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Vol. 7, No. 5
May 16, 2016
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Dear Friends,
Caregiving is a journey. And like many of life's journeys — moving out of your parent’s house, marrying your soul mate, earning a well-deserved promotion, planing for retirement — they came about from a whole series of smaller steps.
Caregiving at times may seem like an impossible and endless journey (after all, there are only 24 hours in a day). But every small task you complete moves you forward, moves you along your own caregiving journey, moves you closer to the end of a day that you can take pride in and be proud of because of all you accomplished.
FCA is dedicated to you, the caregiver, the unsung hero who does the hard work because of your selflessness, love, and dedication. Please
contact us
anytime you need assistance with emotional support, resources, or upcoming educational event happenings
. This month, we hope you'll take a moment to reflect on where you came from, how far you have come, and all those steps you’ve already taken to get where you are now, on your caregiving journey.
As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Feel free to contact me directly at the email below.
Sincerely,
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“ A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
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Caregivers: Help Support
SB 1377 in California
SB 1377 would set aside $3.3 million dollars annually to provide respite for California family caregivers.
The bill is currently stalled in Appropriations, and action is required to get this bill signed into law. Please post a comment or photo on the
SB 1377 facebook page
, let your friends on social media know about this important bill, and send a short letter explaining what respite means to you via email to the
USC Family Caregiver Support Center
or by fax: (916) 442-5961. Stories must be received by May 20. Thank you!
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Atlas of Caregiving Pilot Study Report Published
The Atlas of Caregiving Pilot is a unique project designed to collect data from caregivers using interviews, in-home sensors, and worn technologies. The goal of the project is to better understand caregiving to drive new insights. The Pilot study of 14 families is complete and the data has been released in a new report that you can view or download.
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Sculpting: An Expression of My Experience With Alzheimer's
"Art has fascinated me since childhood, but it was only later in adulthood that art became important as a personal form of expression. I discovered I could sculpt about the same time we discovered my husband, Don, had Alzheimer’s. Sculpting then, for me, became both an escape from his illness and a connection to him. Art, always our strong common bond, became, even in his illness, a welcoming doorway for us both into a wider world of art. It became a way to experience some moments of joy even as we plummeted, tethered together, into the black vortex of his disease."
— Carolyn Peters
You can read the rest of Carolyn Peters's story on our website. If you would like to submit your own story, please visit the online form.
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June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
(WEAAD) is only one month away. There is still time to help raise awareness for combating elder abuse and supporting elder justice. Let your family, friends, co-workers, church, activity group, and neighbors know about this important date.
The U.S. government Administration for Community Living, has a helpful website you can visit to get informed, take action, or plan an event in your community.
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FCA's Caregiver Satisfaction Survey
FCA clients who have received services within the last year will be receiving a survey by mail or by email in the coming month. We'd be grateful for your feedback, to help us provide the best service to you, and to make sure we continually improve our processes, procedures, and services. Thank you!
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Stroke Fact Sheet
May is National Stroke Month. A stroke occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood, starving brain cells of oxygen which die in minutes. A stroke can lead to temporary or permanent disability. Possible signs of a stroke are numbness and paralysis, especially on one side of the body, sudden loss of balance or confusion, and difficulty speaking. Please read FCA's Stroke Fact Sheet to learn more.
You can order this Fact Sheet or any of our Fact and Tip Sheets using our online order form.
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FCA Caregiver Statistics Fact Sheets Revised and Updated
FCA has updated the Caregiver Statistics Fact Sheets. Each Statistics Fact Sheet explores a different area of caregiving and lays out the staggering numbers behind the hard, unsung work accomplished by millions of caregiving Americans.
Statistics Fact Sheets are available to view or print and include: Demographics, Work and Caregiving, and Health, Technology, and Caregiving Resources.
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Advice for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
In conjunction with The New York Times interactive Fraying at the Edges article, The Times interviewed
Dr. Mary Mittelman, the director of the NYU Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Family Support Program, and researcher
Cynthia Epstein on advice and tips for Alzheimer's caregivers.
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A New Challenge for Caregivers: The Internet
The Internet is a valuable tool that can empower, entertain, and connect those with dementia to their family, friends, and the wider world. However, with care receivers using the Internet and social media, caregivers have an added layer of responsibility. A
n
initial study
by Northwestern University explains some of the challenges caregivers face in managing online independence and security, while also detailing the kinds of help caregivers offer online.
You can read the full paper
here
.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA EVENTS
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Educational and Respite Retreat in Pacifica
You are invited to join FCA for a free one-day retreat designed especially for you, family caregivers. Learn about caregiver self-care and stress management, participate in therapeutic group activities, and share your experiences with fellow caregivers. The day will also include a complimentary catered breakfast and lunch.
Pre-registration is required. This retreat is specifically for family caregivers, not providers.
When: Saturday, June 4, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1500 Perez Drive, Pacifica 94044
Cost: Free
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There Must Be a Better Way Than This!
(A Free One Day Class for Dementia Caregivers)
In this 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 and please let us know if you have a disability and require assistance.This class is specifically for family caregivers, not providers.
When: Saturday, June 4, 9:30
a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where:
Rosener House Adult Day Services
500 Arbor Road,
Menlo Park 94025
Registration: Christina Irving, cirving@caregiver.org, (415) 434-3388 x 303
San Rafael
When: Friday, June 17, 10
a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where:
Alzheimer’s Association
4340 Redwood Highway,
Suite F138, S
an Rafael 94903
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Retiro del Cuidador Hispanohablante
(
Un Retiro Gratis Para los Cuidadores Familiares
)
Usted está invitado a acompañar al FCA para un retiro sin costo de un día diseñado especialmente para usted, el cuidador familiar. Disfrute de una visita a la cabaña histórica Log Cabin en el Presidio, una joya escondida con una vista espectacular de San Francisco. A través del retiro, usted recibirá información acerca del auto-cuidado y manejo del estrés del cuidador, podrá participar en una actividad de grupo terapéutico, y podrá compartir sus experiencias con otros cuidadores. El día también incluirá un desayuno y almuerzo con servicio sin costo.
Para este retiro, el tamaño del grupo es limitado y se requiere pre-registro. Y por favor hágale saber si usted tiene una discapacidad y necesita ayuda. Lamentamos informarle de que no tenemos la habilidad de dar cabida en este evento a los cuidadores profesionales o proveedores de servicios.
Dia:
Viernes, 10 de junio, 9:30 a.m. hasta las 3:15 p.m.
1299 Storey Avenue, San Francisco 94129
Para Registrarse:
Crystal Madriles (habla español), (415) 434-3388 x 317 o Calvin Hu (para inglés), (415) 434-3388 x 313
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA PARTNER EVENTS
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Artful Discoveries at the
Legion of Honor
Artful Discoveries is a program for individuals with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. In this interactive program, you will join others in looking at, and talking about art. No previous knowledge is required. The programs is led by s
pecially-trained museum docents who will highlight themes, artists, and exhibitions.
When: T
uesday, June 14, 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Where:
Legion of Honor
100 34th Avenue, San Francisco 94121
Cost:
Free. Admission is by appointment and space is limited.
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San Mateo County World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Vigil
400 County Center, Redwood City 94063
Cost: Free
Contact: Nicole Fernandez, (650) 573-2109
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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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785 Market Street | Suite 750 | San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (800) 445-8106 | Email: info@caregiver.org
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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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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
Wanda Borges
Herman S. Brown, Jr.
Tricia Dell
Ping Hao
Catherine Lelong
Rajiv Mehta
Chris Park
Scott Peifer
Kathleen Raffel
Celeste Takatsuno
F. Burns Vick
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