Vol. 9, No. 3
March 15, 2018
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Dear Friends:
Brain injury can have a multitude of different effects on a person, so brain injury caregivers may perform a range of care tasks from paying bills, to running errands, bathing, transferring from location to location, and toileting. If you are providing care for someone who acquired a brain injury as an adult,
FCA CareJourney is a free online tool that can supply you with information and local resources to assist you with your unique caregiving situation. CareJourney was designed with the caregiver in mind; you’ll find it easy to use, secure, and available 24/7.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
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“However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.”
— Stephen Hawking
1942
–
2018
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Caregiving Up Close: Dette
As part of FCA’s 40th Anniversary blog series, we are celebrating and sharing the stories of caregivers from around the country. Dette has been a caregiver for more than two decades, supporting both her father and her adult son. She has graciously shared
her story, both the highs and the lows. Like many caregivers, Dette is the rock of the family, supporting two generations, and keeping her loved ones together with unshakable faith, gratitude, and love.
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Rosalinde Gilbert Caregiving Legacy Awards Reception at AiA18
When: Tuesday, March 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m
Where:
Parc 55 Hotel, Market Street Room (Level 3), 55 Cyril Magnin Street, San Francisco 94102
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FCA at the ASA
’
s Aging in America Conference
Annually,
American Society on Aging’s
Aging in America Conference brings together thousands of professionals working on the issues, challenges, and opportunities related to older adults and aging. FCA is pleased to
participate in the Aging in America Conference and we look forward to seeing colleagues and friends at the Gilbert Caregiving Legacy Awards reception and at exhibit booth #900.
When:
March 26 to March 29
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FCA Provides Services to Local Family Caregivers Through the San Francisco Dignity Fund
The San Francisco
Dignity Fund, created through a voter approved proposition, provides funding
for services and support to seniors and adults with disabilities. The goal of the fund is to help those groups live safely and independently at home.
FCA is excited to be one of the agencies chosen to fulfill the San Francisco Dignity Fund’s mission and has been able to issue more numerous and generous short-term respite grants to San Francisco family caregivers. The fund has also allowed FCA to deploy dedicated outreach efforts targeting underserved communities at medical clinics, community centers, city agencies, nursing homes, and local non-profit organizations.
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The San Francisco LGBT Dementia Care Project: Upcoming Training Sessions and Summit
The LGBT Dementia Care Project is a collaboration between FCA, Openhouse, and the Alzheimer’s Association, funded by the San Francisco County Department of Aging and Adult Services. The goal of the project is to educate health and social service providers on how to best serve and address the unique concerns of LGBT seniors with dementia and their caregivers.
One-day training sessions for providers continue this spring and are offered on two dates:
Friday,
May 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at
Openhouse, 65 Laguna Street, San Francisco 94102
The project will also host an
LGBT Dementia Summit. This gathering will convene service providers, members of the community, and policy makers to encourage networking among stakeholders, and to examine the state of dementia care in the LGBT community. This event is hosted by the Office of California State Senator Scott Wiener. CEUs will be available.
LGBT Dementia Summit:
Thursday,
June 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Milton Marks Conference Center, Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, Lower Level, 455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco 94102. For more information contact
kwaggoner@alz.org, or (800) 272-3900.
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A Doctor’s Guide to a Good Appointment
Preparing for an appointment by crafting a plan in advance will help you get the most out of the limited time most doctors provide. Dr. Danielle Ofri, writing in the New York Times, offers a
detailed guide on how to prepare for an appointment, what to do during the appointment, and the follow up after the visit. This guide will help ensure an effective and worthwhile visit, where your primary concerns are addressed, and any after appointment instructions are clearly understood.
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Palliative Care 101
What is it? Who needs it? Why is it important? Where do we get it?
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In this
webinar, participants will get an in-depth explanation of what palliative care really means, why it is so important, and what family caregivers need to know about it. Presenter Judith Redwing Keyssar is a registered nurse, palliative care director, and author of “
Last Acts of Kindness: Lessons for the Living from the Bedsides of the Dying.” The webinar will also address some of the common myths and misconceptions about palliative care, why palliative care can play an important role in caring for a person with dementia, and the value of advance care planning.
