Programs and Organizations Serving Seniors

Nancy Tomlin was in her late 60s when her doctor told her to stop climbing ladders and hanging curtains for her posh interior decorating clients. Tomlin, the Virginia-born widow of an army sergeant, reluctantly accepted the wisdom of his advice. But, she asked, "What do I do then?"

The doctor hesitated, and then responded with an idea that set the Tacoma area grandmother of three off on a new career.

Tomlin has a Southern belle’s knack for making conversation and has spent a lifetime caring for others—as a teenager in a family of 13, as a wife, and as a mother of four. The doctor asked her to be a companion to one of his elderly patients. Soon a nearby senior community discovered this was a woman who could make a game of cards far more enticing than an armchair date with The Bachelor—and her clientele grew.

"Some people just get involved in themselves and don’t want to get up in the morning," Tomlin said. "I just wanted to do what I could to help them."

At age 73, that career, too, is now behind Tomlin, but the University Place resident has a new mission. She has joined a community forum in Tacoma, backed by the University of Puget Sound and several partners, that is pursuing an idea whose time has come.

Tomlin is a facilitator in a task force working on a program titled "Caring for Our Elders; Caring for Our Selves." The group is preparing a vision for Pierce County that will ultimately aim to ensure that all seniors live in comfort, in good company, and with the best health care and services possible.

The goal sounds radical, even to Tomlin. But with 78 million baby boomers starting to hit age 65 from next year, and the number of Americans older than 65 set to double to 20 percent of the population within two decades—we live in radical times.

America, which has long catered to the young, is about to be swamped with the needs of older adults. Yet it does not have to be this way, says forum co-organizer Dr. Stuart Farber. Seniors, he says, have a lot to give back. What we need is a model that makes them a vital and contributing part of the community, not dependents pushed to its edge.

"We’re all walking backwards towards the end of life," Farber says. "It would be a lot easier if we turned around, acknowledged our own advancing age, and did what we could to ensure that all of our lives have quality and value right down to the finish line."

Farber, director of palliative care at the University of Washington Medical Center and associate professor in the School of Medicine, approached University of Puget Sound professor of economics Bruce Mann last year with his concerns. As director of the university’s Civic Scholarship Initiative, which brings professors, students, and local residents together to solve community problems, Mann was able to offer support. He sees a significant change occurring across America—people want the choice to stay in place as they age.

"We need to think about how to respond—in terms of transport, housing, medical needs, caregiver support…quite simply, we need a plan," Mann said.

Quickly, other groups pitched in to help: the Franciscan Health System, L’Arche Tahoma Hope, the City of Tacoma Mayor’s Office, Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County Medical Society, and Tacoma Community House. The News Tribune and Tacoma Weekly ran stories on the issue, and KUOW Radio of Seattle discussed it in an hour-long show.

The first step, the team decided, was to gather concerns and ideas from the people in the front lines—those heading into retirement, caring for a senior, or preparing to shoulder the burden of an over-stretched health and social security system. Volunteers would then study the issues, and produce creative solutions for the Pierce County community to explore and adopt.

Dr. William Hazzard, University of Washington professor of medicine, kicked things off with an April talk about "living life to the fullest." Then, Tomlin and 30 others volunteered to form three task forces, which today are exploring quality of life/aging in place, community building, and systems of care.

A few of the early thoughts from the task forces include: senior centers as a place for learning, sharing space with youth programs, working with a seniors political lobby, and learning from other cultures. Concerns raised include providing home medical care, respite for caregivers, mental health issues, and the inevitable, "How do we pay for all this?"

Over the next six to 12 months the task forces will turn their ideas into a draft plan that sets out goals and recommendations. The draft will be discussed at a future public meeting. The group will then issue a white paper called "2020 Vision for Pierce County."

Change on a large scale will not come easily, the participants acknowledge. But their willingness to make a start relies on another well-worn truth, summed up by American anthropologist Margaret Mead: "A small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Tomlin puts it her own way: "So many people out here don’t know that there is help for them and they become reclusive when there’s so many things they could be doing," she says. "Whatever we can do—if in some way we can come up with something substantial to present to the county—that’s my hope."

For more information about "Caring for Our Elders; Caring for Our Selves" and dates of future public meetings visit www.pugetsound.edu/csi.

The group is preparing a vision to ensure that all seniors live in comfort, in good company, and with the best health care and services possible.

What Lies Ahead for Area Senior Centers

by Suzanne G. Beyer

The Good Shepherd Center in North Seattle, a stately four-story, 100-year-old brick building featuring stained glass windows, is home to the Wallingford Community Senior Center, which occupies space on the ground level. On this day, a clam chowder and chef salad lunch is served to 25 people. Eric Hughes, a former University of Washington men's gymnastics coach, lives nearby and enjoys the companionship at lunch. Eric has been a member at the Center for nine years.

