MOW Diablo Region staff look on as Deborah backs out of her driveway on her new mobility scooter.

Three of MOW Diablo Region’s homebound seniors recently received a gift of mobility thanks to John Muir’s Physical Therapy department and an anonymous donor who donated five new mobility scooters to our agency.

  

MOW Diablo Region’s Nutrition Services team worked to match the scooters to interested clients, like Deborah who was waiting anxiously in her garage when the trailer loaded with scooters pulled up. She was beaming from ear to ear as Oakley Volunteer, Dan Castor drove the scooter down the ramp and up to her house.

   

MOW Delivery Associate, Brian Underwood went through all of the operating instructions with Deborah including testing turn signals and answering her questions about speed and battery life. Once Deborah understood everything about the scooter she shed tears of joy. “I can’t believe this is mine!” she said. “Now I don’t have to bother my family when I’m out of cat food. I can go to my church down the street whenever I want, not just on Sunday! I feel like I got my freedom back. I am very grateful to Meals on Wheels Diablo Region!”

After taking a selfie with MOW Diablo Region staff, Deborah declared that she was going for a test drive to the supermarket. With a wave and two beeps of her horn she drove away filled with confidence and a renewed sense of independence.

Mary Alice was equally delighted to receive her scooter that day. She is unsteady on her feet, even with a walker and has lost all motivation to walk her dog Billy down to the corner market for fear of falling. The MOW Diablo Region Client Services Associate assigned to visit Mary Alice was concerned that she hadn’t left her small apartment in months.

 

When Mary Alice saw her shiny new mobility scooter she squealed with delight. “I’ve never had anything like this before!”

After a quick lesson, she drove down the hall of her apartment building, deftly maneuvering corners and driving through the door of her apartment with precision. “I still have great depth perception!” she declared.

The remaining scooters have been recently matched up to homebound seniors and like Deborah and Mary Alice they too will be able to maintain their independence and dignity.

Parkinson’s is not a basic disease. It doesn’t move in a straight line, and it’s hard to pin down exactly how it’ll progress. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease may cause sufferers to move more slowly, feel tightness, pain, and weakness, especially in the muscles and joints. Physical and occupational therapy may help with these symptoms.

A Matter of Balance (MOB) is an 8-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Senior participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn exercises that increase strength and balance. For Parkinson’s sufferers like Maureen and Carlos, our Matter of Balance classes offered through MOW Diablo Region’s Fall Prevention Program have provided some valuable techniques and strategies to navigate the future.

Maureen remains active, participating in a rock steady boxing group, but she felt that her balance was continuing to get worse and her fear of falling was a constant worry. As she sat down for her seventh consecutive MOB class, she described how it has helped her. “My boxing classes keep my muscles strong, but the exercises from the Matter of Balance class keep my muscles loose. I do them in the morning and I don’t feel the tightness and rigidity I used to have,” she explained as she stretched her calf muscle. “My balance is now much better, and the Fall Prevention checklist that was provided has helped me identify tripping hazards in my house.”

Carlos has a goal of walking more and regaining a normal, wider gait. He feels that the MOB exercises will help him to increase his steadiness. “It’s convenient that these exercises can be done at home. My wife, Alvetta makes sure that I do them every day and we’ve both noticed that I’m walking better.”

The classes are taught by registered nurse, Donna Cassidy and physical therapist, Jodi Kabat. “This group was already pretty active and most participated in some kind of physical therapy to help their mobility, but all of them have continually practiced the MOB exercises and have been very enthusiastic about learning how to make their physical environments safer,” explained Jodi.

 

Donna agrees with Jodi about the benefits of the class. “Lack of coordination and balance are problems that can increase suddenly. These exercises help Parkinson’s sufferers regain some control over the symptoms.”

To learn more about Fall Prevention’s Matter of Balance classes—soon available in Spanish—contact Michele Alba at [email protected].

If you’re of a certain age it’s easy to extol the virtues of a simpler time when dinner at Grandma’s house after Sunday services was the norm. In the current 100-mile an hour world we live in gathering multiple generations together to share a meal or socialize can often take a back seat. Norman Rockwell moments are often usurped by smart phone distractions and soccer games.

MOW Diablo Region has stepped up to fill the gap with our intergenerational program. Our goal is to increase the quality of life for all participants—young and old—by creating memorable experiences through arts & crafts projects, shared meals, games, and one-on-one interaction. The activities provide opportunities for both groups to learn from one another and gain respect and understanding.

A recent Valentine’s Day crafting party brought together seniors from Sycamore Place in Danville and youths from the Vista Oak Chapter of the National Charity League. The tables were buzzing with laughter and chatter as participants cut out red paper hearts and affixed paper doilies, created their own unique cards with their favorite decorations.

Madeline, a resident at Sycamore admired the cards made by the young people at her table. “It feels like I am with my great grand kids. I think my great grandson would love this!” 

Cheyenne, whose grandparents live across the country chimed in. “I never knew programs like this existed. I’m really having fun!”

MOW Diablo Region’s Tuyet Iaconis summed up the special day. “Everyone was enthused to share their final artwork. We also provided snacks for everyone and the youths took it upon themselves to serve the snacks to the seniors. It was such a warm, loving experience for all.”

Spring is right around the corner and broccoli is in abundance. Check out this month's Health & Wellness blog to learn about the versatility of this heart healthy food and some some delicious recipes using the frozen variety.

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