Last year marked Council on Aging Silicon Valley’s (COASV) debut in the Rose, White, and Blue Parade. This holiday event spreads feelings of family, community, and patriotism.

Last year, cheers for COASV and recognition for the work that we do for our local seniors and caregivers were heard as we rolled along the parade path. Some spectators encouraged friends to call us, while our company vehicle, clad with festive balloons and banners, drove by thousands of parade-goers.

This year, the parade commences at 10 a.m. at Lincoln High School and heads northwest on Dana Street to University Avenue. The procession will then turn right and continue to The Alameda, ending after Magnolia Avenue.

Following the parade, we invite you to attend the street festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a celebration that takes place along The Alameda from Hester Avenue to Julian Street. The festival will include live music, food, arts and crafts, and a kids’ zone. Additionally, attendees can check out parade floats and vintage cars, ensuring everyone has a chance to see the floats up close.

Council on Aging Silicon Valley will be available at this event to reach out into the community. Information & Assistance Specialists and Health Insurance Experts will be present to offer referrals to community services that are specific to individual situations. These unbiased referrals are provided at no cost. Look for us in the Rose, White, and Blue Parade on Wednesday, July 4, and stop by our booth to say hello to us!

If you have any questions about services available for seniors and caregivers in Santa Clara County, call Information & Assistance at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Being an informed and educated consumer improves your ability to protect yourself from fraudulent products and services. Keeping in mind a few simple guidelines can help you distinguish the legitimate from the fraudulent. Protect yourself financially by following these five simple steps.

1. Avoid giving out your personal information, such as credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, and insurance numbers to those you are unfamiliar with.If you have any doubts, do not give out your personal information. Connie Corrales, Director of Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program at Council on Aging Silicon Valley, says, “Medicare and Social Security never call to request this information; they already have it.”
2. Ask for the company’s name, address, and telephone number. Be careful with calls for services and products that you did not inquire about.
3. If you would like to limit telemarketing calls, you can sign up for the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registry. You can sign up at www.donotcall.gov or at (888) 382-1222.
4. Be cautious of people who want money up front, especially those that ask you to withdraw large sums of money.
5. Ask for references and check them with your friends and family. Use available public information from consumer protection agencies before making a purchase or giving out further information if you suspect any wrong doing.

Many different programs can assist you in preventing fraud from occurring, and investigating fraud. Remember that you are not alone and that help is available.

If you have any questions or concerns on how to prevent or report fraud, please call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak with Information & Assistance to learn more about the resources available.

The summer months bring sunny days and warmer weather. As the days get hotter, the risk of heat-related illness, or hyperthermia, rises. Hyperthermia happens when the body is unable to regulate temperature and overheats. Hyperthermia especially affects adults over age 50.

Hyperthermia can refer to a number of differing conditions from heat cramps, often felt as a tightening of the muscles in the stomach, legs, or arms; and the more serious heat exhaustion, experienced by dizziness, weakness, nausea and, uncoordinated movements; to the more serious and life threatening, such as heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke can include fainting, confusion, staggering, acting strangely, or disorientation. This may be accompanied by a strong rapid pulse, or a slow weak pulse, and the skin will often be dry and flushed.

Being aware of symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness or nausea is important. If you are experiencing symptoms move to a cool, shaded place, lie down, and rest. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. A cool bath or shower, or even using a cool damp sponge or towel can help cool you down. If symptoms persist or you do not cool down, visit a doctor or the emergency room. The best defense against hyperthermia is prevention. Taking the steps below can often help you avoid hyperthermia.

• Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water or fruit or vegetable juices.
• Open windows at night, and try to create a crosswind by opening windows on different sides of your home.
• Keep curtains, shades, or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Dress for the weather by wearing lighter fabrics and dressing in layers that can be removed as the temperature rises.
• Avoid exercise or a lot of activities when hot.
• Use air conditioned public spaces, such as malls, libraries, community centers, and senior centers when temperatures are too hot.

For more information on equipment and services, including Lifeline auto-alert, call Council on Aging Silicon Valley at (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak with Information & Assistance.

Last year marked Council on Aging Silicon Valley’s (COASV) debut in the Rose, White, and Blue Parade. This holiday event spreads feelings of family, community, and patriotism.

Last year, cheers for COASV and recognition for the work that we do for our local seniors and caregivers were heard as we rolled along the parade path. Some spectators encouraged friends to call us, while our company vehicle, clad with festive balloons and banners, drove by thousands of parade-goers.

This year, the parade commences at 10 a.m. at Lincoln High School and heads northwest on Dana Street to University Avenue. The procession will then turn right and continue to The Alameda, ending after Magnolia Avenue.

Following the parade, we invite you to attend the street festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a celebration that takes place along The Alameda from Hester Avenue to Julian Street. The festival will include live music, food, arts and crafts, and a kids’ zone. Additionally, attendees can check out parade floats and vintage cars, ensuring everyone has a chance to see the floats up close.

Council on Aging Silicon Valley will be available at this event to reach out into the community. Information & Assistance Specialists and Health Insurance Experts will be present to offer referrals to community services that are specific to individual situations. These unbiased referrals are provided at no cost. Look for us in the Rose, White, and Blue Parade on Wednesday, July 4, and stop by our booth to say hello to us!

If you have any questions about services available for seniors and caregivers in Santa Clara County, call Information & Assistance at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

One out of every ten hospital admissions involving seniors is the result of medication mismanagement. While you may want to be there to help manage your loved one’s medications in person, being present several times a day to ensure proper timing and dosage is not realistic for many caregivers. However, with the advent of new technologies, being present for each dose may not be necessary.

New medication management technology products are available that can help seniors age well at home, including advanced prescription monitoring equipment. Several companies offer various models of prescription monitoring products that alert seniors when it is time to take their pills and remind them until the pills are taken. Some models even offer caregivers and family members peace of mind by alerting them if the medications are not taken. 

Equipment varies among large tabletop devices, to smaller pillboxes with alarms, and watches or bracelets worn by the senior. No matter what you or your loved one’s needs, there may be a technological solution or assistive device that is just right for your unique situation. 

New advances have also been made to personal emergency response systems. Emergency buttons give seniors and family members peace of mind in case of falls or other medical concerns. Council on Aging Silicon Valley offers Lifeline with the auto-alert option, alerting family and medical professionals even when the senior is unable to push a button. 

For more information on equipment and services, including Lifeline auto-alert, call Council on Aging Silicon Valley at (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak with Information & Assistance.