Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

Manatee County Update 

December 2012

In This Issue
Support Groups
Care for the Caregiver: Diabetes
Spotlighting Alzheimer's
Caregiver Jewels: Reminders
Holidays
Access to Rehab
Caregiver Stress Check

Calendar

All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified. 
 

December 5th Caregiver Training The Basics of Alzheimer's Disease. Presented by Sue Fox M.A. Program Specialist, AAFGCC at Emeritus at College Park, 5612 26th Street West, Bradenton 34205; Contact Monique Taylor at 941-756-5571. 10:00 a.m.

 

December 6th Caregiver Training Planning for Your Financial Future. Presented by Mary Foreman

at Freedom Village, 6410 21st Avenue West, Bradenton Contact Erin Urban at 941-798-8200 to RSVP for lunch. 11:30 a.m. 

 

December 7th Caregiver Training Alzheimer's Treatments. please contact Sue Fox for more information, 941-365-8883.

 

December 12th Caregiver Training Incontinence and Aging Presented by Dee King, R.N., at Windsor Reflections, 8230 Nature's Way, Lakewood Ranch, 34202. Contact Julie Gartside at 941-1400. 10:00 a.m.

 

December 18th Caregiver Training The ABC's of Alzheimer's Disease. Presented by Sue Fox M.A. Program Specialist AAFGCC at Clare Bridge Bradenton 34205; Please contact Jennifer Cassidy at 941-795-5533. 10:00 a.m.

 

December 20th Caregiver Training The ABC's of Alzheimer's Disease. Presented by Sue Fox M.A. Program Specialist AAFGCC at Braden River Care Center, 2010 Manatee Avenue, East Bradenton 34203; Please contact Tasha Williams at 941-747-3706 2:00 p.m.

 

December 27th Caregiver Training Alzheimer's Overview. Presented by Sue Fox M.A. Program Specialist AAFGCC at Summerfield Assisted Residence, 3409 26th Street West, Bradenton 34205. Please contact Pam Green at 941-751-7200. 10:00 a.m.

 

Upcoming in January

 

January 2nd Caregiver Training  The ABC's of Alzheimer's Disease. Presented by Sue Fox M.A.Program Specialist AAFGCC at Emeritus at College Park, 5612 26th Street West Bradenton 34205. Please contact Monique Taylor at 941-756-5571. 10:00 a.m.

 

January 3rd Caregiver Training Senior Identity Theft How to Protect Yourself. Presented by Patricia Henderson West Coast Florida Area Agency on Aging at Freedom Village 6410 21st Avenue West Bradenton 34207. Please RSVP for lunch at 941-798-8200 11:30 a.m.

 

January 4th Caregiver Training How Homemaking Services can assist the Caregiver. Presented by Diane walz owner The Good Life. Westminster Shore 1700 3rd Avenue West Bradenton,Please contact Mary Williams at 941-748-1700. 1:30p.m.

 

January 9th Caregiver Training How V.A. Services Can Assist the Caregiver. Presented by Lee Washington Manatee Veteran's Services at The Windsor Reflections 8223 Nature's way Lakewood Ranch 34202.

Support Groups

Alzheimer's Association-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter affiliated support groups are for family members, caregivers, and others interested in learning more about Alzheimer's disease. Meetings are open to everyone and free of charge. Support group facilitators have received training as required by Chapter and National Alzheimer's Association standards. For program information and to verify meeting dates, times, and locations, please use the telephone contacts listed below. For other questions or for respite care information so you can attend a group, call our Manatee Office at 941-365-8883 or 1- 800-272-3900.

 

Message Boards: The Alzheimer's Association message boards and chat rooms are your online communication forum. Our message boards have over 9,000 registered members from around the United States, and many more people who simply browse the stories and information that is offered 24 hours a day. Join the Alzheimer's Association online community. 

