Living 50 Plus 08.19.16

The Press Special Edition

Living 50 Plus

AUGUST 19, 2016

Photo by Tony Kukulich

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AUGUST 19, 2016

LIVING 50 PLUS

“When it was time to find help for Mom

I made the best decision for all the right reasons.”

“I wanted a caring and friendly environment for Mom, with personal attention and a great quality of life. I found it all right here, where Assisted Living is designed individually for those who need some help with the activities of daily living. People like my Mom. Each day Mom gets three fresh, home-cooked meals, opportunities to socialize — even group trips. Since she moved in, she’s discovered a renewed sense of energy. I couldn’t ask for anything more — and neither could Mom.”

If you have a loved one that needs great care personalized just for them, call or visit today.

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Visiting Angels brings joy to seniors and helps them remain independent longer AMY SCHRADER

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ompleting even the simplest of activities can become an everyday struggle for seniors

suffering with an illness or recovering from injuries, and managing their needs can be difficult, especially for those who want to remain independent.

When 93-year-old Brentwood resident Rosie Mitchell was recovering in a convalescent home, her family couldn’t always be there for her. Between jobs that required travel and their everyday workloads, her family knew that they needed an additional source of support to help them care for their mother.

“My mother was scared about what was happening to her and didn’t want to be alone,” said Mitchell’s daughter, Brentwood ON THE COVER: Visiting Angels Client Care Director Kathy Trujillo, left and Community Services Director Marla Luckhardt, visit with Marie Read, front row, left, and Dolores Mendonca.

Photo by Tony Kukulich.

Photo by Tony Kukulich

Members of the Visiting Angels team pose for a photo during a recent visit at Cortona Park, in Brentwood. Left to right back row, Ilene Morrow, Suzie Dunn, Keith Beck, executive director of Visiting Angels, Norma Silver and Marla Luckhardt. Front row left to right, George Alfani, Kathy Trujillo and Gloria Roderick. resident Sue Harper. “We couldn’t be there for her everyday, but wanted to find someone we could trust who could visit her when we couldn’t.”

Harper turned to Visiting Angels, a national, nonmedical, senior homecare provider with individually owned and operated franchises. East County’s Visiting

Angels is owned and operated by Keith Beck and provides services to East Contra Costa and Alameda counties.

Visiting Angels not only visits seniors in their homes, but also makes visits to convalescent centers, assisted living facilities and other types of senior housing. Their care is available mornings, midday and evenings for temporary or long-term services, including weekends and holidays. They have personalized options, including 24-hour care.

Besides offering emotional support and companionship, Visiting Angels can help with hygiene, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, respite care for family caregivers and more. Their ultimate mission is to bring joy to their client’s lives – clients who often face daily struggles – while supporting their ever-changing needs.

“Our caregivers are there to do absolutely everything they can to make our client’s lives better,” said Visiting Angels Client Care Director Kathy Trujillo. “We want to give them the best care and for them to be happy.”

Before taking on a client, Visiting Angels see Angels page 11B

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AUGUST 19, 2016

Sutter Delta Continues to Receive National Recognition.

You never know when you’ll need expert medical care, but when you do, every mile can matter and every second counts. That’s why Sutter Delta is proud to be a nationally recognized hospital in your neighborhood.

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First place gold winner for 2015 Best of Discovery Bay and the Delta

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Awarded an “A” safety score by Leapfrog® for being one of the safest hospitals in America.

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Recognized in 2015 by The Joint Commission as a U.S. Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.

Yes, we are proud of our latest awards. But what really matter is being here when you or your loved one’s life depends on it. It’s another way we plus you.

sutterdelta.org

AUGUST 19, 2016

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Diet and exercise needs Party time at Westmont change as we get older

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aintaining a healthy weight is important at any age, but avoiding being overweight

or obese can be particularly crucial for seniors, considering many illnesses are tied to body weight.

Maintaining a healthy immune system also can require eating a balanced, nutritionally sound diet. Staff at the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center at Durham Medical Center, in Virginia, say people need to change how they eat for every decade they reach. Caloric intake should be reduced, because individuals are generally moving around less, have less muscle and their metabolic rates decline. People who find that they are having trouble losing weight in their 50s and older may be basing weight-loss goals on calorie recommendations for younger people.

Older bodies still require similar amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals as younger ones, but older men and women must balance that need with their need to consume fewer calories. Consuming more fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources, including beans, and choosing whole grains over refined starchy foods can be the key.

