Good eye health doesn’t just happen. Good eyesight is an important part of well-being and a significant factor in retaining independence and quality of life.  Vision loss does not need to be an accepted part of life.  Vision can deteriorate for many reasons.  Even when loss is associated with the aging process, many interventions are available.
Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center and Pacific Northwest Eye are sponsoring “Can You See What I See,” a free informational workshop for all ages.  Find out what can be done when vision does change, what options are available, and how consumers can evaluate those choices. Topics include cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eyes, diabetes, glaucoma and eye surgeries.  No RSVP is required.  It will be repeated four times:
· June 4 –12:10-12:50 p.m.
County-City Building, 7th Floor Rainier Conference Rm., 930 Tacoma Ave S., Tacoma
· June 12 – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Merrill Gardens at Tacoma,7290 Rosemount Circle, Tacoma
· June 18 – 12:10-12:50 p.m.
Pierce County Annex, Main Conference Room, 2401 35th Street, Tacoma
Dr. Victor W. Chiu, M.D. will be speaking about a variety of eye conditions that people of any age must consider: cataracts, macular degeneration, blurry or double vision, diabetes, glaucoma, LASIK, surgeries and more.  Dr. Chiu is on the staff of Pacific Northwest Eye.  He is board certified in ophthalmology.  His memberships include the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
All three presentations of the workshop are free and open to the public.  No RSVPs are necessary.  For more information contact the Pierce County Aging & disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.

Women’s guide to financial security in a financially un-secure world

Financial Security WomenAt first glance, it may be difficult to believe that women’s financial needs are all that different from men’s. However, women face unique challenges that translate to different financial needs.

“Women’s Guide to Financial Security in a Financially Un-Secure World” is an eye-opening, fun, life changing workshop that will explore the special considerations that all women need to make for their own financial well-being.  Among the issues to be considered:
• Women live longer than men (approximately 7 years), so they need to save 20 percent more for retirement.
• On average, women earn 25 percent less than men.
• Over 40 percent of older women (but only about 30 percent of older men) depend on Social Security for more than 90 percent of their income.
The presenter is Glenn Leach, Senior Mortgage Banker at Cobalt Mortgage in Puyallup.  Leach has spoken widely about issues of financial planning.  The workshop is hosted by Pierce County Community Connections Aging and Disability Resources.
“Women’s Guide to Financial Security” will be repeated three times:
• March 26 – Pierce County Annex;
12:10 – 12:50 at 2401 35th Street, Tacoma–Main Conference Room
• March 28 – County City Building;
12:10 – 12:50 p.m. at 930 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma;  7th Floor Rainier Conference Room
• March 28 – Puyallup Library;
7 – 8 p.m. at 324 South Meridian, Puyallup

The workshop is free and open to the public.  No RSVP is required.  For more information contact the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.

Most Americans would prefer to remain in their own home for as long as possible.  One way that people can do that is a “Reverse Mortgage.”  Knowing the fundamentals about Reverse Mortgages can make for a solid decision and prevent major problems.  A Reverse Mortgage enables seniors 62 or older to access their home equity for a variety of purposes.

Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resources is sponsoring “Reverse Mortgages: A Primer for Consumers” as part of the “Know it before you need it” series.  The free workshop explains in clear, impartial terms the basic features of a Reverse Mortgage and how one can provide the means to stay in one’s home.

“Many people are apprehensive about getting a Reverse Mortgage,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources.  “But they can be a prudent way for seniors to tap into a home’s value and provide the means to remain at home without sacrificing anything.  When it comes to Reverse Mortgages, knowledge is everything.”

Presenting at the workshops will be Bob Riler, HUD-certified Reverse Mortgage Counselor and staff at Community Connections; Rebecca Rainsberger of Genworth Financial and Edwin Hoffmann of Eagle Home Mortgage.  This is an information-only event.

The workshop will be repeated four times:

Feb 13, 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.
Pierce County Annex – Main Conference Room, 2401 S. 35th Street, Tacoma
Feb 13, 7 to 8 p.m.
Soundview Building Conference Room, 3611 S. “D” Street, Tacoma
Feb 15, 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.
County-City Bldg – Rainier Conference Room – 7th Floor, 930 S. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma
Feb 15, 7 to 8 p.m.
University Place Library Conf Room, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100; UP

The presentations are free and open to the public.  No RSVP is required.  For more information contact the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.

Local senior experts put on free community panel

There’s a lot to caring for older relatives.  Most people think they are alone or and this can be even worse, they think they have to do it alone because they owe it to Mom or Dad or Aunt Jane.  The truth is the old joke about getting old not being for sissies isn’t much of a joke.  It’s tough on the person who seemingly suddenly needs help and it’s tough on the younger generation while they try to figure out how to offer help without injuring the pride of someone they love.

That’s where a free community panel on Nov. 5 comes in.  Local senior experts will answer a variety of questions and be available after the presentation for additional questions from members of the community.  Need to know what resources are available for someone with dementia?  Come to the forum.  Need to know if your parents have to lose their home to gain access to some benefits?  Come to the forum.  Need to know how to help your parents stay in their home as they age?  Come to the forum.

Local experts will speak on topics including: elder law, Medicaid Eligibility, geriatric care management, medical alert systems, resources for aging and long term care, in-home care and senior living facilities.

The community forum, which is sponsored by Rehmke & Flynn, PLLC, Elder Law Attorneys, Pierce County Aging and Disability Services, Elder Assessment & Referral Services and Cascade Park Communities, will be held at the Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.  For questions, contact Jonete Rehmke at (253) 460-3190.