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Vol. 9, No. 7

July 16, 2018

Dear Friends:

FCA is based in California, earthquake country. Smaller quakes are a somewhat common occurrence, and each one is a useful reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness planning. During a time of crisis, family, friends, or partners who are living with physical and/or cognitive impairments will require special consideration to make sure they are provided for and safe.

To help start the process of planning for the worst, FCA has created a checklist for family caregivers to aid in organizing needed supplies and equipment for those requiring care, and for drafting a plan of action should disaster strike. A form for important papers is also available to help caregivers organize and locate crucial documents during an emergency or if evacuation is necessary.

Sincerely,

Calvin Hu

Education Coordinator

[email protected]

New Three-Part Dementia Class Available on FCA Learning Center 

The FCA Learning Center is an online educational community offering information, training, and classes that fit your schedule. The Learning Center has recently been updated with a three-part class for dementia caregivers:

Understanding Dementia (Class One)

Participants will learn what dementia is and what causes it, the differences between dementia-related cognitive changes and age-related ones, the importance of getting a diagnosis, and treatments for dementia symptoms.

Understanding and Communicating with Someone with Dementia (Class Two)

Participants will learn to better understand and communicate with a person with dementia by identifying the losses they experience, and learning to work with the abilities they retain. Participants will also be able to learn about common caregiver feelings like grief, loss, and denial.

Understanding and Responding to Problem Behavior (Class Three)

Participants will learn to address problem behavior, identify causes or triggers of these behaviors, learn how to recognize and handle caregiver anger, and use the ABC Method to manage problem behavior.

To take these online classes, please visit  caregiver.org/caregiver-learning-center , click on  “ Take a class, ”  select a course, and sign in *  or register (registration is free).

*FCA CareJourney members are automatically Learning Center members and may use their CareJouney login information for the Learning Center. 

Final Report From the California Task Force on Family Caregiving Published

The California Task Force on Family Caregiving (FCA Executive Director Kathleen Kelly was appointed by the California Legislature and Senate as a member) has the mission of analyzing the challenges faced by family caregivers, identifying opportunities to better support caregivers, and make policy recommendations to the California legislature.

After two years of of detailed research and analysis, the task force has released it’ s first comprehensive report, “ Picking Up the Pace of Change in California .”

The report details seven recommendations designed to provide for the evolving needs of family caregivers in California. These recommendations include: providing more financial support, creating and distributing education materials that are tailored to diverse populations, and integrating caregivers into the hospital process. The report will be discussed at a h earing of the

California Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee on July 19 , from 1 p.m to 3 p.m. at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology .

New FCA Fact Sheet on Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia and is estimated to account for up to 20 percent of dementia diagnoses. It is caused by the brain not receiving enough blood due to diseased blood vessels. FCA’s new fact sheet on vascular dementia will help you understand the risk factors, symptoms, and provides advice on providing care for an adult with vascular dementia.

The Foster Family Foundation — Thank you

FCA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Foster Family Foundation, established in Southern California, for their generous donation. Their gift will help FCA support and advocate for family caregivers. 

To donate to FCA, please visit our  donation page   .

Thinking About an Association Health Plan? Read the Fine Print

New federal regulations are allowing more individuals the option of enrolling in association health plans. These plans offer an alternative to Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) health plans for some self-employed workers. Proponents say association health plans can offer greater flexibility, increased choice, and lower premiums for eligible workers. Detractors argue the plans may not provide the needed coverage for older or sicker individuals, and for individuals re quiring more care. Detractors also expect the cost of premiums for those who continue to choose Obamacare plans will rise. To help dispel the confusion over the roll out of association health plans after the new regulations take effect, Michelle Andrews of Kaiser Health News provides answers to commonly asked questions.

Depression and Caregiving

Caregiving can be tough, exhausting, and stressful work. While not all caregivers live with depression or will become depressed, it is a normal response to the demands of caregiving. For family caregivers who are, or think they may be depressed, F CA’ s Depression and Caregiving fact sheet identifies the symptoms of depression, explains certain caregiver concerns, and gives advice on treatment options, alternative therapies, and how to pay for treatment.

The SCAN Foundation Launches new Campaign for Millennial Caregivers

Over 10 million Millennials are providing care for family members, relatives, friends, and partners. To highlight the contributions Millennial caregivers are making in their families and communities, the SCAN Foundation has introduced a new online campaign, “ Do You Give A Care? ” Millennial caregivers are encouraged to participate in the campaign by sharing their stories on social media and Instagram, to help spread awareness for the unsung work they do every day.

Breathing Tubes Fail to Save Many Older Patients

Breathing tubes are used when an individual is having difficulty or is unable to breathe. The process involves inserting a plastic tube into the windpipe (intubation) and using a ventilator to get air into the lungs. The New York Times’ Paula Span writes about the drawbacks of using breathing tubes with individuals over 65. In particular, a study of intubated patients from 2008 to 2015 showed 33 percent of those over 65 died in the hospital. Intubation is also an invasive and uncomfortable procedure, usually requiring sedation, and speaking is not possible when the breathing tube is in place.

For more information on breathing tubes, please read FCA’ s Advanced Illness: Feeding Tubes and Ventilators fact sheet, also available in Spanish and Chinese .

Unlocked And Loaded: Families Confront Dementia And Guns

For many Americans, gun ownership is an inseparable part of the American way of life defined by personal liberty, self-reliance, and the ability to defend oneself and one’s family. Some of these same gun owners are also adults living with dementia. JoNel Aleccia and Melissa Bailey from Kaiser Health News report in-depth* on the challenges faced by families with gun owning family members who also have dementia. The journalists also document some of the deadly tragedies that can occur when a person with dementia has access to firearms.

*Thanks to KHN for the opportunity to re-publish this article on caregiver.org.

