Blog

Do More, Feel Better Program December 27, 2023

In conjunction with the University of Washington, the Point Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center is participating in the “Do More, Feel Better Program.” What is it? They are looking for people interested in a 9-week virtual program called “Do More, Feel Better” that is based on research showing that increasing participation in pleasurable and rewarding... Read More

Notes from Philanthropy: Bringing the Gift of Home to Memory Care December 23, 2023

Heidi White, Director of Life Enrichment had a special wish for a long time. She had learned about a company in the Netherlands that specialized in making decal front doors to help people with dementia to feel more at home in long-term care. “If we could apply these full door decals to the front of... Read More

Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County Raises Money for Local Senior Centers December 22, 2023

In December the Health Care Providers Council (HCPC) of Pierce County presented a $1200.00 check to our Ruston-Point-Defiance Senior Center and the same amount to 18 other Senior Centers in Pierce County, including Lighthouse and Beacon Senior Centers which FTJ operates. The monies raised from the 2023 HCPC’s Parkinson’s Conference, Alzheimer’s Conference, All-Star Caregiver Awards... Read More

Making Spirits Bright at the Pt. Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center December 21, 2023

Festive music and joyous spirits were in abundance last week at the Pt. Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center when they hosted their annual holiday party. Over 70 people were in attendance and with much gratitude to an anonymous donor, everyone enjoyed a complimentary delicious ham lunch accompanied with apple pie and ice cream and served... Read More

Help For Isolated Seniors December 14, 2023

Celebrate Seniority offers two free programs that can assist seniors who are feeling isolated and lonely. MultiCare Celebrate Seniority is offering a program called “Help For Isolated Seniors.” Contact for this program is included on the flier.   Below is more information about the program.  I will also attach the application forms. The Senior Friend Program... Read More

Another FTJ Scholarship Recipient December 12, 2023

We want to extend our congratulations to another scholarship recipient, Hannah Gitonga, an FTJ team member who is currently a CNA and pursuing her nursing degree at the University of Washington! Hannah is a mother of three children, a 4.0 student, and this is her 2nd well-deserved award to assist with tuition.  As she said,... Read More

Older Adults Are Demonstrably Less Vulnerable Soon After Moving into Senior Housing December 7, 2023

National Opinion Research Center Older adults have heightened vulnerability to illness and impaired mobility prior to, and just after, entering a senior housing and care property, new research shows, but frailty levels then quickly plateau and ultimately decline.   The research was conducted by NORC (National Opinion Research Center) at the University of Chicago, funded through... Read More

What To Look For When Visiting Your Parents This Holiday Season ~ Signs Your Loved One Needs More Assistance and Tips for Starting the Conversation December 4, 2023

When visiting your aging parents over the holidays, you may notice: One or both have lost weight. Expired or rotting food in their refrigerator. Cooked food in the oven that was never eaten. Unkept either inside or out…or both. Expired medications or they are not taking their medications. They are having a hard time keeping... Read More