Without help, 90-year-old Thom-as Ruiz would probably be in a nursing home. The World War II Navy veteran has lungs severely damaged from exposure to asbestos and a heart that needs a new valve, but hes not a candidate for surgery. Hes tethered to oxygen that runs constantly, yet he still gets winded walking from one end of his mobile home to the other.

His wife of 65 years, Anita, dotes on him as much as she can but her osteo-porosis creates physical limitations.

The Veterans Affairs San Diego HealthCare System (VASDHS) could have steered Toms care to a facility, but instead is working with AIS on a new program that helps veterans in his situation remain home.

The program - San Diego Veterans Independence Services at Any Age (SD-VISA) - is the fi rst of its kind in California. Instead of costly nursing home care, the veterans selected for this partnership are provided a budget and meet with AIS social worker Donna Brown, who has the title of VISA Options Counselor. Together, they work on a spending plan that is based on the unique needs of each veteran. The veteran is then referred to Premier Healthcare Ser-vices (PHS), which acts as the payroll agent, managing

May 2015

Veterans Benefi t from New Partnership

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

timesheets, payroll, taxes and even background clearances.

The most important aspect is that the care decisions are veteran-directed, selected by the veteran or that veterans representative, Donna says. Most of the monthly payment usually goes to hiring a caregiver. Other uses have included buying a special chair or bed, even alarms if the veteran has dementia and can wander.

The SD-VISA partnership is a year old. The federal Veterans Health Administration allotted slots for 30 veterans for the first year in San Diego County. The VASDHS must refer a veteran to the program rather than self-referrals. This ensures the participants are those most in need for this assistance. Besides provid-ing patient-centered care, it is hoped that the program will also save health care costs.

As with most families, Toms great-est need has been for someone to tackle what he and Anita cant: grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, transportation, etc. The SD-VISA budget allowed him to hire this help, so he picked one of his six sons, Ben, who moved into their mobile home last year.

BY ELLEN SCHMEDINGDIRECTOR, AGING & INDEPENDENCE SERVICES

TOM RUIZ (LEFT) WITH ANITA AND BEN

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE)

Ben was in a better position than his other brothers to move out of his own home and become the live-in care-giver, plus he realized he was putting 150 miles on his truck each day helping out his folks anyway.

He says the program will be particularly helpful soon when he needs to go out of town to visit one of his own sons. Tom will have the funds to hire someone else to cover the two weeks that Ben is away.

If this program wasnt in place, I dont feel I could go anywhere, Ben says.

Donna assists another family where the wife has not been able to work for the past seven years because of the care her husband needs. The woman is relieved that through SD-VISA she is fi nally able to have employment and pay into Social Security.

Veterans who feel they might be eligible for SD-VISA should talk with their VA social workers, according to Donna.

Ben says its worth the effort: Donna has been very, very helpful. Theres so much out there that people dont know about. You have to keep asking and looking and youll fi nd something that fi ts.

FOCUS OF VITAL AGING: BRAIN HEALTH

Boost your brainpower by attending the June 17 Vi-tal Aging Conference. The event will have all the components needed to improve your mind: stimulating speakers, social connections, exercise and brain-healthy food. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a neuropsychologist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, founder of the Brain Health Cen-ter, Inc. and author of Save Your Brain.

AIS coordinates the Vital Aging conference every other year to spotlight elements of health and wellbe-ing for older adults.

The free conference will be held at two locations: McMillin Center in Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey, San Diego 92106; and at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 92025.

Sharp HealthCare is the major sponsor and is taking reservations for the event. KGTV-Channel 10 is our media sponsor.

For other sponsorship opportunities or to exhibit, visit www.AISevents.org. You can also visit that website to RSVP to attend or call Sharp at (800) 827-4277.

LIBRARIES SALUTE OLDER AMERICANS

May is Older Americans Month. This years theme is Get into the Act, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, which created the national vehicle for coordinating community-based services and opportunities for older Americans and their families. Through this measure, AIS receives designated funding for nutrition programs, caregiver support, volunteer coor-dination, transportation assistance and more.