Cuidando a Nuestros Seres Queridos

La coordinación del cuidado de un ser querido puede ser complicado y difícil. En esta clase crearemos un plan de cuidado que incluirá todas las necesidades para el cuidado de un ser querido, amigo, o pareja. Con este plan se podrá facilitar conversaciones sobre el plan de cuidado con otros miembros de la familia o cuidadores contratados. Reúnase con nosotros para aprender tácticas y consejos que le podrán ayudar y asegurar que su ser querido reciba el mejor cuidado posible.

When: Miércoles, 18 de julio a las 1:45 p.m. a 3:15 p.m.

Where: Centro Latino de San Francisco , Segundo Piso

1656 15th Street, San Francisco 94103

Cost: No charge

Registration: Adriana Sanchez, (415) 434-3388 x 316, [email protected]

When: Martes, 24 de julio a las 10 a.m. a 11:30 a.m.

Where: 30th Street Senior Center , Salon Social (Social Room)

225 30th Street, San Francisco 94131

Cost: No charge

Registration: Adriana Sanchez, (415) 434-3388 x 316, [email protected]

Caring for Our Loved Ones

The coordination of care for a family member or friend can be complex and difficult. In this workshop we will create a care plan individualized to your loved one’s needs. With this care plan you will be able to better facilitate conversations with family members and contracted caregivers to ensure that all of their needs are met. Join us and learn more about taking charge of your family member or friend’ s plan of care.

When: Friday, July 27 , from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where:  30th Street Senior Center , Social Room

225 30th Street, San Francisco 94131

Cost: No charge

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

Tech Tools for Caregivers

This workshop will offer a practical overview of how technology tools may help family caregivers provide care for a frail or ill family member, partner, relative, friend, or spouse at home. Technology products like smart phone apps, communication aids, in-home sensors, and webcams can help make a home safer, and reduce the caregiving workload. The class will include information on how to determine what your needs are, the costs of tech tools, privacy considerations, and ease of use.

When:   Monday,   July 30 , from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where:   Peninsula Jewish Community Center , Board Room 

800 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City 94404

Cost:   No charge

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

Communicating and Advocating With Medical Professionals

Navigating our health care system for the first time can be a daunting experience, often leaving family caregivers confused and frustrated. This workshop will help to clarify the current realities of the health care experience for caregivers. Participants will learn to use effective communication techniques and powerful communication tools to become better health care advocates for the persons for whom they are caring. 

When: Wednesday, August 22 , from 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Where:   Senior Coastsiders

925 Main Street, Half Moon Bay 94019

Cost: No charge

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

Camp for Caring

FCA’s Camp for Caring is a weekend retreat for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or a related cognitive impairment.The retreat offers outdoor activities, arts and crafts, singing and dancing, low impact exercises and group games, as well as two days free of caregiver responsibilities, a safe and secure environment for campers, and a 24-hour on-site nurse.

Attendants provide care day and night, and all meals prepared. Space is limited. Scholarships may be available.

When: Friday, September 7, to Sunday, September 9

Where:   Via West Campus

13851 Stevens Canyon Road, Cupertino 95014

Cost: $250-125 (sliding scale)

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

Dementia Training Intensive 

Join Mills Peninsula Medical Center, healthcare professionals, and family caregivers for a half-day dementia training workshop. At this workshop, participants will learn ways to provide holistic care, understand how a person with dementia sees the world, and learn strategies from healthcare providers, family members, and fellow caregivers.

Registration closes July 20. Lunch will be provided.

When:  Monday, July 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (a.m. session), or from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (p.m. session)

Where:   Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Medical Office Building , Auditorium 1 and 2

1501 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame 94010

Cost:  Family caregivers — no charge, $65 healthcare professionals (CEU and CMEs offered)

Registration:  Frances Parrilla, [email protected], (650) 696-5917 

Take Charge!

Take Charge! is an advance care planning workshop for anyone over the age of 18. At this workshop participants will learn how to create an advance care plan. This plan includes thinking about what matters most, explaining wishes to family and friends, choosing a health care agent, writing down wishes, and sharing the plan.

Please register before attending this two-part workshop.

When:  Thursdays, August 2 and 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where:   Coastside Adult Day Health Center

Coastside Senior Housing Adult Community Center

925 Main Street, Half Moon Bay 94019

Cost:  No charge

Registration:   Lynne Siracusa , (650) 726-5067 x 210, [email protected]

FCA’s tip sheet  Making End-of-Life Decisions: What Are Your Important Papers?   is a helpful summary of the legal documents needed to ensure, that if you are incapacitated, your wishes are honored.

你該知道的基本知識 (The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease)

阿滋海默症和相關的失智症不是正常老化的一部份。你該知道的基本知識- 關於記憶力喪失，失智症，與阿滋海默症是一個由阿滋海默症協會提

供的講座，提供 給所有想要對阿滋海默症與相關失智症更加了解的民眾。

When: Friday, August 17, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where:   Kaiser Permanente, 6th Floor Ruby Room

2238 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco 94115

Cost: No charge

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

Organizations Report on the Efforts to Undermine the Affordable Care Act

The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities has complied a chronological list of actions taken to undermine the Affordable Care Act. Some of these include slashing grants to navigators that help with enrollment, adding work requirements to Medicaid, and freezing risk adjustment payments.

AARP, FCA and Partner Organizations Deliver Letter to Secretary Azar

FCA, AARP, the Alzheimers Association, and partner organizations have sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, urging the implementation of the bipartisan Recognize Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act. The act was passed earlier this year by Congress and signed by the president. More information about the RAISE ACT, and how it will help support millions of family caregivers can be found on the AARP website.

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 35 years.

Your donation makes all the difference!

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Phone: (800) 445-8106 | Email: [email protected]

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