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Vol. 10, No. 10

October 16, 2019

Dear Friends:

Approximately two million Californians were without power for days due to a planned blackout by Pacific Gas and Electric. Although customers were supposed to be notified 24 to 48 hours in advance, many were unaware their power would be cut. Those affected individuals relying on medical devices like respirators, ventilators, powered wheelchairs, and dialysis equipment were forced to improvise when the power went out.

Are you and the person you are caring for prepared for a sudden loss of power? Here are resources that can help you plan for a blackout:

Sincerely,

Calvin Hu

Education Coordinator

[email protected]

Innovations in Alzheimer ’ s Caregiving Awards Submission Deadline Extended

FCA, with The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and Helen Daniels Bader Fund , a Bader Philanthropy, is announcing that the Innovations in Alzheimer’ s Caregiving Awards deadline has been extended to Monday, October 21, 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). The awards honor programs in the following categories: c reative expression, diverse/multicultural communities, and public policy. Each winning organization receives a $20,000 award. Please v isit our  information page  for directions and a link to the online application. Previous applicants are encouraged to apply again.

Planning Your Health and Financial Future at Reimagine End of Life Week

Planning Your Health and Financial Future brings together experts for a panel on advance care and end-of-life planning. Part of the San Francisco Bay Area Reimagine week, the free panel will include FCA Clinical Services Manager Christina Irving. Planning Your Health and Financial Future will feature information on the importance of estate planning, what conversations you should be having now, choosing your agents, and creating an advance care directive.

When: Wednesday, October 30, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where:  Peninsula Jewish Community Center

800 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City 94404

Cost: No Charge

Registration: Click here  

FCA is Hiring

FCA is hiring! We’re looking for qualified and interested applicants to fill a current opening in our San Francisco office for a Social Worker - Family Consultant position. For more information and to apply click here. FCA is also seeking a part-time volunteer Junior Accountant.

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7

During the open enrollment period, those on Medicare can make changes to their coverage. Some of these changes include switching from traditional Medicare to an Advantage Plan (or vice versa), switching from one Advantage Plan to another, or making changes to a prescription drug plan.

For those looking to compare the benefits and prices of different plans, Medicare.gov has updated and redesigned its Medicare’s Plan Finder . For a quick review of the Plan Finder tool, please view this video .

International Short Break Association Seeking Abstract Proposals

The International Short Break Association (ISBA) is a global initiative made up of agencies and organisations providing health care and respite services for families concerned with disabilities. As part of the International Respite Conference, the ISBA is asking for proposals for breakout sessions on any aspect of planned or emergency respite service delivery, streamlined access, research, evaluation, policy, best practices, or innovation. The call for presentations is open until  October 16 . Click here to submit your abstract application .

Take Charge: Tips for Advance Care Planning 

Get the health care you want based on what matters most. This webinar will discuss how to talk about your wishes for care with the important people in your life, and how to choose someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so. The webinar will also cover how to write down your wishes using Advance Heath Care Directives and the Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment.

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

Where: ONLINE

Cost: No Charge

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

Registration: Click here

The Delicate Issue Of Taking Away A Senior’s Smartphone

A smartphone is a tool that most people find indispensable for everyday life. Older adults are no exception, with more than 40% owning a device. When memory fails, or judgement falters due to a cognitive illness, family may decide unrestricted use of a smartphone may no longer be safe. Kaiser Health News journalist Judith Graham discusses considerations for those contemplating taking away the smart phone of an older family member or relative.

Power Outages Can Be Deadly for the Medically At-Risk 

The Northern California blackouts initiated by Pacific Gas and Electric have ended. The multi-day power shutoff affected up to two million Californians. Journalists Gabrielle Paluch, Michele Chandler, and Gabrielle Canon, writing for the Palm Springs Desert Sun detail ways local medical professionals coped with power outages in their community. The authors also document the many ways a long loss of power can effect those who rely on powered medical devices, or regular treatments such as dialysis patients.

There Must Be a Better Way Than This! 

A Free One-Day Class for Dementia Caregivers

In this FCA class you’ll have the opportunity to learn tips and strategies for understanding and communicating effectively with someone living with dementia. This class will also cover how to handle difficult behaviors, how dementia impacts a person’s ability to understand and communicate, and how to feel more confident in your caregiving role.

Pre-registration is required and group size is limited. Please let us know if you have a disability and require specific accommodations. This class is specifically for family caregivers, not providers. 

San Francisco

When: Wednesday, October 23, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:  Coventry Place, Main Activities room, fifth floor

1550 Sutter Street, San Francisco 94109

Cost: No Charge

Registration: Adriana Sanchez,  [email protected], (415) 434-3388 x 316

El Cerrito

When: Wednesday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:  El Cerrito Royale, 3rd Floor lounge

6510 Gladys Avenue, El Cerrito 94530

Cost: No Charge

Registration: Amanda Hartrey,  [email protected], (415) 434-3388 x 334

San Rafael

When: Thursday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:  Alzheimer’s Association, Suite F-138

4340 Redwood Highway, San Rafael 94903 

Cost: No Charge

Registration: Amanda Hartrey, [email protected], (415) 434-3388 x 334

Hoy por mi, Mañana por Ti — La Salud Para los Cuidadores Familiares 

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 un lonche gratuito. Como participantes ustedes tendran la oportunidad de educarce en los siguientes temas: Planificacion de cuidado avansado, tecnicas para superar resistencia de parte del el paciente. Y para terminar, los invitamos a una clase de yoga!

 

Cuando: sábado, 23 de noviembre, 9:30 a.m. a 2 p.m.

Donde: 30th Street Senior Center — tercer piso, sala principal

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. — Today for me, tomorrow for you.” 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 advance care planning, overcoming resistance, and will enjoy a light exercise activity. The Latino Forum is in Spanish.

Reimagine End of Life

Reimagine End of Life is a community-driven exploration of death and celebration of life through creativity and conversation. Reimagine explores big questions about life and death. Drawing on the arts, spirituality, healthcare, and design, a week-long series of events are designed to break down taboos and bring diverse communities together in wonder, preparation, and remembrance.

When: Thursday, October 24 to Sunday, November 3

Where:  Various locations in the San Francisco Bay Area

Cost: Varies by event/ activity

Registration: Click here

15th Annual Circle of Care Retreat— Save the Date

The Circle of Care Retreat is for family members, caregivers, and those with MCI or early stage Alzheimer’s. Leading researchers will present key tips for brain health and slowing cognitive decline. Experts will share strategies for creating meaningful moments and bringing more laughter and joy. The Circle of Care Retreat also includes an interactive exhibitor fair. 

For respite care or in-home care, please apply to the Alzheimer’ s Association respite grand fund. Contact Tiffany Mikles for an application: [email protected] . The application deadline is November 21.

When: Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: College of San Mateo

1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo 94402

Registration: Opening soon

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

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Published monthly, this e-newsletter focuses on legislation and policy, caregiving research, and media coverage of caregiving issues. 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.

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

Your donation makes all the difference!

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