Columns

Senior Power: This Case Management thing

By Helen Rippier Wheeler
Monday July 04, 2011 - 12:06:00 PM

A reader who can’t get a straight answer asks “What is this case management thing? How can I get it and do I want it? Is it true you have to turn over your Medicare or be on SSI and MediCAL? What can “they” do for me that I can’t do myself? And how much does it cost?”
xxxx 

Case management refers to the coordination of services on behalf of an individual. In the United States, it is a specific term used by the health care system. Medical case management is a general term referring to the facilitation of treatment plans to assure appropriate medical care is provided to disabled, sick or injured individuals. Or it may refer to a specific approach for the coordination of community mental health services. Legal case management provides a set of management approaches for law firms or courts. 

The Case Management Society of America’s definition is "a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual's health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality cost-effective outcomes." Wikipedia refers to “a procedure to plan, seek, and monitor services for different social agencies and staff on behalf of a client. Usually one agency takes primary responsibility for the client and assigns a case manager, who coordinates services, advocates for the client, and sometimes controls resources and purchases services for the client. …” 

The Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential is available to health care providers licensed to practice independently in our fragmented health care system. For example, it would include Registered Nurses but not Licensed Practical Nurses, who are not licensed to assess and evaluate the health of their clients. Here’s another example-- in real life New York, the mayor’s proposed budget cuts referred to Department for the Aging funding reductions “to case management which is social workers going into the homes of frail, homebound elders…” 

The vast differences possible among providers are apparent in another example, derived from a senior housing project corporate definition: “XYZ Resident Services offers one-on-one case management for disabled residents. We collaborate with local service providers to link residents with home and community-based resources that improve their quality of life… The Service Coordinator educates residents on available services and encourages residents to be proactive in meeting their social, psychological, and physical needs.” 

According to the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, "A Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM) is a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives… trained and experienced in any of several fields related to care management, including, but not limited to nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care." 

My friend Minako Matsui, CLPF #446, is a CMC [Care Manager, Certified] Licensed Fiduciary & Geriatric Care Manager. Her specialty is elder care management. She responded to my request for a professional social worker’s perspective on case management and senior citizens: 

“Case Management is about helping elders/seniors and their families understand and make best use of the many services available to assist them with their unique situation. It begins with intake and assessment to alleviate the issues at hand – whether it be applying for Medi-Cal, MOW (Meals on Wheels,) IHSS or housing, and continues with coordination and follow up as needed. 

Case Management for elders/seniors is usually handled by 501(c)(3) nonprofit private agencies that are funded by private funds, religious organizations, and/or city or county governments. They have intake workers who assist anyone by providing information and assistance, referring to other sources and assigning case workers (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work) for various levels of interventions. Case workers are often obligated to report to the funding source the outcome of their interventions-- how many contacts they had with each senior result in success or failure. They also need to report demographic information in general terms without disclosing each individual’s identity. 

Case management could also be handled by hospital discharge Registered Nurse (RN) managers… Alameda County Social Services has an Adult Protective Services (APS) and Public Guardian’s office. They have their own social workers (a.k.a. case workers) who are assigned to a number of elder cases. 

 

As a private Geriatric Care Manager, I specialize in elder care management. I visit my client at home to assess, identify needs, provide advocacy, make a care plan, accompany client to doctor’s appointments, monitor, re-evaluate client’s changing needs and to meet client’s goal – to promote wellness, dignity and quality of life for the elder as well as his/her family, if any. With my fiduciary license, I can serve as a daily money manager, Power of Attorney for Finance and Health Care (a.k.a. Advance Health Care Directive) agent, and Conservator.” 

xxxx 

NEWS 

“Seniors fought hard to prevent damaging cuts to services in their neighborhoods… Advocacy continues to work in New York City. Senior center funding has been fully restored and new funding for innovative senior centers will move forward…case management was not fully restored…” http://www.facebook.com/CSCSNY. Interestingly, the breakdowns of cuts/restorations indicates that meals’ raw food costs=35 cents per meal. 

