Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

 

Collier County Update 

March 2013

In This Issue
Support Groups
Care for the Caregiver: Alzheimer's Navigator
Early Stage Program
Seven Stages of Alzheimer's
Calendar
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.  

 

March 6, Healthfair. Bentley Village, 704 Village Circle, Naples, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Open to the Public, for information call Tracy Reinhart at (239) 431-2022.

 

March 6, Educational Lecture at Healthfair.  The ABC's of Memory Loss, Understand the differences between Alzheimer's and related dementias. Learn the common causes of memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease; the stages of Alzheimer's,  and the importance of a good medical examination. Bentley Village, 704 Village Circle, Naples, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Open to the Public, for information call Tracy Reinhart at (239) 431-2022.

 

March 7, The Basic's of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Understand the differences between Alzheimer's and related dementias. Learn the common causes of memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease; the stages of Alzheimer's, the importance of a good medical examination and what we know about prevention and treatment. Homewood Residence of Naples, Naples, 770 Goodlette Road, 10 am- 12 pm. Open to the Public/Please RSVP to Michele (239) 430-3535.

 

March 11, Memory Mobile: Free and confidential Memory Screenings and/or get questions answered, South Regional Library, Naples, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Appointments suggested but not required. RSVP to Catherine (239) 405-7008.

 

March 12, Memory Mobile: Free and confidential Memory Screenings and/or get questions answered, Headquartes Library, Naples, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Appointments suggested but not required. RSVP to Catherine (239) 405-7008.

 

March 13, Memory Mobile: Free and confidential Memory Screenings and/or get questions answered, Marco Island Library, 210 Heathwood Drive, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Appointments suggested but not required. RSVP to Catherine (239) 405-7008.

 

March 14, The Basic's of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Understand the differences between Alzheimer's and related dementias. Learn the common causes of memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease; the stages of Alzheimer's, the importance of a good medical examination and what we know about prevention and treatment. Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Road, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. RSVP to Catherine (239) 405-7008

 

March 21, Healthy Aging: The Body & Brain Connection, learn how diet and exercise promotes brain health as well as physical health. Homewood Residence of Naples, Naples, 770 Goodlette Road, 10 am- 12 pm. Open to the Public/Please RSVP to Michele (239) 430-3535.

 

March 26, Activities for People with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders.Juniper Village, 1155 Encore Way, Naples, 11a.m. - 1 p.m. Open to the Public/Please RSVP to Murinda (239) 598-1368.

 

April 4, Driving and Dementia. Learn about how to "have the talk", and what to do if your loved one insists on driving. Homewood Residence of Naples, Naples, 770 Goodlette Road, 10 am- 12 pm. Open to the Public/Please RSVP to Michele (239) 430-3535. 

 

* 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.

 

Naples

Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church

1225 Piper Boulevard, (239) 405-7008

Last Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.

Facilitator: Catherine Cruikshank

 

North Naples United Methodist Church   

6000 Goodlette Road, (239) 405-7008
Last Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m.

Facilitator: Catherine Cruikshank

 

Marco Island*

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

1101 North Collier Boulevard, (239) 394-8097

Last Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m.

Facilitator; Shirley Woolaway

This meeting has break out sessions for both the caregiver and the person with memory loss.

 

Bonita Springs*

Millenium House of Southwest Florida

8951 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 297, (239) 405-7008

First Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Catherine Cruikshank  

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

Alzheimer's Navigator™

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease raises many questions. The Alzheimer's Navigator - a free online tool designed specifically to help guide you to answers by creating customized action plans and providing access to information, support and local resources.

 

When facing dementia, there are a lot of things to consider. Alzheimer's Navigator helps map out a plan to approach Alzheimer's disease. Follow simple steps to figure out the next steps to develop a personalized action plan.

  • Complete the Welcome Survey (Estimated time: 5 minutes). Example questions: Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer's or living with the disease yourself? What sort of challenges do you face on a daily basis?
  • Answer focused surveys (Estimated time: 5 minutes). Based on your responses to the Welcome Survey, we will suggest additional surveys focused on the topics you want to know about, covering everything from care to safety to planning for the future.
  • Receive a customized Action Plan. (See sample). We will deliver a tailored plan in an easy-to-use format.

Ready to get started? Go to the Alzheimer's Navigator page and take the first steps towards your personalized action plan.

 
Early Stage Program
The Alzheimer's Association has early stage dementia programs.

  

Are you or someone you know experiencing early stage dementia?  If so, they may qualify to participate in one of our early stage programs. 

