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Vol. 15, No. 9
September 2024
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Dear Friends:
September marks Falls Prevention Awareness. Falls are a major cause of injury and death for older adults, and for those injured, full recovery is not guaranteed. Falls can reduce quality of life, limit independence, and generate expensive medical bills.
For family caregivers supporting an older adult, and for older adults who are themselves caregivers, the important news is that falls are not an inevitable part of aging. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers resources that include practical fall prevention steps for family caregivers. The NCOA also hosts a directory of organizations which can provide information about fall prevention training workshops local to you.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
edprograms@caregiver.org
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“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
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New Report Published on the California Caregiver Resource Centers
California’s Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) serve and support family caregivers in the Golden State (FCA is the San Francisco Bay Area CRC). Each year, the Family Caregiver Institute publishes a report on the state of caregiving in California (based on findings from CRC data). This report highlights the unique challenges, experiences, make up, and needs of family caregivers in California.
Please click here to read the report and learn more.
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Last Chance to Submit Applications: Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards
The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards recognize organizations that are delivering dynamic programs that address the needs of family and friend caregivers and those they care for with Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition. Three awards of $20,000 each will be given in the following categories: Creative Expression, Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma, and Public Policy.
To learn more about this program click here, or to submit your application, please click here.
The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards are made possible thanks to generous grants from The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and Bader Philanthropies, Inc.
The deadline to submit applications is October 9, 2024, at 8 p.m. Pacific Time
(please note, the application period will not be extended beyond this date).
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Caregivers Count! 14th Annual Conference
Designed for families and friends caring for ill, frail, or older adults, Caregivers Count is an inspiring, engaging and resource-rich online conference featuring expert speakers covering a wide range of topics including: Safe & Sound, Creating A Safe Home for Your Loved One; End-of-Life Support for Family Caregivers; Navigating Trauma in Caregiving; and From Stress to Serenity: Self Care & Resiliency.
When: Saturdays, September 14, 21, 28, and October 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Registration: click here
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Take our Survey and Improve Support for Caregivers Like You
By giving a microphone to family caregivers, we’re hoping to raise awareness about their experiences and help turn that awareness into stronger recognition and support for them. You can help us by completing this survey for family caregivers.
This 1-page survey is designed to identify family caregivers who are open to talking with reporters and others about their caregiving stories and experiences. We believe that by sharing their stories, caregivers can help our community members and leaders understand the challenges, rewards and complexities of caregiving. FCA may use these stories to highlight and advance the caregiver cause in our educational programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and collaborations with other organizations and agencies in formats such as:
- letters to elected officials
- on our website and in promotional materials
- in training videos and other materials
- on our social media channels
- in presentations to government agencies
FCA never sells your contact information — our only goal is to elevate caregiver voices to improve channels of support. Thank you for your help!
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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.
To learn more, click here or register here.
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Stroke
A stroke is an injury caused by reduced or lack of blood supply to the brain. Without blood, the brain is deprived of oxygen and brain cells die within minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. FCA's Fact Sheet on stroke explains the major types, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and after-effects.
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Communicating With Your Doctor
Many family caregivers find the healthcare system to be impersonal and difficult to navigate. Some caregivers may even feel that medical providers will not listen to them or that they are dismissive of caregiving concerns. FCA’s Tip Sheet provides advice on how to better communicate, voice your concerns, and be heard.
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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 September events, please click here.
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How to Be a Caregiver for Someone With Dementia
Being a caregiver for someone living with dementia can be extremely challenging and exhausting. For those caregivers who feel crushed by the weight of their caregiving responsibilities, AARP’s Kim Painter offers advice gleaned from experts to help you manage your caregiving journey.
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The Hidden Burden of Caregiver Stress
Many caregivers find their own mental and physical health taking a back seat to the needs of the person they are caring for. The demands of caregiving work on top of adult work and responsibilities can make it difficult to lead a balanced life. Jessica Migala, writing for HealthCentral, provides self-care tips for family caregivers.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT:
FCA 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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September 10th
Let's Travel to the World's Most Amazing Waterfalls!
September 17th
Let's Travel to the Wonders of the Galapagos Islands!
September 24th
Let’s Discover How the World Celebrates the Equinox and Welcomes Autumn!
October 1st
Let’s Explore Photography from Then to Now!
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October 8th
Encore Presentation - Let’s Return to Beautiful Hawaii!
October 15th
Let’s Experience the Majesty of Glaciers!
October 22nd
Let’s Experience Flower Festivals and Botanical Gardens Around the World!
October 29th
Let's Explore the History of Astronomy and Legends of the Night Sky!
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When: Tuesdays, September 10 to October 29, from 1 to 2 p.m. (Pacific time)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No charge
Registration: Click here
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.
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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.
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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!
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CONNECTIONS CREDITS
Editors: Calvin Hu, Al Martinez
Contributors: Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director, Calvin Hu, Ingrid Olivar, Leah Eskenazi
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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.
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235 Montgomery Street | Suite 930 | San Francisco, CA 94104
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