To recognize the achievements of older San Diegans, the County Library and San Diego Public Library branches are offering special programming this month, plus spotlighting the wide variety of programs and classes regularly avail-able for older adults at libraries in their neighborhoods:

May 7 at 11 a.m.: Food for Thought Yoga, Vista branch. RSVP required for $4 lunch: (760) 726-1340, ext. 1531.

May 13 at 1 p.m.: Offl ine & Online Security talk at the City of San Diego Central Library. No RSVP.

May 14 at 2 p.m.: Rhinestone Grannies, Encinitas branch. No RSVP required.

May 16 at 1 p.m.: Death Cafe, discussion about life and death at Pacifi c Beach Library. No RSVP required.

For more events and details, visit the County Library website: www.sdcl.org, and the City of San Diego Public Library website: www.sandiego.gov/public-library.

BOOK CLUB FOCUS: STILL ALICE

Another way that the local libraries are honoring older Americans this month is by focusing on the book, Still Alice, about a Harvard professor who suffers early onset Alzheimers disease. The book was made into a movie released earlier this year, starring actress Julianne Moore, who won the Best Actress Oscar for this role. The story not only profi les the main character, named Alice Howland, but deals with the toll that Alzheimers disease takes on her family. Some library branches will be having book discussions of Still Alice this month and next:May 11 (Monday) at 1 p.m. at the Vista branch.May 14 (Thursday) at 2:30 p.m. at the Jacumba branch.May 16 (Saturday) at 10:30 a.m. at the Julian branch.June 9 (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. at Rancho San Diego branch. June 20 (Saturday) at 1 p.m. at Borrego Springs branch.

The City of San Diego Public Library is also mak-ing Still Alice available through June through www.ReadandRideSD.org as an eAudioBook or eBook, or available for request at the branches.

On May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Casa de Oro Branch, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob will be welcoming attendees for a talk about Alzheimers disease.

For details: www.sdcl.org and www.sandiego.gov/public-library.

Honoring RSVP: LEAD WITH EXPERIENCE

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Mike Epstein, nominated by Tanja Schroeder from the Reu-ben H. Fleet Science Center, is the May RSVP Volunteer of the Month. Mike has been a volun-teer at the Science Center for nearly three years. He trains and mentors new volunteers, which means that the Centers growing family of volunteers are turning out to be as excellent as Mike.Mike also volunteers as a Gal-lery Facilitator, engaging visitors and helping them understand the exhibits. He is always ready to help the visitors make their way around the museum and ensure that a pleasant time is had by all. He also volunteers in the Tinkering Studio, showing families what cool things they can create. Mike is always looking for gaps in the schedule and is will-ing to come in whenever he is needed most. He is one of the few volunteers who comes in on purpose on days like Free Tuesday, because despite the diffi culties with fi nding parking on this day, he knows that is when he is needed the most. His personal initiative to obtain training and willingness to volunteer in any department of the Fleet is part of what makes him so valuable. He never hesitates to jump in and help out the other depart-ments. It is always a pleasure to have Mike around, says Tanja Schroeder. Not only is he a great volunteer at the Fleet, but he is a great friend, always making time to catch up and share great stories! Congratulations Mike! Your dedication to volunteering is touching lives in the community.

REMINDER: RECOGNITION IN THE FALL

The event to recognize RSVP volunteers for their ser-vice during 2014 will be held later this fall, not in the May timeframe as it has in the past.

SPOTLIGHT: JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS). Through their tremendous commitment and dedication, the volunteers exemplify the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world). With more than 30 volunteer opportunities available, JFS provides diverse and fl exible volunteer experiences.

