Division on Aging

Tri-Center Nugget

January, 2008

Volume 42, Number 1

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise specified, the City of Berkeley does not maintain and is not responsible for the content of any of the outside sites linked to our Web pages. The listing of City of Berkeley's name with any of these sites should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the information in them unless explicitly noted.

Let’s Be Careful Out There

Crime and Older People

Lucy is worried. She’s lived in the same neighborhood for 50 years, but things seem to be changing. Last week, her friend Rose was walking to the store when a young man ran by and pulled her purse right off her shoulder. Two weeks ago, Joe, the man upstairs, put his grocery bags on the curb while waiting for the bus, and before he knew it, someone had picked up his bags and run off. Lucy feels sad to think she might have to move. She wonders: is anywhere safe for older people anymore?

Seniors and their families worry about crime. Though older people are less likely to be victims of crime than teenagers and young adults, the number of crimes against older people is hard to ignore. Seniors are often targets for robbery, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, car theft, or home repair scams. They are more likely than younger people to face attackers who are strangers. During a crime, an older person is more likely to be seriously hurt than someone who is younger.

But, even though there are risks, don’t let the fear of crime stop you from enjoying life. Be careful and be aware of your surroundings. Here are some suggestions that can help you fight crime and stay safe.

Be Safe at Home

• Make sure your locks, doors, and windows are strong and cannot be broken easily. A good alarm system can help though they are expensive.
• Check to be sure your doors and windows are locked - both when you are in the house and when you’re away.
• Make a list of your expensive belongings. You might take pictures of the most valuable items. Store these papers in a safe place.
• Ask the police department about marking valuable property with an I.D. number.
• Don’t open your door before you know who’s there. Look through the peephole or a safe window first. Ask any stranger for proof of identity before opening the door. Remember, you don’t have to open the door if you feel uneasy.
• Don’t keep large amounts of money in the house.
• Get to know your neighbors. Join the Neighborhood Watch Program.

Be Street Smart

• Stay alert. Walk with a friend. Stay away from unsafe places like dark parking lots or alleys.
• Keep your car doors locked at all times.
• Don’t open your car door or roll-down your window for strangers.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Carry your purse close to your body with the strap over your shoulder and across your chest.
• Do not resist a robber. Hand over your cash right away if confronted.
• Be Safe with Your Money
• Have your monthly pension or Social Security checks sent right to the bank for direct deposit. Try not to have a regular banking routine.
• Don’t carry a lot of cash. Put your wallet, money, or credit cards in an inside pocket.
• Don’t keep your check book and credit cards together. A thief who steals both could use the card to forge your signature on checks

Fight Fraud

Seniors may be victims of frauds like con games and insurance, home repair, telephone, or internet scams. Even “trusted” friends or family members have been known to steal an older person’s money or property. The following tips may help:

• Don’t be afraid to hang up on telephone salespeople. You aren’t being impolite. You are taking care of yourself! Remember, you can say no to any offer.
• Don’t give any personal information, including your credit card number or bank account, over the phone unless you were the one who made the call.
• Don’t take money from your bank account if a stranger tells you to. In one common swindle, a thief pretends to be a bank employee and asks you to take out money to “test” a bank teller. Banks do not check their employees this way.
• Don’t be fooled by deals that seem too good to be true. They are often rip-offs. Beware of deals that ask for a lot of money up front and promise you more money later. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to get more information about the record of any company before doing business with them.
• Be on guard about hiring people who come door-to-door looking for home repair work. They may not be trained to do the work, and may overcharge you. Check their references. Always spell out the details of the work you want done in writing. Never pay for the whole job in advance.

Avoid Identity Theft

How can someone steal your identity? Using your name, Social Security number, or credit card without your okay is called identity theft and it’s a serious crime. Be sure to protect yourself:

• Keep information about your checking account private. Put all new and cancelled checks in a safe place, report any stolen checks right away, and carefully look at your monthly bank account statement.
• Shred everything that has personal information about you written on it.
• Be very careful when buying things online. Websites without security may not protect your credit card or bank account information. Look for information saying that a website has a secure server before buying anything online.

