Alzheimer's Association "Redefining the Quality of Life"

"Alzheimer's Awareness - Redefining the Quality of Life," November 2007, has a series of articles including "Chemistry in Our Daily Life," "Life Enrichment," "Music Therapy," "Early Stage Support Groups," "Would Care Management Help?," and "Getting What You Need."

Sara Bartlett, Caregiver Consultant, Alzheimer's Association, San Luis Obispo Office, writes "There is hope on the horizon, with nine drugs for Alzheimer's currently in clinical trials and advances in diagnostic tools." Her article, "Who We Are, What We Do," provides an overview of the Alzheimer's Association.

Below is a list of services available through the Association.

(1) Client and Family consultations in the office or home
(2) Assessment to ascertain the needs of family
(3) Long term care planning
(4) Information and referral to resources in the community
(5) Education and training tailored to the family's individual needs
(6) Practical tools for care-giving
(7) Current information on the disease
(8) Suggestions for caregiver's self-care
(9) Outreach to the community
(10)Support groups for family members, caregivers, and those with Alzheimer's
(11) Safe Return Program for identifying those with dementias that become lost
(12) Respite care Funds to help caregivers take care of themselves
(13) Services available in Spanish or English
(14) Resource library of books, videos and journals

The supplement "Alzheimer's Awareness - Redefining the Quality of Life," appeared as a supplement in "The Tribune" of San Luis Obispo County, California.

For more information you can locate your nearest Alzheimer's Association office by going to the website at alz.org.

Candles of Care for Alzheimer's - Photos, A Day of Caring

The National Commemorative Candle of Care Lighting Ceremony for Alzheimer's, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America was celebrated today. Shining a light on Alzheimer's, and related illnesses, from coast to coast, people everywhere shared a day of caring.





At the local Central Coast Senior's Center, San Luis Obispo, California, there were 27 candles lit, people gathered in a circle, shared prayers and memories, and Kristi Gott provided a speech with information about Alzheimer's and research. For the speech Kristi used quotations for emphasis from Eric Hall, CEO and founder of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and from Carol Bradley Bursack, author of Minding Our Elders, both of whom write blogs at OurAlzheimers.com.

After Kristi's prayer of thanks and hope for a cure, many people offered their prayers and memories also.

Nearby, a local seniors' "Expo 55" was held, sponsored by the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce, and Community Health Centers. The Central Coast Seniors had a Candle Lighting Ceremony at the beginning of the day at their exhibit and kept a Candle of Care lit all day.

At both ceremonies resources were provided where people can get information about Alzheimer's, dementia, and related diseases.


Pictured on the left is Central Coast Seniors Center manager Betty Milne at the "Expo 55+", with brochures about Alzheimer's and a Candle of Care burning brightly.

Candles of Care for Alzheimer's Today - Hopes, Prayers and Memories

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America sponsors the National Commemorative Candle Lighting that will be held today. People will be united with inspirational thoughts, hopes for a cure, prayers, and memories of loved ones whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer's.

Our local site for the ceremony is The Central Coast Seniors Center, Oceano, California. During the lighting of candles we are going to join hands and think of the Candles of Care being lit everywhere for Alzheimer's. Our thoughts, words and prayers will be with all those whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s or related illnesses, and we will join together with our hopes for a cure.

Locally we will also have a Candle of Care for Alzheimer's burning at an Expo for Seniors that is being held today, and there will be a gathering at the South County Regional Center, Arroyo Grande as well.

Writer Carol Bursack, author of Minding Our Elders, said it well in her blog at OurAlzheimers.com titled "Speak Out About Alzheimer's During November!" She says "Whether you as a caregiver have been dealing with this heartbreaking disease for one day or 20 years, I encourage you to share your story. Speak to friends, neighbors, colleagues, strangers."

Eric Hall, founder and CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America writes this week at OurAlzheimers.com and says "A lot of awareness-raising goes on during these next few weeks. The media, thankfully, jumps on the issues more. Legislators become more cognizant of the extent and enormity of Alzheimer's disease and caregiving. Those in the throes of the disease and/or caregiving gain recognition. Others become educated. Many are drawn into the cause and become dedicated advocates.


