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Our newsletter is filled with information on some of the wonderful programs and services we offer to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other memory impairment.
As always, our team is here to help ~ whenever you are ready to reach-out!
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April is National Stress Awareness Month
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Welcome to April! Did you know April is National Stress-Awareness Month? Everyone feels stressed from time to time but this is especially true for family caregivers. If left unchecked, it tends to be a real joy-killer. Stress can also lead to a number of major health problems, ranging from anxiety to severe depression and from mild acne to life-threatening heart attacks, so it's easy to see why it is so vitally important to keep caregiver stress in check.
Since April is National Stress-Awareness Month, we thought the best way to celebrate it would be by creating less stress in our own lives. So here is a list of positive ways you can respond to the stress in your life and keep your own stress levels in check.
1. Make a commitment to staying healthy
2. Focus on the present moment instead of worrying about the future
3. Declutter and organize
4. Try yoga, meditation or essential oils
5. Take breaks and vacations
6. Join a caregiver support group
Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about
learning to dance in the rain!
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The Great Give 2017
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On May 17, 2017, from midnight to midnight,
the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center
is participating in the Great Give Palm Beach & Martin Counties, a 24-hour online giving event led by the United Way of Palm Beach County, Achieve, Nonprofits First and United Way of Martin County. Great Give 2017 is designed to raise as much money as possible for local nonprofits in just one day! Last year, thanks to generous donors like you, we raised more than $3 million collectively for 504 local nonprofits! This year, we know we can accomplish even more - will you join us?
This community-wide event celebrates the spirit of giving and the collective effort it takes to strengthen our community while raising critical funds for hundreds of local nonprofits serving every need. Plus, each donation made during the 24-hour period will be amplified by bonus pool dollars and hourly prizes!
Your donation will go a long way in helping us
provide coaching, counseling and supportive services for family caregivers who otherwise cannot afford it. We hope you will consider donating to
the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center through
www.GreatGiveFlorida.org
on May 17, and please remember - 24-hours CAN change our community!
Join other donors who gave $20 last year! Will you
help us reach our goal of $5,000?
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FREE Family Caregiver Workshop
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Making Moments Matter
FREE Family Caregiver Workshop
A Healthier You: Diet, Exercise and Cognitive Wellness
Science shows that we must engage in many different ways to support our daily thinking skills, maintain optimal health, and reduce our risk for serious memory loss.
This workshop will teach caregivers a brain healthy lifestyle with engaging exercises that span into the physical, mental and emotional health pillars of well-being. Tips, tools and simple techniques will be provided to caregivers which are easy to implement and take just a few minutes a day to complete!
Workshop Date:
April 18, 2017
from 10:30am-12:00pm
at the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center
2328 10th Ave N #600,
Lake Worth, FL 33461
Topics will include:
~ The Top Diet Tips for Optimal Brain Health ~ The Importance of Emotional Balance ~ Move It! Exercise That Matters MOST! ~ How to Sharpen & Strengthen Your Mind ~ Living a Brain Healthy Lifestyle ~ Learn about our upcoming 12 week course!
Light Lunch will be Served. Space is Limited, RSVP (561) 588-4545.
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Earth Day Activities for a Person with Dementia
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While it may seem like celebrating our planet should be a daily event; April 22nd is Earth Day. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 as a way to encourage the protection of the environment and is still a global event today. Earth Day is reminder to take the time out to care for our surroundings and to acknowledge and appreciate our beautiful home.
What is a celebration without fun activities? Earth Day activities for seniors don't have to be extravagant. Something as Earth-friendly as planting a tree together can be therapeutic and relaxing as well as a conscious effort to give back to our planet. Here are some more ideas for activities you can do with your loved one living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia:
1. Create custom bird feeders
2. Paint with nature
3. Build a terrarium
4. Create hand-painted garden markers
5. Plant flowers
6. Take a walk through a nature trail
7. Clean up trash around your community
8. Sort recyclables
9. Snap photos of your favorite wildlife
10. Visit a local farmers market
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What Triggers the Need for Care Management?
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How to be a Successful Long-Distance
Caregiver
for Your Aging Parents
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 Caring for your aging parent when you live at a distance, can pose some real challenges. You're no longer just a devoted daughter or son, you're now what we call a "long-distance caregiver." Thrust into what is often a new world of intricate responsibilities, you may find it hard to see the personal rewards ahead. But they are there, as is the help available to assist you on this caregiving journey.
Gather all of your Aging Parent's Information
There is not a single right way to be a caregiver; as everyone's situation is different. You will find that, among a host of things, family dynamics, financial resources, and the ability of your parent(s) to provide guidance for the support that they desire will shape your situation.
It will help you immensely if, before there is a crisis, your parent(s) provide you with information to locate their important records, phone numbers, email addresses and other essential contact information. If a crisis has already occurred, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury, this information is still important to gather, but it may require more detective work on your part.