Watch what you drink, as well. Soft drinks

and other sugary beverages may be packed with calories you don’t need. Choose unsweetened beverages and opt for water as much as possible. Protect yourself against dehydration, which can be harder to detect as you get older.

In addition to modifying food and beverage choices and reducing their calorie intake, seniors should continue to exercise.

Healthy eating and moderate exercise are one of the best combinations for healthy weight loss or weight maintenance. The goal is to consume fewer calories and expend more energy. While cardiovascular exercises can be a good way to get the heart pumping and stimulate your metabolic rate, as you age you should perform strength-training and weight-bearing exercises as well.

Muscle mass naturally diminishes with age and, according to the Mayo Clinic, if you avoid strength exercises you can eventually lose muscle and increase the percentage of fat in your body. Strength training also helps you develop stronger bones, which can help prevent fractures.

The body’s nutritional and fitness needs change as a person ages. Those uncertain about the lifestyle changes they will need to make should speak with their physicians.

– Metro Creative

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Photo by Marla Luckhardt

ach year, Westmont of Brentwood hosts a grand party with many classic cars, a live band and great barbecue. Residents of both Westmont Assisted Living and Compass Rose Memory Care enjoyed a wonderful afternoon thanks to Carol Dowell, Carol Bentley, Helen Riley, Robin Patolo and the entire staff.

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AUGUST 19, 2016

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Getting older is still a license for fun times C ELEBRATING MY SENIOR YEARS IS something I choose to do, as opposed to dwelling on getting older.

Sure, I am not as agile as I once was, but to tell you the truth, I never was Olympic material anyway. I was an average kid who enjoyed some school sports like volleyball and Senior orner gymnastics, but oddly enough, golf was never my thing.

You would think that now, in my mid60s, I would enjoy being one of those lovely ladies in a great-looking outfit, riding around on a golf Marla Luckhardt cart and trying to put a tiny sphere in a small hole hundreds of yards away by hitting it with a stick. I know, it’s a club, and the people who love the game will probably think I am crazy.

But, after attempting to hit the ball off the tee several years ago, I ended up building the equivalence to a small moat while the ball just sat there staring at me in disbelief. At

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several company golf tournaments through the years I was assigned the bar car, and that worked out just fine with everyone.

There are a lot of things that I either can’t do anymore, or choose not to, but being over 50 is not a license to give up everything you enjoy. Cartwheels and somersaults are pretty much out of the question now, but I got a lot of fun exercise dancing at a friend’s birthday party recently.

Growing up back east in the 50s, 60s and 70s was not so different than the childhood that Grandpa had in San Francisco. Sure, we used words that made him look at me like the RCA Victor dog, tilting his head in question, but after a few years, he knew that my dungarees were jeans and my pocketbook was a purse.

What we did have in common was all of the fun things we did as kids. Playing outside until dark was a given, especially in the summer. With no cell phones, the only communication we had with our parents was the opening of a window and my mom yelling, “It’s time to come in!”

I make no bones about it; there was

Did you know?

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steoporosis is a disease of the bones that occurs when a person loses too much bone, produces too little bone or both.

Though the disease is most often associated with women over 50, anyone can suffer from osteoporosis, which weakens bones and can make them more susceptible to breaks. Exercise is a great way for people to build and maintain strong bones in an attempt to prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

There are lots of things that I either can’t do anymore, or chose not to, but being over 50 is not a license to give up everything you enjoy.

never a need for a second request. We played hopscotch, ring-a-leevio, tag and hide-and-goseek. If we had to stay indoors due to inclement weather, we had a little time for television, but board games and books were priorities.

We walked to school until the upper grades, then took a school bus. If we were lucky, we had bicycles as our means of transportation. If we were really lucky, we had cars.

My first car was a 1963 black Rambler Sedan that I bought for $300. It was my pride and joy. A few more affluent teens had cars in high school, but that was a rarity.

As I write this piece, I think of some of my elders who claimed to have walked uphill to and from school. I never figured that one out, but in the freezing, Long Island winters, with wind-chill factors of negative 10 degrees, it felt like an uphill battle every school day.

Miraculously, we survived!

The other night as I lay in bed, I thought about what it would be like to start over again.

Would I want to? As I drifted off to sleep, I decided I wouldn’t. I like being my age, even with the aches and pains. I wouldn’t give up all the childhood memories and the “Wonder Years” that filled my days.

Technology is fine, and we have made great strides in so many areas, but as I look around a restaurant and see almost everyone on a phone or an iPad, I think back to my childhood and recall a curious thing called conversation.

