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City senior center closures could impact nursing program
Allie Figures
Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: News
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The city of San Jose has announced the possible closure of four downtown senior centers, including, Northside Community Center, Alma community Center, Hank Lopez Community Center, and Saint James Community Center - which provide these services to older residents.
In the city's purposed budget, the four area locations are closing because of budget cuts, but the centers in the surrounding suburban areas are still set to remain open, according to the released budget, which can be found on the city's Web site.
"I think it's unfair to choose downtown because there is a bigger demand for the centers in downtown than in the suburbs," said Phil Canet, a senior nursing major.
Canet and his classmates are a part of a 12-week program that volunteers their time every Wednesday at the Saint James Community Center.
"We got to interact with them and encourage physical activity," Canet said.
SJSU nursing students help the seniors by regularly taking their blood pressure, providing medication counseling, encouraging physical activity, serving hot meals and by socializing with the resident.
"We help them by providing health services," said Michael Ilumin, a senior nursing major. "Pretty much we make a difference by being there with them and accompanying them during their activities."
Toby Adelman, a nursing associate professor, said the consequences of the closures will be dire for the downtown community.
"If they are at home by themselves they no longer have healthy interactions. And they won't call for themselves in the case of an emergency."
Connie Langford, chair for the city of San Jose Senior Citizen Commission, said the city hopes the seniors will continue going to the other centers outside of downtown, even though they are located further away from their community. Langford said the likelihood of the residents traveling is slim.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Phyllis Banks
posted 5/13/09 @ 11:26 AM PST
Allie, this is a very timely article now with the budgets
cuts going on with the State. On campus, most students are very young and beginning their careers. (Continued…)
Neil Signo
posted 6/19/09 @ 7:56 PM PST
I remember a Symantec HP manager asked if I can leave school for 2 months, then return. Didnt matter the person was going to terminate me anyway after the 2 months. (Continued…)
Neil Signo
posted 6/19/09 @ 8:10 PM PST
Give you all a hint, I found this out at El Camino Hospital. Years ago I found it again, after being hospitalized the second time from bay area living stress. (Continued…)
Neil Signo
posted 6/19/09 @ 10:36 PM PST
There's a reason why people dont get jobs until after high school. They ( county child welfare rights services) know its one more thing to do, means you cant do homework or get rested. (Continued…)
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