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Vol. 8, No. 5
May 18, 2017
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Dear Friends:
For many Americans, May is a time to visit cemeteries to lay flowers and to remember lost family and friends who fell in service to country.
For others, May is spent recognizing
Older American’s Month
, and celebrating the contributions seniors have made to our communities and families.
Whatever your plans this month, whether honoring those who have given their lives, s
pending time with an elderly relative to hear their stories, or simply getting things in order for your children’s summer break, we hope you will make some time for yourself, and take time out for you.
Sincerely,
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“
Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before.”
—
Elizabeth Edwards, attorney and activist
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FCA Executive Director Statement on the
American Health Care Act
FCA’s
Kathleen Kelly recently penned a blog post about the passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) in the House of Representatives, “
House-Passed Trumpcare Bill is a Loss for Family Caregivers, Disabled, and Older Americans.” The post
succinctly explains
the many ways the AHCA will negatively affect Americans and caregivers across the country, and summarizes FCA’s opposition to the act.
“We will remain advocates for family caregivers and for their relatives, partners, and friends needing care and we will continue to speak out, alert our community of caregivers to new developments, and work with other organizations across the country to ensure all families have the support and services that you need and deserve.”
—Ka
thleen Kelly
Executive Director
Read the entire blog here
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Administration On Aging Email Scam (Phishing)
The
Administration for Community Living (ACL) has recently reported that c
yber criminals have been sending fraudulent emails
posing as the Administration on Aging (AoA), which is a unit of the ACL. T
he emails falsely claim to be from the AoA and request p
ersonal and financial information. The Administration for Community Living and the Administration on Aging
will never ask for your social security number, nor will they ask for
a check in order to access a benefit.
You can call the ACL directly at (202) 401-4634 to verify if an email or phone message is legitimate. You can also click here to view FCA’s archived webinar on Financial Fraud.
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Spring into Spring with FCA
For 40 years, FCA has been helping families and friends who are caregivers for adult loved ones with chronic, disabling conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.
Spring into Spring and help FCA help family caregivers!
Your donation helps FCA advocate for caregivers on the state and federal level, helps support our local services that are offered at no charge to caregivers, and helps fund our 50 state hotline that provides information and assistance to caregivers across the county.
Make your tax deductible donation, by clicking here.
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Gilbert Awards Scrapbook Now Includes 2016 Winners
The updated Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer’s Disease
Caregiving Legacy Awards
interactive scrapbook is now online. The scrapbook includes the most recent 2016 winners and
details each program with photos, video links, and more.
FCA and the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation administer the annual $20,000 award in the following three categories: Creative Expression, Diverse/ Multicultural Communities, and Policy and Advocacy.
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San Francisco Wraps up Successful Digital Inclusion Week
Digital Inclusion Week is a national initiative designed to promote online access and technology skills, and to reduce the digital divide among communities. In San Francisco, Digital Inclusion Week was a major event
spearheaded by the San Francisco Public Library and partners including Community Living Campaign. San Francisco residents and Bay Area locals enjoyed a host of free events including movie screenings, classes, panel discussions, and a tech expo.
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SHARE — Chronic Conditions
FCA is seeking San Francisco Bay Area family caregivers to enroll in the SHARE program. Over the course of five face-to-face home visits, SHARE 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 receiving education on 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, a mental health condition, traumatic brain injury, or are in the terminal phrase of their condition are unfortunately not eligible.
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FCA CareJourney, Online Service for Family Caregivers
For the first time, caregivers like you—who are caring for adult loved ones with
chronic, disabling health conditions—can get valuable information, resources,
and support tailored specifically to your unique caregiving situation. And it’s free,
completely private, and accessible by computer or mobile device 24/7.
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FCA Webinar Archive: Beyond the Blues: When Sadness Becomes Depression
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Caregivers often suffer from depression, and dementia caregivers are twice as likely to be depressed compared to non-dementia caregivers. This Easter Seals/FCA webinar
focuses on the signs, symptoms, and treatment for depression related to caregiving. Viewers will learn specific tools to help reduce stress, change negative thinking, and how to ask for help from others.