Keep a Long Distance Caregivers Notebook
To keep things in order, long-distance caregivers will benefit from keeping a care notebook - a central place for the important information that you gather. A number of care notebook templates (hard copy or digital) are available for purchase or you can create your own, either a digital version or by using a good old three-ring binder with pocket dividers. Be sure your notebook contains current information on your parent's prescriptions.
If paid caregivers are employed to provide care to your aging parent, you will want them to maintain a separate notebook documenting medication administration, vital signs and other key physical and mental health status information.
Two Key Long Distance Caregiver Functions:
- Information gatherer - from your parent(s), websites, books, word of mouth, etc.
- Coordinator of services - contacting potential service providers, scheduling, coordinating payment and monitoring medical care. Plan on traveling and spending some time on the phone to arrange care and services
Here are four tips to keep in mind as a long-distance caregiver:
- As much as possible, involve the one who needs care in any decision-making process, especially issues related to care and housing. Be sure to listen to his or her preferences and respect your parent's known values, even when these differ from yours. Instructions to paid caregivers should be in writing.
- Learn what kind of help is available. Educate yourself on the care and services in the area. Similar kinds of services are found throughout the U.S. (e.g. adult day care, home care, case management, etc.). Eldercare Locator at 800- 677-1116 can direct you to the Area Agency on Aging appropriate for your parent(s).
- Remember to take care of yourself. Caregiving can be stressful, so create a support network for yourself. Talk with friends and family. Allow yourself to hire help or involve other family members. Trying to do it all alone is not healthy for you or your loved one.
- Understand that care needs will change over time. It's not too early to think about possible future needs. Once you locate resources, speak to a social worker who has experience in planning for eldercare. There are many options to be considered, and you'll want to make informed, well-thought-out decisions about your parent's care.
If you feel overwhelmed at any point, never hesitate to call in a friend or professional to help. No one can master everything, not even the people who are experts in their field. The solution lies in putting together a team and using each team member's strengths - including yours.
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Support Us When Shopping on Amazon
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A
mazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Alzheimer's Care Resource Center
whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support, but we certainly hope that you will support the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center.
If you have questions or would like more
i
nformation,
contact the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center,
f
eel free to
call us at (561) 588-4545. Thank you!!
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Things to Avoid After Being Diagnosed with Dementia
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In today's world, Alzheimer's disease and dementia are some of the biggest concerns many of us have as we age. You may think that all you can do is hope for a pharmaceutical cure to hit the market, but the truth is much more encouraging.
In this article, we'll discuss simple yet effective lifestyle changes you can make to slow the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
- Avoid processed and sugary foods
Alzheimer's is sometimes referred to as "diabetes of the brain". That says a lot about the correlation between the disease and your diet. Sugary foods can lead to huge spikes in your blood sugar which causes the brain to inflame so be diligent about avoiding such foods. The same goes with processed meats and foods.
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We Need Your Old iPods
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The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center is proud to be a MUSIC & MEMORY Certified Organization. Our goal is to bring music to everyone who chooses to participate in the MUSIC & MEMORY program, but we're going to need some help.
Do you have a gently used iPod that you no longer need? Help us spread the music and find your iPod a good home for someone living with dementia.
Your
iPod donation will go to a person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia to help improve their quality of life. Personalized music on an iPod revitalizes a person and restores a deep sense of self to those suffering from Alzheimer's. Please help us make a difference in the life of a loved one!
To send us an old iPod, please mail or bring it in to this address:
2328 10th Ave North #600
Lake Worth, FL 33461
Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting
us and the families we serve!
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If Your Path is Difficult...
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For more great posts like this, follow the
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| Paint for Fun Class for Caregivers & Loved Ones |
The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center will host
Two monthly Paint for Fun™ classes on
April 7, 2017 & April 14, 2017
from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
There is no charge to attend!
Working step by step, with our instructor, you will create your very own masterpiece. During the painting class, participants will enjoy upbeat music, snacks, and refreshments in a fun and cheerful environment.
When complete, all participants can keep their painting as a souvenir. Come join the fun!
No experience needed! Space is limited.
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| Become a Comforting Companion |
Would you like a rewarding job as a caregiver where you can make a difference in someone's life? Do you know someone who enjoys working with the elderly?
We are currently looking for caring, kind, dependable and personable individuals who desire to provide non-medical, in-home care to the elderly. Tasks typically include:
- Companionship and conversation
- Meal preparation and planning
- Light housekeeping
- General assistance
If you're a warm, enthusiastic and compassionate person with a heart for working with seniors, then the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center could be perfect for you. We offer competitive pay and a personally rewarding work environment where you can truly feel good about what you are doing.
Call Today to Learn How to Get Started! (561) 588-4545
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April 2017 Calendar of Events
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| Click on the Calendar to Enlarge or Print |
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| Click on the Calendar to Enlarge or Print |
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About Us
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The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization,
is the only non-profit organization in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin and St. Lucie county focused strictly on meeting the needs of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers. We are so excited that we can bring these wonderful programs and services to the community and further our mission of helping caregivers to relax, renew and reach-out to help meet their own unique self-care needs.
You can reach us at
(561) 588-4545
or
Sincerely,
Alzheimer's Care Resource Center |
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