The seniors at Carmichael Oaks who take Ginger White’s sign language class. // Photos by Monica Stark

Every Wednesday for the last month or so, a group of about 5-10 seniors varying in age from 79 to 98 at Carmichael Oaks gather for an informal hour-long sign-language class. Taught by 82-year-old Ginger White, the students listen intently to the lesson.

White passes out handouts showing pictures of the signs she wants them to learn over the course of the hour and goes through the list one by one. Going over words like “what, when, where, light and question”, White has the students answer questions using the new vocabulary.

Since White is deaf herself, she has the help of Carmichael Oaks employee Laurie Taylor verbalize what various signs mean if a student has difficulty following along.

Lola Chan enjoys practicing her signing skills. // Photos by Monica Stark

Students say how much fun they have with each other. One of them, Lola Chan, 86, said she used some of the signs over Thanksgiving. Hard of hearing, Chan uses a caption phone and looks forward to practicing her skills more often. She spends some of her time watching sign language videos on the Internet to help practice.

“(Signs are) really just the same as the thing is. You’re just showing it,” Chan said.

Another one of the students, Ica, is 98 years old, is legally blind and has arthritis in her hands. She has learned just as much as any of the other students.

Asked why she decided to teach the class at the senior home, White said she wanted a challenge.

The seniors looked around at each other and one just blurted out what was on all their minds: “What? We’re a challenge?”

Then they all started to laugh.

With a chuckle, White held out a zipper, which is her way of telling her students to shut their mouths and listen. “(The zipper) is only for Lola” she said and everybody laughed again.

After the laughter subsided, it was back to work learning more signs.

Students said they enjoy learning a new language and think White is a fantastic teacher.

“She has a good sense of humor. She knows how to deal with us,” one said.

Carmichael Oaks is located at 8350 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael. For more information, call 248-5715.

editor@valcomnews.com

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, where families and friends gather to share the old times and the new.

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS merry and bright for the senior(s) in your life. One activity that can be meaningful for everyone is to make a senior’s special favorite holiday dish or dessert together. / Photo iStockphoto

Yet for seniors, the joy of the gatherings and the season in general can be a mixed blessing…as eager anticipation can give way to additional stress.

So this year, the staff at Carmichael Oaks has come up with some helpful holiday tips to make the season a joyous one for everyone.

“Most of the seniors I work with say the best gift of all is spending time with family,” said Virginia Stone, marketing director for Carmichael Oaks. “Unhurried, uncomplicated family time will mean the most to them and will create memories to last all year long. Give the best gift of all – your time.”

10 tips to make the most of the season

1. Share a holiday tradition

Have a senior share something special during the holiday season with you that comes from their own holiday memories…I could be a favorite cookie, decorations, arranging a centerpiece or a favorite movie or song that you can engage them with.

2. A quiet spot

Many seniors live in environments that are relatively quiet, with a limited amount of activity in a day. Think about how much stimulation may be in your environment and limit the amount of activities or time seniors are involved in them. Loud family gatherings can be a bit much, so a quiet place to sit down may be a good refuge.

3. Think ahead

Before an event begins, put yourself in your senior’s shoes. Do you have difficulty walking? Do you have trouble remembering names? Plan ahead to make adjustments that can rectify the situation to make it more amenable. It can be as simple as moving some furniture and making nametags.

4. Recognize their limitations

Encourage older family members to take it easy and let you pamper them for a change, but let them help with smaller, less complicated tasks if they want to participate.

5. Listen to their stories

Many older relatives live in their memories. Encourage them to talk about holidays gone by. If they keep albums, ask to see the pictures. They may have some wonderful traditions from their childhood that you can incorporate into your own family’s plans.

6. Cook a favorite meal together

Prepare a dish the senior loved as a child or once prepared as a holiday tradition. Involving the senior in the process, instead of making it for them, allows the senior to feel helpful and needed.

7. Set up a Christmas tree or Menorah

Decorations add so much to the holiday season. Help your loved one feel at home during the holidays by setting up their Christmas tree or Menorah with them. Again, having them help you put ornaments on the tree or plugging in the lights can make the senior feel helpful and involved.

8. Take a ride around town: Many seniors don’t drive as much as they did, but they’d love to see the holiday decorations put up by the retail stores and overzealous neighbors.

9. Make it easy to get around

If a senior is coming for a visit, remove slippery throw rugs and other items that could present barriers to a senior who has difficulty walking or balance problems.

10. Stay in touch

For seniors, it’s so important to let them know you are thinking of them during the holidays, especially to those who are alone. Seniors today are of the generation that loves the simple things: a note in the mail, or a phone call. Invite them for a cup of coffee; it doesn’t have to be much. It’s the thought that counts.

AC-Memory-Walk-photo

Virginia Stone receives an award on behalf of Carmichael Oaks from Dale Masters, chairman of the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk committee. / Photo courtesy Carmichael Oaks Senior Living

In all, Carmichael Oaks raised $13,716. Most of the money was raised through the community’s annual “BBQ, Beer, & Boogie” annual fundraising dinner and raffle event. The Alzheimer’s Association “Walk To End Alzheimer’s” event is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

“We increased our fundraising effort by over 30 percent from last year. Personally my driving force to be involved in the Walk over the past six years was because my mother has Alzheimer’s, as did my grandmother. Three years ago, I came to Carmichael Oaks to learn more about Alzheimer’s. I then became involved on the Walk committee and more involved with our wonderful community,” said Virginia Stone, marketing director for Carmichael Oaks.

In addition to the Carmichael Oaks community award, Virginia personally won two awards for her dedication, “Second Top Producer” and an appreciation award for being a member of the Memory Walk committee.

An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. Another American develops Alzheimer’s every 69 seconds. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s will total $183 billion in 2011. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association has mobilized millions of Americans in the Memory Walk and now they are continuing to lead the way with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Sacramento Walk raises over a quarter million dollars for programs, services and research right in our own community. The Walk is an all-age, all-ability event held in 600 communities nationwide. With your help, we will be closer to realizing the vision of the Alzheimer’s Association of a world without Alzheimer’s.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenn Johnson / Photo courtesy, Patricia Colmer

Kenn Johnson and Lola Chan, both 84 years old, were married on Jan. 15.

The couple was married at the home of the bride’s son and daughter-law, Dan and Deann Chan, in North Highlands. The bride’s son-in-law Bruce Colmer was best man and her daughter, Patty Colmer, was matron of honor.

Some 30 members from both Kenn’s and Lola’s families came from as far away as Washington, D.C., to Portland, Ore., to Torrance, Calif. and the surrounding area.

The youngest attendee was Lola’s great-granddaughter, Silk, age two.

The Rev. Stan Parker officiated the ceremony.

For their honeymoon, the couple plans to go on a month-long cruise from Singapore to Vancouver, B.C. this spring.