Jean Kinloch, a newcomer to the Center, also looks forward to lunch. With a charming Scottish brogue, she talks about the many "lochs" (lakes) in Scotland. Jean traveled to lunch this day via van that is on loan to the Center through King County Metro Access Buses.

"I'm the handsome van driver," proudly states Mike Lemon.

The Wallingford Community Senior Center offers a nutritionally balanced lunch program Wednesdays and Fridays, funded primarily through Federal dollars from the Older Americans Act. A suggested donation of $3 covers the meal. The number of senior centers in the area that offer this lunch program has been dwindling.

Wallingford Community Senior Center exudes a warm, homey feeling to all who participate, whether you're a long-time member like Eric, or a newcomer like Jean. Several volunteers provide the welcoming ambiance and keep the place running smoothly.

"I'm a Jack of all trades," says Quentin Peck, who has volunteered at the Center for 5 years. Today he serves as receptionist.

These are slim times for the Center as three staff members were let go, programs cut, and with lack of adequate funding, the Center itself teeters on the cliff of nonexistence.

"It's a time of loaves and fishes – we make it work," says Kathleen Cromp, Executive Director of the Wallingford Community Senior Center.

In better times, the Center hosted activities and exercise classes, offered health information, transportation, education and computer classes, along with writing workshops. Six computers are still there for the members' use, but there's no formal class. Members also once enjoyed pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners.

Kathleen Cromp and board member Christopher Novak fear a loss of support for seniors and the vulnerable, especially in northeast Seattle. Novak discusses a broad range of needs for seniors.

"Seniors cover two generations from 55 to 105 years old," says Novak. "They have different needs."

Kathleen Cromp recalls the history of senior centers: They came into being in the 1960s and 70s. The notion of retirement as the Golden Years with plenty of leisure time—and the highly regarded status of senior citizens—created these centers that were looked upon as social clubs and gathering places.

Today, the suggestion has been made that perhaps it would benefit all groups to expand programming and change the name—completely omit the word "Senior" and make the centers more inclusive. This new center concept would blend programs for seniors and other age groups.

But, a changing identity isn't the only struggle that senior centers face.

Funding

Senior center funding sources consist of many moving pieces, with no guarantees of future survival.

Philanthropic agencies like United Way used to give more money to senior centers; however, the homeless and the hungry have more immediate needs, thus diverting funds from the centers.

"Less than 2 percent of philanthropy goes to senior services," says Kathleen.

A chunk of money comes from government. Annual membership fees can range from $25 to $30 per member, but programs often include non-members—the general public—who pay for the exercise class, the computer class, or attend a concert or a lecture. A center's space may be rented out for private gatherings like weddings and birthday celebrations, which also bring in revenue. Some senior centers host fundraisers in the form of rummage or bake sales.

According to Kathleen, the funding scenario of a Seattle-area senior center looks something like this: 20 percent of revenue comes from class fees, membership and space rental; 33 percent of the budget comes from municipal sources, public funding or from the City of Seattle; and 45 percent comes from private fund-raising like special events, grants or a business sponsorship.

"The uncertainty (of funding) is very hard," says Kathleen, and adds, "Too much is at stake if we close, since it affects too many lives."

In welcome news, the Wallingford Community Senior Center Board of Directors recently announced it would keep the Center open and rebuild its operations and finances through a strategic restructuring process in 2010. This decision was made possible in part through generous community support, along with a matching grant from an anonymous donor in the amount of $25,000. Programs will be restored beginning in April.

The State of Seattle Senior Centers

Senior centers play a vital role in Seattle and throughout the region. They provide health and wellness services, community meals, recreation, social opportunities and support. But, when we hear words like: closure, lack of funding, various owners, and that centers within the same city are organized differently, it's time to examine, evaluate and revise.

Ravenna Senior Center has closed. The University District Senior Center, the oldest in the city, closed after 50 years. Greenwood Senior Center was saved when it merged with Phinney Neighborhood Association.

Some regional senior centers fall under an umbrella of Parks & Recreation. Seattle Parks offers programs aimed at seniors through their Lifelong Recreation program – these programs are usually held in Seattle Community Centers. A collaboration between Parks & Recreation and libraries could form a useful partnership for some senior centers in the future. The Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens, Senior Services, and various non-profit organizations offer additional services in Seattle.

But, according to the seniors that use them, there is something wonderful about having a nearby senior center to welcome them. Indeed, a senior center can hold a central role in many seniors' lives.

