April 2024 E-NEWS FROM OPICA

OPICA provides comprehensive, personalized services for adults challenged with memory loss,

and for their families. We thank you for sharing this news with others.

“It is not how much you do,

but how much love you put in the doing.”

~ Mother Teresa

Nearly 7 Million Americans Have Alzheimer's, and Caregivers Are Stressed

March 20, 2024

By Dennis Thompson and Carole Tanzer Miller - Health Day

Nearly 7 million American seniors are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, placing a huge strain on both personal caregivers and the U.S. health care system, according to a new Alzheimer's Association report.

The cost of caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s is projected to reach $360 billion this year, up $15 billion from just a year ago, says the association’s 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.

At the same time, coordinating the health care of people with dementia has become “a complex maze composed of primary care providers, specialists, social services, medication management and caregiver support,” Sam Fazio, senior director of psychosocial research and quality care at the Alzheimer’s Association, said in a news release.

Seven of 10 caregivers report that coordinating Alzheimer’s care is stressful, and 53% said navigating health care is difficult, the association’s report found.

Read the entire article HERE

Angele Caron

Associate Counselor

OPICA Brain Train

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“It’s been about a month and even though there’s some reluctance in the mornings before our OPICA days, everything about my dad is better when I pick him up after a day in the center versus leaving him alone at home even for a few hours.”

– Susan

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OPICA OZ Online Program

Still Going Strong

Daily pom pom warm ups

Intern Justin, shares his didgeridoos

Spa Day at OPICA

Passover at OPICA

Daily walks in the park

Art in the Art Room

OPICA’s OZ program (OPICA on Zoom), is your gateway to enriching experiences from the comfort of home. Delight in up to four hours of daily activities, carefully curated to inspire engagement and foster connection, every weekday (Monday to Friday) from 10 am – 2 pm.

Join us on Zoom and embark on a journey filled with interactive

exercises, stimulating conversations, and captivating activities designed to invigorate the mind and body. Whether it's daily exercise routines, culturally immersive adventures, cognitive challenges, creative art sessions, or wonderful musical performances, OZ offers a diverse array of experiences tailored to engage older adults in meaningful ways.

OZ - OPICA on Zoom is more than just a program; it's a daily

invitation to rediscover joy and companionship through enriching activities.

To learn more about how you or your loved one can participate, please reach out to Emily at Emilyc@opica.org or call 310-478-0226.

Join us on OZ, where every day holds the promise of new adventures and connections.

OPICA on Zoom is now available at NO cost to members of the OPICA Adult Day & Brain Train Programs.

OPICA will be adding additional services to those enrolled in either the OPICA Adult Day Program or Brain Train. OZ, (OPICA on Zoom) will be FREE and part of your regular

fees. Start today and be part of the online community!

Monday through Friday / 10:00 am – 2:00 pm