Sep3Written by:Betty Berry
9/3/2009 2:35 PM 
By Betty Berry
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Q: I am researching long-term care, and in my search I have encountered the term “activities of daily living.” Can you provide a list and definitions of those activities?
A: The term “activities of daily living,” also known as “ADLs,” refers to the basic personal activities each of us must perform daily. The list typically includes bathing, dressing, eating, continence, toileting, transferring and ambulation.
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.
Eating is the ability to get nourishment into the body by any means once it has been prepared and made available.
Continence is defined as the ability to control bowel and bladder functions and to maintain a reasonable level of personal hygiene. Toileting includes the ability to go to and from the toilet.
Transferring is the ability to move in and out of a bed or chair, and ambulating refers to a person’s ability to move about inside their own home.
The need to discuss these activities comes into play when a care plan is being prepared for someone who needs assisted care or long-term care services.
Q: In June there was a seminar titled “Financial Safety in the Golden Years” offered at the Goebel Center and I missed it. Do you know if this will be offered again?
A: Yes, that panel presentation on Financial Safety in the Golden Years is scheduled for Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi.
One of the top concerns for seniors and their families today is financial safety.
Financial safety involves acquiring the knowledge to protect yourself from frauds and scams as well as the knowledge of how to protect your hard-earned assets.
Another concern is hiring in-home care.
Learn the difference in your financial responsibilities when you hire from an in-home care company that is the employer of the caregiver compared to a referral agency where you become the employer of the worker. You also will learn what you should know about reverse mortgages, financial elder abuse and mental health and financial vulnerability.
Representatives from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program will explain their organizations and how they work for you.
Educate and empower yourself with the most up-to-date information and resources regarding financial safety. Seating is limited so reservations are strongly encouraged. You can make yours by calling the Simi Valley Senior Center at 583-6363.
This event that educates you on how to protect yourself is free, and light refreshments will be served.
Don’t miss this great opportunity; reserve your seat early, and I will personally see you there.
Happenings
Sept. 9: “The Environment and You” seminar, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive. Call the advocates’ office, 495-6250, for information.
Sept. 14: “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?” seminar, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Ave. Call 517-6261 for reservations.
— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org.