A study due in August called, "Planning for Seattle's Senior Centers and the delivery of services to seniors," is underway through Aging and Disability Services and other senior service providers. Their comprehensive planning process will recommend policy goals for engaging older adults in healthy activities; the role of senior centers; and steps the city can take to implement effective services for older adults.

Kathleen Cromp, Christopher Novak and the Board of Directors of the Wallingford Community Senior Center have their work cut out for them, creating a picture of how they'd like their Center to look at this turning point, and the funding required.

It's fitting that this warm gathering place for seniors is situated in the historic landmark Good Shepherd Center, surrounded by well-groomed lawns and gardens on a cozy tree-lined street… a setting that invites a long-lasting inclusion of the Senior Center.

118 Years of Helping Older Adults – Jewish Family Services

by Dan Armstrong

At the age of 81, Bonnie Genevay finds herself facing the same challenges that many older adults confront. She has had two hip replacements and multiple eye surgeries. No longer able to drive or to stand for extended periods of time, she realized that she needed occasional help if she wanted to remain in her home. So Genevay, a retired gerontologist, contacted HomeCare Associates, a division of Jewish Family Service. At first blush, it may seem like an odd choice because Genevay is not Jewish.

Based in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, with branches in Bellevue and Kent, Jewish Family Service (or JFS, as it is affectionately known to its friends) has been serving older adults in our area for almost 118 years. And, like Genevay, many of them are not Jewish. Bill Babson, a resident of Duvall, was referred to HomeCare Associates by the Veterans Administration. Mr. Babson, who uses a wheelchair, did not know at the time that the program was part of Jewish Family Service. Today, however, he says that the agency has improved his quality of life: "HCA has provided good, caring people who genuinely want to help others."

Jewish Family Service was initially organized in 1892 as the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society. The primary goal, at that time, was to gather donated blankets and other goods for newly arriving Russian refugees who were fleeing persecution under the regime of Czar Alexander III. The organization was comprised entirely of volunteers—nearly thirty years would pass before a professional staff member was hired. Today, the agency employs nearly 200 individuals.

Although JFS has always offered culturally appropriate services to members of the Jewish community, it also provides substantial support and assistance to people of other backgrounds. Counseling, care management, disability services, and the JFS food bank are available to all qualified applicants, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Nor is JFS just for the poor or disadvantaged. The agency strives to provide relevant programming for everyone coping with the normal challenges of life, whatever their socioeconomic status may be. As the saying goes: not everyone is needy—but at one time or another, everyone has needs.

In-home services: JFS's HomeCare Associates is a licensed provider of in-home services and can assist with personal care, such as dressing or bathing. It also offers routine homemaking services, medication reminders, and help with shopping or other errands. Joan Manzer was referred to the program by her insurance company and credits the home care staff with making a real difference in her life. "They are interested in my situation and look ahead to help me out. They give me good tips as to how to deal with my issues. They have moved their schedule around to suit me and I really appreciate that." The majority of the agency's home care workers are certified nursing assistants, and aides are fluent in English, Spanish, and a variety of other languages. Delegated nursing services are also available.

In addition to home care, Jewish Family Service offers three programs specifically designed to benefit those who are fifty and above. They include:

Counseling with an emphasis on older adult issues: The second half of life can be a time of real accomplishment and satisfaction—but it can also be a period when we experience a great deal of loss. We may lose our parents, as well as older friends and relatives. Many of us lose significant social contacts—and support—when we retire. And, as our health changes, we may lose the ability to do things that were once very important to us. A few sessions with a skilled counselor can often help us put this kind of loss into perspective and find new meaning and purpose in life.

Care management: As we approach retirement, we are compelled to deal with a wide array of questions and issues that we may be ill-equipped to deal with. How does early retirement affect Social Security? When does it make sense to purchase long-term care insurance? How does one decide on a Medicare supplemental insurance plan—and what are all of the different Parts in the Medicare program? How does one shelter one's assets—and is it even ethical to do so? A professional care manager can help each individual come up with answers to these questions and can be an invaluable guide when trying to navigate the various government programs and systems.

Patient advocacy: Health care in America is fragmented, and it is not unusual for a person with serious or chronic health issues to have a half dozen or more physicians or other health care providers involved in his or her case. For an individual dealing with major illness, this can be confusing and exhausting. Patient advocates are qualified individuals who serve as a liaison between the patient and the health care system. They can coordinate appointments, help educate the patient, and ensure that family caregivers understand the patient's needs.

Jewish Family Service serves King and Snohomish Counties. For more information, call 206-861-8790.

Providence Senior and Community Services With more than 150 years of history, Providence serves the poor and vulnerable

by Cynthia Flash

At age 74, John McGowan gets up each day knowing he has a comfortable apartment, healthcare provided by a complete team of caregivers, someone to clean and cook for him – and the opportunity to shop and spend time at one of Seattle's top destinations – the Pike Place Market.