Berkeley’s Aging Services Manager flimflams in the June Tri-Center Nugget. “Come July, there could be many new changes within the Aging Services Division. As we have been discussing the last few months, we have proposed creating a Social Service Unit at the West Berkeley Senior Center with the Meals on Wheels operation, and move the existing WBSC programming to SBSC. The proposal has not yet been adopted by the Berkeley City Council, but we have been preparing in advance so if it is accepted we will be able to implement as smooth of a transition as possible. … It is important to note that both SBSC and NBSC will have ‘outstation’ offices where case managers will spend time each week serving folks who come to the centers. This way you won’t have to go to WBSC to see your case manager, but instead can make an appointment to see them at your home center.” 

On June 24, 2011 the Silver Alert Act, S.1263, legislation that would create a national network for locating missing adults and seniors, was reintroduced. It was first introduced in 2008. It would create a program modeled after the AMBER Alert system that helps to find missing children and seeks to provide federal coordination and assistance to local and state law enforcement agencies. 

Here’s a cutie: Management of a rent-subsidized housing project for senior citizens and some disabled persons has installed a TV in the community room, as it’s currently called. That’s nice. However, it does not get Closed Captioning. Concurrently, the community room is being closed at 9 P.M. Apparently management is unaware that many old people aren’t able to get to sleep until long after the witching hour. 

An elderly woman opens an email that leads her into the welcoming arms of an international crime ring. The title of this fifteen-minute comedy(?) based on a true event is The Gran' Scam of Things. Google the title. 

Sixty-seven year old, 39-time Grand Slam tennis winner Billie Jean King has had two complete knee replacement surgeries (arthoplasty). Read about her recovery and fitness routine. http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/article/Billie-Jean-King-on-new-knees-and-boomer-fitness- 

Thousands of people toiling to cool the crippled nuclear reactors in Fukushima are engaged in jobs the Japanese consider kitanai, kitsui and kiken -- dirty, difficult and dangerous. “It would benefit society if the older generation took the job because we will get less damage from working there,” according to 72 year old cancer survivor Yasuteru Yamada, calling on people age 60+ who have “the physical strength and experience to bear the burden of this front-line work.” But he has triggered a debate about the role of the elderly in Japan, the meaning of volunteerism, and the growing reality that the Tokyo Electric Power Company, owner of the reactors, will face an increasingly difficult time recruiting workers. [“Elders Offer Help at Japan’s Crippled Reactor” by Ko Sasaki for The New York Times June 28, 2011, page A4 of the New York edition] 

June 2011 marked LGBT Pride month. The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring the State Office for the Aging to assess the needs of traditionally underserved elders—including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. The bill awaits New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's signature to become law. It also calls for NYSOFA to provide technical assistance to the organizations that serve LGBT older adults, and to report annually on those services to the governor and state legislature. 

Inside E Street is a TV series worth listening to and watching. It takes a nonpartisan look at matters that are of special concern to persons age 50+, e.g. guardianship and conservatorship. Bay Area PBS channels. 

xxxx 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: July, August. September 2011 Call to confirm, date, time, place 

Wednesday, July 6 Noon – 1 P.M. End of Life Planning Workshop at Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Responsible end-of–life planning can save heartache and help preserve family legacy. Come learn the basics about wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced health care directives and more in a supportive setting. 

Wednesday, July 6 6-8 P.M. Albany branch of the Alameda County Library. 1247 Marin Av. Lawyer in the Library. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Advance registration required. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call (510) 526-3720 ext. 5. Also August 3 and Sept. 7. 

Wednesday, July 6 10 A.M. – Noon North Berkeley Senior Center Advisory Council meeting. Public invited. 1901 Hearst. (510) 981-5190. Call to confirm. 

Monday, July 11 7 P.M. Author Talk at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Av. Amy Block Joy, author of Whistleblower, the nail-biting true story of what happens when someone with a lifelong habit of going along to get a long is confronted with criminal activity she can’t ignore. Free. (510) 524-3043. 

Tuesday, July 12 9 A.M. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Av., Alameda. Cane Do. Join John Dexheimer for self-defense and exercise. Specialized senior self-defense training class incorporating use of a cane. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring your cane! Sign up in Mastick Office. A donation of $3.00 is suggested. 

