Vol. 11, No. 1
January 16, 2020
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Dear Friends:
A new year and a new decade are upon us. 2020 brings with it the possibility of a fresh start and new opportunities. Some of you have just recently taken on the responsibilities of providing care, while others have many years of experience.
No matter where you are on your caregiving journey, FCA is here to provide information and support. FCA offers a trio of helpful online tools.
FCA CareJourney is a secure online service that offers personalized information, support, and resources.
FCA Learning Center brings together FCA’s fact sheets, tips sheets, and videos, to provide a one-stop shop for educational materials. Finally, our
Family Care Navigator can help you locate and connect with resources in your area. You can also find us on
social media for the latest articles about caregiving and news about caregiver advocacy locally and nationally.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
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“
If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.
”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
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Winners of the Innovations in Alzheimer
’
s Caregiving Award
Creative Expression
- Giving Voice Initiative – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Diverse/Multicultural Communities
- Centro Tyrone Guzman – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Click here
to view detailed information on the winning programs.
Representatives of the winning organizations will receive their awards at a reception held during the upcoming
Aging in America Conference
in Atlanta, Georgia. The reception will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
in the Courtland Conference Room. The reception is open to the public.
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FCA Launches Best Practice Caregiving
FCA is excited to share a new online resource developed for organizations that support family members and friends caring for people living with dementia.
Best Practice Caregiving is a free web-based database that provides organizations a tool to easily compare and select from over 40 evidence-based programs for dementia caregiving across the U.S.
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FCA Executive Director Kathleen Kelly Comments on Pete Buttigieg’s Proposals to Assist Family Caregivers
Pete Buttigieg is one of 12 Democrats running for President of the United States. He has released a proposal that he believes would support caregivers and those requiring long-term care. FCA Executive Director Kathleen Kelly was interviewed along with other experts by NextAvenue on her thoughts about Buttigieg’s plan. Please
click here to read the article and Kelly’s analysis.
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Young Adult Caregiver Support Group Beginning in February
FCA is excited to announce an upcoming support group for young caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area. This group will focus on the needs and unique challenges faced by caregivers 40 and under. The group will meet monthly online (via Zoom) on the 1st Thursday, and in-person on the 3rd Thursday — 6 to 7:30 p.m. In-person meeting locations will alternate between San Francisco (near Montgomery BART) and Oakland (near 19th Street BART).
Exact locations and Zoom login will be provided with registration. To register contact Rachel at (415) 434-3388 ext. 331, or email
rcreed@caregiver.org
.
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FCA Seeking Part-Time Volunteer Junior Accountant
FCA is seeking a self-starter to support the Fiscal Operations of FCA. The position reports to the Fiscal Director and works with the Staff Accountant in accounting operations. This is an excellent opportunity in the non-profit industry for a student aspiring to an accounting career. You will receive opportunities to translate your accounting knowledge into accounting and financial reporting skills. For more information and to apply,
click here.
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In-Person Survey for California’s Paid Family Leave Policy
The Urban Institute, a non-profit research organization, needs the perspectives of caregivers of parents/parents-in-law or partners/spouses (or individuals with relatives in these categories who need care but who are not currently caring for them) on California’s paid family leave policy. No prior knowledge of the policy is required. Participants should be 50 or older. Food will be provided and all participants will receive a $25 gift card. If interested, please call the Urban Institute: (866) 267-5954.
Where: Family Caregiver Alliance, 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 2150, San Francisco
When: Friday, February 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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Transportation Survey for Seniors and People With Disabilities in the San Francisco Bay Area
Transportation Resiliency, Access and Climate Sustainability (TRACS) is seeking input to improve transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. The goal of TRACS is to understand the unique transportation needs of seniors and people with disabilities in the Bay Area and to make transportation more accessible. The survey will take approximately ten minutes to complete. All survey respondents can enter their name and email for a drawing for a $25 gift card.
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Five Tips for Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe From Winter’s Worst
Winter can pose a host of unique challenges for family caregivers of an older adult. Colder temperatures, slippery pavement, and illness are some of the hazards that this season brings. Forbes contributor Jeff Bevis shares advice on how to mitigate the
dangers of winter for an older adult.
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Geriatric Care Managers Advocate for Seniors — and Their Caregivers
For many, the responsibilities that come with caregiving can be difficult to cope with or even overwhelming. One resource family caregivers may turn to is hiring a geriatric care manager. AARP has written a helpful
guide on these care managers, covering how they may help, who pays for their services (in most cases this is out of pocket), and questions to ask when choosing a geriatric care manager.
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Genuine Resilience is Closer (and Easier) Than You May Think
Resilience, or the ability to rebound from difficult or traumatic experiences, is the key to well-being. In the context of caregiving, developing emotional skills for coping with stress is essential for the long-term. The statistics on the harmful impacts of family caregiving are sobering, yet there are ways to maintain health and well-being. This webinar featuring Zen Caregiving Project will introduce you to the key areas essential for coping with stress and provide simple practices you can integrate into your caregiving to build resilience.
Objectives:
- Introduce the relationship between mindfulness, emotional skills, and well-being in caregivers.
- Lead a short, guided meditation and provide ways to maintain a simple mindfulness practice in one’s busy life.
- Offer simple activities that family caregivers can integrate into their lives to build compassion, resilience, and to better cope with stressful situations.
