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Vol. 9, No. 10

October 15, 2018

Dear Friends:

The holiday season is fast approaching. For many family caregivers, this can mean an increase in stress, frustration, and even anger. Out of town family that freely offer criticism but no support, social engagements that upend carefully crafted care schedules, and money worries related to gift giving can all contribute to an “unhappy holidays ” for family caregivers.

To help you manage stress this holiday season, FCA has a number of articles on topics including holiday stress, family dynamics, and gratitude. FCA’s free webinar for October, Caregiving Through the Holidays, will focus on managing expectations and practicing self-care strategies.

Sincerely,

Calvin Hu

Education Coordinator

[email protected]

Deadline Extended for 2018 Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in ‪Alzheimer’s Disease ‪‎Caregiving‬ Legacy Awards

The deadline to submit an application for the 2018 Rosalinde Gilbert ‪‎Caregiving‬ Legacy Awards has been extended to:

Friday October 26, by 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

Awards of $20,000 will be given in each of the following categories: Creative Expression, Diverse/Multicultural Communities, and Public Policy. Eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply can be found at the Rosalinde Gilbert ‪‎Caregiving‬ Legacy Awards  webpage . Previous applicants are encouraged to reapply.

The Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in ‪Alzheimer’s Disease ‪‎Caregiving‬ Legacy Awards are funded by a generous grant from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation . An online  scrapbook  is available to view, detailing previous recipients of the awards in text, pictures, and video. 

FCA and the San Francisco Dignity Fund Update

The Dignity Fund was voted into law by San Franciscans in 2016. It was designed to help older adults and adults with disabilities, who reside in San Francisco, get the support they need to live independently at home. FCA has been working with the City and County of San Francisco to provide additional respite grants and outreach to underserved communities as part of the Dignity Fund. FCA is pleased to announce that the Dignity Fund will now support FCA's full range of caregiver support services for San Francisco family caregivers.

FCA is Hiring 

FCA is accepting  applications  for a Family Consultant (bi-lingual in English and Cantonese).

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 videoconference) 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.

Holding a Family Meeting

Caregivers are often advised to seek help to lessen the caregiving workload. For many individuals, the natural place to turn for such help is family. FCA’s Holding a Family Meeting fact sheet provides information on how to approach the subject, advice on creating an agenda, lists key points to consider discussing, and explains potential conflicts that may arise.

Caregiving Through the Holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time of the year, particularly if you are a caregiver. The trappings of the holidays seem to roll out earlier each year, in a push to build holiday excitement – and revenue. But as we contemplate all the “extras” the holidays bring, it is often our anxiety that builds. If you are a caregiver, you likely already have a very full plate. For you, those “extras” can tip the fragile balance you are trying to maintain in your life. And for some of us, the holidays can be a sad time. The realities of our daily lives and relationships may just not fit the “ideal” holiday celebrations portrayed by the media and in the marketplace. We know that for any of us, holiday sadness and anxieties are fueled by our expectations. This can be especially true if you are a caregiver and life has changed significantly this holiday season. This webinar will provide you with strategies to reset expectations for the holidays, attend to your self-care, and allow you to savor the holidays instead of just surviving them. 

When: Tuesday, October 30 , 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)

Where: ONLINE

Cost: No Charge

Contact: Calvin Hu,  [email protected] , (415) 434-3388 x 313 

Registration:  Click here

The Comforting Fictions of Dementia Care

Should a family caregiver lie (sometimes or often) or always tell the truth to a person with dementia? Growing up, we are taught not to lie.However, when caring for someone with memory loss, always telling the truth can create a dilemma. For example, what if a person with dementia asks about their spouse, not remembering this person has died? Larissa MacFarquhar of The New Yorker has written a long-form piece detailing the practical and ethical arguments for and against lying to a person living with dementia. The article also discusses the reasoning and history behind the competing approaches.

A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer ’ s Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit

Some middle-aged and older adults turn to crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and other “brain games, ” to keep their minds sharp. To find out if this is the most effective way to exercise the mind, NPR’s Science Desk correspondent Jon Hamilton interviewed Jessica Langbaum, PhD., a scientist researching Alzheimer’s prevention. Dr. Langbaum finds that going to work provides a better mental workout than crossword puzzles or other games, and that for most people, working is a good way to keep mentally fit.

Tech Tools for Caregivers

This workshop offers 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 includes information on establishing individual needs, the costs of tech tools, privacy considerations, and ease of use.

When:  Wednesday,  October 17 , from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:  Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House , Adult Day Services

500 Arbor Road, Menlo Park 94025

Cost: No Charge

Registration:  Calvin Hu,  [email protected] , (415) 434-3388 x 313

FCA’s Foro Latino Presenta: Hoy Por Mi, Mañana Por Ti

Una conferencia gratis para familiares y amigos que cuidan a un ser querido con demencia o una persona mayor con enfermedades crónicas. Aprenda de los expertos, participe en actividads terapéuticas en grupo, y disfrute desayuno gratuito. Como participantes ustedes tendran la oportunidad de educarce en los siguientes temas: Tecnicas de el bienestar a si mismo, como abogar por sus seres queridos durante visitas medicas e internacion de hospital. Tambien los invitamos a que Participe en una divertida clase de Zumba!