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Washington State Pilot Programs Expanding Support for Family Caregivers
Many states are finding that existing programs designed to help seniors living at home, and their caregivers, are are not providing effective support. The Spokesman-Review’s Treva Lind
reports on two small pilot programs Tailored Support and Medicare Alternative Care, that are being evaluated for their effectiveness and impact. Each program offers as much as $550 in services and equipment every month to unpaid family caregivers of an adult 55 or older.
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Palo Alto Looks to Become a ‘Dementia-Friendly City’
Dementia has had major financial impacts on state and federal budgets, but the real challenges it brings are most acutely felt on the local level, in communities and homes. Therefore it should come as no surprise that municipalities are looking at what they can do in concert with businesses and local organizations in creating a more dementia-friendly community. Chris Kenrick of Palo Alto Weekly explains the
upcoming forum that will solicit stories, and recommendations on making Palo Alto a dementia-friendly city. Mr. Kenrick also interviews adults living with dementia, their family, and service providers on the difficulties of living with dementia.
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My Disliked Mother-In-Law May Have Dementia: Caregiver SOS
Not all families enjoy warm relations. In these situations, strained ties and ambiguous or negative feelings can put family in a difficult position when an estranged member is in need of care. Toronto Star columnist Nira Rittenberg seeks to
provide guidance to this vexing situation from a reader that has never enjoyed a healthy relationship with her mother-in-law.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA EVENTS
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
This free, six-part class offers new skills and tools for family caregivers of those with a chronic health condition such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, or stroke. At Powerful Tools, you will have the opportunity to learn how to reduce stress, make difficult caregiving decisions, communicate more effectively during challenging situations, and prevent caregiver burnout.
Pre-registration is required and group size is limited. Please let us know if you have a disability and require specific accommodations. This class is specifically for family caregivers, not providers.
When:
Mondays,
April 16
, 23, 30, and May 7, 14, and 21, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
50 Broad Street, San Francisco 94112
Cost:
No charge
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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: Thursday,
April 19, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Gold Star Room, 1455 Madison Avenue, Redwood City 94061
Cost: No charge
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Fremont Retreat
You are invited to join FCA and the City of Fremont for a FREE one-day retreat designed especially for you, the family caregiver. Enjoy a visit to Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, located in the historic Mission San Jose district of Fremont. The tree lined campus includes the largest mission-era olive grove in California, a labyrinth, and numerous gardens and green spaces throughout. You’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch, educational presentations for caregivers, a therapeutic group activity, and a chance to share your experiences with other family caregivers.
The retreat will be located in the Dominican Center, click
here to view a campus map.
Pre-registration is required. Please let us know if you have a disability and require specific accommodations.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate professional caregivers at this event.
When:
Friday,
April 27
, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
43326 Mission Circle, Fremont 94539
Cost:
No charge
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Understanding Memory Loss and Dementia
Occasionally misplacing keys, forgetfulness, and sometimes failing to remember which word to use can be common experiences among older adults. While aging may include an increase in memory problems, dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. At this free workshop, participants will learn the differences between dementia and normal age related memory loss, some warning signs of dementia, how dementia affects thinking and mood, and the importance of obtaining a diagnosis.
When:
Monday,
May 21
, from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont 94002
Cost:
No charge
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El Grupo de Apoyo en Español
Cuidadores Familiares en San Francisco Bay Area: Por favor unase a nuestro grupo de apoyo con FCA en el segundo Lunes de cada mes. Descarge nuestro folleto
aqui o visite nuestra
pagina de grupos de apoyo, para mas informacion.
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SHARE Program:
Get the Most out of Today While Planning for Tomorrow
FCA is seeking San Francisco Bay Area family caregivers to enroll in the SHARE program (Support, Health, Activities, Resources, Education). Over the course of five telephone or in-person home visits, SHARE counselors will help you get the most out of today while planning for tomorrow. The goals of SHARE include learning effective communication skills, reducing stress, promoting health, and learning about long-term care management. The SHARE program is offered at no charge.