Wednesday, July 13 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Albany branch of the Alameda County LibraryPoetry Writing Workshop with Christina Hutchins, poet laureate of Albany, will facilitate. Free. No registration required. Drop in and work on your poetry with a group of supportive writers. Dan Hess (510) 526-3720 x17. Also August 10 and Sept. 14. 

Thursday, July 14 7 – 8 P.M. The Summer Concert Series. El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. Ramana Vieira, the New Voice of Portuguese World Music, is a premier contemporary Fado artist. Fado is a melancholy and often-mournful music similar to the American blues as it tells stories of heartache and disappointment. (510) 526-7512. 

Thursday, July 14 1 P.M. Mastick Senior Center, Alameda. Drumming Circle. Join the Mercy Retirement Community Drumming Circle. Drumming is known to improve circulation, loosen stiff joints, stimulate the mind. Sign up in the office. Free.Friday, July 15 8 A.M. – 2 P.M 8th Annual Healthy Living Festival. Compassion & Choices of Northern California is a participant. Oakland Zoo, Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road. Presented by United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County. Health screenings, financial planning information, medication dropoff/disposal program. Enjoy a walk through the zoo. (510)729-0852. 

Monday, July 18 7:00 P.M. Berkeley West Edge Opera preview. Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Sponsored by Friends of the Kensington Library and a Meet the Composer grant. Director and Kensington resident Mark Streshinsky and cast singers will look at how an opera is created and a taste of the music and drama of the finished product of an original opera, "Caliban Dreams," inspired by Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Free. (510) 524-3043. 

Wednesday, July 20 1:30 P.M. BerkeleyCommission on Aging. Meets on 3rd Wednesday at South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis. Confirm (510) 981-5178. 

Monday, July 25 7 P.M. Kensington Library Book Club: Seeing, by Jose Saramago. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday; each starts with a poem selected and ready by a member with a brief discussion following. New members always welcome. Free. (510) 524-3043. 

Tuesday, July 26 7 – 8 P.M. El Cerrito Library book discussion group meets the 4th Tuesday of each month: "Chronicle of a Death Foretold.” Feel free to come to one or all discussions. Also August 23rd: "The Glass Room" and September 27th: "Let the Great World Spin". (510) 526-7512. 

Tuesday, July 26 3-4 P.M. Berkeley Public Library, Central. Tea and Cookies. A book club for people who want to share the books they have read. Monthly on the 4th Tuesday. (510)981-6100. 

Wednesday, July 27 1:30-2:30 Alameda County Library, Albany branch. Great Books Discussion Group. Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw. Facilitated discussion. Come to one meeting, or all meetings. Books are available at the Library. Parking! 526-3720 x 16. 

Wednesdays, beginning in August 10:30-12 noon Parkinson's Yoga & the Art of Moving. Jewish Community Center East Bay – Oakland Branch, 5811 Racine St. (58th & Telegraph). $120./month. (925) 566-4181. 

Wednesday, August 3 10 A.M.-noon North Berkeley Senior Center Advisory Council meeting. Public invited. (510) 981-5190. 

Thursday, August 4 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM Emergency Preparedness. Albany branch of the Alameda County library. Speaker Colleen Campbell, Senior Injury Prevention Coordinator, will discuss materials and lead a discussion on benefits of being prepared. Free program for older adults, caregivers and service providers. No reservations required. (510) 526-3720 x16. 

Saturday, August 6 11 A.M. – noon. End of Life Planning Workshop. Berkeley Public Library West branch, 1125 University Av. Learn basics of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced health care directives. (510) 981-6270. 

Wednesday, August 10 10 A.M – 2 P.M. 10th Annual Healthy Aging Fair Festival. Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward. Free lunch. Raffle prizes. Entertainment. Free shuttle from South Hayward BART. (510) 577-3532, 3540. Sign up at your senior center for free bus service. In Berkeley contact Deborah Jordan (510) 981-5170 for information. 

Wednesday, August 17 1:30 P.M. BerkeleyCommission on Aging. Meets on 3rd Wednesday at South Berkeley Senior Center. Check to confirm (510) 981-5178. Saturday, August 20 11 A.M. Landlord /Tenant Counseling. Central Berkeley Public Library. Also Sept. 17. 