 

Ana Maria Island

Island Branch Library

5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach

2nd Friday of each month at 2:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Sue Fox (941) 365-8883

 

Bradenton

Clare Bridge Bradenton

6101 Pointe West Boulevard

4th Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Sue Fox, (941) 365-8883

Clare Bridge phone (941) 795-5533

 

Summerfield Assisted Living

3409 26th Street West

3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Pam Green (941) 751-7200

Free lunch with RSVP

 

Windsor Oaks

2614 43rd Street West

4th Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m.
Facilitators: Linda Delaberti/ Lulu Meyer

(941) 798-9701

 

Emeritus at College Park

5612 26th Street West

3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

Facilitator: Peggy Drake

Emeritus phone number: (941) 756-5571

 

Freedom Village

6410 21st Avenue

The Inn and Health Center 3rd floor dining room

3rd Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m.

Facilitators: Katie Haas/Erika Gibsen

(941) 798-8200

The Bridge of Bradenton

4000 75th Street West
3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m.

Facilitator: Sue Fox (941) 365-8883

 

Lakewood Ranch

Windsor Reflections

8230 Nature's Way

2nd Wednesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

Lunch provided with RSVP

Facilitator: Julie Gartside (941) 957-1400

 

Ellenton

H2U of Blake Medical Center

7042 US Hwy 301 North

3rd Friday of each month

Facillitators: Sue Fox and Bianca Davis

941-722-5683

Care for the Caregiver
Stefanie Thompson, Sr. Prog. Specialist, AAFGCC

 

Caregivers may find that with so many responsibilities self care is placed as a lesser priority than care of a loved one.  Yet, staying physically and emotionally strong is key to healthier caregiving. To this end, this column is dedicated to health promotion and personal care for the caregiver.

 

Diabetes, Are You At Risk?
National Institute of Health

 

If you have wondered or possibly been told that you are at risk for developing diabetes or that you have prediabetes, you should know that diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and powerful. Studies show that people at high risk for diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their weight, if they are overweight-that's 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Two keys to success:

  • Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week.
  • Eat a variety of foods that are low in fat and reduce the number of calories you eat per day.

In other words, you don't have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. The key is: small steps that lead to big rewards. Learn more about your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and the small steps you can take to delay or prevent the disease and live a long, healthy life: Diabetes Is Preventable.

Quick Links

 

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Spotlighting Alzheimer's
Former Miss Universe Alicia Machando as Celebrity Contestant on Univision's Dance Competition
 

Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with

Alzheimer's disease and while whites make up the great majority of the individuals with the disease, available research suggests that Hispanics are one and one-half times more likely than whites to develop Alzheimer's and other dementias.  

Photo by A. Mateo/Univision.com

"The Alzheimer's Association is committed to increasing awareness about Alzheimer's and other dementias among all Americans," said Gloria Smith, Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter Executive Director/President. "But given the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer's on the Hispanic community, we believe it especially important to elevate concern in this community and we applaud Alicia Machado in her effort to shine a light on the disease." 

 

The Alzheimer's Association was chosen as the charity of choice by the former Miss Universe, Alicia Machado, who competed in this season of Univision's reality show/dance competition �Mira Qui�n Baila! 3 (Look Who's Dancing). 

 

The former Miss Universe and telenovela star joined nine other celebrities and 10 professional dancers as they competed on one of Univision's highest rated reality-competition shows, "�Mira Qui�n Baila!" The program which aired Sunday evenings at 8pm ET/PT and 7pm CT chronicled the celebrity contestants' journey from workouts to rehearsals to dance performances. Winners were determined through a strict elimination process. Alicia Machado made it to the finals placing third.

Caregiver Jewels
Emily Reese, Program. Specialist, AAFGCC

 

Welcome to Caregiver Jewels, a column featuring caregiving tips by family and professional caregivers throughout our 17 county service area.  These "golden nuggets" represent caregiving strategies and tricks of the trade. 

 

For the column to be a success we need your input!

