoGoGrandparent, and Medicare.

Our SimulAge staff training helps employees continue to do their best work in interacting with residents. We have worked with approximately 150 staff from across Campus.

Jessica and Josephine teamed up to present at the Beatitudes at Home Spring Education Conference. Jessica also presented on the topic of “Assessing and Addressing Frailty” for the AZ Geriatrics Society; Josephine served on a discussion panel about transportation issues, and completed the Area Agency on Aging Medicare Counselor Volunteer Training.

October was Driver Safety Awareness Month, with OT students from NAU conducting Driver Check-Ups, and featuring AARP for the Smart Driver Course. We held A.T. Still University’s “Listen Up” program, which helps couples resolve communication issues stemming from hearing loss. We hosted the A.T. Still course “A Matter of Balance,” and held our own 6-week Safer Stepping series.

Jessica mentored three OT students from A.T. Still University, Mitch Sopko and Rich Fauci, and Maddie Thueson. Having Maddie, Rich, and Mitch in our department was a definite highlight.

Guest speaker Betty Delano from the AZ Attorney General’s Office spoke about scams, and Tony Motley from the AZ Department of Veteran Services presented on VA benefits.

We started an email newsletter and just published our 4th edition. Contact Josephine at x16117 if you want to be added to the email list.

Our daily focus is working directly to help residents maintain independence and a good quality of life. This might include answering questions about Life Planning documents or benefits, facilitating communication, transportation issues, apartment safety, support groups, and more.

Our little garden just outside the back of Agelink continues to grow. Please feel free to come visit. We aren’t growing anything edible but we do have a nice grouping of ferns, succulents, flowers, and cacti. They love to be admired and fussed over. We have seen two hummingbirds at our feeder, and a few lizards taking it easy out back. There is a bench where you can sit and contemplate on the east end of Agelink. Welcome!

Success Matters at Beatitudes Campus was awarded the 2017 Arizona Leading Age Award for Innovative Health and Wellness Programs.

Walker Wellness Workshop

Mon, June 5, 2017 Published by

Most older adults wisely adopt the use of a walker when they feel that their strength, balance or energy levels do not permit them to walk as safely and steadily as they used to.  Certainly, if you have had a recent fall, or you have nearly fallen, your vision is diminished, your legs fatigue easily or you have significant pain when walking, you are a good candidate for a walker.

With that in mind, proper walker fit and correct walker use are tremendously important to prevent falls and promote safety.  In fact, between 2001 and 2006, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that 47,000 older adults went to the emergency room for falls related to walkers and canes.  87% of these incidents involved walkers.  In the study, the CDC points to the importance of properly fitted walkers and providing education on how to safely use walkers.  However, most older adults have never had their walkers fitted, nor have they been instructed in the proper use of walkers.

On Thursday June 8th, from 4:00-5:00PM in the Motion Studio, you can drop-in to have your walker fitted and receive personalized walker safety tips at our Walker Workshop.  We’ll be ready to adjust your walker to the proper height and provide you with additional safety information, so that you can walk out with your head held higher (literally and figuratively), knowing you are taking the proper walker precautions.

And while supplies last, you’ll have an opportunity to walk away with a free walker satchel or walker water holder, so you can stay well hydrated this summer!

In the meantime, here are a few walker awareness tips:

  • To maintain proper posture, always keep you elbows in line with your sides when you are walking with a walker.  Do not push it out in front of you with your arms extended.
  • Look forward when you are walking with a walker, not down at your feet.
  • Always make sure that your walker brakes are locked when you are not walking.
  • When standing up from a seated position, use the chair armrests or the seat of the chair to push yourself up to stand. Do not use the walker to stand up.
  • When moving into a seated position, first, reach back to feel for the seat with one hand.

Reference: Center for Disease Control. (2009) 47,000 older adults treated in emergency departments annually for fall Injuries related to walkers and canes. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090629.htm

Going Places

Tue, May 16, 2017 Published by

One of the toughest decisions that older adults make is to give up driving. Cars mean independence. However, younger generations are finding they may not be so eager to buy a car. There may be economic reasons for this, but there are also new technological developments that let people of all ages get where they want to go without the full cost of owning a car.