Elder Abuse - It’s A Crime

It’s hard to believe, but elder abuse can happen anywhere. It can take place at home by family or friends or in a nursing home by professional caregivers. Many people don’t think of elder abuse as a crime, but it is. Abuse can take many forms including physical harm, financial loss, sexual abuse, or neglect. Most abuse involves verbal threats or hurtful words. If someone you know is being abused, or if you need help, remember:

• You can help yourself and others by reporting the crimes when they happen. Reporting abuse is a moral as well as legal responsibility in most states.
• Contact your local or State Adult Protective Service programs for help.
• If you have been hurt, go to a doctor as soon as possible. Even though you may not see anything wrong, there is always the possibility of injury.
• If needed, a lawyer can assist you in any legal action that needs to be taken.

While You Are Out

Tips from the Crime and Violence Prevention Center, California Attorney General’s Office:

• Always be alert and aware of the people around you.
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• Walk confidently.
• Make eye contact with people when walking.
• Don’t carry unnecessary cash or jewelry.
• Hold your purse securely between your arm and your body.
• If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle. Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.
• Don’t open your purse or wallet while boarding the bus. Have your pass or money already in your hand.
• Keep your keys in your pocket rather than in your purse, if your ID is stolen they won’t be able to get into your residence with your key.
• Sit as close to the bus driver as possible.
• Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained.
• Always lock car doors, even when you’re inside and keep your windows up.
• Lock packages and valuables in the trunk.

Local Scams on Seniors

The City of Berkeley Police Department Property Crimes Detectives are warning the community of a disturbing crime trend arriving in Berkeley. Dozens of cases have plagued the South Bay, Peninsula, and San Francisco since October, 2006 involving a scam that leads to burglary. A group of male suspects, ordinarily two or three, pose as water repairmen seeking an elderly homeowner and telling him or her that their home’s water lines have been contaminated. The suspects then inform the resident the lines must be flushed, repaired, or inspected. Once the resident allows the men into the home, one of the suspects preoccupies the resident by feigning some task while the others steal cash, jewelry, and valuables.

Victims typically describe the suspects as: Latino/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Italian, or Portuguese males ranging in age from 20 to 40 years old, wearing hard hats and safety vests to appear “official.” BPD reminds community members of the following crime prevention measures:

• Be alert/aware of activity around your home and neighborhood.
• Do not allow anyone in your home you do not know, have not hired or screened.
• Call BPD to report any suspicious people or activity, in particular anyone who matches the general description or MO noted above.
• If you have an older neighbor or neighbors, get to know them and please pay attention to any unusual activity in or around their home(s).
• Program the local direct 911 emergency number into your cell phone. In Berkeley dial (510) 981-5911.

For additional resources, visit the BPD website www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police. If you notice any suspicious individual(s) or activity, please contact BPD’s non-emergency line at (510) 981-5900. For crimes in progress, dial 911 or (510) 981-5911 from your cell phone.

Get Back Loretta

Please note that beginning Tuesday, January 8, smoking within 50 feet of Senior Center entrances and windows is prohibited. This is an increase of 25 feet. Smoking continues to be banned within 25 feet of public buildings and bus stops.

Reporting Problems

Use your telephone white pages to look up the correct City department to report nuisances or problems. The City of Berkeley is listed in the blue-edged government section. Under the City Manager’s Office is a listing for Neighborhood Services. Report problems with second-hand smoke, noise, abandoned vehicles or property to the Environmental Health Division. For excessive noise after dark, or on weekends, holidays - or if you observe drug dealers - call the Police. Do not become involved yourself. Call Animal Care Services for loose or abused animals, Solid Waste for garbage/yard debris pickup, the Ecology Center (not a City program) for curbside recycling, newspapers, bottles, or cans. Falling fences or trees on private property are NOT a City problem. To report trees on city property call Parks/Urban Forestry.

Going Grocery Shopping with Project Open Hand

This week’s shopping list:

2,490 lbs chicken
1,700 lbs beef
1,900 lbs other meats such as turnkey
$4,000 of fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs
360 lbs beans
450 lbs rice
400 lbs pasta
200 ½ gallons of milk
400 lbs hard cheeses and tofu
750 dozen eggs
$2,500 various groceries

A far cry from the grocery list in 1985 when Ruth Brinker, a retired grandmother, began delivering meals she cooked herself to seven people sick with AIDS.

Today, Project Open Hand feeds over 3,200 people with AIDS each year and has extended its much-needed services to include weekly groceries as well as home-delivered meals.

Now, in addition to serving people with HIV/AIDS, Project Open Hand shares their compassion and healing with people who are homebound and living with any serious illness as well as with Seniors in our community lunch program. In fact, every day Project Open Hand provides nourishing meals to 2,400 people in San Francisco and Alameda County.

