Eskaton In The News - 2012 . . .

Do Not Disturb: Grandma’s Having Sex

Birds do it. Bees do it. And so do grandmothers and grandfathers.

Touching, intimacy and sex are central pleasures to the human experience, yet don’t stop when older adults qualify for Medicare.

Common misperceptions about sex and aging — that sex is reserved for the young, virile and wrinkle-free –- are being challenged by a small yet growing movement of sex educators determined to celebrate sexual health at any age. >> Read more

CSUS Gerontology Student Lives Her Homework

Who wants to experience being old while they are still young?

Yovana Gojnic lives in the senior community as part of the Eskaton/CSUS Student Living and Learning Experience project.  >> Read more

Eskaton Develops Reassurance Program Guidebook

Eskaton, a nonprofit provider of senior living and services in Northern California and a member of Aging Services of California, has developed a Telephone Reassurance Guidebook to assist those interested in developing such programs.The guidebook provides resources modeled after of Eskaton’s own Telephone Reassurance Program, >> Read more

Sisters reunited in Roseville after 2 decades of separation

They lost track years ago, the way that siblings in sprawling and distant families can. Mildred Watts, 74, wasn't even sure her sister, Patricia Geayson, 65, was still alive.

But last month, through a program called "Thrill of a Lifetime" – Eskaton's wish-granting program for older adults living in its facilities – the two sisters met once again. >> Read more

Many older Californians rely on Social Security

For the nation's 45 million elderly Social Security recipients, the bad news tempered the good: They learned this week that a 2013 cost-of-living increase will raise their monthly Social Security income – but by only a fraction.

Some – like 89-year-old Marcia Howard and her friend, Dolores Scott, 80, who live across the hall from one another at the Eskaton Roseville Manor subsidized housing community for seniors – are living close to the financial edge. >> Read more

Internet, Interaction Available at New Connections Café

Cyber shy South Sacramento seniors may soon be surfing the World Wide Web, updating their Facebook status and Tweeting right along with Lady Gaga thanks to the new Connections Café at Eskaton 's Jefferson Manor. >> Read more

Roseville teen leads seniors in tai chi

Roseville teenager Rishab Kotak has standing plans every Saturday.

Those plans involve helping senior citizens. He teaches tai chi at Eskaton Lodge Granite Bay, which he has done for the past two months. The senior at Oakmont High School wants to share his love of the martial art, and encourage others to see its health and fitness benefits. >> Read more

Monitoring Technology Helps Eskaton* Maintain Both a Higher Level of Care and a Higher Occupancy Rate

Today’s older adults are demanding more from their assisted living communities. Learn how Eskaton uses Intel-GE Care Innovations™ QuietCare® remote monitoring to deliver greater levels of specialized services to help maintain the health of their residents and ensure they continue to thrive. >> Read more

Carmichael is Base for Eskaton Senior Residences

Thousands of seniors are setting down in Carmichael, attracted to the area's many senior residences as well as medical services.

Census figures from 2010 show Carmichael had a total population of 61,762. Of that amount, 28,944 were age 45 and over. In the 2000 Census, the total population was 49,742 with 20,798 residents 45+.

There are more than a dozen senior care facilities listed in Carmichael Patch's directory. Carmichael's reputation as being senior friendly is well deserved.

One of those residences is Eskaton Village, one of the larger assisted living facilities for seniors in Carmichael. It's part of the Eskaton chain with residences in other Sacramento-area towns and cities.. >> Read more

Eskaton live-at-home project celebrates first anniversary

The Live Well at Home program -- Eskaton's demonstration project designed to help older adults continue living independently in their own homes -- celebrates its first anniversary with a gathering for its inaugural 50 members on Tuesday at Eskaton Village Carmichael. Program staff and local businesses will also make presentations. >> Read more

Battling obesity, diabetes

Just as America's diabetes epidemic began almost two decades ago, Georgia Richardson was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the potentially life-threatening illness that affects the body's ability to process blood sugar.

