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Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
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Calendar
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.
January 2nd, Caregiver Education The ABC's of Alzheimer's at Emeritus at College Park 5612 26th Street West, Bradenton, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
January 3rd, Caregiver Education Senior
Identity How to Protect Yourself. Identity Theft More Common than We Know at Freedom Village 6410 21st Ave. West, Bradenton. Please RSVP for lunch 798-8200, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
January 4th, Caregiver Education How Senior Services Can Alleviate Stress, Westminster Shores, 1700 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton. 1:30 p.m.
January 9th, Caregiver Education How the VA Services Can Assist the Caregiver at Windsor Reflections, 8230 Nature's Way, Lakewood Ranch 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
January 10th, Healthfair Palmetto Mobile Home Club, 1201 8th Avenue West Palmetto. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
January 14th, Memory Mobile Windsor Oaks, 2614 43rd Street West, Bradenton 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
January 15th, Memory Mobile and Caregiver Education, The ABC's of Caregiving, Clare Bridge of Bradenton, 6101 Pointe west Boulevard, Bradenton 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
January 15th, Memory Mobile, Manatee South Branch Library, 6081 26th Street West, Bradenton 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
January 16th, Memory Mobile, Mount Vernon Condominiums, 4833 Mount Vernon Drive, Bradenton.10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
January 17th, Caregiver Education How Veteran's Services Can Assist the Caregiver, Bradenton Oaks, 1029 7th avenue East, Bradenton. 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
January 17th, Caregiver Education Caregiver Stress! How to Cope. Braden River Care Center 2010 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton. 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
January 18th, Memory Screenings, Manatee South Branch Library, 6081 26th Street West, Bradenton, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
January 22nd, Caregiver Education, Navigating Life Changes The Introduction, H2U Cortez Center, 6670 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
January 23rd, Healthfair Colony Cove, 101 Amsterdam Harmony Hall, Ellenton, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
January 24th, Caregiver Education How Veteran's Services Can Assist the Caregiver, Summerfield Assisted Residence, 3409 26th Street West, Bradenton. 10:00 a.m.
January 24th Caregiver Education The ABC's of Alzheimer's, Manatee South Branch Library, 6081 26th Street West, Bradenton. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
January 29th, Healthfair Peridia, 4950 Peridia Boulevard East, Bradenton, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
January 29th, Caregiver Education Navigating Life Changes Organizing Documents and Financials Part 1, H2U Cortez Center, 6670 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
January 30th, Caregiver Education the ABC's of Alzheimer's Disease Manatee County Library Island Branch, 5701 Marina Drive, Ana Maria Island, 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Coming in February
February 1st, Caregiver Education How Senior Activities Can lessen Stress in Seniors Westminster Shores, 1700 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
February 4th, Memory Screenings, H2U Bayshore Center 6049 26th Street West Bradenton, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
February 5th Caregiver Education When to Make Placement Decisions. Windsor Oaks, 2614 43rd Street West, Bradenton.
February 5th, Caregiver Education Navigating Life Changes Organizing Documents including Practical Money Skills H2U Cortez Center 6670 Cortez Road, Bradenton, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
* Indicates programs presented by the Alzheimer's Association- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. |
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Alzheimer's Navigator™
When facing Alzheimer's disease, there are a lot of things to consider. We can help you and your family figure out the next steps to develop your personalized action plan.
 | | Click this logo to map out a plan to approach Alzheimer's. |
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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 your local office 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 am 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: 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
* Indicates Free Respite is provided by the support group host during the support group meeting. Please call in advance for reservations.
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Walk to End Alzheimer's®
Raises $676,128 in the Florida Gulf Coast Region
The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the largest fundraiser dedicated to Alzheimer's disease care, support and research programs. During the 2012 Walk season, more than 5690 residents from the Florida Gulf Coast region joined the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions.  Participants raised more than $676,128 to fund Alzheimer's care, support and research programs. "I was inspired by residents of the Florida Gulf Coast uniting in the fight against Alzheimer's disease at Walk to End Alzheimer's," said Gloria Smith, President & CEO, Florida Gulf Coast chapter, Alzheimer's Association. "With funds raised, the Alzheimer's Association will be able to provide much needed care and support to people affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer's research."