Tuesday, August 23 3-4 P.M. Berkeley Public Library, Central. Tea and Cookies. A book club for people who want to share the books they have read. Monthly on the 4th Tuesday. (510)981-6100. 

Tuesday, August 23 7 – 8 P.M. El Cerrito Library book discussion group meets the 4th Tuesday of each month: “The Glass Room.” Feel free to come to one or all discussions. Also September 27th: "Let the Great World Spin". (510) 526-7512. 

Wednesday, August 24 1:30-2:30 P.M. Alameda County Library, Albany branch. Great Books Discussion Group. Eliot's The Hollow Men and The Waste Land. Facilitated discussion. Come to one meeting, or all meetings. Books are available at the Library. Parking! 526-3720 x 16. 

Wednesday, Sept. 7 10 A.M.-Noon North Berkeley Senior Center Advisory Council meeting. Public invited. (510) 981-5190. 

Saturday, Sept. 13 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. 34th Annual Health Fair. Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd., Oakland. Free health screenings. (510)544-8910. Friday, Sept. 16 10 A.M. – 1 P.M. 14th Annual Senior Resource Fair. Presented by San Leandro Senior Services. San Leandro Senior Community Center, 13909 East 14 St. (510) 577-3462. 

Wednesday, Sept. 21 1:30 P.M. BerkeleyCommission on Aging. Meets at South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis. Check to confirm (510) 981-5178.  

Tuesday, Sept. 23 7 – 8 P.M. El Cerrito Library book discussion group meets the 4th Tuesday of each month: “Let the Great World Spin". Feel free to come to one or all discussions. (510) 526-7512. 

Tuesday, Sept 27 3 P.M. Tea & Cookies Book Club. Central Berkeley Public Library. 

Wednesday, Sept. 28 1:30-2:30 P.M. Alameda County Library, Albany branch. Great Books Discussion Group. Morrison's Song of Solomon. Facilitated discussion. Come to one meeting, or all meetings. Books are available at the Library. Parking! (510) 526-3720 x 16. 

Helen Rippier Wheeler can be reached at pen136@dslextreme.com. Please, no phone calls. 

### 

SENIOR POWER this casemanagementthing 

A reader who can’t get a straight answer asks “What is this case management thing? How can I get it and do I want it? Is it true you have to turn over your Medicare or be on SSI and MediCAL? What can “they” do for me that I can’t do myself? And how much does it cost?” 

xxxx 

Case management refers to the coordination of services on behalf of an individual. In the United States, it is a specific term used by the health care system. Medical case management is a general term referring to the facilitation of treatment plans to assure appropriate medical care is provided to disabled, sick or injured individuals. Or it may refer to a specific approach for the coordination of community mental health services. Legal case management provides a set of management approaches for law firms or courts. 

The Case Management Society of America’s definition is "a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual's health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality cost-effective outcomes." Wikipedia refers to “a procedure to plan, seek, and monitor services for different social agencies and staff on behalf of a client. Usually one agency takes primary responsibility for the client and assigns a case manager, who coordinates services, advocates for the client, and sometimes controls resources and purchases services for the client. …” 

The Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential is available to health care providers licensed to practice independently in our fragmented health care system. For example, it would include Registered Nurses but not Licensed Practical Nurses, who are not licensed to assess and evaluate the health of their clients. Here’s another example-- in real life New York, the mayor’s proposed budget cuts referred to Department for the Aging funding reductions “to case management which is social workers going into the homes of frail, homebound elders…” 

The vast differences possible among providers are apparent in another example, derived from a senior housing project corporate definition: “XYZ Resident Services offers one-on-one case management for disabled residents. We collaborate with local service providers to link residents with home and community-based resources that improve their quality of life… The Service Coordinator educates residents on available services and encourages residents to be proactive in meeting their social, psychological, and physical needs.” 

According to the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, "A Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM) is a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives… trained and experienced in any of several fields related to care management, including, but not limited to nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care." 

