Stay Safe This Fall As respiratory viruses ramp up this fall, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and protected. This season, vaccines are available for flu, RSV, and COVID-19, but keeping track of who needs what and when can be tricky. Here's a simple guide to help you navigate the options. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for personal guidance. RSV Vaccine What’s Available: Three vaccines are on the market: GSK, Pfizer (protein-based), and Modern

Our experiences shape who we are and make us unique. For many people with Alzheimer’s disease, memories from long ago may be the only ones that remain. Creating and sharing a person’s “Life Story” can help caregivers and loved ones connect in meaningful ways. It also provides a way to choose activities, redirect attention, and reduce difficult behaviors. The main goal is simple: discover who your loved one is, where they've been, and what they've done throughout their life.

When communicating with someone who has memory impairment, it’s important to remember that emotions often outlast words. Your loved one’s feelings are more important than the exact phrases or facts being shared, so focus on responding to the emotion behind their words. They may forget what was said moments ago, but they will remember how you made them feel. Approach conversations with patience, compassion, and understanding, and remind yourself not to take hurtful or confusin

As summer temperatures rise, caregivers must take precautions to protect older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions from heat-related health risks. Here are some tips to help vulnerable individuals stay safe, cool, and well-hydrated during hot weather. Older adults are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to age-related changes in the body’s ability to regulate temperature, the effects of medications, and common chronic conditions such as heart disease

Cynthia Zavala Caregiving is one of the most meaningful things we can do for someone. But let’s not sugarcoat it: it’s also one of the hardest, especially when you're the only one showing up. Maybe your family isn’t nearby, emotionally available, or willing to help. Maybe it’s always been on you. Either way, it can feel incredibly lonely. It’s okay to feel everything. One moment you might feel deeply connected to your loved one, and the next, completely drained. You might fee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Santa Cruz, CA — May 28, 2025 — Health Projects Center (HPC) is honored to receive a generous operating support grant from the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. This critical funding will help advance HPC’s mission to support older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals throughout Santa Cruz County, building a community where people can age with dignity, independence, and health at home. With Foundation funds, HPC aims to continue creatin