When: Wednesday, January 29, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No Charge
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How Tech is Catering to the Elderly and Caregivers
As the population of America ages, more and more family members will begin to take on the responsibilities of providing care. A shortage of medical professionals and paid caregivers, and insufficiently supported family caregivers, has some established companies looking to offer technology solutions to fill the gap. Tech journalist Dean Takahashi writes about some of the
new aging and caregiver products at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show. These include Ballie, a ball shaped robot that detects falls and will call to 911 if requested, less expensive hearing aids, and new smart homes developments.
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Why It’s Best to Involve People With Early Stage Dementia in Care Planning
Advance care planning is making decisions about care in case of incapacity, completing and filing needed legal documents, and making sure doctors and family know about these care choices and values. This inability to speak for yourself can be from a sudden event like an accident, or from something potentially more gradual, like an early stage dementia diagnosis. Next Avenue writer Judy Stringer-Holman interviews caregiving expert Carol Whitlatch on the benefit of including those with early stage dementia in their
care planning, and some suggestions for where to begin.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA EVENTS
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Caregiver Conversations
—
A Day of Learning, Support, and Information Exchange
Caregiver Conversations is a special event for family and friends caring for an adult living with complex illness, professionals serving caregivers, and Alameda County residents who wish to learn more about family caregiving. Rita Choula, AARP diversity and caregiving expert, will be the keynote speaker. A continental breakfast and lunch will be included. Respite grants are available.
When:
Friday, January 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.(registration starts at 8:30 a.m.)
2000 Franklin Street, Oakland 94612 (free parking available — near BART)
Cost:
No charge
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It Takes Two! A Refreshing Approach to Understanding and Coping With Dementia Behavior
This free four-week class offers new skills and tools for family caregivers who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. It Takes Two! offers the opportunity to learn more about your relative or friend’s ability to understand and communicate, new skills to handle troubling behavior, and how to feel more confident and positive about your caregiving role.
Pre-registration is required. This class is for family caregivers specifically, not health care providers.
When:
Thursdays, February 20, 27, and March 5, 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro 94578
Cost:
No charge
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Dementia and Caregiving
Caring for someone with memory loss or dementia can be challenging. Come and find ways to balance managing your own health and well-being while acting as a caregiver. Learn simple skills to handle troubling behavior, tools to help you reduce stress, coping skills, and find community resources to support you. Light refreshments will be provided.
This FREE program will be offered in English and Spanish.
Este programa es gratuito y sera ofrecido en Ingles Y Espanol
When:
Saturday March 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (sign-in starts at 9:30 a.m.)
193 Griffith Lane, Brentwood 94513
Cost:
No charge
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA PARTNER EVENTS
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Aging Mastery Program for Caregivers
The Aging Mastery Program provides individuals with tools to stay healthier and happier throughout the caregiving journey. Participants will create a playbook for aging well through practical goals, sustainable behaviors, and peer support. Participants will also learn to make and maintain small but impactful changes to support positive health behaviors, financial well-being, and enrichment in later life.
Please register by 9 a.m., January 20.
When:
Mondays, January 27 to April 27, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
3369 Union Avenue, San Jose 95124
Cost:
No charge
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15th Annual Circle of Care Retreat
The Circle of Care Retreat is for individuals living with MCI or early stage Alzheimer’s, and caregivers of a person in any stage of dementia. The agenda will include a variety of perspectives, from professionals, to those living with Alzheimer’s, to family members. Learn how to live well with Alzheimer's, engage in healthy habits, tap into community resources, and build upon strengths. The Circle of Care Retreat also includes an interactive exhibitor fair.
Respite grants are available.
When:
Saturday, February 15, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo 94402
Cost:
$30
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Headlines From the January 2020 Caregiving Policy Digest
- Medical Cannabis: Treatment Protocol for Older Patients
- Hospital Billing: Another Name For Fraud?
- The Robot Caregiver Is Coming
The entire January 2020 issue is available
here
.
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Do You Get Caregiving Policy Digest?
Published monthly, this e-newsletter focuses on legislation and policy, caregiving research, and media coverage of caregiving issues. The recent, issue is available
here.
Visit the
archive
for past issues and click
here
to subscribe.
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Professional Research
Graduate Student Research
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OUR SUPPORTERS: THANK YOU!
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We would like to take a moment to extend a warm thank you to the many generous supporters who make the work we do possible through thoughtful donations to Family Caregiver Alliance.
FCA has led the way in supporting family caregivers for over 40 years.
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Follow FCA on Social Media!
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101 Montgomery Street | Suite 2150 | San Francisco, CA 94104
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Visit Family Caregiver Alliance’s
NEW
online solution for secure information, support, and resources for family caregivers of adults with chronic physical or cognitive conditions.
FCA CareJourney™
provides a personalized dashboard loa
ded with inform
ation that matches your unique caregiving needs.
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Family Care Navigator
state-by-state resources
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Help support Family Caregiver Alliance by choosing FCA as your
Amazon Smile
charity.
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Connections Credits
Editors
Calvin Hu
Al Martinez
Contributors
Kathleen Kelly
Calvin Hu
Lana Sheridan
Leah Eskenazi
Executive Director
Kathleen Kelly
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FCA Board of Directors
President
Celine Takatsuno
Vice-President
Dan Lieberman
Treasurer
Wyatt Ritchie
Secretary
Kathleen Raffel
Amanda Breeden
Athan Bezaitis
Shruti Kothari
Catherine Lelong
Rajiv Mehta
Scott Peifer
Tiffany Riser
Keely Stevenson
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