It may be a "golden nugget" you say to get your loved one to attend a program or an activity to redirect their attention. Whether your tip is a diamond, emerald or ruby - all are valuable! So, please share the wealth!

 

Send your tip to [email protected] or contact your local office.

 

December Tip

Redirection:  the Simple Way

 

Redirection is a tool or technique used to solve a behavioral problem. Redirecting an individual may delay or prevent outbursts and inappropriate behaviors.  Gentle distractions with food, drink or activity can be effective.  

 

A family caregiver from Collier County submitted the following nugget:  

 

My sweet husband loves M&Ms. It's amazing that he doesn't know where he sleeps; he doesn't know where the bathroom is, and doesn't even really know what to do with the toilet or the bed. But he hasn't forgotten where we keep the M&Ms. If he's getting agitated or wanting to wander, we can put some M&Ms in a bowl and show it to him, and he'll almost always get distracted and focus on his treat. 

 

The above illustrates how small and simple a solution can be. It reminds to not overlook the obvious and to keep redirection person centered.   

 

Remember redirection should be offered in a reassuring tone. Never focus your redirection on reprimand or by saying "no" or "don't do that".  The most important thing to remember is that each person is unique. Activities and conversations that successfully redirect one person may not work with someone else.

 

Note: The information in this column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Holidays 
The holidays are a time when family and friends often come together. For families living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, the holidays can be challenging. With some planning and adjusted expectations, celebrations can still be happy, memorable occasions.

 

It is not uncommon for a loved one with a dementia to become overstimulated, agitated, or confused. 
Holiday festivities often create changes in the environment and daily routine. It is important to keep your regular routine. Trying to maintain a pleasant, meaningful and calm holiday while caring for your loved one can lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and frustration.

 

christmas party 


Hints for coping with the holidays:
  1. Keep your regular routine. It is important for you and your family member with dementia.
  2. Try to maintain a positive attitude. Keep in mind that the holidays are also a time for memories and reflection as well as a time for joy.
  3. Give yourself permission to say no to obligation or invitation.
  4. Give yourself permission to ask for and say yes to offers of assistance from family, friends, and neighbors.
  5. Encourage friends and family to visit, but keep the number of visitors at a time to a minimum.
  6. Prepare activities or tasks to divert your loved one's attention to prevent them from becoming overstimulated or agitated.
  7. Accept invitations and enjoy the chance to be with friends and family, even if your loved one cannot attend. 
  8. Talk of past good times - special memories.
  9. Plan a smaller gathering.
  10. Celebrate earlier in the day.
  11. Reduce post-holiday stress. Arrange for respite care so you can enjoy a movie or lunch with a friend

The holidays can be stressful. Stress can be minimized with adjusted perspectives and expectations.  Read more about the holidays and dementia. 

Access to Rehab Services
National Alzheimer's Association

As one of the plaintiffs in the federal class action lawsuit Jimmo v. Sebelius, which challenged the Medicare Improvement Standard, the Alzheimer's Association applauds the recently announced proposed settlement. Under the settlement agreement, Medicare will pay for rehabilitative services, such as physical, speech and occupational therapy, if they maintain an individual's current condition or prevent or slow further deterioration and require the skills of a professional.
Caregiver Stress Check
Stress Check  Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia? Do you feel overwhelmed? You may be putting your own health at risk. Take our Caregiver Stress Check and get resources that can help.  
If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us.  Our 24-hour HELPLINE number is 1-800-272-3900.

Sincerely,

 

Sue Fox, MA, Program Specialist

Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Sarasota/Manatee Office-

3277A Building 1 suite A

Sarasota, Florida 34237
Telephone: 941.365.8883   Facsimile: 941.365.8885

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.alz.org/flgulfcoast

 
 
Alzheimer's Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Chapter Headquarters, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 709, Clearwater, FL 33762 Telephone: 727.578.2558

National Headquarters-Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601

Alzheimer's Association is a not-for-profit  501(c)(3) organization � 2010 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved. 

24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900