Today's blog will end with a prayer for Alzheimer's, "Dear God, we hold the memories of those whose lives have been effected by Alzheimer's close to our hearts. We thank you for the joy they brought to us, and for the progress that has been made in Alzheimer's research. We join as one to pray for a cure today."

Caregivers Who Are Grieving Can Turn to Hospice for Grief Support

• In 1996 when my husband died from cancer, I was not aware of the many types of bereavement groups, educational activities, and counseling that are available from Hospice. Today, I'm very familiar with our local Hospice in San Luis Obispo , California, both from my own experience and from my work.
  
  Family members, caregivers and friends who are grieving can go to the website for the Hospice Foundation to locate a Hospice nearby for grief support. Hospice of San Luis Obispo County is located at 1304 Pacific Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, and the phone number is (805) 544-2266 or (805) 434-1164. The website is at hospiceslo.org.
  
  The variety of grief support programs range from special events to prepare for getting through the holidays without a loved one, to multi-cultural events such as Dia De Los Muertos, which is Mexico's Day of the Dead, and is a little bit similar to a different version of All Saints Day.
  
  The Hospice of San Luis Obispo County is in a beautiful, large, old, craftsman style house, almost a mansion, and the warmth and friendliness of bygone days seems to provide an uplift when you go in the door. A variety of poetry books sit on an antique table as you walk over to the receptionist. A wide range of original art representing different ethnic backgrounds decorates the walls, and it's the kind of place where everyone feels comfortable.
  
  There is no charge for attending Grief Groups or for individual counseling, but a donation to show gratitude is always welcome.
  
  The grief groups include general grief groups for walk-ins, widow and widower groups, pet grief groups, and other specialized groups. Counselors are available to provide individual grief counseling as well.
  
  A notebook full of helpful leaflets about grieving is provided and across from the receptionist is a library full of related books that you can check out.
  
  One of the leaflets is titled "The After Loss Credo" and starts with the following.
  
  "I need to talk about my loss.
  I may often need to tell you what happened or to ask you why it happened.
  Each time I discuss my loss I am helping myself...
  I need to know that you care about me.
  I need to feel your touch, your hugs,
  I need you just to be with me."
  
  Another leaflet is titled "Please, See Me Through My Tears" and begins like this.
  
  "You asked, "How are you doing?" As I told you, tears came to my eyes. You immediately began to talk again, your eyes looked away from me, your speech picked up, and all the attention you had given me went away."
  
  Features and expressions of grief are described elsewhere, including physical symptoms/sensations, emotional responses, cognitive responses, and behaviors.
  
  Steps of grieving, grief rituals, and coping with grief are titles of other topics covered in the notebook packet. One page is titled, "There is no timetable for recovering from grief." It's important to understand that each person's grief is different. No two people will grieve alike.
  
  Hospice Grief Programs provide a place where it is safe for bereaved people to talk and express their feelings with others who are grieving. It's a safe haven, and a place to share. Hearing how others are coping can help each individual navigate the grief process.

Alzheimer's Consultant and Caregiver's Guide Provide Resources

"What Now? Caregiver's Quick Guide and Resource Manual" from the Alzheimer's Association enables caregivers to attend "Caregiver University." I learned more about it when I met with Alzheimer's Consultant Jacque Murray (pictured) of the California Central Coast Chapter. Jacque provides consultations in a variety of settings and makes appointments for in-home consultations as well.

The guide is just one of the many resources you can find at the Alzheimer's Association.

A look at Section 1 of the book shows that among many topics the following are covered.

"(1) What is Alzheimer's Disease (2) The Dementia Umbrella (3) Medical and Scientific Basics (4) Get a Complete Diagnosis (5) Is It Alzheimer's Disease or...(6) Are All Person's With Alzheimer's Disease Alike (7) What Can I Expect From My Loved One (8) EarlyOnset Alzheimer's Disease (9) A Reminder About the Symptoms and Stages (10) The Three Stages."

