Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

 

Lee County Update 

February 2013
In This Issue
Support Groups
Early Stage Program: BASE
NIA Announces Funding of New AD Research Studies
Behavior: a Form of Communication
Care for the Caregiver: Seasonal Flu
Caregiver Jewels: Communication Tip
Planning Ahead
Calendar
  
RSVP's appreciated for programs! Call 239-405-7008 or reesee@alzflgulf.org.
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.

  

February 1, Friday, Health Fair at Sanibel Center 4 Life, Sanibel Civic Center, located at the corner of Library Way and Palm Ridge Road. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Free Memory Screenings and educational information will be available.

 

February 4, Monday,  Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behaviors at Senior Friendship Center, 5272 Summerlin Commons Way, Suite 604, Fort Myers. 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Learn to recognize common environmental and emotional "triggers" that can lead someone with memory loss to behave differently than before and to behave in ways that can be characterized as challenging. Caregivers will be provided tips on ways to respond to challenging behaviors through the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

 

February 7, Thursday, Tips from the Traveling Teapot at Clare Bridge of Cape Coral, 911 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Learn tips on managing the demands and stress of being a caregiver and why it is so important to do so!

 

February 7, Thursday, Tips from the Traveling Teapot at Emeritus at the Lakes, 7460 Lake Breeze Drive, Fort Myers. 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Learn tips on managing the demands and stress of being a caregiver and why it is so important to do so!

 

February 11, Monday, Memory Mobile Stop at Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Free Memory Screenings and Educational Information will be available. Memory Screening appointments are not necessary but recommended, contact Emily Reese at 239-405-7008 or reesee@alzflgulf.org to schedule.

 

February 12, Tuesday, Memory Mobile Stop at Presbyterian Homes, 1301 Woodward Ct., Lehigh Acres. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Free Memory Screenings in English and Spanish and Educational Information will be available. Memory Screening appointments are not necessary but recommended, contact Emily Reese at 239-405-7008 or reesee@alzflgulf.org to schedule.

 

February 13, Wednesday, Memory Mobile Stop at Faith United Methodist Church, 15690 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Free Memory Screenings and Educational Information will be available. Memory Screening appointments are not necessary but recommended, contact Emily Reese at 239-405-7008 or reesee@alzflgulf.org to schedule.

 

February 21, Thursday, HBO Series Momentum in Science Part 2at Clare Bridge of Fort Myers, 13565 American Colony Blvd., Fort Myers. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This two part series reveals some of the most cutting-edge research advances. Learn what scientists have discovered about the healthy body and brain connection. What do the scientists know about Alzheimer's disease and where the research is taking us.

 

February 25, Monday, Care Transitions and Options at Senior Friendship Centers, 5272 Summerlin Commons Way #604, Fort Myers. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Home Care to Nursing Homes, important information for decision making.  How to know when help is needed, potential sources of financial assistance and easing the transition for the person with Dementia will be discussed.

 

February 28, Thursday, Health Fair at Hope Lutheran Church, 25999 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Free Memory Screening and educational information will be available.

  

Coming in March 

 

March 5, Tuesday, Lost Your Keys? at East Lee County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Learn what is normal age related memory changes and when you should have concern. Understand the different types of dementia and the importance of a good diagnosis and what is currently know about maintain good brain health.

 

March 6, Wednesday, Lost Your Keys? at Clare Bridge of Cape Coral, 911 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Learn what is normal age related memory changes and when you should have concern. Understand the different types of dementia and the importance of a good diagnosis and what is currently know about maintain good brain health.

 

March 6, Wednesday, HBO The Alzheimer's Project "Caregivers" at Emeritus at the Lakes, 7460 Lake Breeze Drive, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Documentary portraying five family portraits that illustrate caring for different stages of Alzheimer's disease with discussion following.

 

March 14, Thursday, Memory Mobile Stop at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Fort Myers 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Free Memory Screenings and Educational Information will be available. Memory Screening appointments are not necessary but recommended, contact Emily Reese at 239-405-7008 or reesee@alzflgulf.org to schedule.

 

March 16, Saturday, Health Fair at King's Way Christian Center, 2016 Kismet Parkway, Cape Coral, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Free memory screenings and educational information will be available.

 

March 22, Friday, Health Fair at Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Rd., Ft. Myers, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Free memory screenings and educational information will be available.

 

* Indicates Free Respite is provided by the support group host during the support group meeting. Please call in advance for reservations. 

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.

 

CAPE CORAL

 Christ Lutheran Church

2911 Del Prado Blvd. (33904)

2nd Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.

Emily Reese, 239-405-7008

 

FORT MYERS

Clare Bridge of Fort Myers*

13565 American Colony Boulevard (33919)

2nd Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.

Claudia Jennings, 239-823-5455

 

Westminster Presbyterian Church

9065 Ligon Ct. (33908)

1st Wednesday @ 2:00 p.m.

Emily Reese (239) 405-7008

 

BONITA SPRINGS

Millennium House of Southwest Florida*

8951 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 297 (34135)

1st Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.

Catherine Cruikshank (239) 405-7008

 


* Indicates Free Respite is provided by the support group host during the support group meeting. Please call in advance for reservations. 

 

Early Stage Program
BASE 

Are you or someone you care about experiencing early stage dementia?

If so, you may qualify to participate in BASE starting Monday, March 4.

 

BASE is a comprehensive early-stage dementia program for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or Related Disorder (ADRD) and their carepartner.

 

The BASE program consists of nine weekly sessions; each two-hour session is dedicated to both education and support-with a primary emphasis on education.

Topics include: Basics of Dementia; Positive Communication; Living Day to Day; Skill-building; Feelings/Emotional Well Being; Medications and Current Research; Planning for the Future; and Creativity & Cognition.
 

Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education (BASE) is a program developed through the Alzheimer's Association-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter for the purpose of education, encouragement, and support for individuals facing early stage Alzheimer's disease or related dementia diagnoses.  The BASE program was adapted from two sources: (1) The Early Alzheimer's Stage Education (EASE) program, developed in 2001 by the Alzheimer's Association Central and Northern Florida Chapters; (2) The Alzheimer's Rural Care Healthline (ARCH) program, developed in 2005 by Dr. Robert Glueckauf, Florida State University College of Medicine.

 

Preregistration is required to participate in this program and space is limited.  Please contact Emily Reese for more information 239-405-7008 or reesee@alzflgulf.org

Classes will meet Mondays 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. from March 4 to April 29, 2013 at Fort Myers Congregational Church, 8210 College Parkway, Fort Myers.
Quick Links
  
Like us on Facebook
NIA Announces Funding of New Alzheimer's Research Studies
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has announced the funding of four Alzheimer's therapy-related research studies investigating a variety of techniques, including a clinical trial of an anti-amyloid drug in people with pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's, an exercise intervention in MCI and a drug for reducing agitation.

The trials will be conducted by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, a national consortium of academic medical centers and clinics established by the National Institutes of Health to collaborate on the development of Alzheimer's treatments and diagnostic tools.
 
The funding for these projects comes from the regular NIA budget, not from increased 2013 funds due to the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
 
"The four research studies announced by the NIH are significant steps in the fight to better treat and eventually prevent Alzheimer's disease. However, because of the chronic underfunding of Alzheimer's research, there are many more equally valid and necessary investigations that are not happening," said William Thies, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association senior scientist in residence.
 
"The Alzheimer's Association believes that if we are to more quickly unravel the important questions about Alzheimer's disease cause, risk, treatment and prevention, we must make a greater commitment to research. The first-ever U.S. National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease was unveiled in May 2012, and now this plan must be effectively implemented. An additional $100 million has been recommended for 2013 for Alzheimer's research, and now must be confirmed," Thies said.
  
For more information visit NIA or visit AA Research Center.  
Behavior: a Form of Communication
Adapted from the Alzheimer's Association Behavior Brochure

 

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) can cause a person to act in different and unpredictable ways. Some individuals with ADRD become anxious or aggressive. Others repeat certain questions or gestures. Many misinterpret what they hear.

 

These types of reactions can lead to misunderstanding, frustration and tension, particularly between the person with dementia and the caregiver. It is important to understand that the person is not acting that way on purpose. Individuals with ADRD are not mad at you but rather are trying to convey a message.

 

Behavior may be related to:

  • Physical discomfort: illnesses or medication
  • Overstimulation: Loud noises or a busy environment
  • Unfamiliar surroundings: New places or the inability to recognize home
  • Complicated tasks: Difficulty with activities or chores
  • Frustrating interactions: Inability to communicate effectively

Three-Step Approach

Use this three-step approach to help identify common behaviors and their causes:

 

Identify and examine the behavior

  • What was the behavior? Is it harmful to the individual or others?
  • What happened just before the behavior occurred? Did something trigger it?
  • What happened immediately after the behavior occurred? How did you react?
  • Consult a physician to identify any causes related to medications or illness.

Explore potential solutions

  • What are the needs of the person with dementia? Are they being met?
  • Can adapting the surroundings comfort the person?
  • How can you change your reaction or your approach to the behavior? Are you responding in a calm and supportive way?

Try different responses

  • Did your new response help?
  • Do you need to explore other potential causes and solutions? If so, what can you do differently?

For more information visit the Caregiver Center.

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.
  
Seasonal Flu
According to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the flu is high this season.  For this reason, they recommend influenza vaccination for people who have not yet been vaccinated this season and antiviral treatment as early as possible for people who get sick and are at high risk of flu complications. In addition, the CDC recommends taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
    Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu. 
  • Learn more at Take 3 Steps

For more information visit the Key Facts About Influenza.    

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.

February Tip

Communication Tip

From a family caregiver in the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter region. 

 

"My husband is having trouble hearing so when I start to talk to him I ask him to look at me.....he has had lip reading training and can read lips very well....that seems to keep him from yelling at me...."What did you say?"

 

The above tip highlights the importance of accommodating for hearing or vision impairments of the person being cared for. Dementia affects a person's ability to speak and understand language; deficits in hearing and vision can compound difficulties with understanding. The caregiver can help by:

  1. Encourage the person to wear their hearing aid and/or glasses (be sure batteries are working and glasses are clean!)
  2. Approach the person from the front.
  3. Make eye contact
  4. Speak slowly and clearly

For more communication tips click here.

 

Correction: January's tip was submitted by a caregiver in Polk County

 

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

Planning Ahead
Putting financial and legal plans in place now allows the person with dementia to express wishes for future care and decisions. It also allows time to work through the complex issues involved in long-term care.

Legal planning should include:

  • Making plans for health care and long-term care
  • Making plans for finances and property
  • Naming another person to make decisions on behalf of the person with dementia

Legal Documents

Legal documents help ensure that the wishes of the person with dementia are followed as the disease progresses and make it possible for others to make decisions on behalf of the person when he or she no longer can.

For more information about planning and legal documents visit Planning Ahead. 
If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us. 

Sincerely,

Emily Reese, Program Specialist

Catherine Cruikshank, Director of Education
 Lee-Collier Office

Alzheimer's Association, FGCC

9220 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 223

Bonita Springs, Florida, 34135

Telephone: (239) 405-7008

Facsimile: (239) 405-7038

 

Email: cruikshankc@alzflgulf.org, reesee@alzflgulf.org

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
___________________________________________________________________________________