Who are the volunteers that dedicate their time and skills to improving the lives of others? They are Fix-It volunteers who put their skills to good use by making mi-nor home-safety repairs, allowing older adults to remain safely in their homes. They are On The Go volunteers who drive older adults to personal and medical appoint-ments that they would be unable to get to otherwise. They are Foodmobile volunteers who deliver delicious, kosher meals and a friendly smile to homebound older adults and younger adults living with disabilities that dont have access to warm meals. They are Cozy Care-ista volunteers who serve coffee while socializing with older adults that come to the College Avenue Center to be part of a community. And they are so much more.

JFS strives to empower individuals and families to move toward self-suffi ciency, support aging with dignity, foster community connection and engagement through-out San Diego County. JFS provides essential services to people regardless of religion, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ability, gender identity/expression, or sexual orientation. For more information, contact RSVP at (858) 505-6399.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Gleaners, an amazing group of volunteers who reclaim and re-distribute food to agencies assisting individuals in need, is looking for offi ce help. The group has no paid staff or government funding, and operates solely on the efforts of volunteers. The group seeks an organized and motivated individual to monitor atten-dance sheets and manage volunteer hours. If you have been looking for a way to make a difference and put your skills to work, call RSVP at (858) 505-6399.

MIKE EPSTEIN

PROTECTION FROM WEST NILE VIRUS

San Diego County environmental health offi cials remind you to protect yourselves from mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus.

Last year, 11 San Diego County residents were di-agnosed with the disease and two local residents died. Statewide, 798 people were diagnosed with West Nile virus in 2014 and 29 people died the highest number of deaths from the disease in California in a decade. Across the country, 2,122 people were diagnosed with West Nile virus in 2014 and 85 people died.

West Nile virus is a disease that mainly affects birds, but can be transmitted to people, horses and other animals by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Roughly 80 percent of people exposed never develop any symptoms. In rare cases, people can become seriously ill and die.

Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Dump out or remove any item inside or outside of homes that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fi sh, avail-able for free, may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites: Stay inside when mosquitoes are most active, at dusk and dawn. Wear long sleeves and pants or use repellent when out-doors. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Make sure window and door screens are in good condition.

Report Dead Birds and Green Swimming Pools: Report dead crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls, and green swimming pools to the Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.

UCSD SEEKS DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

The UCSD Department of Psychiatry is recruiting for an National Institutes of Health-funded study focusing on older adults who are caring for a spouse with Alzheimers disease or other dementia. Participants must be 55 or older. The study visits are conducted in participants homes. Participants will receive free counseling and lab results. For details, contact the coordinator at (858) 534-9479.

ONLINE SEMINARS FOR CAREGIVERS

Aseries of live streaming seminars about caring for loved ones are offered free by the San Diego Care-giver Coalition at noon on selected Fridays. These webi-nars benefi t adult children of aging parents, caregiving spouses and professionals in the fi eld of health and aging. Each interactive seminar lasts half an hour. All you need to participate is Internet access and email:

June 5: Long-Term Care and Medi-Cal Benefi ts with Philip Lindsley of San Diego Elder Law.

June 12: Alzheimers Research Programs with Brent Mausbach from UCSD.

To register, visit www.caregivercoalitionsd.org, or for questions, email martin.dare@sdcounty.ca.gov.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

Grandparents raising grandchildren or other kinship families are invited to attend a free symposium from 8:30 to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Ave., San Diego. Call 2-1-1 to RSVP.