Marla Luckhardt is a Brentwood resident who works with several local senior care and advocacy groups. Visit her website at www.marlasreferrals.com or email her at marla2054@aol.com.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), weight-bearing exercises can help build and maintain bone density. However, the NOF notes that those who have suffered broken bones due to osteoporosis, or those at risk of such breaks, may need to avoid high-impact weight-bearing exercises, which include dancing, hiking, jogging, and jumping rope, among others.

For those with physicians who suggest they avoid high-impact, weight-bearing exercises, low-impact weightbearing exercises can help them strengthen their bones.

Such exercises may involve low-impact aerobics and using cardiovascular machines, such as elliptical trainers, stairstep machines and treadmills.

For more information, visit www.nof.org.

– Metro Creative.

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LIVING 50 PLUS

Antioch Veterinary Hospital helps keep seniors with their pets AMY SCHRADER

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wning a pet is one of the most rewarding things in life; it can even improve your mental and physical health as you age.

Research shows that owning pets can help seniors reduce stress and depression; lower blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels; increase social interaction and physical activity; decrease loneliness; and reduce anxiety, agitation and irritability of patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia. While the benefits to seniors owning pets are clear, pet ownership also comes with daily chores and responsibilities that can become challenging as we age and lose mobility.

Antioch Veterinary Hospital recognizes the importance of keeping seniors with their pets and provides special services to seniors in retirement homes and those who have lost their mobility.

The hospital is one of three veterinary hospitals owned

by Dr. Howard Schutzman and Dr. Arnold Gutlaizer. The doctors own a second location in Antioch and a third in Oakland. They operate a national, award-winning hospital, with their Deer Valley office recognized in the 2012 Vet Economics hospital design competition.

Schutzman takes pride in contributing to the community by offering educational tours to schools and organizations; educational grants; internships and externships to college students; and working closely with local rescue organizations and senior citizens.

“Getting old is hard enough,” said Schutzman. “It is so important for elderly people to keep their pets as they

age. The difference it makes in their lives is incredible.”

Antioch Veterinary Hospital’s senior-outreach program includes visiting senior living facilities and providing veterinary services, vaccinations and exams. They also pick up and return pets for lab work and deliver prescriptions.

“A person’s pet might be the last thing they have in their lives,” said Schutzman. “The owners feel a camaraderie with their pets, who are also aging, and just having another living being to care for makes a huge difference in their life.”

One of the retirement homes Antioch Veterinary Hospital visits is Quail Lodge Retirement Community, in Antioch.

“The visits from Antioch Veterinary Hospital are huge,” said Jenifer Noble, activities director at Quail Lodge.

“Some seniors don’t get pets, because they don’t know how they will get them to and from the vet. These visits make it possible for them to have another living companion in their life to take care of, which brings them so much joy.”

The reward of keeping seniors with their pets is something that reminds Schutzman and his team why they do what they do.

“If we can help keep seniors and their pets together, it makes us feel like we are doing something right,” he said.

Antioch Veterinary Hospital has two locations in Antioch, at 5151 Deer Valley Road, open seven days a week; and at 1432 W 10th Street in Antioch, open six days a week. For more information, visit www.antiochvet.com or call 925-350-8938.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

Photo courtesy of Antioch Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Howard Schutzman, of Antioch Veterinary Hospital, recognizes the numerous benefits of seniors owning pets and works with his team to help seniors keep their pets.

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How to avoid senior scams

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on artists masquerading as charities can victimize anyone, but seniors are

especially vulnerable to such criminals.

People who perpetrate charitable fraud often target older men and women, feeling that seniors are more likely to have a significant amount of money in their bank accounts and are less likely to report

LIVING 50 PLUS crimes for fear of embarrassment. But even if seniors are prime targets for charitable fraud, they still can take steps to safeguard themselves from scammers looking to exploit their generosity.

Never donate over the phone.

No reputable charity will insist on a donation over the phone. When a person calls and says they represent a charity, they should be willing to send you information in the mail, so you can further explore their organization before making your final decision. If a caller attempts to pressure you into donating over the phone, hang up.

Keep a list of organizations you have donated to in the past.

Many people who perpetuate charitable fraud reference a past relationship

or donation history between their victims and the charity the criminal is claiming to represent. This can help you verify if the person calling, emailing or visiting you is telling the truth.

Do not feel obligated to give.

