Left to right: Look (Laurie Overson), Listen (Bill Priebe) and Notify (Judy Ayers)
If you don’t inform… we can’t perform
On February 22 Rayma Scalzo, Founder and first vice president of Kare Bears, held a training session for Coordinators and Office Staff volunteers. There were over 100 volunteers in attendance. Kare Bears is constantly changing and it is important for all of us to know what is going on. We also need to be knowledgeable on resources and have the most up-to-date information.
During the first hour there were five speakers, each giving a 10 minute taste of the free services they provide. These services are important for all residents to know about.
Here is a brief description of each service:
Benevilla is a 35 year old nonprofit organization that recently started an office here in Litchfield Park. Their free services are for home-bound adults who need help remaining independent at home. The services include grocery shopping, light handyman services, business assistance, emergency errands, friendly visitors/phone pals and information and resources. Phone 623-584-4999; website www.benevilla.org
YANA (You Are Not Alone) is a free service provided by the City of Goodyear Police Department. It allows seniors who live alone to find comfort and security knowing that someone will check on them on a regular basis. YANA participants are regularly contacted by representatives from the Goodyear Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) via phone calls and home visitations. The program also helps seniors who need assistance locating resources and services. Phone 623-882-7481; email [email protected]; website: www.goodyearaz.gov/yana
Community Paramedicine Program is a brand new free prevention program provided by the Goodyear Fire Department. It provides health resources and assistance to the community on a non-emergency basis. The paramedic crews are advocates for the individual to help with education and resources, bridging the gap between when they visit the doctor or hospital and return, or simply providing the individual with ways to navigate certain aspects of health and home care. It is on an appointment basis with no insurance requirement. It is a very low profile program with no fire truck or attention drawn to the participant. Crews show up in a SUV type vehicle with two paramedics doing the visit. Services include: Healthcare assessment, healthcare referrals, home safety inspections, preventative care programs, etc. Phone 623-882-7729; email [email protected]
Golden Assist Placement and Services is a referral and placement service. Teri Sellers, a PebbleCreek resident, can assist in finding an assisted living community or memory care facility. She can connect one with home care, home health and hospice care. She visits the community with you to ensure you ask the right questions and get the vital information necessary for the decision-making process. Her services are free to you and supported by referral fees paid by residential facilities. Phone 602-793-0299; website www.GoldenAssist.com; email [email protected]
Hospice of the West provides comprehensive end-of-life care to those with life-limiting illnesses at their home, a skilled nursing facility, assisted living community or assisted living care home. It offers short-term inpatient care for patients who require around-the-clock nursing care for pain and symptom management. It also provides respite stays for patients who need a place to go to so that their family members may have a short break from caregiving. Those who have a life-limiting illness, as confirmed by a physician, and meet the eligibility for end-of-life care under Medicare guidelines, qualify for hospice. One can call for an evaluation to see if they qualify. It is so important not to wait as there are valuable benefits. Phone 602-343-6422; website www.hospicewestaz.com
In the second hour surprise guests arrived. Their names were Look, Listen and Notify. Although they were sort of weird looking with big glasses, big ears and an oversized big cell phone, they did have a great message to share for both the attendees and for all residents of PebbleCreek. In order for Kare Bears to provide services it is necessary to keep an eye open, a listening ear and notify Kare Bears if we can be of help. We are dependent on you. If you don’t inform—we can’t perform. Don’t assume we know!
The next few minutes were spent reviewing the processes that volunteers follow to keep Kare Bears running smoothly. In addition to that, Rayma spoke of the many resources that are available through the Kare Bears Resource Guide. Some of those included a variety of mobile services for the home-bound, support programs that can even be used nationwide and, of course, services that PebbleCreek residents provide. There are 40 pages of helpful resources. The Resource Guide is available online at www.KareBears.org. Copies are located at each library, at the Guest Services desk at each clubhouse and at the Kare Bears house. By the end of March, resources will be updated once again
For more information, please contact the Kare Bears house at 536-1200. We have brochures from the services listed above that provide more information plus brochures for many other services available in this area. Drop by and see us!
Remember, “If you don’t inform—we can’t perform.”
Daniel Hewson M.S. Audiology and owner of Ascent Audiology and Hearing will be the Kare Bears monthly presentation speaker on April 19 at 11:00 a.m. in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom.
Hearing loss – memory loss… which one is it?
Sue White
Kare Bears would like to invite you to hear Daniel Hewson M.S. Audiology owner of Ascent Audiology and Hearing. He will be speaking at the Kare Bears monthly presentation on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom.
So many people suffer from hearing loss and memory loss. But a bigger problem is not getting the answers to these problems and what can be done to help these issues. Mr. Hewson has spent a lot of time researching and working with patients with these issues and is thrilled to discuss his results further with you.
This event is open to all PebbleCreek residents and is free.
Light refreshments along with coffee, lemonade and water will be available.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, April 19.
Blood Drive April 11
Sue White
As part of Kare Bears Health and Wellness effort, we are pleased to be offering a Blood Drive open to all residents on Tuesday, April 11 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. in the Palm Room at Eagle’s Nest.
The sign-up sheet is at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse across from the Pro Shop. Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes starting at 8:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Two appointments can be scheduled at the same time. If you would rather sign up at home on your computer, there is an instruction sheet explaining this process.
We want to encourage you to sign up on the computer to streamline the process on April 11.
