Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

 

Pinellas Update 

January 2013

In This Issue
Support Groups
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Care for the Caregiver: Stress
Caregiver Jewels: Ensuring Good Nutrition
Resolving Family Conflicts
Challenges of Caregiving
Calendar
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.

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*January 4th, Outreach: Health Fair with Memory Screenings at Jim West Prostate Cancer Foundation Mini Health, Nutrition and Fitness Expo at Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Boulevard South, Gulfport. 12:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 727-578-2558.

 

January 8th, Outreach: Health Fair at Terrace Park of Five Towns, 5975 Terrace Park Drive North, St. Petersburg. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. For more information, call 727-393-3113.

 

*January 9th, Caregiver Training: Basics of Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias at Wright's Care & Rehab Center, 11310 110th Avenue, Seminole. 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 800-272-3900. 

 

*January 18th, Outreach: Health Fair with Memory Screenings at The Hampton at Clearwater, 1099 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 727-578-2558.

 

*January 22nd, Caregiver Training: Basics of Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias at Comfort Keepers, 11350 66th Street, Largo. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 800-272-3900.

 

*January 24th, Caregiver Training: Basics of Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias at Comfort Keepers, 11350 66th Street, Largo. 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 800-272-3900.

 

*January 25th, Outreach: Health Fair with Memory Screenings at Hale Senior Center Senior Awareness Fair at Hale Senior Center, 330 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information, call 727-578.2558.

 

*January 29th, Outreach: Health Fair with Memory Screenings at Point Brittany Health and Wellness Fair at Point Brittany, 5055 Brittany Drive South, St. Petersburg. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. For more information, call 727-578-2558.

 

February 

 

*February 6th, Outreach: Health Fair with Memory Screenings at Gulfport Casino, 5500 South Shore Boulevard, Gulfport. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 800-272-3900.

 

*February 20th, Educational Presentation: Topic To Be Announced at Belleair Towers, 1100 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Clearwater. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. For more information, call Janice at (727) 581-6540.

 

Indicates programs presented by the Alzheimer's Association- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
Treatment of Alzheimer's
 Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.  
Learn more: Standard Treatments, Treatment Horizon, Prevention and Clinical Trials
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.

  

EARLY STAGE SUPPORT GROUP - for persons early-on in the disease and their caregivers

Madonna Ptak Center for
Alzheimer's and Memory Loss
430 Morton Plant Street
1St Floor Conference Room
1st and 3rd Mondays @ 1:00 pm
Celisa Bonner, 727-298-6384

CLEARWATER
Freedom Inn at Countryside
3260 N. McMullen Booth Road
4th Thursday of month @ 4:00 pm
Stacy Geier, 727-210-1414

Madonna Ptak Center for Alzheimer's
And Memory Loss
430 Morton Plant Street
1St Floor Conference Room
2nd and 4th Monday @ 10:00 am
Celisa Bonner, 727-298-6384

Sunset Point Care & Rehab Center
1980 Sunset Point Road
First Thursday of month @ 3:00 pm
Divina Balorio, 727-443-1588

DUNEDIN
Dunedin Senior Center
330 Douglas Avenue
Wednesdays @ 10:00 am
Peg Macaluso, 727-578-2558

*Emeritus at Dunedin
880 Patricia Avenue
Last Tuesday of month at 6:00 pm
LaDonna Hylton, 727-734-4696

LARGO
*Arden Courts of Largo
300 Highland Avenue Northeast
4th Thursday @ 6:00 pm
Celisa Bonner , 727-559-8400

*Pinecrest Place
1150 8th Avenue Southwest
2nd Thursday @ 3:00 pm
AJ Cipperly, 727-578-2558

Regal Palms (Palms of Largo)
300 Lake Avenue Northeast
2nd Tuesday @ 6:00 pm
June Sharp/Tammy Dunlap, 727-437-1371

PINELLAS PARK
Bayside Terrace
9381 U.S. Highway 19 North
Tuesdays @ 1:30 pm
Jim Yanacheck, 727-576-1234

PALM HARBOR
*Arden Courts of Palm Harbor
2895 Tampa Road
3rd Monday @ 6:00 pm
Debbie Langrock, 727-771-1600
Alzheimer's & Lewy Body Dementia Group

*Harbor Chase
2960 Tampa Road
2nd Monday @ 5:30 pm
Linda Pinke, 727-781-8686

Palm Harbor Senior Center
1500 16th Street
Mondays @ 9:30 am
Pat Salatin, 727-937-8105

SEMINOLE
Inn at Freedom Square
10801 Johnson Boulevard
3rd Floor Activity Room
Wednesdays @ 1:30 pm
Megan White, 727-398-0185

SAINT PETERSBURG
Fountains at Boca Ciega
1255 Pasadena Avenue South
2nd and 4th Wednesdays @ 10:00 am
Catoura East, 727-812-3930

Ivy Ridge Living

7179 40th Avenue North

2nd and 4th Thursdays @ 6:30 pm

Maureen Rulison, 866-533-6542


Menorah Manor
255 59th Street North
1st Thursday @ 3:30 pm
Gwen Kaldenberg, 727-345-2775, x. 3750

Pasadena Community Methodist Church
227 70th Street South
Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm
Wednesdays @ 9:30 am
Barbara Posey, 727-381-2499, x. 214

An * indicates that Free Day Care is provided by the support group host facility or a partner during the support group meeting. Please call in advance for reservations.

Quick Links
  
Like us on Facebook
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.

Walk to End AD 2012

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."
  
For more information visit our Walk page
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).
  
Learn more about stress through the APA's Stress Smarts quiz.
  
For more information about how stress affects caregivers view the ten warning signs of caregiver stress brochure or take the caregiver stress check.
  
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.

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.

 

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

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.
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.
If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us. 

Sincerely,

 

Peggy Macaluso, Director of Advocacy & Program Specialist


AJ Cipperly, Program Specialist


Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
14010 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 709
Clearwater, FL 33762
Telephone: 727.578.2558 Facsimile: 727.578.2286
Email: [email protected]
           [email protected]

 

Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
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
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