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Our newsletter is filled with information on some of the wonderful programs and services we offer to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other memory impairment.
As always, our team is here to help ~ whenever you are ready to reach-out!
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February is the Month for Love
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Valentine's Day is one holiday that has been around for a very long time. Although it is based on religious origins, the holiday itself has evolved.
Today we see Valentine's Day as a celebration of love and affection, and tradition dictates that we participate in an exchange of flowers, cards and chocolates. Valentine's Day is mostly focused on romantic love, but does not exclude the affection shared between family and friends. For this reason, it can be difficult for elderly loved ones to maintain a cheery outlook on this holiday, especially if they have lost their spouse or other loved ones and feel like they are alone.
It's up to you to remind them that they are loved and supported!
Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to bring people together! Making cards together is a great activity that can involve the entire family. Try assembling a variety of materials ahead of time. Your loved one's motor skills may not be too strong, so having a selection of pre-cut shapes like hearts and stars can reduce a great deal of frustration.
Even if your loved one cannot participate in making any Valentine's Day crafts, they will still be sure to appreciate any Valentines made by children or other family members, so keep them in mind! If your loved one is in a medical facility or a nursing home, a bouquet of flowers can be a very thoughtful touch and brighten up the room and the mood, as your loved one can appreciate the gift for weeks and show it off to staff, visitors, and the other residents. Sending Valentines on behalf of your loved one is another great way to help them participate.
Instead of purchasing overpriced chocolate, one popular Valentine's Day tradition is to to make homemade treats, which is another great family activity. This can be a great opportunity for an elder to shine by contributing an old recipe and teaching younger family members. Perhaps there's a secret banana bread recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation, that you need to try! Whatever the case may be, always include your aging loved one in activities and celebrations. They'll feel the love and eventually give it back!
Love is not as simple as candles and roses.
Love is day-to-day living, taking time, making time to be there,
with open arms and a giving heart. Love is the special moments
in life we share that will be with you always.
Happy Valentine's Day Caregivers!
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10 Ways to Show Love to the Person You Care For
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 Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease is a full time job, one that can cause a large amount of stress. However, loving someone with Alzheimer's can bring joy into your life and be extremely rewarding if you remember a few simple things.
In honor of Valentine's Day, here are 10 ways to show your loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia how much you love them:
1. Pay Attention
It's the simplest, easiest way to show someone you actually care. Take note of their likes and dislikes and try to remember the little details.
2. Take a Sincere Interest in the Things They Care About
If someone really matters to you, than so should whatever they are passionate about.
3. Give Little Gifts or Tokens of Affection
Instead of flowers, maybe pick up their favorite snack or treat, maybe a movie or cup of coffee they like. Maybe you could make them a personalized CD or music playlist. Just something small that shows you've been thinking about them.
4. Include Them in Your Future Plans
You don't have to do everything together but you should respect and care about them enough to keep them up-to-date and involved with your life.
5. Respect Their Need for Space
This can be tricky because the person you care for relies on you to always be there but space is a key component to any healthy and lasting relationship. Find ways to give each other a couple minutes of space each day or week. Ask a family member to help with care or consider hiring a caregiver to give you some respite.
6. Spend Time with Their Friends
This shows that you care enough about someone to deal with their entire package, friends and all. Maybe you'll learn something about your loved one from their experience with old friends.
7. Master the Art of Being Lazy Together
Find joy in pajama days together. On rainy days, have movie marathons. Even on sunny days, find time to relax, cuddle or take a nap together.
8. Be Willing to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone for Them
As their disease progresses, you will need to learn new techniques and perform new tasks related to caring for your loved one. Don't be scared to step out of your comfort zone to better help your loved one.
9. Anticipate Their Wants and Needs
If you know your loved one is running out of milk at home, then pick up a gallon for them before you head home. Or, maybe they've been wanting to see a new movie - rent it for them and watch it together. Surprising them with something they want or need will let them know that you've been paying attention and that you care.