Many charities send gifts to their donors as a token of appreciation for their support. Some criminals masquerading as charities will send gifts to potential victims in an attempt to fool them into writing a check. Whether a charity is legitimate or not, seniors should not feel obligated to donate simply because they received a gift.

Insist that your personal information is not shared.

Before making a charitable donation, donors are often notified that their contact

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information is likely to be sold to or traded with other charities. This can lead to an influx of charitable solicitations that elderly men and women may find overwhelming. So prior to making a donation, speak directly with the charity and insist that none of your information be shared with other charities or organizations. If this cannot be arranged, find an organization willing to make such a concession, and contribute to that charity instead.

Ask for help.

If you are confused when it comes time to make your annual donations, ask a family member or trusted confidante for help, so you can rest easy knowing your donation goes to the intended charity. – Metro Creative

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LIVING 50 PLUS

Starting your second act – how to choose your next career

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he days when professionals would spend their entire professional lives with a

single firm are largely a thing of the past.

In fact, many people not only switch companies multiple times before retirement, but some also switch professions just before retiring. As exciting as it can be to pursue a new career, men and women over 50 know that such a decision is not without risk.

While younger professionals with few obligations can often handle bumps in the road on their way to a second career, older professionals making a similar move often must consider the potential effects such a pursuit might have on their families, finances and futures, including their retirements. As difficult as it may seem to pursue a second career after your 50th birthday, there are steps people over 50 can take when pursuing a new career, ensuring their second act is as successful as the first.

♦♦ Decide what you want, not just what you want to do. The desire to pursue a second career no doubt stems from more than just dissatisfaction with a current profession.

Many people switch jobs, or even careers, because they find their current career is too demanding, leaving little time for family or hobbies that have nothing to do with work. If what you really want is more time at home or more time to pursue a particular hobby, then keep this in mind when looking for a second career, and make sure that career won’t demand too much of your time.

For example, if your goal in finding a new career is to get more work-life balance, then starting your own business, which can require long hours at the outset, and even after the business has established itself, might not be for you.

If what you want is a more challenging career and to be your own boss, then you will likely find the cost of achieving that goal, even if that cost demands more of see Career page 11B

Photo courtesy Metro Creative

Many men and women over 50 have turned their personal passions into successful second careers.

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conducts an assessment to determine the client’s needs and personality in order to pair them with an appropriate caregiver. They also work with the client’s family, taking everything into consideration when it comes to making decisions and determining the most reasonable care plan that can help keep costs down. This extra effort helps further stretch resources over time.

“It’s not only about helping seniors, but also families and caregivers who care for their loved ones,” said Visiting Angels Community Services Director Marla Luckhardt. “We look at the big picture and customize our services for each of our clients. Caring for someone can be emotionally and physically draining.

Helping the caregiver and giving them respite care and support is also so important.”

Visiting Angels also recognizes that, sometimes, seniors are less than thrilled about

Career from page 10B your time, is worth it. ♦♦ Assess your skillset. Professionals over 50 have lots to offer, but it’s still important for such men and women to make an honest assessment of their skillset and find a career in which those skills are transferable.

Some men and women might want to pursue a second career that will make little to no use of their skillset, and that’s perfectly all right. But extra schooling might be necessary in such situations, and going back to school oftentimes requires a considerable commitment of both time and money.

For those who simply want to put their existing skills to use in a different field or environment, assess those skills and look for lines of work in which they will be especially valuable. If there are any particular aspects of your current job that you want to avoid in the future, consider that when assessing your skills and choosing a second career.

Even if they don’t know it, established professionals over 50 have many transferable skills, and such skills can be a considerable asset when pursuing a second career, especially when those skills have been assessed and can be applied to a new profession. ♦♦ Make a trial run. Nowhere does it say that professionals can’t take a trial run at a second career while still fully engaged in

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having someone visit their home to help them.

“Once they meet their caregiver and – over the course of a few visits – experience someone treating them with kindness and caring for them, they usually have a change of heart,” said Trujillo.

Caregivers often form close relationships with seniors and their families.

“Our Visiting Angels treated our mother like she was their mother,” said Harper. “She loved them, and I was grateful. I knew I could trust them, and it made me, as the caregiver, feel like I could share some of the burden and responsibility of caring for her with them. They truly are angels.”

Visiting Angels is located at 179 Contractors St., in Livermore. For more information, visit www.visitingangels.com or call 925-443-1000.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

their first career.

In fact, testing the waters before you jump in is a good way to gauge your interest in a potential second career and how well your skillset applies to that field.

