QUESTION: I have a family member who has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and I am looking for a support group in the City of Ventura. Can you provide any information?
ANSWER: Yes. I just recently learned of a Parkinson’s disease support group that meets in Ventura every month.
The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month, except in December, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lexington Assisted Living facility, located at 5440 Ralston St., Ventura.
Some meetings are in a roundtable style, where attendees get to know each other and share common challenges and solutions, and some feature speakers and presenters with helpful topics.
The next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 11. For more information call Patty at 766-6070.
QUESTION: I am researching long-term care for a family member and have encountered the term “activities of daily living.” I’m not sure what this term covers. Can you provide a list of the items and a definition of each?
ANSWER: Individuals needing assistance with personal care are most likely to require help with what have been identified as the “activities of daily living,” also known as “ADL’s.” This list typically includes eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, continence, transferring and sometimes ambulating.
Eating is the ability to get nourishment into the body by any means once it has been prepared and made available.
Bathing is defined as having the ability to wash oneself on a routine basis in the tub, shower or by sponge bath.
Dressing is the ability to put on and take off all garments and medically necessary braces or artificial limbs, if worn.
Toileting includes the ability to go to the bathroom, clean oneself and arrange clothing without assistance.
Continence is defined as the ability to control bowel and bladder functions and to maintain a reasonable level of personal hygiene.
Transferring is the ability to move in and out of a bed or chair without assistance.
Ambulating means having the ability of walking or moving around inside or outside without assistance.
You may also encounter the term “instrumental activities of daily living” also known as IALD’s. Individuals needing assistance with personal care are also likely to require assistance with “IADL’s,” which include using the telephone, managing medications, moving about outside, shopping for essentials, preparing meals, laundry and light housekeeping.
The need to discuss ADL’s comes into play when a care plan is being prepared for someone who needs assisted care or long-term care services.
Happenings
Oct. 4, 1 p.m.: Presentation – A specialist in joint replacement and sports medicine will speak on “Joint Replacement Care” at the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging’s meeting at the Civic Arts Plaza Board Room, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.
Oct. 7, 3 p.m.: Film – “East LA Interchange” – a 57-minute documentary, shows how Boyle Heights developed into the community it is today, at Oxnard Public Library, 251 South “A” St., Oxnard. For information call 388-7532.
Oct. 10, 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Seminar – “What You Should Ask Before Hiring an In-Home Care Agency” – at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. For information and reservations call 583-6363.