SHARE is specifically for caregivers of adults (close family or partner/spouse), with a confirmed diagnosis of a chronic health condition, 60 or older, living at home, and with intact cognitive abilities. Eligible conditions for SHARE include, but are not limited to: heart disease, diabetes, COPD, arthritis, kidney disease, stroke, or HIV-AIDS.
Care receivers with a neurocognitive disorder like Alzheimer’s disease, a mental health condition, traumatic brain injury, or are in the terminal phrase of their condition, are unfortunately not eligible.
Please contact Michelle Venegas, (415) 434-3388, for more information.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA PARTNER EVENTS
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The Art of Aging Gracefully
Join the
JCCSF for a day of discovery with medical professionals, service organizations, and local businesses on insights, opportunities, and the challenges in supporting active, creative aging.
The Art of Aging Gracefully will include free classes like gentle yoga and brain boot camp, and presentations by experts on topics including optimizing nutrition and hydration, stress effects on health, and cannabis as medicine. Participants will also be able to attend a resource fair.
Pre-registration is recommended.
When:
Tuesday, April 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3200 California Street, San Francisco 94118
Cost:
No charge
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Reimagine End-of-Life in the San Francisco Bay Area
Reimagine End-of-Life is a
week-long exploration of big questions about life and death. Join in the conversation with multiple workshops, art exhibits, films, performances, and installations listed in the
schedule.
When: Thursday April 19 to Sunday April 22
Where: San Francisco Bay Area
Cost: Varies, many free events
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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.
This one-day workshop will be offered on multiple dates. Please register before attending.
When: Thursdays, April 19, and May 10, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., or Wednesdays June 13, and July 11, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park 94025
Cost: No charge
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San Francisco Mayoral Candidate Forum
The
Dignity Fund Coalition, of which FCA is a member, will be hosting a town hall featuring San Francisco mayoral candidates. The forum will focus on seniors and people with disabilities, and seeks to clarify how the candidates will support these groups. The event is free (registration required), and will be held at the accessible Herbst Theatre with Spanish, Cantonese, and Sign-language interpretation. Other languages of interpretation will be provided if requested.
When: Thursday, April 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco 94102
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Caregivers Count! Conference
The Caregivers Count! conference is an annual gathering for families, friends, and the people for whom they provide care. This year’
s conference topics include s
elf-care and compassion fatigue, hospital discharge planning and advocacy, and a caregiver panel, “
Voices from the Frontline.”
Pre-registration is required and seats are limited. On-site care will be provided by the
Alzheimer’s Activity Center.
When:
Saturday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Orchard City Banquet Hall, 1 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell 95008
Cost:
$15
(limited scholarships available)
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Free Computer Classes in San Francisco
The
Community Living Campaign is offering computer classes and tutoring at its Mission Street Hub for Computer Learning. Classes are also available at computer labs and senior centers throughout San Francisco. Languages of instruction include English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi.
For more information, please visit the Community Living Campaign
website, or contact Judy Auda,
judyauda@yahoo.com, (415) 821-1003 x 109.
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Headlines From the February 2018 Caregiving Policy Digest
- When You Need It, Who Will Be Your Caregiver?
- Assisted-Living Facilities and Nursing Homes Under Scrutiny
- News in Palliative Care
- Out-of-Pocket Costs for People on Traditional Medicare
The entire February 2018 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 35 years.
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Follow FCA on Social Media!
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235 Montgomery Street | Suite 950 | 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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Family Caregiver Alliance’s fee-for-service care management currently serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
Click here
for further information.
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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
Francesca Pera
Contributors
Kathleen Kelly
Calvin Hu
Lana Sheridan
Michelle Venegas
Leah Eskenazi
Executive Director
Kathleen Kelly
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FCA Board of Directors
President
Jacquelyn Kung
Vice-President
Dan Lieberman
Treasurer
Wyatt Ritchie
Secretary
Kathleen Raffel
Athan Bezaitis
Catherine Lelong
Rajiv Mehta
Chris Park
Scott Peifer
Celine Takatsuno
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