A trial run, which can be conducted by volunteering, working a part-time job or by simply offering your services to a company in exchange for training, can shed light on the inner workings of a particular industry.

Testing the waters may reaffirm your belief that a certain line of work is for you, or it might send you back to the drawing board.

Either way, it’s a valuable experience that may reassure you that whatever decision you ultimately make is the right one. ♦♦ Don’t go it alone. Switching careers after 50 carries some risk, but it’s certainly a risk that many before you have been willing to take. If you know any friends, family members or colleagues who have reinvented themselves professionally, speak with these people and ask for advice. If you know you want out of your current career, but aren’t quite sure of what you want to do next, those who have faced a similar fork in the road may be able to help you narrow down your options. The notion of changing careers is exciting, and you can expect your personal and professional confidantes to share your excitement and be willing to help you in any way they can.

–Metro Creative

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Meals on Wheels expanding senior services AMY SCHRADER

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opulation growth in Contra Costa County continues to climb, accounting for 15

percent of the Bay Area’s total population growth in 2015, which has placed it among the top three counties in numeric growth increase.

While the overall population of the county is increasing, so has the population of its seniors, which has risen to 241,196 for ages 60 and over and 68,866 for ages 75 and over. That’s a 23 percent increase from the senior population in 2009, according to the 2016 California Department of Aging. In addition, the Public Policy Institute of California expects the senior population to nearly double over the next 15 years, marking a trend that indicates an increased demand for programs that support the growing population of seniors.

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS) is a nonprofit organization looking to expand its services to the far east parts of Contra Costa County, including Brentwood and Oakley. MOWSOS provides services to older adults in Contra Costa County, helping them live inde-

pendently and with dignity for as long as possible. While its services cover the entire county, the organization is looking to create new programs in the eastern part of the county and to work with local organizations to reach more seniors in areas who are in need of services.

“We want to have a bigger presence in East Contra Costa County, because more and more seniors are moving there, and they don’t have the same amount of services that are available in the western part of the county,” said Elaine Clark, chief executive officer of MOWSOS. “We will be reaching people who have never had these types of services and need them.”

Besides bringing seniors meals, MOWSOS offers cafés where seniors can gather to enjoy social activities and free or low-cost meals; a home-care registry, which offers support, training and resources for unpaid care providers who are usually family members; trained volunteers who visit seniors and provide companionship on a weekly basis; a fall-prevention program, which helps reduce preventable injuries and helps make the homes of seniors safer for them to live in; geriatric care, which helps provide confidential guidance for seniors

and their families as they seek long-term care plans; and additional plans for new services, including a health and wellness hub that works with different organizations to provide easy, convenient, personcentered care for those who need it.

“It’s going to be a game changer in the way we help people,” said Clark.

Local city leaders and organizations are working with MOWSOS to explore what the organization has to offer.

“We have an aging population in Brentwood, and anything that helps our seniors is good for the community,” said Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor. “As we age, programs and health care should be available to anyone who wishes to reach out for it.”

Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick added, “Oakley senior citizens would benefit from many of the programs offered.”

MOWSOS faces challenges as it works to expand its services. To combat the situation, it’s looking to have representation on its board of directors from Brentwood.

“We want to have someone join our board who lives in Brentwood, knows how the community works and what its needs are,” said Clark. “We also want people to know that all seniors, regardless of their

We want to have a bigger presence in East Contra Costa County, because more and more seniors are moving there, and they don’t have the same amount of services that are available in the western part of the county.

– Elaine Clark, chief executive officer, MOWSOS situation, can in some way benefit from our services. There is something we can bring for everyone.”

For more information, visit www. mowsos.org or call 925-937-8311.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

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How to avoid growing bored in retirement

F

rom the moment young men and women first walk into the office for their first day as a working professional until the day they

officially retire, the notion of planning for retirement is never far from their minds.

However, when the day to hang up the briefcase and donate all those business suits arrives, some retirees wonder what to do next. Some retirees know exactly how they will spend their days when they no longer have to work, while others who decide to play it by ear may find themselves battling boredom.

For those among the latter group, it’s important to understand that many retirees find themselves bored once they no longer have to focus on a career. Jobs keep men and women busy and provide a sense of purpose, so it’s understandable that retirees feel bored once those jobs are no longer a part of their lives.

But just because you no longer have an office to go to every day does not mean life cannot be as fulfilling or even more fulfilling than it was when you were still working. You just need to find something to avoid succumbing to retirement boredom.

