Susan Barr - Kern Valley Sun

Last week’s Kern River Valley Collaborative meeting, chaired by Melody Batelaan of Adult and Aging Services, featured two informative presentations. The first was given by Forest Hagood, a Certified Senior Advisor. Hagood has been an advocate for seniors in Kern County for a number of years.

Hagood works with Home Instead Senior Care as a Community Services Representative. Home Instead is an international provider of in-home, non-medical companionship care for the elderly. They have over 760 locations worldwide and over 50,000 trained, licensed and bonded care givers. Hagood was at the Collaborative to provide an overview of his organizations '40/70 program.' It deals specifically with the communication difficulties that often arise between adult children and their elderly parents. As potentially difficult situations arise as adults age, grown children are put in the position of having to broach subjects they feel uncomfortable talking about with their parents. Hagood provided examples such as 'What does a grown daughter say to her dad when he's hit a light pole with the car?¬ÝHow does an adult son ask his mom if she's taking her medications like she should?¬Ý And how do siblings approach their parents about needing more help at home?'¬ÝThese issues can challenge even the family where communication is free and open.¬ÝAnd when that happens, it's easier not to talk at all, which can lead to unresolved issues.

Hagood and his organization recommend that talking sooner is better than waiting until a crisis has occurred. That's what the "40-70 Rule" is all about.¬ÝThis¬Ýadvice is designed to help adult children and their aging parents deal with those sensitive topics that often make conversations difficult.¬ÝThe idea is that if you're 40, or your parents are 70, it's time to start talking - at least about certain senior topics. The¬Ý"40-70 Rule" is based on original research conducted by Home Instead Senior Care, which discovered that nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. have a major communication obstacle with their parents that stems from continuation of the parent-child role. If you're a Baby Boomer with aging parents, the informative www.4070talk.com web site is designed to help you start even the most difficult conversations with your senior loved ones, before a crisis has occurred and even after one already has happened.

The second presentation of the meeting was given jointly by South Fork Union School District Principal/Superintendent, Robin Shive and local valley physician, Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross. They came to the meeting to inform the Collaborative about the swim program that the South Fork Union School District puts together each year. With this year’s budget cuts, this district found itself unable to support the program that usually extends for two months during the summer.¬ÝDr. Spohn-Gross and Jeff Bogart, a KUSD teacher, came to the program’s rescue and began aggressively raising funds to keep the program going. Their efforts paid off and the swim program is now being offered through the beginning of August. Bogart has trained four life guards and swimming instructors, Austin and Ethan Kennedy, Josh and Jennifer Bartlett, and Tyler Gibson, to assist with the program. 'Dr. Spohn-Gross has been tenacious in bringing a quality swim program to the Kern River Valley,' said South Fork Principal/Superintendent Robin Shive. 'Even infants are learning to swim, with our youngest of 10 months, in our Mommy and Me class. It is exciting to see the program develop from guppy stage to eventually a swim club right here in the Valley.'

Spaces are still available, as are scholarships which will reduce the cost from $65 to $10 for a two-week session. Funds are also available to defray transportation costs. Life jackets for children under 5 are also available (while supplies last).¬ÝCall (760) 378-4000 for more information.

The Kern River Valley Collaborative is comprised of over 300 partners with approximately 35 continuously active members. The meetings represent parents and students, government agencies, community organizations, educational facilities, fraternal organization, medical providers and various businesses. The KRVC supports our community programs. Members are encouraged to bring their concerns to the monthly meetings. The KRVC meets the last Thursday of the month at 3:30’Äì5:00 pm in the Senior Center in Lake Isabella.