Vol. 12, No. 2
February 2021
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Dear Friends:
You might have noticed that FCA has a new look, which is reflected in the banner above. We refreshed our logo to show our renewed commitment to serving family caregivers everywhere, especially during these unprecedented times. As the support needs of caregivers become greater, FCA must evolve to meet those needs.
Among the many ways we share information with family caregivers, our most used resource is our website, caregiver.org. Though it will be formally relaunched next month, it's available to you now. We redesigned it so that caregivers like you can find the information you need more quickly. The new site offers all the same resources, but they're organized and presented in a much more user-friendly way. Please stay tuned for more information.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
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“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.”
— H.G. Wells
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Caregiver Listening Sessions
Are you interested in sharing your caregiving experiences in a small group setting? FCA is seeking feedback to improve support services provided to caregivers of individuals living with neurodegenerative diseases. The Caregiver Listening Session is 90 minutes and open to current and former family caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area who are taking care of someone living with: Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, ALS, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Listening Session participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
When: Wednesday, March 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Wednesday, March 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Tuesday, March 23, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.; or Tuesday, March 30, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
To apply: Complete a short application here, or leave your name and phone number at (415) 434-3388 x317 to complete an application over the phone.
Support for the Caregiver Listening Sessions is provided by the Adira Foundation.
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LGBTQ Older Adults Survey for the San Francisco Area
The San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services is seeking feedback on the unmet needs of LGBTQ individuals over 50 who live and/or work in the S.F. Bay Area. The survey is available in English and Spanish, and results will help guide city policy. Please click here to complete the survey online, or call (415) 935-3978 to schedule a time to complete the survey by phone (in English or Spanish). |
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Documentary Film Team Seeks Interviewees
Documentary film about Alzheimer’s Dementia, "Walk With Me," produced by an Academy Award winning team, seeks potential interviewees and subjects - those with young onset dementia, preferably in early stages. The film follows the journey of the director and her husband as they navigate his diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s, and what it means for their shared future. Because there is much stigma around dementia, the objective of the film is to shift the perspective by portraying real people living with it with honor and truth. See website walkwithmedoc.com and email walkwithme@castingdouble.com for more info. |
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Get Your Own Personalized Caregiving Resource Dashboard
Go online to complete a brief questionnaire and get a personal dashboard loaded with information that matches your unique caregiving needs. CareNav, our secure online service, offers quality information, support, and resources for family caregivers of adults with chronic physical or cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other illnesses.
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COVID-19 Vaccine: Myth vs. Fact
Some people have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines. To help calm these fears, the City and County of San Francisco has released a fact sheet available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Tagalog. The fact sheet covers topics including getting vaccinated for those who already had COVID-19, vaccine side effects, and mask wearing after getting vaccinated. |
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Caregiver Resource Center Classes
The California Caregiver Resource Centers (CRC) serve families and caregivers of adults affected by chronic and debilitating health conditions (FCA is the San Francisco Bay Area CRC). FCA is now hosting a calendar of classes, workshops, and events compiled from each of the 11 CRCs and open to family caregivers across the country.
For more information on events in February, please click here. |
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Take Charge! Tips for Advance Care Planning
What matters most to you for your care? How would others know? This webinar will discuss how to talk about your wishes for care with the important people in your life, and cover 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.
Presenter: Mary Matthiesen is the Chief Strategy Officer with Mission Hospice & Home Care in San Mateo. She has led awareness initiatives on end of life issues internationally, and supports the innovative educational offerings at Mission Hospice as well as her passion of engaging partners to co-create more compassionate communities for those living with serious illness, death, and bereavement.
When: Wednesday, February 24, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No charge
Contact: edprograms@caregiver.org
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Tony Bennett's Battle With Alzheimer's
With an instantly recognizable voice, and decades of star power, Tony Bennett is a true global icon. However, unknown to the world and legions of fans, Bennett has been living with Alzheimer's. Journalist John Colapinto writing for AARP shares Bennett's story and talks with his wife Susan Benedetto about her caregiving journey. |
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‘How Am I Going To Keep This up?’ COVID Intensifies Plight of Family Caregivers
The responsibilities of caregiving often take a big emotional, physiological, and financial toll. The pandemic has only exacerbated the struggles of family caregivers, with adult day centers closed, the risk of home health workers and exposure to COVID-19, being isolated at home, and many other new challenges. Anne Marshall-Chalmers writing for CalMatters highlights these difficult obstacles by sharing caregiver Ann Lucero's story, and by interviewing caregiving experts. |
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT:
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA EVENTS
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Let’s Get Away Together
This series is comprised of interactive sessions with each week focusing on a new place or cultural activity, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft. Each session will include a follow-up message filled with tips, activities, and recipes for families to continue to enjoy after the virtual trip. The focus of each group is to explore a new world, experience a variety of engaging opportunities, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community.
Let’s Get Away Together is intended to be an enjoyable activity for family caregivers and the person they care for. Those receiving care who are able to participate in the discussion and activities are encouraged to attend with their family caregiver.
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February 23—Celebrating the Chinese New Year and Other New Beginnings
Learn more about yourself through discovering your Chinese Zodiac symbol and celebrating other “new beginnings!”
March 2—Exploring the Wisdom and Wit of Dr. Seuss!
Explore Dr. Seuss’ influential wisdom and wit, and much of his lesser-known and hidden artwork, in honor of his birthday!
March 9—Flash from the Past: Iconic Toys and Other Collectibles
Let’s explore and reminisce about iconic toys and other collectibles - you may be surprised at what you discover!
March 16—Virtual St. Patrick’s Day Party!
Bring your green and join Katrina for a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, including live, traditional Irish fiddle music and history of the holiday!