"To be honest, I was in denial about my diabetes for a while," she said. "It's as if I thought, 'Maybe it will go away,' even though I knew it wouldn't."

Now 77, Richardson, a retired Sacramento teacher, eventually reduced her weight and began an exercise regimen. But she admits she lost valuable time embracing the necessary lifestyle changes that can help combat the disease. >> Read more

Many seniors say 'no, thanks' to living with their adult kids

In a spirit of gratitude and giving back to the parents who raised them, Bill and Jackie Merz's daughters have extended a generous invitation.

"They both live in Chicago now," said Bill Merz, 75, a retired Sacramento State psychology professor. "One was willing to put an extra floor on her house and install an elevator for us so we could live there. The other wanted to convert her basement for us.

"I told them we'd have somebody shoot us before we did that."

The Merzes, who live in their own home at Eskaton Village Roseville, adore their extended, close-knit family, which also includes two sons in California and 11 grandchildren. But the idea of living with the kids in their older age leaves them cold. >> Read more

I couldn't live without...QuietCare

California-based senior services and housing operator Eskaton uses Care Innovations' QuietCare system to better monitor its residents and improve staff communication in memory care communities.

QuietCare's standard pull-cord and pendant system has a motion sensor that sends alerts to staff members when an unexpected event occurs. Prior to QuietCare, Eskaton relied on a pull-cord system.

Sheri Peifer, Eskaton's senior vice president of innovation and strategic development, says it helps staff members better individualize care for residents. >> Read more

Five Celebrate 100 Years Plus

Five centenarian residents of Eskaton Care Center Fair Oaks got together on May 25 to celebrate the 102nd birthday of their friend and neighbor Melbourn Fegerlie.

This Marked the first time in Eskaton's 43-year history that five residents ages 100 or older reside in the same community.. >> Read more

ARTZ: Artist for Alzheimer's
Helping Connect Memories, Engage Imagination

Patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia can tap into their inner Picassos thanks to a new program that offers special tours of two area museums.

ARTZ of Sacramento formed a partnership with Eskaton to launch Alzheimer’s-specific tours of the Crocker Art Museum and California Museum.

“People are recognizing more and more how much art and music and creativity can be a non-pharmalogical treatment . . . >> Read more

A thrill of a lifetime
Local senior’s wish is granted at Project R.I.D.E.

“I never thought there would be a possibility to ride again,” said 97-year-old Miriam Russell, who aspired to ride a horse at least one more time.

The resident at Eskaton Senior Living facility in the Pocket-Greenhaven community of Sacramento was pleasantly surprised when she recently achieved her dream at Project R.I.D.E. >> Read more

Partnerships helping seniors stay close to home: Eskaton, Sutter PACE, HUD

Ask any senior citizen what they desire most and it is usually to be able to stay in their home or community surrounded by friends and family. The goal of keeping seniors in their community can be a monumental task that can overwhelm a family. We are fortunate that private industry, government agencies and communities have been able to forge partnerships to support the dream of “aging in place” for our senior population.

Partnering for solutions - Part of the solution to keeping seniors close to home is Eskaton, a senior community management company based in Carmichael, CA. Eskaton manages a variety of senior living communities in northern California. >> Read more

“Connected Independence” - Will California Lead? AgeTech California Announces Charter Partners

California is becoming the center of the movement toward technology-enabled “Connected Independence” to help seniors stay independent and healthier at home longer, and with lower healthcare costs.

AgeTech California brings together healthcare and aging-services providers and technology companies to affirm California’s leading role in leveraging electronic care technologies (eCare) and health information technology (HIT) to transform the health and wellness of older adults.

AgeTech California is pleased to announce that four providers have committed to AgeTech as its charter Premier Provider Partners: American Baptist Homes of the West, Eskaton . . . >> Read more

Creative Movement: Transportation and the Elderly

In Sacramento, Paratransit partners with the elder living community Eskaton, providing service for some of its 29 northern California facilities.

