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Vol. 8, No. 3
March 16, 2017
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Changes to Medicaid: A Bad Deal for Family Caregivers
As of this writing, the policy battle over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues in Congress. The issue that gets the most coverage at the moment is how big the loss of health insurance coverage for individuals will be under the proposed Republican sponsored American Health Care Act. Just released estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office state that 24 million Americans will lose their health insurance coverage within a decade.
Also included in the repeal bill are dramatic changes to Medicaid which currently provides community long-term services and supports to disabled and older adults and acts as a safety net for all of us in the future. These changes directly affect family caregivers as they relate to the availability of home and community-based services for disabled and older adults.
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“When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.”
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Action Alert: California SB 177 — Family Caregiver Respite Support
Respite is crucial for maintaining the health and well being of family caregivers, numbering a staggering 4.5 million in California alone. SB 177, introduced by California State Senator Janet Nguyen, would appropriate $3.3 million to provide desperately needed respite care services for family caregivers in California.
P
lease help caregivers and FCA by writing a letter in support of SB 177.
All letters will be hand delivered to legislators in Sacramento, and must be received by
Tuesday, March 21. You can email, fax, or mail your letters:
Fax:
(
415) 434-3508
Mail:
Family Caregiver Alliance
Attn: SB 177
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 950
San Francisco, CA 94104
A sample letter can be viewed here.
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FCA CareJourney, a Secure, Online Service for Family Caregivers
FCA CareJourney
is an online tool that provides quality, personalized information tailored to your specific caregiving situation, based upon your location. To join
CareJourney
, simply answer a breif series of questions, and gain access to your online dashboard. The dashboard provides easy access to fact and tips sheets, videos, webinars, local and national resources, and the ability to meet other caregivers online (via the Smart Patients’ Caregivers Community). An integrated messaging feature also allows you to directly contact FCA resource specialists and family consultants. CareJourney is offered at no charge to family caregivers, and is available 24/7.
Please visit the FCA website to become a CareJourney member today.
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New Online Support Community at Smart Patients
FCA has partnered with Smart Patients, an online community for patients and caregivers, with the online Caregivers Community.
Family caregivers and other loved ones can join the community at no charge to share, interact, and learn from one another in a safe, supportive environment.
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FCA at AiA17 —
Aging in America Conference
If you are attending AiA17 or live in the Chicago area, p
lease join FCA for a reception honoring the awardees
of the 2016 Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards, on
Wednesday, March 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Crystal C Room. L
ight refreshment will be served. Click here to download the reception flyer.
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FCA Executive Director Kathleen Kelly Quoted in California Health Report Article
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Caregiver Satisfaction Survey for San Francisco Bay Area Caregivers
During the past year, have you talked with an FCA Family Consultant or attended a caregiver skills building class or workshop? Have you received a grant for respite, legal assistance, or therapeutic counseling, or had a family member attend Camp for Caring in the San Francisco Bay Area? We want to know, were the service(s) you received helpful for your caregiving situation? Please tell us by completing the brief caregiver satisfaction survey that you have received in your email inbox or your mailbox. Many thanks in advance for taking the time to give us your valuable feedback!
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San Francisco LGBT Dementia Care Project T
rainings
This program is a collaboration in San Francisco between FCA, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Openhouse.
Free trainings for health and social service providers are being offered on the dementia care needs of LGBT seniors. Training topics include understanding dementia, LGBT caregiver concerns, compassionate communications, and best and better practices.
Free CEUs are available for RN, LVN, CNA, HHA, LMFT, LCSW, NHAP, and RCFEs
.
THE LGBT Dementia Care Project has also created a downloadable infographic on the many and unique challenges of LGBT seniors.
For more information and to schedule a training, please contact
Pauline Martinez
or call (
408) 372-9951.
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Dementia, Caregiving and Controlling Frustration
Frustration is a normal response to the very difficult job of dementia caregiving. However, extreme frustration is physiologically and mentally unhealthy, and can even lead to being physically or verbally aggressive. This FCA Fact Sheet will discuss some of the warning signs of frustration, how to remain calm,
how to modify your thoughts, and other strategies to keep frustration under control.
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FCA Webinar Archive: Keeping Safe From Financial Fraud
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Financial fraud is unfortunately a billion dollar “industry,” with seniors being deliberately targeted. This FCA webinar is for caregivers who want to help protect their loved ones who are older from financial fraud. Viewers will learn how to
identify the signs of elder and dependent adult financial abuse, understand common strategies that scammers use, and be empowered to help safeguard the finances of their loved ones.
Additional FCA caregiving and professional webinars can be viewed at the FCA
webinar page
.
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Wading in Emotional Quicksand
The Powerful Role of Anticipatory Grief and Ambiguous Loss in Dementia Care
Anticipatory grief is the emotional pain and sadness that arises in advance of an expectant loss or death. Ambiguous loss is the confusing feeling of interacting with someone who is not fully present mentally or socially, as often happens to family caregivers who are closely involved with a person living with dementia.
This webinar will provide information and practical coping strategies to enable caregivers to understand their own unique journeys of grief, and to learn ways to remain calm and hopeful in the process.