My friend Minako Matsui, CLPF #446, is a CMC [Care Manager, Certified] Licensed Fiduciary & Geriatric Care Manager. Her specialty is elder care management. She responded to my request for a professional social worker’s perspective on case management and senior citizens: 

“Case Management is about helping elders/seniors and their families understand and make best use of the many services available to assist them with their unique situation. It begins with intake and assessment to alleviate the issues at hand – whether it be applying for Medi-Cal, MOW (Meals on Wheels,) IHSS or housing, and continues with coordination and follow up as needed. 

Case Management for elders/seniors is usually handled by 501(c)(3) nonprofit private agencies that are funded by private funds, religious organizations, and/or city or county governments. They have intake workers who assist anyone by providing information and assistance, referring to other sources and assigning case workers (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work) for various levels of interventions. Case workers are often obligated to report to the funding source the outcome of their interventions-- how many contacts they had with each senior result in success or failure. They also need to report demographic information in general terms without disclosing each individual’s identity. 

Case management could also be handled by hospital discharge Registered Nurse (RN) managers… Alameda County Social Services has an Adult Protective Services (APS) and Public Guardian’s office. They have their own social workers (a.k.a. case workers) who are assigned to a number of elder cases. 

 

As a private Geriatric Care Manager, I specialize in elder care management. I visit my client at home to assess, identify needs, provide advocacy, make a care plan, accompany client to doctor’s appointments, monitor, re-evaluate client’s changing needs and to meet client’s goal – to promote wellness, dignity and quality of life for the elder as well as his/her family, if any. With my fiduciary license, I can serve as a daily money manager, Power of Attorney for Finance and Health Care (a.k.a. Advance Health Care Directive) agent, and Conservator.” 

xxxx 

NEWS 

“Seniors fought hard to prevent damaging cuts to services in their neighborhoods… Advocacy continues to work in New York City. Senior center funding has been fully restored and new funding for innovative senior centers will move forward…case management was not fully restored…” http://www.facebook.com/CSCSNY. Interestingly, the breakdowns of cuts/restorations indicates that meals’ raw food costs=35 cents per meal. 

Berkeley’s Aging Services Manager flimflams in the June Tri-Center Nugget. “Come July, there could be many new changes within the Aging Services Division. As we have been discussing the last few months, we have proposed creating a Social Service Unit at the West Berkeley Senior Center with the Meals on Wheels operation, and move the existing WBSC programming to SBSC. The proposal has not yet been adopted by the Berkeley City Council, but we have been preparing in advance so if it is accepted we will be able to implement as smooth of a transition as possible. … It is important to note that both SBSC and NBSC will have ‘outstation’ offices where case managers will spend time each week serving folks who come to the centers. This way you won’t have to go to WBSC to see your case manager, but instead can make an appointment to see them at your home center.” 

On June 24, 2011 the Silver Alert Act, S.1263, legislation that would create a national network for locating missing adults and seniors, was reintroduced. It was first introduced in 2008. It would create a program modeled after the AMBER Alert system that helps to find missing children and seeks to provide federal coordination and assistance to local and state law enforcement agencies. 

Here’s a cutie: Management of a rent-subsidized housing project for senior citizens and some disabled persons has installed a TV in the community room, as it’s currently called. That’s nice. However, it does not get Closed Captioning. Concurrently, the community room is being closed at 9 P.M. Apparently management is unaware that many old people aren’t able to get to sleep until long after the witching hour. 

An elderly woman opens an email that leads her into the welcoming arms of an international crime ring. The title of this fifteen-minute comedy(?) based on a true event is The Gran' Scam of Things. Google the title. 

Sixty-seven year old, 39-time Grand Slam tennis winner Billie Jean King has had two complete knee replacement surgeries (arthoplasty). Read about her recovery and fitness routine. http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/article/Billie-Jean-King-on-new-knees-and-boomer-fitness- 

Thousands of people toiling to cool the crippled nuclear reactors in Fukushima are engaged in jobs the Japanese consider kitanai, kitsui and kiken -- dirty, difficult and dangerous. “It would benefit society if the older generation took the job because we will get less damage from working there,” according to 72 year old cancer survivor Yasuteru Yamada, calling on people age 60+ who have “the physical strength and experience to bear the burden of this front-line work.” But he has triggered a debate about the role of the elderly in Japan, the meaning of volunteerism, and the growing reality that the Tokyo Electric Power Company, owner of the reactors, will face an increasingly difficult time recruiting workers. [“Elders Offer Help at Japan’s Crippled Reactor” by Ko Sasaki for The New York Times June 28, 2011, page A4 of the New York edition] 

June 2011 marked LGBT Pride month. The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring the State Office for the Aging to assess the needs of traditionally underserved elders—including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. The bill awaits New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's signature to become law. It also calls for NYSOFA to provide technical assistance to the organizations that serve LGBT older adults, and to report annually on those services to the governor and state legislature. 

