Vol. 14, No. 9

September 2023

Dear Friends:

Depression is a common mental disorder that affects millions of Americans, with many family caregivers among these millions. The emotional, physical, and financial demands of providing care can lead to developing mild or more serious depression. For those caregivers who are living with depression, FCA's fact sheet on the topic may prove a helpful starting point. This resource includes symptoms of depression, special caregiver concerns, what to do if you think you have depression, treatment options, paying for treatment, and self-help strategies. This resource is also available in Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, and Vietnamese .

Sincerely,

Calvin Hu

Education Coordinator

edprograms@caregiver.org

“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.”

— H.G. Wells

State Caregiving Profiles Newly Updated

FCA's 50 State Caregiving Profiles provide data related to caregiving and have recently been updated with data from 2023. This information includes the cost of care in each state, as well as the presence or absence of policies supporting caregivers. The profiles also include a wealth of additional data including the average cost of different types of care options, number of family caregivers, and information on care receiver ailments and disabilities.

Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards Application Period Is Open

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Inc., and FCA are pleased to announce that the application period is now open for the Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards 2023.

The awards recognize organizations that are delivering dynamic programs that are addressing the needs of family and friend caregivers and those they care for with Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition.

Applications must be submitted by October 6, 2023 at 8 p.m. Pacific Time.

Three awards of $20,000 each will be given in the following categories: Creative Expression, Diverse/Multicultural Communities, and Public Policy.

To apply, please visit the online application form. Or, learn more about the awards, read the awards FAQs, and find details about awardees from previous years. 

The annual Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards program is made possible with support from The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and the Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers

Self-care is an important, and often overlooked, aspect of caregiving. Practicing self-care will help with mental, emotional, and physical health and will also benefit the person for whom you are providing care. Reading Taking Care of YOU is a useful first step in practicing self-care. Some of the topics covered in this fact sheet include identifying personal barriers, reducing stress, seeking goals, and starting to exercise.

FCA Fact Sheet: Mild Cognitive Impairment 

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition that falls between normal age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease or a similar impairment. A person with MCI may experience memory problems, and difficulties with judgment, thinking and language. To read more about MCI, please click here.

Doctors with Dementia Webinar Series

“Doctors with Dementia: Flipping the Script,” features a group of retired

physicians living with various types of dementia. The goal of this series is to change the

way we approach dementia care. Join to enhance your understanding of cognitive

impairment, improve communication and care skills, and be a part of a collaborative and

compassionate approach to supporting persons living with dementia.

When: Thursdays, October 19 to November 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. PT.

Register: click here

This webinar series is presented by National Council of Dementia Minds.

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 October events, please click here.

New to Family Caregiving? 10 Tips on How to Get Started

Taking on the job of being a caregiver might seem overwhelming, and even impossible with only 24 hours a day. To help out those who recently started their caregiving journey, AARP has provided ten tips for new caregivers, including finding support, creating a budget, and communicating actively.

How to Prevent Burnout and Financial Stress When Caring for an Elderly Parent or Relative

Being a family caregiver can be both emotionally and financially draining. Strained nerves and budgets can lead to burnout, a type of emotional exhaustion brought on by stress. CNBC's Stephanie Dhue and Sharon Epperson give ideas on how to shore up finances with different programs designed to help alleviate caregiving costs and take some pressure off caregivers.

CAREGIVERS CONNECT:

FCA AREA EVENTS

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.

When: Tuesdays, September 26 to November 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. (PT)

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

October 3rd- 

A Musical Journey, Motown!

Join us to feel and learn what gives Motown its distinctive sound!

October 10th- 

Let’s Go to India!

Prepare to be swept away in a world of diverse cultures and enchanting landscapes!

October 17th- 

Let’s Go to Presidio Park ENCORE!

Join us as we continue to explore this beloved San Francisco park. 

October 24th- 

Let’s Explore, Great Inventors!

Who made what and why! A fun and interesting look into Great Inventors!

October 31st- 

Let’s Explore All Hallow’s Eve!

Dig up a turnip and join us for traditions, history, superstitions, and fun! A turnip? That’s right - a turnip. Join us to find out why!

November 7th- 

Let’s Go to Africa!

Travel with us as we share some intriguing locations to inspire a search further into this incredible continent!

November 14th- 

Finding Joyful Moments 

Join us in exploring further the meaning of “Joy” through Hummingbird's seven domains of wellness. 

This class is funded by Alameda County Department of Adult and Aging Services, Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging, the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services, Sourcewise, and the California Department of Aging.

Como Hablar Con Su Doctor (How to Talk to Your Doctor)

Es muy probable que usted, como cuidador de familia, se haya encontrado gradualmente asumiendo el papel de cuidar a su ser querido a medida por la demencia, e otra enfermedad cronica. se ha afianzado, y un primer encuentro con el sistema de atención médica lo ha dejado confundido y con una sensación de que el sistema es muy impersonal y frustrante. Este taller ayuda a clarificar las realidades actuales de la experiencia del cuidado de la salud, le enseña cómo identificar y usar técnicas de comunicación más efectivas con los profesionales de la salud, y a practicar herraminetas poderosas y técnicas de comunicación para ser un mejor defensor en nombre de su ser querido.

