Read Connections on a webpage.

Vol. 9, No. 9

Septem ber 17, 2018

Dear Friends:

September 22 is Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Falls are the primary cause of both injury and death for older adults in the United States. Falls can reduce quality of life, limit independence, and be the cause of expensive medical bills.

For family caregivers supporting an older adult, and for older adults who are themselves caregivers, the good news is that falls are not an inevitable part of aging. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers a number of helpful resources including practical fall prevention steps for family caregivers. The NCOA also hosts an online directory of state organizations which can provide information about fall prevention training workshops local to you.

Sincerely,

Calvin Hu

Education Coordinator

[email protected]

Applications Open for 2018 Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in ‪Alzheimer’s Disease ‪‎Caregiving‬ Legacy Awards

FCA in partnership with the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation is pleased to announce the 2018 Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in ‪Alzheimer’s Disease ‪‎Caregiving‬ Legacy Awards are now accepting applications. 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 apply again.

The application deadline is Friday, October 12, 2018, 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).

An online scrapbook is available to view detailing previous recipients of the awards in text, pictures, and video. 

FCA Board Member Rajiv Mehta Recognized as 2018 Influencer in Aging

FCA Board Member Rajiv Mehta has been recognized as a  2018 Influencer in Aging  by Next Avenue. Rajiv is the founder and CEO of  Atlas of Caregiving ,  a nonprofit with the mission and vision to address caregiving challenges through a knowledge of the day-to-day experiences of family caregivers. Atlas of Caregiving is also the developer of CareMaps , a practical tool that helps caregivers visualize and understand their own interconnected caregiving situation. FCA was pleased to offer support to the Atlas of Caregiving pilot project in 2015 and continues as a proud partner.

FCA Executive Director Kathy Kelly stated, “I am so excited and pleased that Rajiv has been recognized for his outstanding and groundbreaking work in caregiving with the recognition by Next Avenue as a 2018 Influencer in Aging! Kudos on the recognition.”

Medication Management Video Series Now Available in Multiple Languages on the FCA Learning Center

Family caregivers are often called upon to provide medication management. This important task includes scheduling when medications need to be taken, understanding if there will be adverse reactions because of another medication or diet, watching for side effects, and re-ordering.

FCA Learning Center’s five-part video series on medication management is available in English, and also Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

To view this video series, please visit the FCA Learning Center , click on Watch and search “medication management.”

Dementia with Lewy Bodies Fact Sheet Updated

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a type of brain disorder that shares many symptoms with Azheimer’ s and Parkinson’ s disease. Unlike these brain disorders, the cognitive abilities of a person living with DLB may change frequently depending on the day or even the hour. A person living with DLB will also experience visual hallucinations and sleep disorders. FCA’ s newly updated fact sheet on Dementia with Lewy bodies will provide readers with caregiver advice, information on symptoms, treatment, and disease diagnosis.

FCA is Hiring 

FCA is accepting applications for the following positions:

Family Consultant (bi-lingual in English/Cantonese) :   Skilled Cantonese-speaking human services professional serving family caregivers.

Accountant: For an entry-level accountant starting in his/her accounting career. 

What Elder Financial Exploitation Looks Like

Elder financial abuse (or exploitation) effects about 1 in 18 older adults living in the United States. Every year, this type of crime defrauds Americans out of approximately $36.5 billion. To help minimize the damage this crime can inflict on the person for whom you provide care, Charles Schwab has complied a list o f common signs of financial elder abuse. Some of these red flags include unpaid bills, withdrawal from friends or family, and sudden changes to a will.

When Your Parent Refuses Caregiving Help

When an adult child notices a parent is in need of help with a few or more day to days tasks, many of these adult children will step in and offer assistance. While some parents accept this support without further discussion, others may reject offers outright. For individuals in this situation, Next Avenue contributor Jody Gastfriend offers advice on how to encourage a parent to accept help.

Take a Look at These Unusual Strategies for Fighting Dementia

Cafés styled as bars, areas furnished as in decades past, virtual bike rides, and indoor beach rooms are some of the unique environments found in memory care facilities in the Netherlands. These facilities are opting for unorthodox solutions to minimize the use of chemical restraints, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotic medications. NY Times journalist Christopher Schuetze reports on these novel methods that focus on keeping residents engaged, active, and relaxed.