A retired Army veteran who later worked as a taxi dispatcher, bowling alley pin placer and furniture mover, McGowan came to Seattle from Wisconsin in 2006 seeking a better life. He found it through a referral to Providence Senior and Community Services, a division of Providence Health and Services that serves residents throughout the Puget Sound area with a full range of services for people who need access to healthcare services, housing and hospice.

McGowan lives at Providence Vincent House at the Pike Place Market, a low-income apartment building owned by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and run by Providence. Twice a week he is picked up by a Providence van and rides to Providence ElderPlace, a facility in Seattle's Rainier Valley where he enjoys the company and socialization with other seniors and has all of his healthcare needs met. ElderPlace is the only PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care) program in Washington state and offers all the healthcare services needed to keep elderly and vulnerable individuals out of a nursing home.

McGowan is able to live independently, supported by these Providence services. If things change, he could access many additional services all provided by Providence Senior and Community Services. The key is coordinating services for people as they age and as their healthcare needs change.

"Providence is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of seniors in our communities," said Robert Hellrigel, chief executive of Providence Senior and Community Services. "No other organization has the breadth of services we offer or can coordinate and integrate services in the community the way Providence can."

Hellrigel notes that Providence is focused on meeting individuals where they are in their life. "We're adapting our services to meet your needs. If you're living at home, our focus is to meet you there. As long as you're committed to that level of care and that location, so are we," he said.

Mother Joseph of the Sisters of Providence came to Seattle in 1856 to help the poor and vulnerable and started the first hospital in the city. Some believe that Providence no longer offers services in King County because it sold Providence Hospital to Swedish Medical Center in 2000. In reality, however, Providence serves nearly 8,500 King County residents each day at two assisted living facilities in Seattle, nursing homes in West Seattle and Issaquah, four supportive housing locations, Providence Hospice of Seattle, Providence Home Services, Providence ElderPlace, and Providence Infusion and Pharmacy Services, which provides intravenous medications and nutrition to patients in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. In Snohomish County, Providence Senior and Community Services provides hospice and home care services to 3,400 residents. Providence also offers hospital care through Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett.

Providence Senior and Community Services' programs in the Puget Sound area include:

• Providence Mount St. Vincent assisted living and nursing home in West Seattle
• Providence Marianwood, nursing home in Issaquah
• Providence Heritage House at the Market assisted living in Seattle
• Providence Hospice of Seattle, serving King County
• Providence Home Services, serving King County
• Providence Infusion and Pharmacy Services, serving Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska
• Providence ElderPlace, serving King County
• Providence Housing, including Elizabeth House, Gamelin House, Vincent House, and Peter Clever House in Seattle
• Providence Hospice and Homecare of Snohomish County
• Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice

To make services as seamless as possible, care teams from Providence Hospice of Seattle serve residents of Providence's residential facilities, while residents of those facilities have an opportunity to access other services such as Providence ElderPlace.

For example, Richard and Anna Wollenweber, who live in an assisted living apartment at Providence Mount St. Vincent, get all of their healthcare needs at Providence ElderPlace. Richard goes to the ElderPlace center twice a week for activities and healthcare. Anna goes there for healthcare when she needs it.

"It's so empowering and invigorating to be cared for under the Providence umbrella of care," said Anna, who with Richard moved to Providence Mount St. Vincent in 2007 when their healthcare needs reached a crisis. Anna was still recovering from the aftermath of a serious stroke and was caring for Richard, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and Crohn's disease. "It was so exhausting and felt dehumanizing and debilitating to coordinate all our appointments and take care of all the details of our combined healthcare needs," she said. "Living at `The Mount' and receiving healthcare coordination from ElderPlace takes such a huge burden off me. It lifts the worry, lightens the load, and allows us to enjoy crafts, activities, movies and just live our lives."

Providence in April opened a new ElderPlace center at Providence Mount St. Vincent so it can serve more residents like the Wollenwebers and open more spaces for others at its Rainier Valley location. It hopes to eventually expand its PACE facilities to other locations throughout the area.

"Our vision is to coordinate our services to create access to affordable, excellent quality health care for seniors in our community. Providence no longer sponsors a hospital in King County but Providence is the most integrated health care partner to all King County hospitals," Hellrigel said.

John McGowan agrees. Since he moved into Vincent House in 2007, his health has improved. He is being treated for congestive heart failure and sleep apnea and he's had two cataract surgeries. He's happy with his life. "It's the best thing I ever did," he says with a broad smile.

These articles appeared in the May 2010 issue of Northwest Prime Time, the Puget Sound region’s monthly publication celebrating life after 50.