Healthy Living for Healthy Lungs

Mon, March 13, 2017 Published by

With warmer spring weather arriving, we are all enjoying the welcoming temperatures of the season and spending more time outdoors. But with spring comes higher pollen counts and an increase in allergic symptoms. In Arizona, allergens cause more severe and prolonged allergy symptoms due to the extended growing seasons. Phoenix residents also endure more air pollution in the form of soot, dust, aerosols and emissions than most large cities, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms, as well as other lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Allergies, asthma, and COPD combined affect over 56% of the population, and COPD, in particular, has a higher rate of occurrence among older adults.  But breathe easy…we’ve got you covered.

Better Breathers is a group sponsored by the American Lung Association, which meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 4PM in the Motion Studio.  This group supports individuals with various lung conditions and provides valuable insights and tools for lung health.  Under the thoughtful leadership of resident, Barbara Carpenter, the Better Breathers hosts speakers and regularly addresses topics, such as:

  • How COPD, asthma, and allergies affects the lungs
  • Breathing techniques and relaxation to manage lung conditions
  • Exercise
  • Talking with your physician
  • Medications and other treatment options
  • Air pollution

Like many residents on campus, participants in Better Breathers are committed to living their lives to the fullest, despite physical challenges that may arise.  Through peer support and education, Better Breathers helps residents and community members learn proactive ways to face lung conditions head on and embrace life!

On March 25th, members of the Better Breathers group will be making a special trip to the LUNG FORCE Expo. The LUNG FORCE Expo is a program designed for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers to learn more about the latest trends, resources and research surrounding lung conditions.  Speakers from a variety of fields will present current medical information on topics that have the most impact on those whose lives are touched by these conditions.

If you’re interested in learning more about Better Breathers or attending the LUNG FORCE Expo, join us Monday, March 13th at 4PM in the Motion Studio or catch us next month on April 10th. 

Solve the Puzzle

Mon, February 20, 2017 Published by

The puzzle of advance care medical planning has several factors working against it: while many of us have thought about what types of care we would – or would not — want if we were unable to communicate our wishes, only about one-third of adults have completed plans that make these wishes known. Of those over age 65, that number increases to just over half.

Like tax forms, these documents meet the needs of procrastinators nationwide. They seem, somehow, both complicated and boring at the same time, but are nevertheless essential to complete. Unlike taxes, there is no federal law compelling us to complete them. That is why April 16th has been designated as National Healthcare Decision Day, as a gentle nudge to move forward with this very personal task.

Barriers to completing this puzzle are typically either emotional or informational. We either simply don’t want to think about (or cannot imagine) a time when we are unable to exert control over ourselves and our bodies, or we aren’t sure how to go about making our wishes known ahead of time. However, the benefits of doing so far outweigh the minor inconvenience and forced introspection of putting a plan in place.

Not having documents such as Health Care Power of Attorney, Mental Health Care Power of Attorney, and Living Will compromise your independence when you need it most. We need to be able to assert our wishes so that our values can emerge even under difficult circumstances, should they arise. In this spirit, I invite you to attend the Advance Planning Puzzle 101 on Wednesday, April 12th, from 2:00-3:00PM in the Agelink Great Room. We will review the scope of these three documents, as well as how to complete them and what to do with them once completed. No need to RSVP for this event.

Upcoming Focus Group

In addition to helping you with your Advance Planning needs, I would love to hear from you about other issues or resource assistance you feel is relevant to improving your experience here at Beatitudes Campus. I will be meeting informally with interested residents on Tuesday, March 7th, from 10:00 to 11:00AM, here in the Success Matters office in the Agelink building. If you’d like to stop by, please let me know at x16117. If you can’t make it that morning, just give me a call to share your thoughts any time.