Cuando:  sábado,  10 de noviembre , 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. (Registro y desayuno de 8:30 a.m. a 9 a.m.) 

Donde:  30th Street Senior Center , piso tercera, habitación 314

225 30th Street, San Francisco 94134 

Este es un evento gratis. Por favor, llame para más información y para registrarse hoy mismo! Comuníquese con Adriana Sanchez, (415) 434-3388 ext. 316 (habla español).

Hoy Por Mi, Mañana Por Ti is a free conference for Spanish speaking family and friends caring for someone with dementia, or an aging loved one. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about caregiver self-care, how to advocate for their loved ones during medical visits or hospital stays, and enjoy a Zumba Gold fitness workshop.  Hoy Por Mi, Mañana Por Ti is in Spanish.

When:  Saturday,  November 10  , 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., (Registration and breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.)

Where:  30th Street Senior Center , (third floor, room 314)

225 30th Street, San Francisco 94134

The event is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, please call Adriana Sanchez, (415) 434-3388 ext. 316 (for Spanish) or Calvin Hu, (415) 434-3388 ext. 313 (for English).

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

地點:  Foster City Senior Wing, Crane Room

650 Shell Boulevard, Foster City 94404

費用: 免費

登記: Calvin Hu,  [email protected], (415) 434-3388 內線 313

Take Charge!

Take Charge! is an advance care planning workshop by Mission Hospice 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.

Please register before attending this two-part workshop.

When: Thursdays, October 25 and November 1, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Little House Activity Center

800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park 94025

Cost: No charge

Registration: [email protected], (650) 272-5045

FCA’s tip sheet   Making End-of-Life Decisions: What Are Your Important Papers? is a helpful summary of the legal documents needed to ensure, that if you are incapacitated, your wishes are honored.

Health Fair for Seniors and Other Medicare Beneficiaries

At this special fair, seniors and Medicare beneficiaries will have access to a wide variety of services provided by University of the Pacific student pharmacists. These services include: Medicare Part D plan evaluation, medication review and evaluation for adverse drug interactions, flu and pneumococcal vaccinations, mental health screenings, and health tests (blood pressure, bone density, cholesterol, blood sugar levels).

For assistance with Medicare Part D plan and/or a thorough review of your medication, advance registration is required. The Health Fair is sponsored by the JCCSF and is a program of the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy .

When: Sunday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

3200 California Street, San Francisco 94118

Cost: No charge

Registration: Call JCCSF, (415) 292-1200

Caregiver Conference, Creating Your Master Plan!

Join Avenidas , the City of Palo Alto , and other partners for the 15th Annual Caregiver Conference. Physicians, social workers, attorneys, and senior care providers will present on a wide range of topics. Participants will learn about navigating a medical crisis as a caregiver, estate planning, and ambiguous loss. FCA’ s Christina Irving will present on caregiver self-care, covering how t o identify stress triggers and strategies for maximizing self-care.

  

The conference will include morning beverages, a box lunch, and afternoon refreshments.

When: Saturday, November 10, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where:   Mitchell Park Center

3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto 94303

Cost: $45 (early bird, by 10/15), $55 (general ticket after 10/15)

Registration: Click here

AARP California Online Care Fair

AARP’s Online Care Fair features resources, tips, tools, and support for California caregivers. The fair will help connect caregivers to local and state services, and includes specialized information on legal and financial documents, long distance caregiving, and veteran caregiving. The fair also includes live webinars, scheduled chats, virtual exhibit halls, and podcasts.

When: Thursday, November 15, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (PT)

Where:  Online

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Embracing the Journey: End-of-Life Resource Fair

Join the JCCSF and fellow family caregivers for the fourth annual End-of-Life Resource Fair, Embracing the Journey. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about compassionate and dignified ways to navigate the end-of-life journey, hear from speakers on the spiritual wisdom embodied in various traditions concerning death and dying, and engage with businesses and organizations offering information and resources on end-of-life.

Pre-registration is recommended.

When: Sunday, November 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, Pottruck Family Atrium

3200 California Street, San Francisco 94118

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Contact: Shiva Schulz, [email protected], (415) 292-1260

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.

Where:   College of San Mateo, Bayview Dining Room

1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo 94402

Cost: $30

Registration: Click here

Contact: Blanca Vazquez, [email protected], (408) 372-9922

FCA’s   Facebook page   offers articles and posts of interest for family caregivers. Please follow our page at www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiverAlliance .

Understanding Working & Caregiving: An Analysis of California Paid Family Leave

Human Impact Partners and California Work & Family Coalition have released a new report evaluating the effectiveness of California’s Paid Family Leave. The report concludes that Paid Family Leave has not been successful in meeting the needs of all working family caregivers. The report also includes suggestions for policy makers and employers to better support working family caregivers.

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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.

Professional Research

Graduate Student Research

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.

View a list of our current donors here.

FCA has led the way in supporting family caregivers for over 40 years.

Your donation makes all the difference!

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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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