Tech Tools for Caregivers

This workshop will offer 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 will include information on how to determine what your needs are, 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).

The Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s YouthCare Offers Innovative Caregiver Respite in Los Angeles

Los Angeles welcomes an innovative approach to respite care for family caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. Care will be offered free by the Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s YouthCare, utilizing trained undergraduate and master students. The program’s venue will be downtown Los Angeles and it will be offered on Fridays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. starting September 14 through December 2. Interested family caregivers should visit the YouthCare’s  website  for more details and sign-up information.

YouthCare’s free respite is being offered in partnership with USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology .

Sharing Stories: The California End Of Life Option Act

The California End of Life Option Act is a “ right to die ” law that allows adult California residents who are terminally ill and meet specific criteria, access to lethal drugs to end their life. Participants who attend this panel will learn about CA End of Life Option Act eligibility requirements and process; hear different perspectives regarding the experience of medical aid in dying; and get information on how to offer support and resources to family or friends who might wish to explore right to die options.

Advance registration is required. CEUs are available (APA, BRN, CAMFT, MCLE). This program is part of IOA’ s AgeOn Academy, a series of classes and events covering issues and interests of older adults. AgeOn Academy programs are made possible by the Julian S Davis, MD, Lectureship Fund. 

When: Monday, September 17, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Institute on Aging

3575 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco 94118

Cost: $15 general admission, $5 seniors (65+) or students

Registration: Click here

Being a Caregiver Workshop

The Buddhist Women’s Association of San Francisco invites family caregivers to attend a special workshop, Being a Caregiver. Participants will learn from experts about the latest science behind brain health, and information about community resources. Presenters include Dr. Boon Lead Tee, Atlantic Fellow at the UCSF Global Brain Health Institute and FCA Community Outreach Specialist Tony Tran. A free lunch is included.

When: Saturday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Buddhist Church of San Francisco, Social Hall 

1881 Pine Street, San Francisco 94109

Cost: No charge

Registration: Buddhist Church of San Francisco office, (415) 776-3158

Remembering for Life in San Lorenzo

Forgetfulness can be a normal part of the aging process, but it can also be a symptom of dementia. Join Eden Health District and Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay for a special program about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Micheal Pope, CEO and Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay, will explain the difference between normal memory loss and dementia, the warning signs of Alzheimer’ s disease, and teach techniques to stay mentally sharp.

Limited seating available, please preregister to guarantee a spot.

When: Tuesday, October 2, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo 94580

Cost: No charge

Registration: (510) 538-2035

Pleasant Hill Family Caregiver Retreat

 

Join fellow family caregivers for the 4th annual Pleasant Hill Family Caregiver Retreat. This year’s retreat will focus on community resources for late life transitions, and will provide practical ideas and information to help assist in your caregiving journey. Experts will present on topics including care management options, finding advice and support in making important decisions, palliative care, and hospice care. The retreat is sponsored by the City of Pleasant Hill Commission on Aging and the Pleasant Hill Senior Center.

Free morning refreshments and a box lunch will be provided by John Muir Health . This retreat is for family caregivers only.  

When: Monday, October 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where:   Pleasant Hill Senior Center

233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill 94523

Cost: No charge

Registration: Danielle Habr, (925) 671-5221

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

Headlines From the September 2018 Caregiving Policy Digest

The entire September 2018 issue is available  here .

Disrupting the Marketplace: The State of Private Long-Term Care Insurance (AARP Report)

Long-term care (LTC) costs are not covered by Medicare or Medigap. Many chronic illnesses and disabling conditions may require some level of LTC. Unfortunately, paying for this type of care out-of-pocket can be very expensive. LTC insurance is designed to cover LTC costs, but premiums are not affordable for many Americans. However, relief may be on the way for those interested in a LTC policy. AARP’s updated report on LTC insurance highlights some of the new initiatives insurance providers are experimenting with to offer more varied, flexible, and affordable policies.

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.

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!

Follow FCA on Social Media!

101 Montgomery Street | Suite 2150 | San Francisco, CA 94104

Phone: (800) 445-8106 | Email: [email protected]

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.

Visit  caregiver.org   today and  JOIN!