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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.
Stress
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stress tends to promote unhealthy choices. "Those of us who are stressed are more likely to report hypertension, anxiety or depression and obesity. Women especially report they feel the effects of stress on their physical health. Given the number of health complications related to stress, it is fair to say stress certainly is a health problem in America" (2012, para. 1).
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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 reesee@alzflgulf.org or contact your local office.
January Tip
Ensuring good nutrition
A family caregiver from Hillsborough County submitted the following nugget:
My husband is more interested in eating if his meal is in a divided plate. Small portions can be put in each section, and he can manage feeding himself quite well that way. Sometimes I'll add another small bowl with raw veggies or fruit segments. He eats more fruit and vegetables if they're cut up and in their individual pretty bowl.
Maintaining good nutrition in someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia can be challenging. Possible causes of a poor appetite:
- Not recognizing food. The person may no longer recognize the foods you put on his or her plate.
- Poor fitting dentures. Eating may be painful, but the person may not be able to tell you this. Make sure dentures fit and visit the dentist regularly.
- Medications. New medications or a dosage change may affect appetite. If you notice a change, call the doctor.
- Not enough exercise. Lack of physical activity will decrease appetite. Encourage simple exercise, such as going for a walk, gardening or washing dishes.
- Decreased sense of smell and taste. The person with dementia may not eat because food may not smell or taste as good as it once did.
For more information about how to support good nutrition visit this link. |
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Resolving Family Conflicts
Dealing with Alzheimer's can bring out many strong emotions. As the disease progresses, caregiving issues can often ignite or magnify family conflicts. Here are some strategies that may help families cope with the situation together.
Listen to each family member with respect. Coping with a progressive illness, such as Alzheimer's, can be stressful - and not everyone reacts in the same way. Family members may have different opinions. Some relatives may deny what is happening; a long-distance relative may be resented for living far away; or there may be disagreement about financial and care decisions, especially at the end-of-life. These issues are complex and require ongoing discussions. Give everyone an opportunity to share their opinion and avoid blaming or attacking each other, as this will only cause more hurt.
Discuss caregiving responsibilities.
Talk through caregiving roles and responsibilities. Make a list of tasks and include how much time, money and effort may be involved to complete them. Divide tasks according to the family member's preferences and abilities. Some family members may be hands-on caregivers, responding immediately to issues and organizing resources. Others may be more comfortable with being told to complete specific tasks. Our online Care Team Calendar can help you coordinate.
Continue to talk.
Keep the lines of communication open. Schedule regular meetings or conference calls to keep everyone involved up-to-date. Discuss how things are working, reassess the needs of the person with Alzheimer's, and decide if any changes in responsibilities are needed. Plan for anticipated changes as the disease progresses.
Cope with changes and loss together.
As Alzheimer's progresses and cognitive abilities change, it is normal to experience feelings of loss. Caregivers and family members may want to seek support from others who are dealing with similar situations. Support groups are available. Find an Alzheimer's Association support group in your area or join our online message boards.
Seek outside help.
If tensions and disagreements are ongoing, you may want to seek help from a trusted third party, such as a spiritual leader, mediator or counselor. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help everyone take a step back and work through the difficult issues. The Alzheimer's Association Helpline (1.800.272.3900) is staffed with care consultants who can help any time - day or night. |
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Challenges of Caregiving
A segment on the challenges of caregiving, particularly for the sandwich generation, aired on December 11, 2012 on NBC Nightly News.  The story featured Alzheimer's Association advocate Troy Prater from Delaware Valley and Maria Carrillo, Association vice president of medical and scientific relations. Prater is a single father of 13-year-old triplets and is the primary caregiver for his mother living with Alzheimer's.
In this video link Mr. Prater states, 'I take better care of everyone else than I do myself'. He is an example ofone of a growing number of caregivers providing care to two generations.
In this video link, Dr. Carrillo, describes the difficulties the disease poses not only to those who suffer from it, but to caregivers. |
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If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Sue Fox MA, Program Specialist
Alzheimer's Association-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
3277A Fruitville Road, Suite 1, Sarasota, FL 34237
941-365-8883
foxs@alzflgulf.org
www.alz.org/flgulfcoast |
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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 |
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