National AMD & Low Vision Awareness Month

Wed, February 1, 2017 Published by

February is National Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month, and many of the residents at Beatitudes experience low vision in various forms. Macular degeneration causes loss of central vision and is one of the most common low vision diagnoses amongst older adults, but others on campus have glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and numerous other visual conditions. What many don’t realize, however, is that almost all older adults experience age-related changes in vision.  These age-related changes frequently include increased sensitivity to glare, diminished ability to see contrast, increased sensitivity to light changes, decreased depth perception, diminished visual acuity or sharpness, and decreased ability to see in dim light.  For example, according to University of Kentucky researchers, an 80 year-old needs four times the amount of light to see things as clearly as they did in their 20s!  Thankfully, there are a number of great resources in place to assist residents at Beatitudes Campus to navigate age-related vision changes.

The Low Vision Support Group meets on the second Friday of each month at 1PM in Boardroom East to share resources and support for those who are coping with varying degrees of vision loss. This group is open to ALL residents, and it publishes a reference list of eye doctors, optometrists, specialists, and local organizations that provide services for the visually impaired. In addition to sharing news and information about the latest developments in eye care and vision technology advancements, the Low Vision Support Group makes buttons available to residents with low vision, so that they can easily identify themselves to others.  You may notice your friends and neighbors wearing a button that says, “I HAVE LOW VISION.”  When you see others wearing these buttons, please be mindful of the fact that they may not be able to see your face clearly and may need extra time to orient themselves to their surroundings.  As a courtesy to all residents on campus who may have low vision (whether or not they wear the button), please identify yourself when you say hello.

As an occupational therapist and Director of Success Matters, one of my roles also includes working with individual residents to help make their environments more visually accessible —  from home lighting to computers.  For individualized information on setting up your apartment for improved visibility, feel free to call me, Jessica Meyer, at x16110.  Please contact Mark Pelkey at x15586 or Mary Lou Philips at x18371 for additional information about upcoming Low Vision Support Group meetings.

Success Matters Welcomes Josephine Levy

Wed, January 11, 2017 Published by

Thank you for welcoming me to Beatitudes Campus – I am so happy to be here as the new Success Matters Resource Navigator, a position that will enable me to work with residents to find needed resources and answer questions. This is a new position that will develop under the guidance of Jessica Meyer, who is already a tremendous resource herself as well as a delightful colleague.

I first became interested in learning more about the aging process when I was a hospice volunteer. From that six-year experience I learned firsthand that we are all part of this great thing called living and dying, and that we are intimately tied to one another throughout this whirlwind of a journey. I also learned how to double-bag trash cans, haul laundry bags, and make a great grilled cheese sandwich.

At that time I was working as a high school guidance counselor; before that I taught English for nine years. Some people might wonder about the shift from working with adolescents to older adults, but I see it as a natural transition. Both younger people and older people are faced with issues of changing identity and growth. Both are subject to stereotyping and generalizations. It seemed to me that our society does not take the time to appreciate the subtleties of the aging process.

My academic interests culminated in a Master of Arts, Gerontology degree from USC. This exposed me to a wide range of social, political and biological issues that affect our lives. I completed the USC Andrus Gerontology Center’s Executive Certificate in Home Modification, as well as the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. I realized how much the physical living environment plays a key role in maintaining dignity and autonomy, and how we can alter it to suit our changing needs. Too often we assume the problem is within ourselves, when really, it is in the physical barriers we have created that surround us.

Most recently, I worked as the Managing Director of Tempe Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a volunteer-based nonprofit that provides resources to Tempe residents who are aging in place. My work in this capacity solidified my interest in providing resources to others that help make aging a more satisfying experience.

I’m a Phoenix native and although every summer I can’t believe I still live here, that seems to be the case. I have a husband, four cats and a dog who surround me with affection, joy and chores. I enjoy yoga, reading newspapers, watching Frasier reruns and desert landscaping. Again, thank you for welcoming me to Beatitudes Campus and I look forward to learning and growing along with you on our common journey.

Food For Thought

Tue, June 14, 2016 Published by

Your brain is constantly working, even when you are asleep. It takes care of your mind and body, senses, breathing, and heart rate. Since your brain wears so many different hats, it is important to take care of your brain by nourishing it with the right fuel. What you eat will directly affect your brain, so it is crucial to eat the right type of food.

