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In This Issue:
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January 2005
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Donors Brighten Holidays at ElderHealth
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ElderHealth Participant Celebrates 103rd Birthday
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Welcome Ann Eidson, Snohomish County Service Manager
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Friends Reunite at ElderHealth
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ElderHealth Offers In-Home Services
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Caregiving Town Hall Meeting Rebroadcasts in January
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Ann Eidson, MSW, is ElderHealth’s new Snohomish County Service Manager. Ann served for many years in the Navy, working most recently at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where she was in charge of all community support activities. She compares her role there as “similar to being the mayor of a small city.” The highlight of her Navy career, however, was the years she served as director of the Navy’s inpatient addictions rehabilitation center in Jacksonville, Florida. Ann found being a part of efforts there to help others overcome addictions and lead healthier lives to be a tremendous experience.
After retiring from the Navy, Ann received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington and a Master of Theology and Ministry degree from Seattle University. Prior to joining ElderHealth Northwest, Ann worked in mental health counseling and for her local church.
In her first two months, Ann says that her ElderHealth experience quickly proved immensely rewarding. “In working with the families, I’m realizing what great benefits come from the adult day health and DayBreak Senior Respite programs—not just to the clients, but to the well being of entire families.” And she has been inspired by the commitment of her staff to provide the best of care to Snohomish clients. She eagerly looks forward to expanding ElderHealth’s programs in Snohomish County.
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Basilio Callejo turned 103 in late November, and he celebrated his birthday at ElderHealth’s North Seattle adult day health center. Throughout the day his birthday was recognized, culminating in a dance party in the afternoon!
Mr. Callejo was born in a small town in the northern part of the Philippines in 1901. He moved to Manila in 1918 to continue his studies. Unfortunately, he found himself relegated to the role of what in those days was called a “houseboy” and was unable to pursue his education. For 30 years—until 1971—he worked as a private driver. He retired and, with sponsorship by a daughter in the U.S., moved here in 1973. His wife passed on in 1998.
In May 2001, Mr. Callejo began attending ElderHealth, which helps participants maintain their health, avoid isolation, and remain living in the community. Despite his age and health condition which necessitates his attendance at the day health program, friends and family often comment on his level of physical and mental activity, and on how he can pass for a man decades younger.
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ElderHealth’s North Seattle adult day health program has moved to a temporary location at Sand Point Magnuson Park, 6344 NE 74th Street, Seattle. The program will soon move to a new permanent home in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood following the completion of the center's remodeling. You may call the site at (206) 528-5300.
PICTURED: Ganame and Basilio dance at his birthday party.
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You might not ordinarily think of “ElderHealth” and “football championships” in the same sentence, but Milton and Bobby—two of our adult day health center participants—recently coached their youth football teams to their division championships.
The two men both suffered life-threatening strokes and, unbeknownst to both of them, they both ended up attending ElderHealth adult day health programs: Milton at our Renton location, and Bobby at our downtown Seattle site. They both receive nursing and rehabilitative therapies that have helped them improve their strength, coordination, and stamina.
Both men have demonstrated an amazing dedication to volunteering in spite of disability. Bobby initially coached his “men” from his wheelchair. Now, two-and-a-half years later, he can walk for periods of time.
Although they had previously known each other, they had not been in touch after their illnesses. They recently met at the downtown Seattle site where Bobby attends the Heads Up Program for younger adults with acquired brain injuries. They shared information about their winning seasons: Milton led the Burien Bearcats (13 and 14 year-olds) and Bobby coached the younger, Rainier Beach Vikings football team. Milton says that Bobby is a “legend with the eight and nine year-olds.” Bobby has praise for Milton as well, saying, “I could never coach those older kids because they talk back and don’t listen to what you say!”
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ON KCTS SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, 1:30-3:00PM.
REBROADCAST TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 3:00-4:30AM.
Originally broadcast in September 2004, this special presentation brings together professional and family caregivers, persons who receive care, and influential experts in an engaging dialogue on an issue that affects nearly one in every four households.
Members of the National Governors Association, including Washington’s Gary Locke, join this discussion and offer compelling testimonies of their own caregiving experiences.
Inspiration for the Northwest Caregiving Town Hall Meeting came from the critically acclaimed documentary “& Thou Shalt Honor: Caring for our Aging Parents, Spouses and Friends,” which will be rebroadcast on KCTS Sunday, January 16, 3:00-5:00PM.
The Town Hall Meeting was produced in partnership with Wiland-Bell Productions, KCTS Television, PacifiCare Health Systems and dozens of area agencies serving older and disabled individuals.
PICTURED: Nora Gibson, Executive Director of ElderHealth Northwest and moderator Enrique Cerna, KCTS Television. (Photo: Therese Frare)
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"Inside ElderHealth" is an occasional e-newsletter of ElderHealth Northwest, a non-profit organization providing innovative eldercare options since 1976.
Adult Day Health Centers * Supported Living Homes * Geriatric Care Management
In-Home Services * ElderFriends Volunteers
Copyright © 2005 ElderHealth Northwest
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