This is where our Tri-City lunch program comes in. Compare your grocery list to the one above and remember what a bargain our Tri-City lunch is at a suggested donation of $2.75. Any amount you can provide over the donation will help us to take Seniors off our Meals on Wheels waiting list! We need to stretch those dollars to include everyone. Thank you!

Retirement Community Information Fair

Are you thinking about moving to an independent or assisted living facility for Seniors? How do you find the right type of retirement community for yourself or your loved ones? What is a CCRC? What is Life Care? How do they differ from assisted living and skilled nursing facilities?

During the holidays, many Seniors and their families begin to think about housing alternatives including independent, assisted and skilled nursing facilities. We are fortunate to have so many retirement communities in the East Bay. It is important to learn about the options before you need them so you are knowledgeable about your choices.

During the past few years, NBSC has hosted several seminars and lectures on retirement communities for Seniors. We have had field trips to many of the programs in the East Bay.

On Tuesday, January 15, thirteen local retirement community programs are coming to the NBSC. The invitees are: Barbary Lane Retirement Community, Berkshire at The Avalon, Chaparral House, Claremont House, El Cerrito Royale, Mercy Retirement Center, Piedmont Gardens, Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, St. Paul’s, Salem Lutheran Home, Sumerville at Creekside, Lakeside Park and the Alameda County Adult Day Health Services Network.

The retirement communities are coming here to answer your questions, provide information and set up appointments for you to visit their facilities. It is a great opportunity for you to learn more about your options. There will also be FREE gifts and raffle prizes. January 15, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. North Berkeley Senior Center. For more information, please call: Joann Sullivan, Seniors Real Estate Specialist Thornwall Properties, Inc., (510) 848-1960, ext. 246

Feldenkrais One On One

by Gregg Nakanishi

The Feldenkrais Method is a form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. With this Method, you can increase your range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement.

The Feldenkrais Method helps those experiencing chronic or acute pain of the back, neck, shoulders, hips, legs, or knees, as well as healthy individuals who wish to enhance their movement abilities. The Method has been very helpful in dealing with central nervous system conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke. Seniors enjoy using it to retain or regain their ability to move without strain or discomfort.

Greg Nakanishi and Susan Sullivan both volunteer to give Feldenkrais One On One by appointment at NBSC. Greg has been volunteering for three years.

AARP Driver Safety Courses

If you feel a need for some brush up on your driving skills call (888) 227-7699 to locate a class or Leonard Trimlett the new East Bay Coordinator for the AARP Driver Safety Program (510) 531-7389.

New Movie Class at West!

Do you enjoy watching movies? Are you a movie critic? Would you like to rate a movie? Before spending your money at the box office, come join our movie review class. New movie reviews will be selected each week. Class will cover big budget releases, small independent projects and everything in between. Come share your perceptive opinion with the class and don’t forget your popcorn! WBSC Aubrey Holmes, SFSU intern, Thursdays 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

A Special “Thank You”

South Berkeley Senior Center Advisory Council, “Seniors In Progress” send a sincere Thank You to all of the wonderful sponsors, volunteers, and staff who supported our Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Friday, December 21. Each year Seniors within the community are presented with entertainment, good food, and fun as meaningful friendships are shared and rekindled.

Sponsors: Monterey Market, Berkeley; Elephant Bar Restaurant, Emeryville; Men’s Wearhouse, Oakland (downtown store); H’S Lordships Restaurant, Berkeley; Nation’s Giant Hamburgers, El Cerrito; Ross Dress for Less, Pleasanton; Cost Plus World Market, Oakland; Zoe’s Cookies, Richmond; Dreyer’s Ice Cream, Oakland; Walgreen’s, Berkeley (Ashby store); Starbuck’s Coffee Co., Berkeley (Oxford and Center St. store); Mi Tierra Produce and Grocery Store, Berkeley; UC Upward Bound Program Students and Staff; Delores Sanchez, Sue Carol Witt, Florence Blackmon, Mary Trahan, Walter Wright and Bennie Owens. Your continued support, and generosity are greatly appreciated.

Starting Fresh for the New Year

by Cheryl Woo, San Francisco State University Dietetic Intern

Did you ever wonder about the difference between cleaning and sanitizing? Cleaning involves the physical removal of soil and food residues; sanitizing involves reducing the number of disease-causing microorganisms to safe levels. Sanitizing requires either chemicals or high heat to kill bacteria on equipment or other surfaces. The most familiar household sanitizer is bleach. According to the FDA Food Code, one tablespoon of bleach diluted in one gallon of water is sufficient to kill bacteria without being harmful to humans. In addition, the temperature of the water should be slightly warmer than room temperature to maximize its effectiveness.