Hora: 17 Octubre, 4 p. m. a 5:30 p.m. (hora del pacífico)

Costo: Gratis

Para obtener más información o ayuda: Adriana Sanchez, asanchez@caregiver.org,

(415) 434-3388 ext. 316

PARA PARTICIPAR

Unirse a la reunión Zoom: tinyurl.com/FCA1023

ID de reunión: 821 5587 2414

Código de acceso: 568229

Esta clase está financiada por Zócalo Health y California Department of Aging.

⽼年⼈⽼年退化症/认知障碍症101 (Dementia 101)

对于家庭照顾者来说, 照顾患有⽼年退化症的家⼈是⼀件⾮常艰难的⼯作。我们家庭者照顾联盟现在提供⼀个关于怎样能更明⽩有效地照顾以及怎样与患⽼年退化症病⼈交流沟通的讲座。这次的讲座也会为照顾者提供⼀些怎样处理⽼年⼈退化症病变应对的资讯。

时间: 讲座将于10/19/2023 上午10点开始

费⽤: 不收费

联络: Chi Chang, cchang@caregiver.org, (415) 434-3388 ext. 328

網上課程鏈接: tinyurl.com/FCA101923

本讲座将会为所有家庭照顾者开放,我们会以普通话为主要语⾔进⾏本次讲座。

This workshop is sponsored by AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement) and co-sponsored by UCSF CARE (Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Research and Education) and UCSF ACAD (Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease), with support from the California Department of Aging.

There Must Be A Better Way Than This!

This 2-hour class will help participants understand dementia and the challenging behaviors that sometimes accompany the disease. We will review strategies to help handle these behaviors and help enhance your communication with the person who has dementia.

Registration is only open to non-professional caregivers (family members and friends) who live in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara.

When: Monday, November 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Contact: Amanda Hartrey, ahartrey@caregiver.org, (415) 434-3388 ext. 334

This class is funded by Alameda County Department of Adult and Aging Services, Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging, the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services, Sourcewise, and the California Department of Aging.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

This free six-part class offers new skills and tools for family caregivers of those with a chronic health condition such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, or stroke. At Powerful Tools, you will learn how to: reduce stress, make difficult caregiving decisions, communicate more effectively during challenging situations, and prevent caregiver burnout.

This class is open to family caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

As each class builds upon previous classes, we require attendance at all six sessions.

When: Six consecutive Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., November 7 to December 12

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Contact: Norell Wheeler, nwheeler@caregiver.org, (415) 434-3388 ext. 321

This class is funded by Alameda County Department of Adult and Aging Services, Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging, the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services, Sourcewise, and the California Department of Aging.

CAREGIVING POLICY DIGEST

Caregiving Policy Digest is a publication of the National Center on Caregiving, a program of Family Caregiver Alliance. The newsletter offers a fresh look at the rapidly changing world of caregiving policy―at the local, national, and international levels.

You’ll receive briefings on key legislation, news on innovative public programs, and the latest information on caregiving and long-term care policy at national and state levels. Subscribe here.

Click here to view archived issues of Policy Digest.

Professional Research Listings

• Are you a caregiver of an adult over 50 years old, and willing to try Routinify services at no cost?
• Are you caregiving for your partner who has early-stage Alzheimer's disease? Receive up to $190 for participating in our study!
• Are you or a loved one living with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment?
• Inviting Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia Loss to Participate in an Ongoing Study
• Inviting grandchildren, nieces/nephews, siblings, and step-kin to participate in a telephone-based dementia caregiving study
• Learning from Family and Friends Who Helped with Dementia Care
• LGBTQIA+ & non-LGBTQIA+ Caregivers Needed: Parkinson’s Research
• Nationwide Study for Understanding and Improving Surgical Decision-Making for Persons Living with Dementia, their Family Caregivers, and their Providers – Patients and Caregivers Needed
• Participate in a Study About Dementia and Caregiver Stress
• Recruiting: Finding Ease in Caregiving 8-Week Class

Graduate Student Research Listings

• Caring for a Parent with Dementia
• Characterizing Risk Factors for Burden in Caregivers to Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia
• Help-Seeking Behaviors and Service use for Mental Health in East Asian American Informal Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia
• Measuring Emotional Distress in Caregiver and Patients with Primary Brain Tumors
• Mental Fatigue and Self-Care in Informal Oncology Caregivers
• The Couples Lived Experience Study - Boston University
• The Impacts of Caregiving and Social Support on Stress for Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Ian Tong

Vice President: Karen Sperling

Treasurer: Keely Stevenson

Secretary: Amanda Breeden Warner

Athan Bezaitis, Amber Christ, Deborah Kan, Shruti Kothari, Mary Ellen Kullman, Scott Peifer, Tiffany Riser, Wyatt Ritchie, Marda Stothers, Celine Takatsuno.