Just like a premium car, your brain will run better when it is fueled with premium fuel. So what is premium fuel for the brain? According to Mayo Clinic, green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, seafood, and olive oil are some of the most brain-healthy foods. Researchers have proven that eating healthy meals can not only improve your mood but can also slow cognitive decline. These brain-healthy foods are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that nourish the brain and protect the brain cells. A Mediterranean-style diet is an eating style that has been researched and proven to best preserve memory. A Mediterranean diet does not mean eating all-you-can-eat pasta and cheese. It means eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil instead of red meats and processed food.

Some “low-premium” fuels for the brain include processed foods, red meat, butter and margarine, cheese, refined sugars, such as pastries and sweets, and fried and fast foods. Research has found that refined sugar impairs brain function and increases your chance of depression. In addition, consuming large amounts of trans-fat can lead to brain shrinkage similar to people with Alzheimer’s disease. Trans-fat is the type of fat that is created when hydrogen is added to the chemical structure of a fat, typically vegetable oil. Trans-fats are often found in deep-fried foods, pie crusts, canned biscuits, frosting, shortening, Bisquick, microwave popcorn, store-bought cookies and cakes, non-dairy creamer, and margarine. Trans-fat is also known to raise our “bad” cholesterol levels and lower “good” cholesterol levels. Scientists have linked trans-fats to increased inflammation and plaques in the brain, causing a decline in function.

So what does it all mean? It means we should be more conscious of everyday food decisions we make, in order to improve brain health and our overall mood and physical health. So next time you order food, think twice about what you are ordering and ask yourself whether you are making the best choice for your brain. Perhaps instead of ordering the French fries, you can order a side of vegetables. Instead of eating cake after your meal, maybe you can eat a bowl of fruit. Food is our main source of fuel, so put in the premium fuel you deserve. You are worth it! *
Jiyea Park will be finishing her three month Occupational Therapy Student Internship at Beatitudes at the end of this week. She has really enjoyed her time at Beatitudes Campus and has made a big impact in the short time she has been with us. You’ll have an opportunity to say goodbye to Jiyea at this week’s Wednesdays Sundaes with Dave. Be sure to stop by!

Success Matters Welcomes Jiyea Park

Mon, April 11, 2016 Published by

Jiyea.Park

Jiyea Park, Occupational Therapy Student and Intern for Success Matters at Beatitudes Campus

Hello! My name is Jiyea (pronounced Gia) Park. You may have seen me strolling around campus with Jessica Meyer, the Director of Success Matters, but I wanted to formally introduce myself. I am an occupational therapy student who will be interning with Jessica for the next 12 weeks. As it turns out, April is National Occupational Therapy month, so this is a timely opportunity to share, not only a bit about myself, but also touch on the role of Occupational Therapy. I decided to get my masters in Occupational Therapy because it is a medical profession rooted in promoting the fullest quality of life and engagement at any age, and at every stage, by understanding each individual holistically.

When I am not working at Beatitudes, I spend my time hiking, painting, and exploring different restaurants and coffee shops in my neighborhood. I was born in South Korea but moved to Eugene, Oregon when I was 12 years old. I went to the University of Oregon for my undergraduate degree, where I studied journalism and business. I am a huge Ducks fan and love college football.

By interning with Jessica, who is also an occupational therapist, I will not only be learning more about Beatitudes and the Success Matters program but will also gain a better understanding of how Occupational Therapy can help to improve the lives of older adults. I hope to be an additional pair of ears and eyes working on behalf of the residents on campus. If you have any concerns or ideas regarding how we can better serve you to promote healthier and happier lifestyles on campus, please feel free to share those ideas with us.