Eskaton has facility-owned vehicles that residents use to access primary care physicians. Their Transporation Plus service, however, takes residents to specialists and is available to some Sacramento neighborhoods outside Eskaton. >> Read more

State launches smaller program for adult day health care

By Matt PerryCalifornia Health Report Monday’s launch of California’s new, smaller adult day health care program unleashed an emotional torrent of relief and anger for thousands of current clients and their providers after more than a year of threatened closures, lawsuits, patient assessments, rushed timelines and maddening uncertainty. >> Read more

Roebbelen & Eskaton Foundation Business Partners Breakfast

Roebbelen Contracting has provided construction services throughout California since 1959. Aside from their very successful architectural ventures, the Roebbelen team pride themselves with being vigorous supporters of local causes and non-profit organizations. Debbie Struhm, public relations manager at Roebbelen Contracting and volunteer on the Eskaton Foundation task force, explained that Roebbelen’s affiliation with the Eskaton Foundation has two main goals: >> Read more

Nurses: On The Front Lines of Care

Talking to nurses about their career paths, certain themes recur.

They especially love the variety—the fact they can segue from specialty to specialty, setting to setting, if they so choose.

"I have a lot of passion for the older population," says Teri Tift, who has dedicated her career to serving them. >> Read more

Debbie Reynolds honored as Woman of the Year by Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada

Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, has named Debbie Reynolds as the 2012 Woman of the Year from the 8th Assembly District. No, not that Debbie Reynolds, the other Debbie Reynolds of West Sacramento.

That Debbie Reynolds is administrator of Eskaton Wilson Manor, an affordable apartment community for seniors in West Sacramento. Eskaton Wilson Manor's "Veterans Appreciation Initiative" is aligned with Reynolds' own personal commitment to caring for seniors and veterans. >> Read more

Everybody Wins When Generations Bond at Eskaton

Everyone is a winner in Kids Connection, an intergenerational program established by Eskaton, a LeadingAge member in Carmichael, CA. The 500 Eskaton residents who participate in Kids Connection get a chance to make friends with lively youngsters who bring them artwork, sticks and poems to read.

The 480 elementary school-age participants, many of whom come from low-income families, gain a new appreciation for aging and improved reading skills by the end of their year-long association with their elder buddies. >> Read more

Advocacy, Direct and Indirect

In public policy advocacy as with public relations campaigns, efforts that produce both immediate gratification and long-range benefits are optimal. Eskaton has aspired to satisfy this dual purpose while dipping its toes into the legislative arena over the past year. One effort produced quite a splash. Another created a ripple effect. A third was just for show.

On Feb. 1, adult day health care lived to fight another day. Or, more accurately, fought to live another day. Dozens of older and disabled adults, many in wheelchairs, and all clients of Eskaton’s Adult Day Health Center, rallied at the California State Capitol. >> Read more

Program’s transition mired in confusion

California is bungling its planned transition to a less expensive way to care for older adults and disabled people trying to stay out of nursing homes, leaving thousands of vulnerable people at risk of being forced into institutions, critics say.

The chaos provides a case study in how the state manages a massive budget cut, and the picture isn’t pretty. . .

“These people have been so upset through this process,” says Jill Yungling, program director for Eskaton Adult Day Health Care Carmichael. The timelines, she says, are simply too rushed. “The families are all in an uproar.” >> Read more

Baby boomers shaping the future for senior care

Baby boomers are “the Silver Tsunami” for senior-care providers.