Inside E Street is a TV series worth listening to and watching. It takes a nonpartisan look at matters that are of special concern to persons age 50+, e.g. guardianship and conservatorship. Bay Area PBS channels. 

xxxx 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: July, August. September 2011 Call to confirm, date, time, place 

Wednesday, July 6 Noon – 1 P.M. End of Life Planning Workshop at Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Responsible end-of–life planning can save heartache and help preserve family legacy. Come learn the basics about wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced health care directives and more in a supportive setting. 

Wednesday, July 6 6-8 P.M. Albany branch of the Alameda County Library. 1247 Marin Av. Lawyer in the Library. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Advance registration required. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call (510) 526-3720 ext. 5. Also August 3 and Sept. 7. 

Wednesday, July 6 10 A.M. – Noon North Berkeley Senior Center Advisory Council meeting. Public invited. 1901 Hearst. (510) 981-5190. Call to confirm. 

Monday, July 11 7 P.M. Author Talk at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Av. Amy Block Joy, author of Whistleblower, the nail-biting true story of what happens when someone with a lifelong habit of going along to get a long is confronted with criminal activity she can’t ignore. Free. (510) 524-3043. 

Tuesday, July 12 9 A.M. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Av., Alameda. Cane Do. Join John Dexheimer for self-defense and exercise. Specialized senior self-defense training class incorporating use of a cane. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring your cane! Sign up in Mastick Office. A donation of $3.00 is suggested. 

Wednesday, July 13 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Albany branch of the Alameda County LibraryPoetry Writing Workshop with Christina Hutchins, poet laureate of Albany, will facilitate. Free. No registration required. Drop in and work on your poetry with a group of supportive writers. Dan Hess (510) 526-3720 x17. Also August 10 and Sept. 14. 

Thursday, July 14 7 – 8 P.M. The Summer Concert Series. El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. Ramana Vieira, the New Voice of Portuguese World Music, is a premier contemporary Fado artist. Fado is a melancholy and often-mournful music similar to the American blues as it tells stories of heartache and disappointment. (510) 526-7512. 

Thursday, July 14 1 P.M. Mastick Senior Center, Alameda. Drumming Circle. Join the Mercy Retirement Community Drumming Circle. Drumming is known to improve circulation, loosen stiff joints, stimulate the mind. Sign up in the office. Free.Friday, July 15 8 A.M. – 2 P.M 8th Annual Healthy Living Festival. Compassion & Choices of Northern California is a participant. Oakland Zoo, Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road. Presented by United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County. Health screenings, financial planning information, medication dropoff/disposal program. Enjoy a walk through the zoo. (510)729-0852. 

Monday, July 18 7:00 P.M. Berkeley West Edge Opera preview. Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Sponsored by Friends of the Kensington Library and a Meet the Composer grant. Director and Kensington resident Mark Streshinsky and cast singers will look at how an opera is created and a taste of the music and drama of the finished product of an original opera, "Caliban Dreams," inspired by Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Free. (510) 524-3043. 

Wednesday, July 20 1:30 P.M. BerkeleyCommission on Aging. Meets on 3rd Wednesday at South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis. Confirm (510) 981-5178. 

Monday, July 25 7 P.M. Kensington Library Book Club: Seeing, by Jose Saramago. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday; each starts with a poem selected and ready by a member with a brief discussion following. New members always welcome. Free. (510) 524-3043. 

Tuesday, July 26 7 – 8 P.M. El Cerrito Library book discussion group meets the 4th Tuesday of each month: "Chronicle of a Death Foretold.” Feel free to come to one or all discussions. Also August 23rd: "The Glass Room" and September 27th: "Let the Great World Spin". (510) 526-7512. 