I am very excited to be part of the Success Matters program, which is committed to empowering seniors to reach their fullest potential, by providing a variety of possibilities for staying active, stimulated and fulfilled and ultimately improving one’s overall quality of life. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to learn from Jessica, things from program development to how to better cater towards the needs of the elderly. In the next three months, I hope to help Jessica in helping the residents to have improved quality of lives here on campus. To do this, I will need your help, so if you see me around campus, feel free to say hello and share your ideas. I am thrilled to meet and get to know you better. *

By Jiyea Park, Occupational Therapy Student and Intern to Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters

 

 

 

Man’s Best Friend

Mon, April 4, 2016 Published by

Calling all dog lovers! Most of us are aware that guide dogs and therapy dogs can provide useful services to their human counterparts, but did you know dogs can be trained to smell changes in glucose levels and alert their diabetic owners to low blood sugar? Did you realize dogs can also be trained to sniff out certain types of cancer in breath, urine and stool samples with over 90% accuracy? Some dogs can even detect when their owners are going to have a seizure, and other dogs are used to calm and assist individuals with Autism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Whether dogs are searching for lost civilians in collapsed buildings, guiding the blind to school and work, or bringing comfort to patients in a hospital, we know man’s best friend is so much more than a companion; dogs are often life savers.

In appreciation for the bond between people and dogs, the Mildred Bullpitt Memorial Low Vision Support Group is hosting an event this Friday for the entire campus that will be PAWSitively entertaining and interesting for all of the dog lovers at Beatitudes! Join us Friday, April 8th at 10AM for a fascinating presentation from Guide Dogs for the Blind and Diamond Dogz. These organizations train various types of service dogs, and the presenters will be bringing dogs to demonstrate their impressive skills!
Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is an organization that trains and pairs guide dogs and individuals with visual impairments. Volunteers with GDB can also assist in raising puppies and serve on a GDB Campus where dogs are trained. Our GDB speaker will share a history of the organization, talk about raising puppies for GDB, and demonstrate etiquette when encountering a blind individual and a guide dog.

Diamond Dogz provides training and certification to dogs that work with the deaf and hard of hearing. These dogs are trained to alert their owners to various sounds and dangers. Our speaker from Diamond Dogz will give background information about the organization, demonstrate a hearing dog’s skills, and share information about other ways dogs assist people in therapeutic and service-oriented capacities. Both organizations work with dogs to increase independence, safety, and confidence among individuals with impairments. But whether or not you have any type of impairment, the presentation will be entertaining, enlightening, and probably…pretty adorable. *

National AMD and Low-Vision Awareness Month

Wed, February 10, 2016 Published by

By Mark Pelkey, Mildred Bulpitt Memorial
Low-Vision Support Group Co-Facilitator

February is National Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month. Many of our fellow residents, like myself, find our environment to be somewhat challenging due to issues relating to low vision. Fortunately, a visionary woman (pun intended) here on campus founded a support group dedicated to addressing the issues of the visually impaired.

The Mildred Bulpitt Memorial Low Vision Group meets on the second Friday of each month to share resources and support for those of us who are coping with varying degrees of vision loss. We publish a reference list of eye doctors, optometrists, and local organizations that provide services for the visually impaired. Included on this list are specialists who treat macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and, of course, the more commonplace near and farsightedness.

Our reference collection also includes information about Guide Dogs for the Blind, Veterans Administration contact numbers, access to campus and off-campus transportation services, local pharmacies, grocery stores and more.

At our meetings, we share news and information about the latest developments in eye care and technological advancements available to the low vision community. Technologies such as Talking Books, Audible.com, e-book readers, and various other programs and computer enhancements make dealing with a darkened or blurred world less stressful. The Mildred Bulpitt Memorial Low Vision Group strives to make certain that information about these products and services is readily available here at Beatitudes Campus. A further goal is the encouragement of a compassionate environment that ensures a level of comfort, not only for those of us with low vision, but the rest of campus residents as well.

As previously noted, February is National AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month, and you’ll be seeing some of your fellow residents sporting buttons announcing that we have low vision. We with low vision may not recognize even our close friends at times, and the buttons will serve to encourage friends and acquaintances to identify themselves when greeting one another. Also, sometimes we may appear to be a bit turned around in our surroundings or we may need extra time to orient ourselves due to changes in lighting. Again, the buttons offer a quick and simple explanation to any helpful observer.

The Mildred Bulpitt Memorial Low Vision Group invites residents, family, and friends who may have questions or concerns relating to low vision support to join us on February 12 at 1:00PM in Boardroom East at our regularly scheduled meeting. Please contact Mark Pelkey at ext. 5586 or Mary Lou Philips at ext. 8371 for additional information. *