Kay Adams, LCSW, is an educator, writer, clinician, consultant, advocate, and trainer. Kay currently works as a clinician in the diagnostic Memory Clinic and Geriatric Psychiatry Department for Kaiser Permanente Colorado in Denver. Kay has an extensive background in hospice, mental health, grief counseling, geriatric psychiatry, and dementia.
When: Wednesday, March 29, 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No Charge
Registration: Click here
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Seven Common Drugs Linked to Higher Risk of Dementia
Leslie Kernisan, M.D., writing in Next Avenue, lists a number of drugs which studies suggest can adversely affect senior brain health. Often components of over the counter medications, t
hese drugs include sedating antihistamines, medications for over-active bladder, and muscle relaxants.
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The Unique Challenges of Millennial Caregivers
Millennial caregivers are often forgotten in the discussion about caregiving and aging. While public and policy makers have begun to acknowledge the incredible work that caregivers do, much of the support, understanding and empathy is focused on caregivers of the Baby Boomer generation
.
Feylyn Lewis, writing a
blog post
for Daughters Unite, seeks to explain how the Millennial caregiving experience can differ from Baby Boomer caregiving,
and how to better support Millennials who are providing care.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA EVENTS
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Coping with Caregiving
A workshop for those dedicated to the care of others—but who put their own health and social needs on the back burner
One of the greatest challenges of being a family caregiver is maintaining one’s own physical and emotional health—all too often, caregivers neglect their health and well being. We cannot stop the impact of a chronic illness on a loved one. However, we, as caregivers, need to be responsible for our own self-care.
At this one day workshop, you will l
earn specific tools to help you reduce stress; deal with uncertainty and change; access support and resources; and take positive action steps that will benefit YOU!
When:
Wednesday, April 12, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
787 Walnut Street, San Carlos 94070
Cost:
No Charge
Registration: Email or call
Adult Day Services, San Mateo County, (650) 592-9325
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Stress Management and Movement Retreat for Family Caregivers
You are invited to join FCA for a free, one-day retreat designed especially for you, the family caregiver. Caregivers will learn about stress management and participate in therapeutic group activities including yoga, dance, a walk, and meditation. Network and share your experiences with fellow caregivers, and enjoy a enjoy a
catered lunch.
Click here to download and share the flyer.
Pre-registration is required. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate professionals caregivers at this event.
When:
Thursday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where:
Log Cabin (in the Presidio of SF)
1299 Storey Avenue, San Francisco 94129
Cost:
No Charge
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There Must be a Better Way Than This!
A Special One Day Class for Dementia Caregivers
At this FCA class, you’ll learn tips and strategies for understanding and communicating with someone affected by dementia. You’ll also learn how to handle difficult behaviors, how dementia affects a person's ability to understand and communicate, and how to feel more confident in your caregiving role.
Pre-registration is required. Group size is limited. Please let us know if you have a disability and require assistance. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accommodate professional caregivers at this event.
When:
Friday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-138, San Rafael 94903
Cost:
No Charge
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA PARTNER EVENTS
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The Art of Aging Gracefully Resource Fair
At this JCCSF resource fair, participants will have the opportunity to engage with local businesses and organizations, to access valuable resources to
help maintain health and stay
energized. The Art of Aging Gracefully includes presentations by medical professionals on stress, mobility, and aging. The fair also includes free yoga, mindfulness,
Pilates, and fall prevention workshops.
Advance registration is recommended.
When: Thursday, April 6, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3200 California Street,
San Francisco
94118
Cost: No charge
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9th Annual African American Caregiving and Wellness Forum
The African American Caregiving and Wellness Forum is an annual Alzheimer’s Association event that provides caregivers the chance to learn more about how Alzheimer’s disease impacts the African African community, and how to care for someone with the disease.The forum links caregivers to
information, organizations, and support that will help manage the challenges of caregiving.
When: Saturday, April 29, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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7
th Annual Caregivers Count Conference
The Aging Services Collaborative of Santa Clara County invites family caregivers to the 7th Annual Caregivers Count Conference. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from expert speakers as well as visit resource tables to learn about supportive services available in Santa Clara County.
Topics covered will include: s
elf care, communication, m
edication, and l
egal needs.
When: Saturday, May 6, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Orchard City Banquet Hall
1 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell 95008
Cost: $15
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19th Annual Updates on Dementia Conference
When: Thursday, May 11, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco 94080
Cost: $95 general admission,
$50 seniors (age 65+) and
students (with ID)
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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 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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Follow FCA on Social Media!
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235 Montgomery Street | Suite 950 | San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (800) 445-8106 | Email: info@caregiver.org
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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 loaded with information that matches your unique caregiving needs.
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Family Care Navigator
Caregiver tool for
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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Help support FCA by using Lyft. First time Lyft users apply the code FCALYFT. Lyft will donate $10 to FCA for each new rider using the code.
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Connections Credits
Editors
Calvin Hu
Michelle Venegas
Contributors
Kathleen Kelly
Calvin Hu
Lana Sheridan
Michelle Venegas
Leah Eskenazi
Communications and Layout
Francesca Pera
Executive Director
Kathleen Kelly
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President
Jacquelyn Kung
Vice-President
Dan Lieberman
Treasurer
Jeff Kumataka
Athan Bezaitis
Tricia Dell
Catherine Lelong
Rajiv Mehta
Chris Park
Scott Peifer
Kathleen Raffel
Celine Takatsuno
F. Burns Vick
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