Other Sections cover such topics as "Putting Legal and Financial Affairs in Order", "Learning to Manage Challenging Behaviors," and "Hiring and Managing In-Home Caregivers."

The book is available to Alzheimer's caregivers, along with an extensive group of other helpful material about Alzheimer's and caregiving.

Contact your local Alzheimer's Association for information about having a consultant come to your home and about obtaining Alzheimer's information.

Arts and Crafts Fair at Senior Center - Friends, Fun and Creativity

Arts and Crafts Fairs provide seniors, their families, and their caregivers with a chance to mingle, socialize and set up a booth or table for selling their creative handmade items. I visited the Central Coast Seniors Center Craft Fair and Bake Sale on Saturday, November 3, 2007.

The details and imagination that went into the decorated trinket boxes, handpainted mirror frames, elaborate woodcarving and other items were beautiful. It was a reminder that store bought items just don't have the same vintage quality that handcrafted items do. A handmade heirloom is always so special.

Pictured at the Craft Fair is Twila Witt, wearing a hand-decorated sweatshirt, and holding several of her "wearable art" hand-painted tops. Twila's display was an example of the huge variety that some people create. Some of her crafts include sand-painting, crocheting baskets, embroidering pillows, and crocheting trim on handmade dishtowels. She also exhibits are many small and large craft shows throughout the central coast.

Woodcarving, handmade jewelry, scented sachets, bumpy boucle' knit scarves, hand-crafted Christmas ornaments, and homemade candles were some of the other crafts.

The seniors enjoy creating these beautiful items at home and many attend arts and crafts classes at the Central Coast Senior Center. The opportunity to join up with others who have a shared interest provides for a way to meet friends. Family members and caregivers often participate also, and the crafts provide a fun group activity.

An Alzheimer's Family Caregiver Speaks on Isolation, Exhaustion and Stress

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month today's blog post is dedicated to family caregivers and people whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer's.

In the picture are two ladies whose story highlights this month's messages, and who represent so many others who are in similar circumstances.

Stella Carrasco, on the left in the picture, is a 63 year old family caregiver who is going through tests for a liver transplant. For the last four years she has been the sole caregiver for her mother, Mary Chaparro, 82, who has Alzheimer's. Stella gave permission for her story to be part of this blog, and she hopes it will help others to understand what a situation like hers is like. In the photo Stella and Mary are at a local Craft Fair, held today, displaying some of the beautiful items they create by hand at home.

There is no caregiver relief or support because Mary, due to the Alzheimer's symptoms, rejects the relief caregivers they've tried. "Mom has been so against it," Stella said. "She doesn't trust anybody, she's always thinking they are taking her money, then she hides, it, and accuses me of taking the money."

Stella is with her mom 24 hours a day because Mary cannot be left alone due to the Alzheimer's Disease. They tried having some outside help, but Stella explained the caregivers who came in were young and inexperienced, and did not understand Alzheimer's Disease or communication with someone who has it.

Stella explained, "What hurts me to no end is when she accuses me of taking her money. It brings me to tears." She said that when exhaustion and stress get to be too much she sleeps all day, but keeps the door to her room open in order to hear her mom and wake up if she is needed.

She said, "Being at the craft fair at the Central Coast Seniors Center today is the first real outing since 2003. On Sundays someone takes Mom to Mass and I can rest for awhile. Otherwise we are at home working on crafts. I don't have anybody I can really talk to. I don't have a social life. I am isolated."

Stella and I met when I was taking digitial photos of a Craft Fair and Bake Sale for the Central Coast Seniors Center site. She explained about her mother, and we sat down for a visit. Stella donated a beautiful handmade afghan for the raffle today. The exquisite heirloom quality handmade crafts that she and her mother make use many vintage items as decoration.

What can be done? The manager of the Central Coast Seniors Center, and a local church pastor, and I gave Stella our phone numbers and took her number. She won't be alone because we will call her, she can call us, and we will get together to visit. We are working on some ideas for some relief and support for Stella.