Work part-time

Though it might seem odd to start working right after you retire, a part-time job can provide the type of structure you have grown accustomed to without all of the responsibility that comes with a full-time career. Part-time jobs can range from consultancy work that makes use of your professional experience to something entirely different like landscape maintenance at a nearby golf course that gets you out of the house

and enjoying the warmer seasons. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s something you find fun and interesting.

Embrace a new hobby

Working professionals often say they wish they had time to pursue a hobby. Now that you are retired, you have all the time in the world to do just that. Whether it’s perfecting your golf game, writing that novel, learning to cook like a gourmet chef or whatever else you might have always wanted to do, retirement is a great time to do it.

Get in shape

If retirement boredom has started to negatively affect your mood, one great way to conquer your boredom and improve your mood at the same time is to start exercising.

Exercise is a natural mood enhancer. When the body exercises, it releases endorphins, which trigger positive feelings in the body. In addition, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, boost self-esteem and improve sleep. Working out at a gym is also a great way to meet fellow retirees in your community. Additionally, the energy you have after exercising may give you the boost you need to pursue other hobbies.

Volunteer

If a part-time job is not up your alley, then consider volunteering in your community. Volunteers are always in demand and volunteering with a local charity can provide a sense of purpose and provide opportunities to meet like-minded fellow retirees, all while helping to quell your boredom. Retirees who love to travel can combine their passion for volunteering with their love of travel by signing up to work with an international relief organization that travels abroad to help the less fortunate.

– Metro Creative

Photo courtesy Metro Creative

Embracing a new hobby is one way for the recently retired to avoid growing bored during retirement.

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He is loveable and playful. He is crate trained at night, but would love to sleep with you.

He is potty pad trained, but prefers to go outside to do his business. Jake has been with his sister, Carmen (who we also have available), since birth. Jake would love to go home with a family that has plenty of time to spend with him. He also needs to have another dog in the family to keep him company. Jake is an indoor dog and should not be kept outdoors for long periods of time. For more information, email starshalodogs@yahoo.com.

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Seniors facing an empty nest or the loss of a spouse may find pets can buoy their spirits. Studies have shown that seniors can benefit both mentally and physically from having a pet around. Pets can alleviate anxiety, depression and boredom.

The following are some dogs that can be especially compatible with seniors.

Pug: Equally playful and willing to be a lap dog, the pug requires little exercise and grooming. The breed is typically nonaggressive and submissive. Pugs are good-natured and playful; they don’t often bark and are easy to train.

Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu lives for attention, but this breed can be dominant and difficult to train. The Shih Tzu will be alert to its surroundings and, despite its small stature, can be a good watchdog.

Pomeranian: Pomeranians look like

big balls of fur and can bring a smile to an owner’s face. The breed tends to be perky, can display dominance and can be difficult to train.

Because Pomeranians can be dog aggressive, they may be best as the only pet in the house.

Yorkshire terrier: The yorkie is a diminutive breed in size only, as they tend to have exuberant personalities that dwarf their stature. The ideal lap dog, they want to lie around and lounge, though some do like to bark. If the fur is kept short in a puppy cut, the dog can be easy to maintain.

Pembroke Welsh corgi: This medium-sized dog hails from Wales and typically requires only moderate exercise and little grooming. They are easy to train and moderately dominant. They don’t bark excessively, and they often get along with other dogs.

Schnauzer: Available in three sizes, schnauzers are good companions and protectors. This is an intelligent and loyal breed and will need to be kept amused to stave off boredom.

Brussels griffon: These dogs do not shed, but they will require professional grooming at least once every three months.

If socialized early, the griffon can be a good companion, but will likely remain wary of strangers. They are good watchdogs and are devoted to their owners.

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Tips for grandparents helping raise children

A

s retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint

community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible.

However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping raise grandchildren. U.S. Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents.

Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age. ♦♦ Get the right equipment. Children certainly require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury. ♦♦ Gather important documents. Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one, easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise. These documents include birth certificates, health immunization

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children move back home with their families. records, death certificates if the child’s parents are deceased, dental records, school papers, citizenship papers and proof of income and assets. ♦♦ Speak with an attorney. Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkids’ futures. ♦♦ Investigate financial assistance. Seniors may not earn

the income they once did and be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who find themselves caring for a child may be eligible for financial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint, federal and state program that can provide need-based financial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas. ♦♦ Contact schools and daycare centers. School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offices. Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-needed free time during the day. ♦♦ Find emotional support. Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Churchor community center-based counseling services may be available. Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans.

Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event.

Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. Grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchildren.

– Metro Creative

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