Vol. 9, No. 11
November 19, 2018
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Dear Friends:
Compared to decades past, we know more about caregivers in this country than ever before. There are tens of millions of caregivers providing hundreds of billions of dollars in unpaid care. We never forget that behind those numbers are the faces of spouses, partners, siblings, adult children, friends, and relatives.
These mind boggling figures will never tell the full story of caregiving. They will never be able to tell your story — the story of small triumphs, the story of endurance, adaptation, and patience. It’s also the story of sleep deprived nights, frustration, loss, and sadness.
Each has a story that is both similar to their fellow caregivers, but also completely unique. And nearly all of these caregivers require more assistance, specialized training, and understanding. At FCA, we are committed to providing the
advocacy,
education, and
support that is so desperately needed and so obviously deserved.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
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“A
journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
”
—
Laozi
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FCA Recognizes National Family Caregivers Month
Families who care at home for loved ones with debilitating, long-term health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or stroke often do so with inadequate information or training. Family Caregiver Alliance aims to change that. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, FCA has released a wide range of new and updated informational materials, many in multiple languages, accessible at
caregiver.org
.
Please click
here
to read more of FCA Executive Director Kathleen Kelly’
s message.
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Caregiver Stress Reduction Exercises in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese
Now available in Chinese and Vietnamese, this free audio presentation offers seven exercises designed to lower anxiety and stress, and decrease tension. The exercises can be performed while waiting in a line, walking to the car, or even when cooking or eating. Caregiver Stress Reduction Exercises include deep breathing, triangle breathing, muscle relaxation, and imagery meditations.
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Ten new Fact Sheets for Caregivers in
Chinese and Vietnamese
FCA has recently translated ten fact sheets in both Chinese and Vietnamese. Chinese fact sheets include:
Fact sheets in Vietnamese include:
To view all the available fact sheets in Chinese and Vietnamese, please visit FCA’s
website
.
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FCA Thanks Bader Philanthropies, Inc.
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FCA Thanks Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
FCA wishes to thank the
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
for their contribution in support of family caregivers. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation was established to create positive outcomes for future generations. In pursuit of that vision, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation fosters pioneering scientific discovery, environmental conservation, patient care improvements, and preservation of the unique character of the San Francisco Bay Area.
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FCA Seeking Bilingual English/ Cantonese Family Consultant
This is an excellent
opportunity
for a skilled Cantonese-speaking human services professional seeking to work for a non-profit organization serving family caregivers. FCA’s Family Consultant is responsible for conducting comprehensive caregiver assessments, care and resource planning and providing on-going consultation (in-home, by phone and video conference) with caregivers, care receivers and their families. Responsibilities also include outreach and collaboration with service referral sources, representing FCA at community meetings, and general efforts to advocate for and reach Cantonese speaking and other family caregivers throughout the community.
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Disaster Preparedness for Caregivers
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Scam Callers Impersonating Social Security Administration
The FTC has recently received reports of phone scammers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These criminals are employing a technique known as “
spoofing,”
which mimics the SSA’
s information on a phone’
s caller ID. If successful in their efforts, these criminals will attempt to get a victim’
s valuable private information. To learn more, please read the
FTC’s blog post.
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Combining Medicare and Medicaid Can Make Health Care More Affordable
Some individuals are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. This status is known as “dual eligible” and can help reduce health care costs. AARP’s Dena Bunis explains the
benefits of being dual eligible and provides information on eligibility requirements. Bunis also offers some suggestions for those who are low or lower income, but do not qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
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The Quiet Crisis That Threatens Us All
Psychology Today
guest blogger and gerontologist Maria Torroella Carney is a former caregiver and a current counselor of families undergoing the hospital discharge process. Being linked to caregiving both personally and professionally, Dr. Carney’
s blog piece identifies some of the most vexing challenges caregivers face, and also offers concrete suggestions on
how to better support
caregivers.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA EVENTS
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明白失去記憶和失智症 (Understanding Memory Loss and Dementia)
偶爾的遺失鎖匙， 健忘，及執筆忘字對於老年人是非常普遍的經驗。當年紀越大，記憶衰退的問題亦會隨之增加，但是，失智症並非正常的老化過程。 在這個免費的工作坊，參加者將會認識老年失智症跟一般和老化有關的記憶力衰退的不同，失智症的警號，失智症如何影響思維及情緒，以及獲得診斷的重要性。
時間:
星期六，十二月八日, 上午10時至11:30
650 Shell Boulevard, Foster City 94404
費用:
免費
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA PARTNER EVENTS
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14th Annual Circle of Care Retreat
The Circle of Care Retreat is for those living with MCI or early stage Alzheimer’s and their family caregivers. The retreat is designed to encourage, empower, and help attendees feel recharged. The afternoon is divided into two tracks, one for caregivers, and one for those receiving care. The retreat also includes an exhibitor fair, breakfast, and lunch.
Respite care and scholarships are available. The Circle of Care Retreat is a program of the
Alzheimer’s Association
.
When:
Saturday, December 1, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo 94402
Cost:
$30
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Asset Protection and Elder Law Workshop
The high cost of nursing home care is a source of worry for many families and older adults across the Bay Area. At this workshop, Elder Law Attorney
Michael Young will explain h
ow to get Medi-Cal coverage for nursing home care without selling your home. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to avoid savings depletion by a nursing home spend down, how to protect a home for loved ones and avoid a Medi-Cal lien, and the asset protection language in estate planning documents that can help protect savings.
When:
Wednesday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
301 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek 94598
Cost:
No charge
Registration:
(925) 256-0298
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Headlines From the October 2018 Caregiving Policy Digest
- Small Step Forward for the RAISE Family Caregivers Act
- Self-Fitting Hearing Aid Approved by FDA
- California Makes Alzheimer’s Research Inclusive of Underrepresented Populations
- The Costs of Living With a Pre-Existing Condition
The entire October 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 40 years.Your
donation
makes all the difference!
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Follow FCA on Social Media!
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101 Montgomery Street | Suite 2150 | 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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Help support Family Caregiver Alliance by choosing FCA as your
Amazon Smile
charity.
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Connections Credits
Editors
Calvin Hu
Paria Dea
Contributors
Kathleen Kelly
Calvin Hu
Lana Sheridan
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
Amanda Breeden
Athan Bezaitis
Shruti Kothari
Catherine Lelong
Rajiv Mehta
Chris Park
Scott Peifer
Tiffany Riser
Keely Stevenson
Celine Takatsuno
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