Vol. 14, No. 5

May 2023

Dear Friends:


Summer is once again here. For those readers who’ve been caregiving since last summer or longer, and for those who are new to caregiving, FCA recognizes your hard work, dedication, and compassion. We understand how much time, energy, money, and effort it takes to provide care and we are thankful for all that you do. For those of you who’ve started your caregiving journey recently, we have many resources available on our website, including an introductory fact sheet on caregiving, as well as a more detailed caregiver self-care fact sheet. The self-care fact sheet explains why self-care is so important, and lists some ways you can integrate self-care practices into your daily routine. Both new and experienced caregivers are encouraged to take advantage of our free online tool CareNav, designed to help you navigate the complexities of your caregiving journey.



Sincerely,


Calvin Hu

Education Coordinator

edprograms@caregiver.org

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“I don't like to gamble, but if there's one thing I'm willing to bet on, it's myself.

— Beyoncé

WHAT’S NEW AT FCA

Family Caregiver Respite Retreat in Fremont California


Please join FCA and the City of Fremont for a one-day retreat designed especially for you, the family caregiver. Enjoy a visit to Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, located in the historic Mission San Jose district of Fremont. The tree lined campus includes a newly restored home from 1885, the largest mission-era olive grove in California, a labyrinth, and numerous gardens and green spaces throughout. You’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch, educational presentations for caregivers, a therapeutic group activity, and a chance to share your experiences with other family caregivers


Registration is required. This retreat is open to family caregivers.


When: Friday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cost: No charge

Location: Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Circle, Fremont, CA 94539


Click here to register


This program is presented by the City of Fremont in collaboration with Family Caregiver Alliance with additional funding by Alameda County Department of Adult and Aging Services and the California Department of Aging.

FCA LGBTQ Caregiver Support Group


Join a diverse group of LGBTQ caregivers for a new monthly support group! We meet via Zoom and discuss the stresses, challenges, and variety of experiences that come with providing care in our community. This group is for caregivers of those with a variety of illnesses, disorders, and challenges. If you are caring for someone with dementia-specific challenges, we encourage you to check out the LGBTQ Caregivers of Those With Dementia support group.


For more information or to register, contact Adriana Sanchez: asanchez@caregiver.org.


When: 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 4 to 5:30 p.m. (PT), via Zoom


In partnership with Openhouse

New Building Better Caregivers Workshop


Building Better Caregivers is an online workshop that provides group support, guidance from facilitators who are caregivers themselves, and six weekly self-paced lessons to guide you with your care. Participants will learn about practical ways to deal with fatigue and stress; understand how to manage difficult behaviors; get information on how to plan for the long-term as a caregiver; and get tips on getting a good night's sleep, eating healthily, and staying active.


This workshop is for caregivers who live in California (the person receiving care should also be a a resident of California), taking care of an adult with dementia (Alzheimer’s other cognitive impairments), or any other serious injury or illness.


Please click here to join.


This Project is Supported by the California Department of Aging CalGrows Innovaton Fund.

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.
INFORMATION YOU CAN USE

Stroke


A stroke is a type of brain 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 considered 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.

The MIND Diet: Eating to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (webinar recording)


In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than 6 million Americans are living with dementia. This special webinar was presented by public health nutritionist Jocelyn Dubin who explains the tools needed to feed your brain and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementia. This webinar includes information on: the best foods for brain health and wellness, ways to combine foods to reduce the risk of dementia, and easy shortcuts to get brain healthy foods on your plate without having to put in too much work.


Please click here to view a recording.

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 June events, please click here.

ARTICLES FOR CAREGIVERS

Six Simple Strategies for Sleeping Through the Night


Sleep plays an important role in maintining health and well-being. Many caregivers may find that stress, anxiety, or tasks directly related to caregiving work interrupt getting a good night's sleep. This can lead to a vicious cycle of worsening stress, health, and incresed exhaustion. In an article for AARP, Kimberly Goad explains the benefit of sleep, and gives tips on how to get a good night's rest.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?


Assisted living falls between aging in place and a nursing home in terms of level of care. Some services will be provided, but most asssited living residents do not require the round-the-clock care that is standard in a nursing home. While assisted living is not cheap, it is often only half the cost of nursing home care. Forbes writer Molly Wigand explains the type of care assisted living generally provides, indicates where to find information on the average cost of assisted living in your area, and explains if insurance covers assisted living costs.

CAREGIVERS CONNECT:

FCA 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, April 18 to June 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. (PT)

Where: Online

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

June 6

Famous “Fathers” In History

What makes someone, or something, a famous father?! Come share your insights and thoughts as we explore the unique topic of Famous Fathers.

This series 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.


The April edition of Policy Digest can be found hereTo view archived issues of Policy Digest click here. 

RESEARCH LISTINGS

Professional Research Listings


Graduate Student Research Listings

AND ...
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.
CONNECTIONS CREDITS

Editors: Calvin Hu, Al Martinez
Contributors: Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director, Calvin Hu, Lana Sheridan, Leah Eskenazi

BOARD OF DIRECTORS


President: Scott Peifer

Vice-Presidents: Ian Tong, Catherine Lelong

Treasurer: Keely Stevenson

Secretary: Amanda Breeden Warner


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

235 Montgomery Street | Suite 930 | San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (800) 445-8106 | Email: info@caregiver.org
Follow FCA on social media!
Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin  Youtube