Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
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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.
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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 [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.
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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,
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]
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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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