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Vol. 11, No. 1

January 16, 2020

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

[email protected]

Winners of the Innovations in Alzheimer ’ s Caregiving Award

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation , the Helen Daniels Bader Fund, A Bader Philanthropy , and FCA are pleased to announce the winning organizations of the 12th Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Award . Each organization delivers a state-of-the-art program that addresses the needs of caregivers and those they care for with Alzheimer’ s disease or a related condition. Winners receive $20,000 for their work in the following categories:

Creative Expression

Program: Giving Voice Chorus

Program: Sweet Readers for Adults and their Care Partners

Diverse/Multicultural Communities

Program: Centro Wise Elders

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.

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.

Best Practice Caregiving is a collaboration between FCA, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging , and the Gerontological Society of America .

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.

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 [email protected] .

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.

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.

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.

Please click here to fill out the survey.

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.

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.

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:

When: Wednesday, January 29, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)

Where: ONLINE

Cost: No Charge

Contact: Calvin Hu, [email protected], (415) 434-3388 x 313

Registration:  Click here

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.

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. 

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.)

Where:  California Endowment

2000 Franklin Street, Oakland 94612 (free parking available — near BART)

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

This special caregiver convening is made possible by the generous support of the  Thomas J. Long Foundation .

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.

Where: San Leandro Senior Center      

13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro 94578

Cost: No charge

Registration: Calvin Hu, [email protected] , (415) 434-3388 x 313

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.)

Where: Brentwood Senior Activity Center , Main Hall

193 Griffith Lane, Brentwood 94513

Cost:  No charge

Registration: Brentwoodca.gov/onlineregistration , Brentwood Senior Activity Center (925) 516-5380 (Workshop Registration #3659) 

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.

Where:   Camden Community Center

3369 Union Avenue, San Jose 95124

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

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.

Where:   College of San Mateo, Bayview Dining Room

1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo 94402

Cost: $30

Registration: Click here

Contact: Blanca Vazquez-Arias, [email protected], (408) 372-9922

FCA’s   Facebook page   offers articles and posts of interest for family caregivers. Please follow our page at www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiverAlliance .

Headlines From the January 2020 Caregiving Policy Digest

The entire January 2020 issue is available  here .

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.

Professional Research

Graduate Student Research

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.

Your donation makes all the difference!

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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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