Living in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home may often not be the first choice for anyone. Some people have no other option but to live in a facility and for this reason, it is important that their rights are protected.  

According to an article published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, about 10% of all individuals over the age of 65 experience some form of abuse. These rates are often higher in long-term care facilities due to having healthcare professionals who are often undertrained and unprepared in diagnosing elder abuse.   

The Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County is a free and confidential service, which advocates for the quality of life and care for residents of long-term care facilities. The program assists residents and their families in resolving problems, visits long term care facilities regularly to receive complaints, and promotes residents ‘rights as well as quality of life. The LTC Ombudsman Program serves: 

• 52 Skilled Nursing Facilities 
• 320 + Residential Care Facilities for the elderly/assisted living 
• Over 13,000 Long-Term care residents  

Sourcewise proudly provides funding for this critical resource. There are many ways to get involved and be an ally to the elderly and disabled community. Individuals (18 years of age or older) are eligible to become certified LTC Ombudsman after a mandated 36-hour training. All Catholic Charities volunteers are required to complete a background check and tuberculosis (TB) testing. Anyone interested in volunteering for the LTC Ombudsman program can contact volunteer@catholiccharitiesscc.org.  

In a visible location, all long-term care facilities are required by law to have posters with the phone number for the local Ombudsman office and the Statewide CRISISline number (800) 231-4024. The CRISISline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take calls and refer complaints from residents in long-term care facilities. 

To learn more about the LTC Ombudsman program, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.  

President Reagan declared August 21, 1988, to be the first National Senior Citizens Day. Since then, it has been celebrated on August 21 every year. This day was designated by the former president to honor the many senior citizens in the United States that have made contributions to society throughout their lives.  

With improved health care, older citizens are continuing to contribute to society and to make a difference in American society for much longer than in previous decades.  President Raegan stated, Day “Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today.” 

According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 4.5 million seniors are making a difference  by sharing their time, knowledge, and experience with the community in various volunteering activities and projects in all sectors of society.  

The impact seniors have on society is only expected to rise as the percentage of seniors in America is expected to grow in the next few decades.  The number of seniors is expected to surpass the number of individuals below the age of 18 by 2035 and their impact in society is expected to see a commensurate rise.  

Do you have a senior citizen in your life who has made an impact in your life? Take the opportunity on August 21 to let them know you care and show them your appreciation by spending some time with them.  

To learn about available volunteer programs and projects for seniors, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

Summer is here! While some people may love to have some fun in the sun, it is important to keep safety precautions in mind. Older adults, especially those with existing health problems, are at greater risk when facing high temperatures 

Excessive heat can be dangerous for anyone at any age. According to the National Institute on Aging, long exposure to heat may cause several illnesses, categorized under ‘hyperthermia’.  

Take steps to lower your risk of heat-related illness:

• Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of liquids, such as water or juices. Stay away from drinks containing alcohol or caffeine. If your doctor has told you to limit your liquids, ask what you should do when it is extremely hot.
• Stay Cool. If your home does not have fans or air conditioning, try to keep your home as cool as possible. Limit your use of the oven. Keep your shades, blinds, or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. Open your windows at night. If you need help getting to a cool place cooling center, ask a friend, neighbor or relative.
• Wear Light Clothing. Dress for the weather. Some people may find natural fabrics, such as cotton, to be cooler than synthetic fibers. 
• Limit Strenuous Activity. Avoid exercising or extraneous activities outdoors. 
• Avoid Crowded Places. Plan trips during non-rush-hour times.

If you are experiencing overheating symptoms, consult with your primary care doctor or call 911. To learn more about ways to stay cool this summer, speak with a Community Resource Specialist to locate cooling centers: (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

An advanced directive often referred to as a “living will” or “health care power of attorney,” is a legal document providing guidance to medical professionals regarding the type of treatment one will allow in the event of a medical emergency when they may be unable to communicate their wishes.   

Advanced directives also allow individuals to direct someone else to make medical decisions for them if they cannot speak for themselves. This person is the “surrogate.” Having an advanced directive can be helpful to have for all adults, regardless of age. 

In California, another common type of advanced directive is a Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. Individuals can request this medical document from their doctor which states their preferences to emergency medical workers (such as paramedics) in the event of a medical emergency. 

The POLST form lists the individual’s preferences about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using intravenous therapy (IVs), a ventilator, and artificial nutrition given via a tube. Filling out a POLST form is voluntary, but if the form has been completed, medical providers are legally required to abide by the requests. The POLST could be considered by individuals with a serious illness or advanced frailty near the end-of-life ahead of time. 

Advanced directives and POLST forms are different and not the same. The advanced directive is a legal document, and the POLST is a medical document. However, these documents work together to make an individual’s wishes known when they cannot communicate for themself.  

To learn more POLST forms, speak with your doctor. To learn more about advanced directives, speak with Community Resource Specialist to locate legal services at (408) 350-3200, option 1.  

Being a family caregiver can be demanding and more stressful during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent article written by Gary Barg, Editor-in-Chief of Today’s Caregiver, he shares tips on how to achieve one day of COVID-19 safe respite per week for the rest of the summer. While it may seem unrealistic or impossible for primary caregivers to find time for themselves when faced with all the caregiving responsibilities, some time management and planning can go a long way. 

From the article, family caregivers Jan and Mary help support the idea that making respite a part of their daily routine is not impossible and does not necessarily mean taking a trip away from home or their loved one. Mary shares, “Before I start out each day, I set a specific time for just me. My best time is at 7 p.m. when my day is done. I sit down and pamper myself. I get in a relaxed mood, make myself a nice dinner, sit back and take care of me. By the time I am ready to go to bed, I am mentally satisfied with my accomplishments of the day”. 

Jan mentions, “I get up at 6 a.m., make myself a pot of tea, and sit and read a few chapters of a book. This is my time, so I only do something for me for an hour”. 

Factoring respite into your daily life as a family caregiver, in any way possible is achievable. It is important to be able to rest and recharge, avoiding the threat of burnout and stress-related health problems. 

To learn more about respite care options near you, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.