FUN, FRIENDSHIP AT IG GAMES

THE RECENT SOUTH BAY INTERGENERATIONAL GAMES PAIRED 100 OLDER ADULT VOLUNTEERS WITH THIRD-GRADERS FROM WOLF CANYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, SUCH AS PADDLE TENNIS, FRISBEE, FIELD HOCKEY, PLUS NUTRITION GAMES. GIVING THE ATHLETES A GOOD SEND-OFF WERE (ABOVE, FROM LEFT) TRACY LAMB, DIRECTOR OF THE OLYMPIC TRAIN-ING CENTER; COUNTY SUPERVISOR GREG COX; FORMER GOLD MEDAL OLYM-PIAN JOAQUIM CRUZ; AIS DIRECTOR ELLEN SCHMEDING; AND FRANCISCO ESCOBEDO, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT. BIG THANKS TO THE SPONSORS: HEALTH NET, SHARP CHULA VISTA MEDICAL CENTER, AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE, KAISER PERMANENTE, JANICE POPE, MOLINA HEALTHCARE, SOUTH BAY HEALTH & INSURANCE SERVICES, ST. PAULS PACE AND SUNRISE AT BONITA.

MAY 1, FRIDAYNOON TO 4 P.M.Still Going Strong Fair will be held at the Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego 92101. For details: (619) 236-5867.

MAY 2, SATURDAY8:30 A.M. San Diego County NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk will be held at NTC Park Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Di-ego 92106. To sign up, visit www.NAMIwalks.org/SanDiegoCounty.

MAY 5, TUESDAY10:30 TO 11:30 A.M.A self-defense class will be offered at the San Carlos Branch Library, 7265 Jackson Dr., San Diego 92119. For details, call (619) 527-3430.

MAY 8, FRIDAY10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.The CarFit program, providing older drivers a 12-point check on how their cars fi t them, will be offered at the College Avenue Center, 4855 Col-lege Ave., San Diego 92115. RSVP required; call (858) 637-7330 to reserve a time.

SEND IN YOUR ITEMSThis monthly calendar welcomes your contributions. Just send items by the 10th of each month preceding the is-sue date to: Denise G. Nelesen, editor, Aging & Independence Services, PO Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193-3217. Or you can e-mail to: denise.nelesen@sdcounty.ca.gov.

MAY 8, FRIDAY10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.A Lifetime of Healthy Living Health Fair will be held at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla 92037. For more information, call (858) 459-0831.

MAY 11, MONDAY10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.Access to Independences annual Job Fair for People with Disabilities will be held at the San Diego Uni-fi ed School Districts Ballard Center, 2375 Congress St., San Diego 92110. For questions: (619) 293-3500.

MAY 12, TUESDAY4 TO 5 P.M.Jazz guitarist and composer Peter Sprague will perform at the Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton St., Spring Valley 91977. For details: (619) 463-1796.

MAY 14 & 28, THURSDAYS1:30 TO 3 P.M.Making Friends with Your iPhone will be a two-part class at the Law-rence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Dr., UTC area. Learn iPhone basics. Cost is $20. RSVP by May 7 to Melanie Rubin: (858) 362-1141.

MAY 27, WEDNESDAY9 A.M. TO NOONSenior Resource Fair will be held at St. Pauls Senior Services, 2340 Fourth Ave., San Diego 92101. For details: www.StPaulSeniors.org, or call (619) 239-6900.

MAY 28, THURSDAY9 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M.Right Choices at the Right Time, a free conference about planning for your future health and fi nancial needs, will be held at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa 91942. For details and to RSVP: (800) 827-4277.

MAY 29, FRIDAY6 P.M.San Diego Legends Cecil Steppe, John Howard, Robert Alvarez, Jackie Gmach and Aurora Cudal will be profi led at the Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane, Lemon Grove 91945.

MAY 30, SATURDAY8 A.M.The Live Well San Diego 5K will be held at the NTC Park in Liberty Sta-tion. Former Charger Nick Hardwick will be participating. Cost is $30 adults; $25 children. To register, visit www.livewellsd5k.com.

MAY 30, SATURDAY9:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M.Creative Aging Fair will be held at the Pacifi c Beach Library, 4275 Cass St., San Diego 92109. Include talks, activities, entertainment and exhibi-tors. For details, call (858) 581-9934.

ADVISORY COUNCIL The AIS Advisory Council will meet at noon Monday, May 11, at AIS, 5560 Overland Ave., Third Floor, San Diego 92123. These meetings are open to the public.

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