If you are sensitive to the smell, or shy away from using bleach for other reasons, here is a list of alternative household products that may also be used as sanitizers:

Household Sanitizers

White Vinegar

In a spray bottle, combine a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water (i.e. ½ cup vinegar mixed with ½ cup water) to make your own sanitizing solution.

Baking Soda

In a bucket, dissolve ¼ cup of baking soda in 1 quart of water as an alternative sanitizer.

NOTE: Bacteria grow best in neutral environments (7.0 pH). So the best sanitizers, which deter bacteria growth are those that are acidic (i.e. white vinegar) or basic (i.e. baking soda).

General Cleaning Tips

Sanitizing Sponges

All purpose sponge (cellulose): Moisten the sponge, then microwave on high for 1 minute or until steaming. Let it sit for a minute or two so it is cool enough to handle.

Sanitizing Dish Rags

Launder dish rags daily since they provide a moist environment for bacteria growth.

Sanitizing Cutting Boards

• Plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe.
• Bamboo and wood cutting boards: DO NOT put in the dishwasher. Wood is porous and will soak up excess water and crack when it dries.
• Bamboo cutting boards are recommended over the traditional wood cutting board because of their strength and resistance to knife cuts. With fewer knife cuts, there are less areas where bacteria can breed.
• All cutting boards: Sanitize cutting boards after cleaning, wipe them with either a bleach solution or full strength vinegar.

Freshening Your Microwave

Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 2 cups of water and place in a microwavable safe bowl. Microwave bowl on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove bowl and wipe down microwave with a paper towel. Your microwave will smell fresh and clean.

Mineral Deposits on Your Faucet

Soak a paper towel in full strength white vinegar and wrap around the faucet for 1 hour. Next buff with a paper towel and you will have a clean and shiny faucet.

Alameda County Area Agency on Aging provides funding to the City of Berkeley in support of the Nutrition Program.

Excursions for All Seniors

NBSC Trips

Leave NBSC around 11:00 a.m. and return by 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Call or come in to sign up after 9:00 a.m., January 2. Phone call requests listed after those who show up to register in person. On trip day come early to sign the legal form. Limit of two long trips per month. Long or out of area trips cost $1 for transportation/bridge/parking. Also bring money for admission, lunch, etc. Pay on the day of the trip except when noted. Do not park in the center lot. E permits are available for $1 for street parking. All trips, including shopping, leave from the NBSC.

Wednesday, January 2: Personal errands

Thursday, January 3: Costco

Monday, January 7: Safeway

Tuesday, January 8: Asian Art Museum (FREE museum admission) $1

Wednesday, January 9: Personal errands

Thursday, January 10: Laci's - Needle Lace, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Monday, January 14: Berkeley Bowl

Tuesday, January 15: Pick up at West, South, and St. John’s Senior Centers between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. for Retirement Community Information Fair at the NBSC, return 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 16: Legion of Honor (Marie Antoinette, $5 admission on your own), $1

Thursday, January 17: Monterey Market and Hopkins Street shops

Monday, January 21: Closed

Tuesday, January 22: Safeway

Wednesday, January 23: Sacramento Old Town and State Capitol 9:30 - 5:00 p.m., $1, no repeats

Thursday, January 24: Art Class trip, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., others welcome

Monday, January 28: Berkeley Bowl

Tuesday, January 29: Living Planet class trip, 10:00 - 12:00 noon, others welcome

Wednesday, January 30: Ranch 99

Thursday, January 31: Blackhawk Museum: antique autos, trains, art, $5 at time of trip for entry, eat on your own in Danville, 11:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 5: De Young Museum: 10:30 - 4:30 p.m.

WBSC Trips

TBD: The Great Debaters

TBD: First Sunday

Wednesday, January 9: Nellie's Soul Food Restaurant

SBSC Trips

Friday, January 8: Seniors in Progress present their first bus trip for 2008 to the Gold Country, $25 per person ($10 refund plus coupons), bus departs SBSC at 7:30 a.m., returns 5:30 p.m.

Friday, January 25: Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco: Register at 12:15 p.m., leave at 12:30, return between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., Cost $5, Contact Louis at (510) 981-5176

Design and editing of the printed newsletter by Constance Wiggins.