Tuesday, July 26 3-4 P.M. Berkeley Public Library, Central. Tea and Cookies. A book club for people who want to share the books they have read. Monthly on the 4th Tuesday. (510)981-6100. 

Wednesday, July 27 1:30-2:30 Alameda County Library, Albany branch. Great Books Discussion Group. Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw. Facilitated discussion. Come to one meeting, or all meetings. Books are available at the Library. Parking! 526-3720 x 16. 

Wednesdays, beginning in August 10:30-12 noon Parkinson's Yoga & the Art of Moving. Jewish Community Center East Bay – Oakland Branch, 5811 Racine St. (58th & Telegraph). $120./month. (925) 566-4181. 

Wednesday, August 3 10 A.M.-noon North Berkeley Senior Center Advisory Council meeting. Public invited. (510) 981-5190. 

Thursday, August 4 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM Emergency Preparedness. Albany branch of the Alameda County library. Speaker Colleen Campbell, Senior Injury Prevention Coordinator, will discuss materials and lead a discussion on benefits of being prepared. Free program for older adults, caregivers and service providers. No reservations required. (510) 526-3720 x16. 

Saturday, August 6 11 A.M. – noon. End of Life Planning Workshop. Berkeley Public Library West branch, 1125 University Av. Learn basics of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced health care directives. (510) 981-6270. 

Wednesday, August 10 10 A.M – 2 P.M. 10th Annual Healthy Aging Fair Festival. Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward. Free lunch. Raffle prizes. Entertainment. Free shuttle from South Hayward BART. (510) 577-3532, 3540. Sign up at your senior center for free bus service. In Berkeley contact Deborah Jordan (510) 981-5170 for information. 

Wednesday, August 17 1:30 P.M. BerkeleyCommission on Aging. Meets on 3rd Wednesday at South Berkeley Senior Center. Check to confirm (510) 981-5178. Saturday, August 20 11 A.M. Landlord /Tenant Counseling. Central Berkeley Public Library. Also Sept. 17. 

Tuesday, August 23 3-4 P.M. Berkeley Public Library, Central. Tea and Cookies. A book club for people who want to share the books they have read. Monthly on the 4th Tuesday. (510)981-6100. 

Tuesday, August 23 7 – 8 P.M. El Cerrito Library book discussion group meets the 4th Tuesday of each month: “The Glass Room.” Feel free to come to one or all discussions. Also September 27th: "Let the Great World Spin". (510) 526-7512. 

Wednesday, August 24 1:30-2:30 P.M. Alameda County Library, Albany branch. Great Books Discussion Group. Eliot's The Hollow Men and The Waste Land. Facilitated discussion. Come to one meeting, or all meetings. Books are available at the Library. Parking! 526-3720 x 16. 

Wednesday, Sept. 7 10 A.M.-Noon North Berkeley Senior Center Advisory Council meeting. Public invited. (510) 981-5190. 

Saturday, Sept. 13 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. 34th Annual Health Fair. Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd., Oakland. Free health screenings. (510)544-8910. Friday, Sept. 16 10 A.M. – 1 P.M. 14th Annual Senior Resource Fair. Presented by San Leandro Senior Services. San Leandro Senior Community Center, 13909 East 14 St. (510) 577-3462. 

Wednesday, Sept. 21 1:30 P.M. BerkeleyCommission on Aging. Meets at South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis. Check to confirm (510) 981-5178.  

Tuesday, Sept. 23 7 – 8 P.M. El Cerrito Library book discussion group meets the 4th Tuesday of each month: “Let the Great World Spin". Feel free to come to one or all discussions. (510) 526-7512. 

Tuesday, Sept 27 3 P.M. Tea & Cookies Book Club. Central Berkeley Public Library. 

Wednesday, Sept. 28 1:30-2:30 P.M. Alameda County Library, Albany branch. Great Books Discussion Group. Morrison's Song of Solomon. Facilitated discussion. Come to one meeting, or all meetings. Books are available at the Library. Parking! (510) 526-3720 x 16. 

Helen Rippier Wheeler can be reached at pen136@dslextreme.com. Please, no phone calls. 

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