When it comes to patience and compassion, these professional caregivers have a gift - and it's one they love to share.

Professional caregivers provide in-home care for seniors and other adults. A caregiver's day is just as varied as the needs of their clients. Grocery shopping, assistance with bathing/toileting, driving to doctor's appointments, meal preparation and so much more are all in a day's work.

They do it to provide relief to family caregivers; to keep seniors happy and in their own homes; to give peace of mind to both their elders, and those who love them. But most of all, they do it because it's their calling. Meet three of Santa Clarita's most beloved caregivers.

"COMPASSION and PATIENCE
is everything."

Meet Caregiver Mandie Ruiz of Comfort Keepers 287-4200
"I put their needs first before anything else and I always give [my clients] 110 percent," says Mandie. "I have a big heart and I love helping people who need me the most. I feel this is what I was meant to do, this is who I am, and this is my passion." Explains Mandie, "One of the best rewards [of cargiving] is the opportunity to meet and take care of amazing people from all walks of life. I hear such wonderful stories and learn so much from their wisdom." According to her, Comfort Keepers is a great company to work for. "The staff is absolutely wonderful. They are a very compassionate and dedicated team."

"I'm always focused on the HEALTH
and HAPPINESS of my clients."

Meet Caregiver Yvette Thomas-Lopez of Dependable Senior
Assistants 886-9358
Yvette knows that her dependability, patience and compassion - as well as her attention to the needs of her clients - is what qualifies her to be an excellent caregiver. "The profession of caregiving chose me; I was born with a heart to care. To help someone in need is a very rewarding feeling," Yvette shares. Her personal philosophy of caregiving is a perfect match with her employer's. "Dependable Senior Assistants strives for excellence with all their employees, and our clients are always our first priority."

"I see each person as a TREASURE who just needs to know someone cares."

Meet Caregiver Patricia Epstein of Visiting Angels 263-2273
Patricia is a very experienced caregiver; before working with the staff of Visiting Angels, she spent 12 years caring for a family member, as well as a friend's mother. This Senior Center volunteer understands the need to care and comfort our seniors. "I open my heart to share, and I show each person that they are valuable. My day is a perfect one when that has been fulfilled," she says. She appreciates working with a company that meets her high standards for quality and compassion. "Visiting Angels truly cares for each caregiver and provides support with each client," she explains.


Free Seminar for Seniors (& those who Love Them)
Tuesday, July 27
Aging Well: Taking Charge
of your Finances
This seminar will be held at Summer Hill Villa, located at 24431 Lyons Avenue in Santa Clarita. Summer Hill Villa is a full-service senior apartment community designed with the comfort and satisfaction of its residents in mind. It is only senior living community in the SCV that offers full programs for seniors, whether they are independent, require assistance with personal care or are suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer's disease. For more information on Summer Hill Villa, please call 254-9933.

This valuable seminar is hosted by the SR (Senior) Alliance of the SCV. Please RSVP to 254-8701 to reserve your spot. Good Neighbor Pharmacy of SCV, made up of the following community pharmacies - Valencia Pharmacy (255-7910), Valencia Town Center Pharmacy (291-1800), Saugus Drugs & Hallmark (296-3980) - is a proud member of the SR Alliance. Consisting of a group of SCV professionals, SR Alliance members provide exemplary services to our senior community.


Focus on Seniors
Helping Elders Manage their Assets
One area of special concern to many older seniors is whether or not they will be able to continue to manage their assets; they may wish to transfer this responsibility to others. A variety of arrangements are available.

Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts Seniors who want to retain control over their property while delegating responsibility for daily management may want to consider a revocable trust. This arrangement allows seniors to monitor the management of their assets, yet it offers the flexibility of changing the trust as circumstances warrant.

Durable Power of Attorney This mechanism allows seniors to appoint a relative or friend as a representative in legal and financial decisions. The powers granted may be broad or limited. They remain in effect during disability or incompetence.

Private Annuities Seniors can choose to transfer property to a family member in exchange for the recipient's promise to make periodic payments for the rest of the senior's life.

Informal Arrangements Seniors can transfer property informally to their heirs - in many cases free of gift taxes - in exchange for being taken care of for the rest of their lives.
Tips courtesy of Peter R. Roca of Genworth Financial; 713-5381


Watching Out for Seniors' Financial Health
Union Bank has a financial watch program to help their customers, especially seniors. The financial professionals offer these tips for seniors' financial health and security:

• Never let yourself get rushed into a "deal." Ask for details in writing, and then take the time to review them with a trusted friend or advisor.

• Beware of door-to-door and phone salespeople.

• Check references and credentials of anyone who wants to do work for you.

• Pay with a check, rather than cash, to keep a paper trail.

• Keep accurate and complete financial records of all transactions.

• Give to charities you know. Check out charities that are unfamiliar to you before making a donation.

• Cancel your ATM card if you do not use it.

• Get several estimates before you have work done and don't pay in advance.

• Never give your Social Security or bank account number over the telephone or the internet.

• Never give your credit card number over the telephone or the internet unless you made the call.

• Don't sign anything you do not fully understand.

• Never sign over money or property to anyone in return for care, not even to a family member or a friend, without having a written agreement reviewed by an attorney.
Tips courtesy of Union Bank Canyon Country 424-9686; Newhall 799-8529; Stevenson Ranch 254-0015; Valencia 799-8531