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March 23—Nature's Wonders: Exploring the Spring Equinox
Spring is here! Let’s welcome the new season by viewing extraordinary gardens and waterscapes around the world.
March 30—Spring has Sprung!
A joyful look at spring through art with an April Fool’s twist
April 6—Encore! Celebrating Classical Music
Learn about well-known composers and listen to their music in this informative dialogue on classical music favorites, including a LIVE performance.
April 13—Adventures to Fiji!
What islands have you traveled to? Let’s explore the gorgeous beaches, oceans, culture, and life of the Fijian Islands.
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When: Tuesdays, February 23 to April 13, from 1 to 2 p.m. (PT)
Where: Online
Cost: No charge
Registration is open to family caregivers.
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Mabisang Komunikasyon sa Pangangalaga
(Effective Communication)
Ang webinar na “Mabisang Komunikasyon sa Pangangalaga” ay para sa mga family caregivers na ang pangunahing wika ay Tagalog bilang tulong at suporta sa pagsiyasat ng mas mabuti at mas mabisang pamamaraan sa komunikasyon. Ang mga family caregivers ay kadalasang nagsusumikap na panatilihin ang magandang komunikasyon at iwasan ang hidwaan sa loob ng pamilya. Ang webinar ay itatanghal sa wikang Tagalog para sa pakinabang ng mga Pilipinong caregivers at sa mga family caregivers na ang pangunahing wika ay Tagalog. Ang pangunahing layunin nito ay para tulungan ang family caregivers na unawain ang kahirapan sa komunikasyon sa loob ang kani-kanilang pamilya at para sa kanilang mas mabisang pagtaguyod.
This Effective Communication webinar is for family caregivers whose primary language is Tagalog as an aid in exploring ways for better and effective communication. Family caregivers often struggle with maintaining good communication and avoiding conflicts within the family. This webinar which will be presented in Tagalog is for the benefit Filipino caregivers and Tagalog-speaking family caregivers. The main purpose is to help the family caregivers to understand the complexities of communication with their families and to cope effectively.
Kailan: Pebrero 25, 1:30 PM - 3 PM Pacific Time
Halaga: Gratis
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Caregiving 101
The goal of this class is to identify what a caregiver is, the importance of being identified as a caregiver, and to provide the participant with an understanding of the impact they potentially leave on the care of their loved ones and themselves.
When: March 10, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. (PT)
Where: Online
Cost: No charge
Registration is open to family caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Herramientas poderosas para Cuidadores
Esta clase ofrece nuevas habilidades y herramientas para cuidadores familiares de personas con una enfermedad crónica como Alzheimer, Parkinson o derrame cerebral. Los participantes aprenderán cómo: reducir el estrés, tomar decisiones difíciles sobre el cuidado, comunicarse de manera más eficaz y prevenir el agotamiento.
Esta Clase esta abierta a cuidadores familiares en la area de la Bahia de San Francisco Y los condados de (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara). Esta clase es especificamente para cuidadores familiares y no para proveedores profesionales.
This class offers new skills and tools for family caregivers of people with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or stroke. Participants will learn how to: reduce stress, make difficult caregiving decisions, communicate more effectively and prevent burnout.
Fechas: Marzo 17, 24, 31, Abril 7, 14, 21, 5:30 pm a 7 pm
Costo: Gratis
(415) 434- 3388
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Powerful Tools
This class offers skills and tools for family caregivers of those with a chronic condition like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or stroke. Participants will learn how to: reduce stress, make hard caregiving decisions, communicate more effectively, and prevent burnout. Open to San Francisco Bay Area residents.
When: Six consecutive Thursdays, March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: No charge
Registration is open to family caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT:
PARTNER EVENTS IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
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JFCS East Bay Virtual Memory Cafe
Family caregivers and their care receivers with mild cognitive impairment are
invited to join JFCS East Bay at a new virtual Memory Cafe. Memory Cafe participants can expect to find: a time to relax, socialize, and meet others facing similar
cognitive challenges; a venue to participate in a variety of activities; and experience opportunities to laugh, learn, and explore.
When: Monday, February 22, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Cost: No charge
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Caring for Our Senior LGBTQ Partners/Friends and Ourselves
This is a 10 session group serving the full spectrum of senior LGBTQ+ community members caring for LGBTQ partners/friends and ourselves as we age. The group will focus on facing medical conditions and issues of aging through personal exploration, group support, and education. The group is facilitated by Dr. Melinda Ginne, a clinical psychologist with a 35 year career specializing in geriatrics and the treatment of the psychological aspects of acute chronic and life-threatening medical illness.
When: Mondays, April 26 to June 28
Where: Online
Cost: No charge
Registration: Barbara Jue, (510) 736-5428, please leave your phone number, e-mail address, and name. Someone will call you back for a short interview.
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Professional Research Listings
Graduate Student Research Listings
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Thank you!
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!
You can also help support FCA by choosing us as your Amazon Smile charity. |
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CONNECTIONS CREDITS
Editors: Calvin Hu, Al Martinez
Contributors: Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director, Calvin Hu, Lana Sheridan, Leah Eskenazi
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Celine Takatsuno
Vice-President: Keely Stevenson
Treasurer: Wyatt Ritchie
Secretary: Amanda Breeden Warner
Acting Secretary: Kathleen Raffel
Athan Bezaitis, Deborah Kan, Shruti Kothari, Catherine Lelong, Dan Lieberman, Rajiv Mehta, Scott Peifer, Tiffany Riser, Ian Tong
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101 Montgomery Street | Suite 2150 | San Francisco, CA 94104
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Follow FCA on social media! |
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