To register online with United Blood Services, complete the Health History Questionnaire. The instructions, entitled “Streamline your next donation: Complete your health history on-line” are with the signup sheet or instructions can be found at www.UnitedBloodServices.org/HealthHIstory.html. Donors who complete the online health history questionnaire should print out the Fast Track Donation Ticket and bring it with you to the drive on April 11.
Blood Donation reminders on the day of the Drive:
1. Hydrate and eat a meal prior to your donation – even better start hydrating the day before.
2. Bring ID with you (UBS Donor Card, driver’s license work well)
3. Make sure you are free of any cold or flu symptoms.
4. Have medication list available if needed.
5. Wear a top with loose fitting sleeves (preferably short sleeves) so that we can check blood pressure and locate the best vein to use to collect your blood.
6. Bring a list of all countries (and cities/areas you have visited – with dates – in the past 12 months and do the same for all European countries you have visited since 1980.
7. You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
8. Waiting period between donations is 56 days for whole blood, 112 for double red cell donations.
Did you know you can save three lives just by donating your blood and it will only take a half hour out of your day. In addition, your body produces healthier red cells after a donation; red cells carry oxygen to your vital organs. The blood supply at valley hospitals is in need of constant replenishing. UBS-AZ is one of three approved blood banks that can send blood to our military overseas.
Also, if you are taking prescription medications, 95% of them are fine and will not prevent you from donating blood. Some examples of acceptable meds are insulin, blood pressure, cholesterol, anti-depressants, thyroid, allergy and aspirin.
Many thanks for helping Kare Bears helping neighbors!
If you have any questions, please contact the Kare Bears House at 536-1200.
Kare Bears to hire a paid executive director
To accommodate the growth and needs of the residents in PebbleCreek, the Kare Bears is seeking an Executive Director. Kare Bears is a “neighbor helping neighbor” organization. Kare-ing Neighbors, Inc., d/b/a Kare Bears, is a not for profit (IRC 501) (c) (3) organization of PebbleCreek residents who are concerned about the welfare of their neighbors within the community. The major purpose of the organization is to temporarily assist and support residents who are ill or recuperating from illness, surgery and hospitalization. Kare Bears also assists those grieving over the loss of a loved one and provides health and wellness education, programs and services.
The Executive Director will be a paid position requiring an average of 20 to 25 hours per week and will report to the Board of Directors.
Interested parties should send their resume and letter of interest to Rosemary Rulka, HR Consultant at [email protected].
Upcoming events
April 11 – Blood Drive (UBS)
April 19 – Monthly Presentation – Eagle’s Nest Ballroom
April 20 – Abrazo Tour
April 22 – Skin Cancer Screening – Sienna Room
April 28 – AED/CPR Training – Tuscany Falls Ballroom One
May 5 – Mini Mental Testing and Hearing Testing – Milan Room
May 17 – Monthly Presentation – Eagle’s Nest Ballroom
May 18 – Abrazo Tour
Free skin cancer screening
Sue White
As part of Kare Bears Health and Wellness programs, we are pleased to bring you a Skin Cancer Screening event on Saturday, April 22 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Sienna Room at Tuscany Falls.
This is a free event brought to you by Dr. Robert West of Arrowhead Health Center.
We are planning six screenings every hour. Please sign up for the time that works for you; however, please note we may have to be flexible with scheduled time in case some testing takes more or less time as allowed.
The sign-up sheet is at the Community Mailbox across from the Eagle’s Nest Pro Shop.
If questions, please call the Kare Bears House at 536-1200.
Abrazo tour
Kay White
Kare Bears has scheduled a tour of Abrazo West Hospital, formerly West Valley Hospital, on Thursday, April 20. We are offering a tour and lunch to the first 16 people to sign up.
Please call the Kare Bear House at 623-536-1200 to make a reservation. Your name must be on the list to attend the tour.
If this tour fills up, you may sign up for the next scheduled tour on Thursday, May 18.
Abrazo West Hospital is located at 13677 W. McDowell Road. We will meet at the hospital’s main entrance for the tour just before 10:00 a.m.!
February donations
Sue White
The Kare Bears Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge various donations received in February from the following residents.
Non-Campaign donations were received from the following:
Mike Mataraza, S.P. Butkiewicz, Jay Hickert, Paul and Marilyn Lugan and Fred and Kathryn Pelzer
Memorial donations were received from Stephen and Audrey Dewan in memory of Keith Dewan and from Judy Merwald in memory of Ann Flesvig.
Equipment donations were received from Terry Rich, David Petersen, Larry Karr, Jack and Evelyn Alyea and Agnes Smanski.
The generosity and thoughtfulness of these residents will enable Kare Bears to continue to serve the needs of our PebbleCreek residents.
AED/CPR class
Sue White
Here’s your opportunity to learn a lifesaving technique!
The AED/CPR class will be held on Friday, April 28 from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom One.
The CPR/AED defibrillator and resuscitation class is open to all employees and residents of PebbleCreek. The certified instructor does an excellent presentation with hands-on training in all equipment and technique.
The cost is $30 for residents and can be paid with cash or checks to AZ Pro CPR & First Aid LLC at the beginning of the class.
A sign-up sheet is available in the Kare Bears folder at the Community Information mailbox across from the Eagle’s Nest Pro Shop.
Any questions? Please call the Kare Bears house at 536-1200.