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Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
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Charlotte Desoto County Update |
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Calendar
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.
June 18, Caregiver Training, Understanding Better Communication. Punta Gorda Public Library, 424 West Henry Street, Punta Gorda, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
June 20, Caregiver Training, Challenging Behaviors and Better Communication. Village Place Assisted Living, 18400 Cochran Boulevard, Port Charlotte, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Refreshments provided)
Upcoming in July
July 16, Caregiver Training, Family Issues and Caregiver Stress. Punta Gorda Public Library, 424 West Henry Street, Punta Gorda, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
July 18, Caregiver Training, Family Issues and Caregiver Stress. Village Place Assisted Living, 18400 Cochran Boulevard, Port Charlotte, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Refreshments provided) |
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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.
PORT CHARLOTTE
*Royal Palm Retirement Center
2500 Aaron Street (33952)
4th Tuesday @ 10:00 a.m.
Katie Scott, 941-235-7470
South Port Square (Harbor Terrace)
23033 Westchester Blvd.
3rd Tuesday @ 3:00 p.m.
Beth Hague, 941-625-1220
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church
1441 Spear Street (33948)
4th Thursday @ 2:30 p.m.
Judy Jahn, 941-286-0584
Irma Nin, 941-504-2621
Port Charlotte Methodist Church
18400 Quesada Avenue (33952)
3rd Thursday @ 3:00 p.m.
Terri Jackman, 941-276-4307
Bea Ramirez, 941-624-4448
Charlotte Harbor Healthcare
4000 Kings Highway
3rd Thursday @ 4:00 p.m.
Elaine DeHof, 941-255-5855
PUNTA GORDA
Life Care Center
450 Shreve Street (33950)
3rd Monday @ 3:00 p.m.
Kelly Christie, 941-639-8771
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association
2001 Shreve Street (33950)
2nd Tuesday @ 3:00 p.m.
Terri Jackman, 941-276-4307
Bea Ramirez, 941-624-4448
ARCADIA
Arcadia Oaks
1013 Gibson St. (34266)
4th Monday @ 11:00 a.m.
Evelyn Donato, 863-993-9760
* 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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Legal Documents
Stefanie Thompson, Senior Program Specialist, AAFGCC
Planning for the future is a necessary part of life. Having a solid legal plan in place - including proper legal documents - is especially important for the person with dementia though, because it helps ensure that the person's wishes are followed when he or she can no longer speak for himself or herself.
Standard legal documents include power of attorney, health care surrogate, living will, do not resuscitate order (DNRO), standard will, living trust and guardianship/conservatorship. Some forms are available for free through the Florida Department of Health:
Because laws vary by state and are constantly changing, consulting with an attorney who specializes in elder law is highly recommended. To find a lawyer in your area, contact our office or visit one of the following websites.
Once the documents have been filled out and authorized, give appropriate copies (e.g. DNRO on yellow legal paper) to physicians and other care personnel. Caregivers should keep a set with them and make available to emergency professionals when necessary. It is also important to communicate directly with each medical facility to be sure they understand your loved one's wishes, and that orders in the documents will be carried out as directed. In some cases -- a planned hospital procedure, for instance - the facility may require its own internal documents be filled out. Be sure to clarify this, in advance, with each facility. |
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Early Stage Programs
The Alzheimer's Association has early stage dementia programs. Are you or someone you know experiencing early stage dementia? If so, you may be interested to participate in one of our early stage programs.
One such program is called BASE (Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education) a educational and supportive program that runs two-hours a week for nine weeks. the program is intended for people with an early stage diagnoisis and their carepartners.
For more information contact our office.
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Alzheimer's Association International Conference�
The Alzheimer's Association International Conference� (AAIC) serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community. It is the world's leading forum on dementia research.
Each year, thousands of the world's leading dementia researchers gather to share discoveries and innovative ideas in a forum that defines the field. In 2013, we'll celebrate 25 years of progress while shaping a future that answers our questions about Alzheimer's and dementia.
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Walk to End Alzheimer's�
Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions.
Get involved by forming a Walk to End Alzheimer's team, or join the Alzheimer's Association - Charlotte County Team.
Charlotte County WALK - Saturday November 2, 2013 Follow this link for more information.
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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.
Time to Get Moving: 10 Will Get You 60 Joel Carrier, volunteer AAFGCC, family caregiver No pain, no gain? No way. You probably already know that physical activity tops the list of stress-busters. And that health gurus recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five times per week for improving physical and mental health. So what can 10 minutes of physical activity each day do for you? For starters, it can net 60 minutes worth of metabolic effects - which is a huge return on investment for caregivers living hyper-shortened days. Recent studies suggest a simple 10-minute workout can trigger metabolic changes in the body for at least an hour after exercising (Church, Earnst, Skinner, & Blair, 2007; and Gerszten, et al., 2010). That's enough to help strengthen your immune system, burn extra calories, melt away fat, help control blood sugar, promote healthy blood flow, strengthen the heart, detoxify your system and elevate your mood for the entire day. Compound this by seven days a week and, whew! It's like seven hours at the gym. Only better. No time? No worries. Short bursts of daily exercise don't require a gym membership, exercise equipment, personal trainer or even leaving the house. A definite plus for caregivers who are already overtaxed and who can't easily fit in a workout on a regular basis. And making time in your day can be easy, fun, satisfying and entirely doable. - Start the day with a quick walk around the block
- Ride a bike to the drug or convenience store
- Take advantage of stairs
- Buy a jump rope - and use it
- Play a game of hoops or hopscotch with the kids
- Purchase an inexpensive set of exercise bands - and use them
The point is to get up and move your body for 10 minutes a day. Chances are when you do, you won't want to stop. Recognize the warning signs of caregiver stress and take the caregiver stress check.
Visit here for more tips on how to manage stress.
Feel the stress? We're here to help you. |
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Caregiver Jewels
Emily Reese, Program Specialist, AAFGCC June TipActivities
A caregiver shared information on a respite video he plays for his wife when he needs to occupy her so he can have a little time to pay bills, do chores around the home or just have a few quiet moments to himself. The video gives the caregiver a temporary break while engaging his wife's attention and providing her with stimulation. The video can be obtained through Videorespite.
Providing a daily routine of activities is important for the person with dementia. Activities provide a sense of purpose and can help decrease anxiety and challenging behaviors. Keeping the person active during the day can also help promote better sleep at night. For an activity to be successful it needs to accommodate the person's current abilities. For example, a bridge player may find the game too challenging but still enjoy playing a simple game of go fish.
For more information on activities and creating a daily plan visit these links:
About this columnCaregiver Jewels is 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.
Note: The information in this column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. |
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If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Katie Scott
Program Specialist
Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
4075 Tamiami Trail #2
Port Charlotte, Florida 33952
Office: 941-235-7475
Fax: 941-235-7473
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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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