  

For more information contact your local office. 

Quick Links
  
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State Plan to Address the Growing Needs of People Affected by Alzheimer's Disease
Gloria J.T. Smith, President/CEO
Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
  
Every 68 seconds someone develops Alzheimer's, but that number is expected to skyrocket in coming years. Baby boomers are now reaching their golden years; therefore Florida will witness a dramatic increase of Alzheimer population.
  

Last year, the Florida Legislature approved legislation that created an 18-member Purple Ribbon Task Force that will develop a comprehensive state plan to address the growing needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

 

The new law requires the Task Force to assess the current impact of the disease and determine what future steps are needed to support the growing number of families affected by this devastating disease. With the leadership of Representative Matt Hudson (Naples) and Senator Garrett Richter (Naples), the bill moved swiftly through the legislative process with full support by the entire Legislature and the Governor.

 

Since the final approval by the Governor, the 18 members were appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Florida Senate, and the Governor. Representative Matt Hudson was unanimously appointed by the members to Chair the Task Force.

 

The Purple Ribbon Task Force immediately mapped dementia-specific services around the state and identified the gaps in services. To date, the Purple Ribbon Task Force has met five times by webinar; created four subcommittees who have met multiple times. As required by law, the Task Force submitted an Interim Report to the Governor, Speaker and President on January 30. 2013.

 

The Task Force now begins the second phase of the year-long process by assessing the services and gaps, and developing a comprehensive plan that will include recommendations for change. The Task Force must submit the plan to the Speaker, President and Governor by August 1, 2013. We are anticipating Alzheimer legislation during the 2014 Legislative Session that will include many of the recommended changes made by the Purple Ribbon Task Force.

 

Gloria J.T. Smith, President/CEO of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter was appointed to serve on the Purple Ribbon Task Force.

Seven Stages of Alzheimer's

 

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Frameworks or models can be useful when trying to better understand the possible progression of the disease.

 

One such model is the the seven-stage framework which is based on a system developed by Barry Reisberg, M.D., clinical director of the New York University School of Medicine's Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center.
Note that Alzheimer's symptoms vary. The stages below provide a general idea of how abilities change during the course of the disease.

Stage 1: No impairment
The person does not experience any memory problems. An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms of dementia.

Left- No impairment.

Right- Very severe decline


Stage 2: Very mild decline
The person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses - forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. But no symptoms of dementia can be detected during a medical examination or by friends, family or co-workers.
Stage 3: Mild decline
Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration
Stage 4: Moderate decline
At this point, a careful medical interview should be able to detect clear-cut symptoms in several areas.
Stage 5: Moderately severe decline
Gaps in memory and thinking are noticeable, and individuals begin to need help with day-to-day activities.
Stage 6: Severe decline
Memory continues to worsen, personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive help with daily activities.
Stage 7: Very severe decline
In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement.

 

Remember that not everyone will experience the same symptoms or progress at the same rate. In addition, it might be difficult to place a person in one stage as stages overlap.
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.

March Tip

Decrease the Chances of Wandering 

 

A caregiver obtained a wireless doormat chime on Amazon.com. When the mat is stepped on a chime sounds on the chiming unit which alerts the caregiver that their loved one is on the move. The mat can be placed by the side of a bed or in front of a door.

 

Since, six out of ten people with Alzheimer's disease will wander and wandering can happen at any stage of the disease, it is important to take steps to increase the safety of the person with dementia. A chiming doormat is just one of many options or tools available to increase the safety of a loved one. Other options include the following:

  • The MedicAlert� + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return� program is a nationwide identification program designed to save lives by facilitating the safe return of those whose wander. It includes an identification bracelet for the person with dementia as well as an optional caregiver bracelet.
  • The Comfort Zone� and Comfort Zone Check-In™programs allows families to monitor a loved one's whereabouts remotely using web-based location services.
Comfort Zone
Comfort Zone

 

For more information visit Wandering and Getting Lost

located within the Safety section of the Alzheimer's Association Care Center. The page includes warning signs of wandering as well as strategies to help lower its chances. Remember that no safety plan is foolproof but proper planning can provide peace of mind to the caregiver and greatly increase safety for the person with dementia.

 

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

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,

Catherine Cruikshank, Director of Education
Emily Reese, Program Specialist

Collier - Lee Office

Alzheimer's Association, FGCC
9220 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 223
Bonita Springs, Florida, 34135
Telephone: (239) 405-7008
Facsimile: (239) 405-7038

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