Betty Milne, the manager at the Central Coast Seniors Center, is checking the schedule to see when we can schedule a caregivers day out with lunch and a video on the large screen at the center. Stella said a humorous movie would help reduce stress. She will bring her mother to enjoy the movie too. We exchanged hugs, and I am so happy to have met such a dedicated caregiver and friend.

Additionally, we are getting into contact with the local Area Agency on Aging and the local Alzheimer's Association, as well as resources at San Luis Seniors. As we progress with support more updates will be available.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month - Light a Candle of Care

This month is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America has some special events planned. On November 8, 2007 there will be The National Commemorative Candle Lighting, for lighting a "Candle of Care." The following week, on November 13, 2007 is National Memory Screening Day.

At the website for the Alzheimer's Foundation of America you can find information about joining the Dementia Care Professionals of America, educational tools, and a wealth of information.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of American Quilt to Remember is a project that includes quilt panels made by contributors. Each panel tells a special story about someone whose life was touched in some way by Alzheimer's.

At The National Alzheimer's Association you can find steps to take to increase Alzheimer's Awareness this month, including donating, joining a memory walk, fundraising, and becoming an Alzheimer's Champion. You can sign up to be part of the National Alzheimer's Advocate Network to help create a world without Alzheimer's.

For a group of expert's blogs, resources, news, and shareposts you can go to Our Alzheimer's , which is part of Health Central. The daily updates from a variety of experts will keep you informed. Nationally known Caregiver Expert and author of Minding Our Elders, Carol Bradley Bursack provides insight gained from experience.

Along with Carol Bursack, you'll find the panel of experts who write at the Our Alzheimer's site includes the following.

(1) Dorian Martin, an Alzheimer's Caregiver for her mother and an expert in communications and education

(2) Leah, a former schoolteacher who has Vascular Dementia

(3) Jacqueline Marcell, nationally known expert, speaker and author of the book Elder Rage,

(4) Craig Stoltz, Health Journalist, who spent six years as editor of The Washington Post Health Section,

(5) Eric J. Hall, founder and CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America

(6) David Roeltgen, M.D. , Neurologist and Professor with 20 years of experience

(7) Alzheimer's Foundation of America Social Services Team, which is available for counseling and referrals

There are so many excellent sites you can visit, and more of them will be covered in later posts. On the left side of this blog is a list of caregivers blogs, and reading these first person accounts is a way to share and learn along with the Alzheimer's community online.

National Family Caregivers Month - A Time to Speak Up for Caregiver Rights

It is Day One of National Family Caregivers Month, November, 2007. At The National Family Caregivers Association you can find ten steps to take to celebrate and speak up for caregivers. The organization encourages "caregivers to take action to improve their own health and well being by speaking up for their rights." Ten ways to celebrate and participate are listed, beginning with an invitation to sign up for free to join the National Family Caregivers Association.

The benefits of membership include receiving free information and support, lessening the isolation, and providing skills for finding community help or acting in healthcare settings.

Other steps you can take include identifying yourself as caregiver when speaking to others, protecting your health, going to a support group, and asking for help when you need it. Striving for flexibility with balancing work and time that you need is another step caregivers can take.

You can also wear a personal medical ID tag identifying yourself as a caregiver so that if something happens to you, others will know that the person you care for needs help.

The site recommends reading the book "A Family Caregiver Speaks Up - It Doesn't Have to Be This Hard" by cofounder Susan Mintz. Additionally, caregivers can let their elected officials know your opinions and contact media to advocate for caregivers.

AARP Reports on Long Term Care Trends

A new report from the AARP says meeting the upcoming demands for workers in Long Term Care will be difficult without recruiting and retaining more workers. The report said that " low wages, low prestige and dangerous working conditions will have to improve to expand the number of workers who fill difficult tasks associated with LTC." At the website for the American Association of Retired Persons you can read their article titled Long Term Care Trends, Comparing Long Term Care in Germany and the United States: What Can We Learn From Each Other? The research paper is by Mary Jo Gibson, AARP Public Policy Institute, and Donald L. Redfoot, AARP Public Policy Institute.