10. Tell Them You Care Often
Actually tell them you care - and do so frequently. Confess your love! Tell him/her that they are the best thing in the world. Never underestimate a meaningful and sincere expression of your love for someone. If they love you back, it never gets old to hear!
"A true relationship is two unperfect people refusing
to give up on each other" ~Unknown
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Sustaining a Healthy Brain for All Ages
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6 Ways to Create Peace of Mind
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To family caregivers, peace of mind can seem like a distant friend. They want to reconnect but time and space stand in the way of making that happen. Today, we're here to give you 6 tips to create peace of mind in your life. The first thing we need to do is adjust our thinking about peace of mind. Realize that peace is always available to you.
Of course, it's not easy to choose peace when situations are crazy and things seem really tough or out-of-control. When we go through those rough patches it can feel like stress and worry are the only emotions available but that's just not true. Here are 6 things you can try to create peace of mind!
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Donate Your Old iPods
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The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center is proud to be a
Music & Memory Certified Organization. Our goal is to bring music to everyone who chooses to participate in the Music & Memory program, but we're going to need some help.
Do you have a gently used iPod that you no longer need?
Help us spread the music and find your iPod a good home for someone living with dementia.
Your
iPod donation will go to a person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia to help improve their quality of life. Personalized music on an iPod revitalizes a person and restores a deep sense of self to those suffering from Alzheimer's. Please help us make a difference in the life of a loved one!
To send us an old iPod, please mail or bring it in to this address:
2328 10th Ave North #600
Lake Worth, FL 33461
Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting us!
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| Cupid Floats: A Sweet Treat for Valentine's Day |
The Cupid Float is a fun twist on the classic root beer float. This drink is made with soda and ice cream and the result is a creamy, fizzy, fun thirst quencher!
Cupid Floats are a perfect Valentine's Day drink you can serve with your Valentine dinner, or you can make them with your loved one as a special treat to celebrate the holiday. Below you will find
the step by step process!
Cupid Floats
A Sweet Treat for Valentine's Day
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream to a drinking cup or mug.
- Fill the cup with cherry soda.
- Cut the ends off of 1 strand of red licorice, then place into the cup to use as a straw.
- Drink with your loved ones and enjoy!
Contact the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center anytime at (561) 588-4545.
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Love is a Condition
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For more great posts like this, follow the
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| Paint for Fun Class for Caregivers & Loved Ones |
The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center will host
a monthly Paint for Fun™ class on
Friday, February 15, 2019
from 10:00am - 12:00pm
There is no charge to attend!
Working step by step, with our instructor, you will create your very own masterpiece. During the painting class, participants will enjoy upbeat music, snacks, and refreshments in a fun and cheerful environment.
When complete, all participants can keep their painting as a souvenir. Come join the fun!
No experience needed! Space is limited.
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| Become a Comforting Companion |
Would you like a rewarding job as a caregiver where you can make a difference in someone's life? Do you know someone who enjoys working with the elderly?
We are currently looking for caring, kind, dependable and personable individuals who desire to provide non-medical, in-home care to the elderly. Tasks typically include:
- Companionship and conversation
- Meal preparation and planning
- Light housekeeping
- General assistance
If you're a warm, enthusiastic and compassionate person with a heart for working with seniors, then the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center could be perfect for you. We offer competitive pay and a personally rewarding work environment where you can truly feel good about what you are doing.
Call Today to Learn How to Get Started! (561) 588-4545
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February 2019 Calendar of Events
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| Click on the Calendar to Enlarge or Print |
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| Click on the Calendar to Enlarge or Print |
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About Us
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The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization,
is the only non-profit organization in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin and St. Lucie county focused strictly on meeting the needs of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers. We are so excited that we can bring these wonderful programs and services to the community and further our mission of helping caregivers to relax, renew and reach-out to help meet their own unique self-care needs.
You can reach us at
(561) 588-4545
or
Sincerely,
Alzheimer's Care Resource Center |
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