Just as they flooded classrooms in the 1950s, the boomers will make waves when they hit the senior-care market during the next 20 years, experts say. Their attitudes, finances and sheer numbers will shape future care for the elderly in our region and across the country. >> Read more

Making dreams come true in the golden years

About 50 Sacramento-area senior citizens have seen dreams come true with the help of the nonprofit Eskaton and its Thrill of a Lifetime program. >> Read more

Sensational Seniors: Elsie Laird

Ken Rudolph of Good Day Sacramento presented another sensational senior a 81-year-old Elsie Laird who is a professional painter! >>View video

Sensational Seniors: Ben O’Brien

Good Day Sacramento’s Ken Rudolph is with Ben O’Brien a decorated veteran, state and federal judge, lawyer, husband, father and grandfather and is still contributing at the age of 96. >>View video

Sensational Seniors: Charles Roberts

Ken Rudolph of Good Day Sacramento met 82-year-old Charles Roberts, a man with quite an incredible story on a new segment called “Sensational Seniors". >>View video

Yamada assisted in reuniting brothers

Everyone has a different "bucket list." For some, it's a rafting trip or a football game. For West Sacramento resident Minoru Ohye, it was to reunite with his brother in Japan after 60 years of separation.

With the help of Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, and Eskaton Village's "Thrill of a Lifetime" program, Ohye celebrated his 86th birthday in Kyoto, Japan, with his only sibling.
>> Read more

Veteran of two wars — in two different armies

Minoru Ohye, 86, is a rare veteran: He served in both the Imperial Japanese Army, fighting the Soviet Red Army during World War II, and in the U.S. military during the Korean War.

His parents, both Japanese, moved to the United States because they wanted him to have dual citizenship, he told The Japan Times in Tokyo on Monday morning.

He had come to Japan to meet his only brother, Hiroshi Kamimura, 84, after a separation of some 60 years. >> Read more

Eskaton Supports Alzheimer’s Association

Eskaton Village Carmichael celebrates 20th anniversary Wednesday.

When it comes to supporting a cause, planning a party and surpassing goals and expectations, Gae Ruddell is all over it.

Ruddell, a longtime employee of Eskaton and current activities coordinator for Eskaton Village Carmichael, was recently recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for heading the top fundraiser team for internal giving to the Sacramento Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which was held in October. >> Read more

Looking after fellow elderly serves as fountain of youth

Nancy Freeman, a registered nurse who works with Eskaton's Live Well at Home telephone reassurance program, likes to check on some of her phone clients in person once she's off the clock.
"I enjoy going out and seeing them," said Freeman, 74, who lives in Fair Oaks. "If I've made a connection, I see what I can do for them as a friend." >> Read more

Roseville company creates medical devices to aid seniors

When Doris Herrilson heard about the installation of a device in her Eskaton Village Roseville apartment that would track her activity, she didn’t have a good feeling.

“My first thought was it’s going to be watching everything I do,” Herrilson, 87, said.

That’s a common misperception of residents unfamiliar with a device called QuietCare, said caregiver Yelena Dunaychuk.

But Herrilson soon learned the equipment isn’t a camera spying on her — instead >> Read more

Why “Green” is the Color of Aging at Eskaton

Mention the word “aging” to most Americans and the color gray may come to mind as they anticipate gray hair or reflect on the graying of the nation’s population. But mention the same word to residents and clients of Eskaton, a LeadingAge member in Carmichael, CA, and they’ll most likely tell you that aging is all about being “green.”

Through a wide-ranging Ecology Initiative, Eskaton is embracing what it calls “generativity:” the philosophy that one generation helps the next by practicing comprehensive resource conservation. The organization is serious about >> Read more

SFBFS Volunteer Spotlight - January 2012

On the day of a home visit, mother-daughter duo Maggie and Ellie Keenan have brainstormed topics that Ada Cooper, 83, will find interesting to talk about. The topic for this particular visit was the Korean War.

Maggie and Ellie Keenan are volunteers for one of the newest programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), the Senior program. This program matches volunteer families and socially isolated seniors with the assistance of Eskaton’s Talking Listening Caring Telephone Reassurance Program (TLC). The Senior program’s volunteers, >> Read more