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Vol. 14, No. 4
April 2023
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Dear Friends:
National Healthcare Decisions Day happens in April and promotes advance care planning. Advance care planning means making arrangements for incapacity. If you are injured or ill to the point where you can no longer communicate, would a doctor understand and honor your choices and values concerning care? Advance care planning is designed to provide peace of mind for you, and guidance for loved ones if you are unable to communicate your wishes. To get started, FCA has a resources and information page on advance care planning, and also a webinar recording.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
edprograms@caregiver.org
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“We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.”
— Helen Keller
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Save the Date: 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.
For more information: edprograms@caregiver.org
This retreat is open to family caregivers.
When: June 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
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FCA LGBTQ Caregiver Support 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 check out the LGBTQ Caregivers of Those With Dementia support group.
For more information or to register, contact Adriana Sanchez: asanchez@caregiver.org.
In partnership with Openhouse
When: 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 4 to 5:30 p.m., via Zoom
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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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Brookdale National Group Respite Program Grants for Group Respite or Early Memory Loss Programs
The Brookdale Foundation Group has issued a request for proposals for the expansion or start-up of new, social model day programs for people with dementia. In the fall of 2023, The Foundation will be awarding seed grants for the expansion or development of dementia-specific group respite programs or specialized programs for people with early memory loss. The grants are $20,000 for the first year with an opportunity for a second-tier grant of $10,000. Any 501(c)(3) or equivalent not-for-profit service agency wishing to expand or start-up a community-based day program for people with dementia, their families, and caregivers is invited to apply. Proposals are due on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at The Brookdale Foundation Group by email.
Applications for the dementia-specific group respite program should be based on the best practices discussed in the manual, How to Start and Manage a Group Activities and Respite Program for People with Alzheimer’s and Their Families. For programs focusing on early memory loss, a replicable model is outlined in the guide: How to Plan and Implement an Early Memory Loss Program. To order these free publications and to download grant guidelines and the RFP application, visit: brookdalefoundation.org.
For Additional Information Contact: Carmen Mendieta, cm@brookdalefoundation.org
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Holding a Family Meeting
Caregivers are often advised to seek help to lessen the caregiving workload. For many individuals, the natural place to turn for such help is family. FCA’s Holding a Family Meeting fact sheet provides information on how to approach the subject, advice on creating an agenda, lists key points to consider discussing, and explains potential conflicts that may arise.
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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 May events, please click here.
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The Cost of Senior Care is Rising While Caregivers are ‘Drowning’ Without Help
Being a family caregiver can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. CNN’s Amanda Musa shares the experiences of different caregiving families, and explains the many challenges they face. Musa’s article focuses particularly on the cost of care, and why senior care is so expensive.
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How to Stay Flexible at Any Age
Many older adults experience a decrease in flexibility, which can lead to pain, and loss of strength and balance. Next Avenue writer Debbie L. Miller explains why flexibility is important, and also provides a number of simple exercises to improve flexibility.
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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.
When: Tuesdays, April 18 to June 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. (PT)
Where: Online
Cost: No charge
Registration: Click here
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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!
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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.
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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. | |
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Dementia 101
Caring for someone living with dementia poses many unique challenges for family caregivers. This class will provide a basic understanding of dementia and how it affects an individual. Dementia 101 will also include some tips for caregivers on how to cope with these changes.
This class is open to family caregivers.
When: Monday, May 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. (PT)
Where: Online (Zoom)
Cost: No charge
Registration: Click here
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.
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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.
The April edition of Policy Digest can be found 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, Lana Sheridan, Leah Eskenazi
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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.
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235 Montgomery Street | Suite 930 | San Francisco, CA 94104
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