Additional FCA caregiving and professional webinars can be viewed at the FCA
webinar page
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Dementia Proofing Your Home
Accidents in the home are one of the major reasons for the hospitalization of someone with a dementia. Hospitalizations are particularly fraught for an individual with dementia and their caregiver, as these may result in negative outcomes, including speeding up the disease itself.
This webinar will identify common dangers in the home for an individual with dementia, and explain ways that a home can be made safer so that accidents and medical emergencies can be prevented.
Rooms in the house where the greatest danger is found are specifically addressed, in addition to strategies to combat
wandering outside the home.
Carole Larkin MA, CMC, CAEd, DCP, EICS, is a gerontologist, and expert in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. She is a
certified Alzheimer’s educator, a dementia care practitioner, an excellence in care specialist at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, a certified geriatric care manager, and owner of ThirdAge Services LLC.
Carol s
pecializes in helping families with Alzheimer’s and dementia issues.
When: Wednesday, May 31, 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No Charge
Registration: Click here
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What to Tell the Kids About Their Grandparent’s Dementia
Caring for a parent with dementia is a major physical and emotional undertaking. Many adult children who are dementia caregivers are also raising their own children. This
Next Avenue article by
Debbie Swanson, gives guidance for parents when talking to their children about dementia, including making sure to talk openly, and truthfully, and to be the one to initiate the conversation.
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The Real Financial Costs of Caregiving
When faced with a family member or loved one in need of care, many caregivers will sacrifice not only emotional and physical health, but also financial health.
Katy Read documents these financial pitfalls in t
he Minnesota Star Tribune.
Some of the financial sacrifices caregivers make to provide care include cutting back work hours, emptying their retirement savings to pay bills, taking a less demanding lower paying job with less or no benefits, and leaving the workforce entirely.
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“Just Let Me Go” Isn’t Enough: Talking About Death Versus Having The Conversation
Catherine Ternes, in a
blog post
for the Conversation Project, explains that even for a family like hers who are comfortable
talking about death, proper end-of-life planning requires more than a simple declaration. Ternes explains that what is needed, is an honest and frank discussion so that caregivers are confident, and empowered to make life and death decisions for a family member or friend who is incapacitated.
FCA has a fact sheet on making end-of-life decisions that can be viewed by clicking here.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA EVENTS
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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 specific accommodations.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate professional caregivers at this class.
When:
Tuesday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2450 Road 20, San Pablo 94806
Cost:
No Charge
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Caregiver Educational and Respite Retreat in Fremont
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 a newly restored home from 1885, 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.
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, June 2, 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Cost:
No Charge
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Caregiver College in Pittsburg
A workshop for gaining skills and sharing helpful care tips.
Caregiver College is a special program for individuals
helping a family member or a friend who is frail, disabled, has a chronic health illness, or has a cognitive impairment. Join fellow family caregivers to learn more about: feeding, nutrition, incontinence, toileting, bathing, hygiene, transfer skills, dental care, and caregiver self-care. Learn from community experts, network, and share tips with other caregivers. A complementary lunch is included.
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 workshop.
When:
Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
200 Marina Boulevard, Pittsburg 94565
Cost:
No Charge
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA PARTNER EVENTS
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Monster in the Mind
Join filmmaker Jean Carper, and a panel of medical experts for a free screening and Q&A of Monster in the Mind. Monster in the Mind was conceived after Jean Carper learned that she herself is at a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
The film tells the story of a disease both feared and mysterious — in a clear, calm, and even humorous way.
Pre-registration is required.
When: Thursday, May 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stanford University
485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford 94305
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Movie Moments at the Vogue
This special interactive program is specifically for people affected by dementia, including family caregivers, and friends. Short, iconic film clips will be shown, interspersed with audience discussion and reminiscence, guided by moderators. Complimentary popcorn and refreshments will be provided.
Pre-registration is required.
When: Tuesday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
3290 Sacramento Street, San Francisco 94115
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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
Wyatt Ritchie
Celine Takatsuno
F. Burns Vick
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