February 4, 2005

Aging Connection

Geriatric Advisory Program offers ideas, support

By Vivian Silva, MSW
Special to the Times

A parade of participants walked past the exhibit tables at a recent aging workshop. Many adult children concerned about their aging parents stopped at my table to ask about services. Older adults checked out the display as well.

I found disheartening how often someone said to me, “I wish I knew about your program when I was caring for my father,” or “My husband died two years ago and I had no idea someone like you existed.”

Some proceeded to share their heart-wrenching stories and for this reason I decided to dedicate this column to describing the Almaden Valley Counseling Service Geriatric Advisory Program.

The phrase “variety is the spice of life” can be applied to all the different situations presented to me by older adults, their families or health care professionals. Individuals are unique and stories vary from family to family but throughout almost 20 years of experience, common dilemmas or questions stand out. The following examples represent common themes:

-“My mother lives in another state and I’m thinking of moving her to San Jose. She doesn’t want to leave her home of 60 years. Would she be better off in a retirement home or with me”?

- “I live alone. My children and grandchildren moved away. The doctor says I shouldn’t be driving and my friends have all died. Where can I get some help?”

- “Mom’s falling and Dad has health problems. Are they ready for a nursing home and what support can I get for myself?”

- “My husband took care of the finances and I cared for him until he died. I’m overwhelmed with all the decisions and what to do with the rest of my life.”

How we can help
We offer assessment, written analysis (if requested or necessary), research, referrals, literature, and personalized attention in providing solutions to psycho, social and economic problems or situations faced by older adults and their advocates.

Who we can help
- Adult children dealing with aging parent issues (housing, changing needs, long distance and local care giving, in-home services, mediation, de-stressing, community resources, support groups, daycare, transportation, meals and more).

- Older adults (connection to a wide variety of services, as well as housing options, care, activities, volunteer opportunities, etc.

- Corporations, institutions, clubs (we facilitate on-site presentations, roundtable discussion, referrals and seminars for those individuals facing issues connected with eldercare.

- Physicians, attorneys, clergy, social workers and realtors (support in seeking answers for your older adult clients and referrals)

There is a new Caregiver Support Group starting up in March. It will be held on six consecutive Thursdays starting March 3 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Almaden Valley Counseling Service, 6529 Crown Blvd., San Jose. For information regarding the cost and registration information call 975-2988.

Vivian I. Silva, Gerontologist/MSW is the director of Geriatric Advisory Program at Almaden Valley Counseling Service. The service educates and advises adult children and elders on aging issues and provides individual and family consultation. For more information call (408) 975-2988 or e-mail vivsilva@aol.com.