Vol. 14, No. 3

March 2023

Dear Friends:

March is National Nutrition Month. This annual campaign was designed to promote sound eating and physical activity habits. Many family caregivers may find eating balanced meals and healthy foods a difficult task because of the demands of their caregiving responsibilities. Stress, lack of enough hours in the day to prepare meals, or tight food budgets due to the expenses of being a caregiver are some reasons why family caregivers may not be eating healthy meals and snacks in healthy portions.

To help manage stress, we hope you will consider encorporating self-care in your daily routines. Financially, there are unfortunately very few programs that pay family caregivers to provide care. Our FAQ on the topic may provide avenues to help offset some of the expenses of caregiving. Finally, for those looking to eat better, caregivers might be interested in trying the MIND diet, a healthy way to eat that is also designed to reduce the risk of dementia. A recording and slides of an FCA webinar on the topic can be found here.

Sincerely,

Calvin Hu

Education Coordinator

edprograms@caregiver.org

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

—  Winston Churchill

WHAT’S NEW AT FCA

New LGBTQ Caregivers Group

We welcome a diverse group of LGBTQ caregivers for a new monthly support group! Join us via Zoom as we 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 consider the LGBTQ Caregivers of those with Dementia Support Group.

In partnership with Openhouse.

When: starting Wednesday, May 17, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (via Zoom) 

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

Study Seeks Long-Distance Family Caregivers

Are you a caregiver for a person with dementia who is receiving home care? A National Institute on Aging-funded study led by researchers at LeadingAge and the University of Massachusetts Boston in collaboration with FCA is evaluating a new support program designed to help long-distance family caregivers of persons living with dementia. You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Are a caregiver age 21 or older
• Are living about 2 hours or more away from your care recipient
• Have a care recipient with dementia AND who is receiving home care

If eligible, you will receive:

• Individualized support from FCA dementia experts, delivered remotely via the use of a tablet
• Tailored dementia education and resources
• A new tablet for the study, which is yours to keep

All intervention activities will be conducted remotely. To learn more and to schedule a brief information and eligibility assessment, please contact the project director, Evan Chunga, richard.chunga001@umb.edu, or contact the principal investigator, Dr. Verena Cimarolli at vcimarolli@leadingage.org, or call (202) 508-9411.

Survey About Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) now allows hearing aids to be sold Over-the-Counter (OTC-HAs) to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. The survey creators, Meg Wallhagen from UCSF and Nick Reed from John Hopkins University, are interested to learn what people like you know about OTC-HAs and if you would consider buying them. The survey is anonymous and should only take about 10 to 20 minutes to complete

Please click here to take the survey.

INFORMATION YOU CAN USE

Caregiver Relaxation Exercises Series

Practicing self-care does not necessarily have to be an expensive activity or one that requires a big time commitment. FCA relaxation exercises can be incorporated into your daily life (try one of the breathing exercises while waiting in line at the grocery store) and are a great way to reduce stress. Our caregiver relaxation exercises include deep breathing, triangle breathing, muscle relaxation, imagery meditation, guided imagery, mindfulness meditation, and breathing mindfulness. Please click here to start.

Assistive Technology

Sometimes called assistive devices, independent living aids, and adaptive equipment, assistive technology (AT) can help the person you are caring for live more independently. AT may also make your job as a caregiver easier. FCA’s assistive technology fact sheet describes different types of AT, explains how to find AT, how to pay for devices, and how to decide what devices or home modifications you might need.

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 April events, please click here.

ARTICLES FOR CAREGIVERS

Hiring a Caregiver Can Be Daunting. Here’s How to Find Someone You Trust.

Many family caregivers find the demands and responsibilities of being a caregiver difficult to manage alone. One option is to hire paid assistance. The Wall Street Journal’s Clare Ansberry gives advice on how families can pay for caregiving help, and shares ideas on how to vet paid caregivers. This article includes expertise from FCA Clinical Services Director and Family Consultant Christina Irving.

I Took Over My Father’s Finances at 25. The Lessons Were Hard-Won.

Taking on caregiving responsibilities can come at any time. For some, becoming a caregiver happens early in adulthood. Samantha Chencharik, writing for the New York Times, shares her story about how she became a caregiver and the manager of her father’s finances. Chencharik also shares insights from experts on how adult children can work with sometimes reluctant parents to help manage finances.  

CAREGIVERS CONNECT:

FCA EVENTS

Demencia 101 (Dementia 101)

Cuidando a alguien que vive con demencia presenta retos únicos para cuidadores familiares. Esta clase le proveerá un entendimiento basico de la demencia y cómo afecta al individuo. Demencia 101 también incluirá algunos consejos para cuidadores en como pueden afrontar los cambios asociados con la demencia.

Dia/Hora: 14 abr, 3 a 4 p. m. Hora del pacífico (EE. UU. y Canadá)

Costo: Gratis

Inscríbase en la fecha y horario que más le convengan: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtfu2srDkpH9bJUeIjQL2jnvxxjCTtow7X

Para obtener más información o ayuda: Adriana Sanchez, asanchez@caregiver.org, (415) 434-3388, ext. 316

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.

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: April 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. (PT)

Where: Online

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Contact: Jo McCord, jmccord@caregiver.org

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.

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

April 18

Let’s go to Paris! 

Join us as we explore the City of Lights and celebrate the anniversary of the unveiling of the Eiffel Tower!

April 25

Let’s go to Jamaica! 

Join us on a trip to the wonders of this Caribbean island nation, with our guest host returning from her travels! 

May 2

Beatles Encore!

In honor of the release of their last album on May 7th, 1970, join us in further exploring the unparalleled career of the Fab Four!

May 9

Let’s go to Golden Gate Park

Join us for this ENCORE trip to explore our beloved Bay Area treasure. 

May 16

The View from a Train

Have you ever rode the rails? Join us as we explore the locomotives, famous moments in railroad history, and see views that can only be seen from a train!

May 23

Monsters, Myths, and Legends from around the world!

Join us as we discover unknown marvels from around the world and revisit the first reported sighting of “Nessie” on May 22, 1933.

May 30

Finding Joyful Moments 

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

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 NOTES

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.

RESEARCH LISTINGS

Professional Research Listings

• Alzheimer’s Disease Research Study
• Care2Sleep Education Program
• LGBTQIA+ & non-LGBTQIA+ Caregivers Needed: Parkinson’s Research
• Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers (LEAF) (SP0044459; NCT03610698)
• Racial/ethnically Diverse Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Caregivers of Individuals Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)
• Research Study for people with a recent Alzheimer's Diagnosis and their Caregivers
• The RISE (Research Inclusion Supports Equity) Registry

Graduate Student Research Listings

• Are you a caregiver for an aging parent or in-law? Seeking romantic couples for an online survey in exchange for $25 Amazon gift card
• Caregiver survey participation request
• Caregivers Use of Alternative Strategies in Managing Dementia
• Communication in the Family
• Interview about Family Relationships and Wellbeing in Dementia
• Mental Fatigue and Self-Care in Informal Oncology Caregivers
• Online Survey about Dementia Family Caregiver Wellbeing

AND ...

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.