The article said the United States has made progress in (1) shifting from institutions to home based care (2) "strong civil rights protections for people with disabilities, including protections against unnecessary institutionalization "(3) regulations and monitoring that has resulted in improvements in care quality and (4) innovation in areas such as assisted living.

In Germany progress has been made in (1) universal coverage based on disability not income, (2) consumer choice (3) support for family caregivers (4) relieving fiscal pressures on government while maintaining LTC spending similar to U.S. (5) and "developing uniform standards of quality."

Senior Citizens Education Trend - Returning to School

Dr. Dan Canney's Cuesta College Adult Emeritus Class for seniors over age 50 provides a mentally challenging workout studying Greek history and "The Odyssey" by the ancient writer Homer.

This particular class is an example of a growing trend today in which seniors are staying active, involved, and mentally sharp by returning to college or by taking community education classes. The class is pictured above, with Dr. Canney in the middle, and some of the students gathered together on each side. (Photo by Kristi Gott)

Cuesta Community College, San Luis Obispo, California, has a roster of classes for seniors over the age of 50 listed at their website. The ages of the students cover a wide range from their 50's to the students in their 80's.

This Fall the class has spent three hours each Monday afternoon studying The Odyssey, by Homer. As one student explained, "we're seniors becoming Greek Scholars."

Dr. Dan Canney's accumulated lifetime of experience and knowledge makes the study of ancient literature challenging and fascinating. Some of the topics the seniors in the class study include the Age of Homer, the beginnings of the oral storytelling tradition, and the history of the Mycenaean Period.

The classes are free, and this Fall the Great Literature Class has been held at the Duna Vista Mobile Home Park, Oceano, California.

The Odyssey by Home is an epic poem that was sung by a Greek singer called a Rhapsode, who used a lyre. It's the story of Oddyseus' experiences when returning from Troy, and has numerous complicated subplots.

Dr. Canney's insight and humor make the class educational and fun. The students bring homemade goodies to share during the break. Class discussion provides time to discuss varying points of view and opinions.

Senior citizens taking classes like this have a chance to challenge themselves mentally, interact socially, and learn something new. There is lively discussion of the Greeks, and detailed analysis of Homer's writing techniques. For instance, the epic poem is written in Dactylic Hexameter.

Last Spring the students were led by Dr. Canney in a study of Milton's epic Paradise Lost, and students learned where many common references and words used today came from.

Learning, growing and exercising mentally are important aspects of staying healthy for seniors. Returning to college classes or other educational activities provides social interaction and mental challenges.

Self Help Magazine Advises Relaxing Images and Slow Breathing to Reduce Stress

(Photo: Seagull over the ocean at Montana de Oro, Los Osos, California, October 28, 2007. Relaxing images and deep breathing can provide a break from stress. Photo by Kristi Gott)


The award winning mental health site Self Help Magazine advises people to reduce stress by selecting a calming photograph, relaxing, "breathing slowly and gently," and imagining that "you are there, and that you are feeling good and calm."

Self Help Magazine has a slideshow of calming photos, including pictures of sunsets, landscapes, mountains and other scenery. Taking some time to get away from stress with a relaxation break is important for mental and physical health. Emotional and mental tension are part of the "Caregivers Syndrome" of stress and exhaustion. Small breaks to unwind and step away from stress can make a big difference.

Images of soothing scenes can be a tool for the caregiver for self-help or to use when assisting someone who is tense or agitated. I bring library books with me sometimes when I'm assisting people. The large, coffee table scenic tour type books are a relaxing way to spend time with someone. If the person has happy memories of a favorite place, such as the Oregon coastline, I bring a book for that.

When I've assisted people who had Alzheimer's I found they enjoyed the visuals in the large photo tour books. This was especially helpful when the time of day arrived when they were apt to experience sundowners and wandering. Redirecting the person with Alzheimer's to focus on relaxing images and talking in a calm voice about the places in the photos were a big help.

For the stressed, exhausted caregiver, a break in the day to relax, breath slowly, and focus on some relaxing images is a way to reduce stress and unwind.