Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

 

Pinellas Update 

June 2013

In This Issue
Support Groups
Alzheimer's Association International Conference®
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Care for the Caregiver: Time to Get Moving
Caregiver Jewels: Activities
Legal Documents
Early Stage Programs
Calendar
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.

 

June 3rd Caregiver Training: Creating a Family Caregiver 911 Plan at Dunedin Library, 233 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin. 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 727-723-7532. 

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*June 6th Volunteer Training: Support Group Facilitator Training at the Alzheimer's Association Clearwater Office, 14010 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 709, Clearwater. For more information and to sign up, please call 727-578-2558.

 

June 8th Educational Presentation: Brain in a Jar: A Daughter's Journey Through Her Father's Memory at Arden Courts, 300 Highland Avenue NE, Largo. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please RSVP by calling 727-559-8411 or email: [email protected].

 
*June 11th Caregiver Training: Safety in the Home at The Inn at Freedom Square, 10801 Johnson Boulevard, Seminole. 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please RSVP by calling 727-398-0363.
  

*June 20th Early Stage Social Group: Memory Cafe of Pinellas at Maria's Adult Day Care, 7821 Seminole Boulevard, Seminole.This is a social group for people with early to middle Alzheimer's or other related dementias and their care partners (family, friends). Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Please call Peggy Macaluso or AJ Cipperly, 727-578-2558.

 

*June 24th Outreach: Memory Screenings on the Memory Mobile at the Alzheimer's Association Clearwater Office, 14010 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 709, Clearwater. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information, please call 727-578-2558.

 

*June 25th Outreach: Memory Screenings on the Memory Mobile at the Alzheimer's Association Clearwater Office, 14010 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 709, Clearwater. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information, please call 727-578-2558.

 

*June 26th Outreach: Memory Screenings on the Memory Mobile at the Alzheimer's Association Clearwater Office, 14010 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 709, Clearwater. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information, please call 727-578-2558.

 

July

 

*Early Stage Program: BASE: Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education; 9 week Education Program for Persons early in the disease and their Care Partners. Dates, Times & Location to be announced. For more information, please call 727-578-2558.

 

*July 16th Caregiver Training: Topic to be Announced at The Inn at Freedom Square, 10801 Johnson Boulevard, Seminole. 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please RSVP by calling 727-398-0363.

 

*July 18th Early Stage Social GroupMemory Cafe of Pinellas at Maria's Adult Day Care, 7821 Seminole Boulevard, Seminole.This is a social group for people with early to middle Alzheimer's or other related dementias and their care partners (family, friends). Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Please call Peggy Macaluso or AJ Cipperly, 727-578-2558.

 

Indicates programs presented by the Alzheimer's Assocation- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
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 GROUPS - 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 p.m.
Celisa Bonner, 727-298-6384

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS -
for caregivers only

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

Sunset Point Care & Rehab Center
1980 Sunset Point Road
1st Thursday of month @ 3:00 p.m.
Divina Balorio, 727-443-1588

Inn on the Pond
2010 Greenbriar Boulevard
Last Thursday of month @ 6:00 p.m.
Sheri Derry, 727-735-6200

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

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

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

*Heron House
2050 East Bay Drive
3rd Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
AJ Cipperly, 727-578-2558

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

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

PINELLAS PARK
Emeritus at Pinellas Park
8980 49th Street North
Last Tuesday of month @ 6:00 p.m.
Ashlie Johnson, 727-546-4053

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

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

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

PALM HARBOR/TARPON SPRINGS
Lasting Legacy
38511 U.S. Hwy 19 North
Mondays @ 10:00 a.m.
Angela Poirier, 813-416-1365

SEMINOLE
Inn at Freedom Square
10801 Johnson Boulevard
3rd Floor Activity Room
1st Wednesday @ 1:30 p.m.
Megan White, 727-398-0185

SAINT PETERSBURG
Fountains at Boca Ciega
1255 Pasadena Avenue South
2nd and 4th Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m.
Melissa Goodnow, 727-381-5411

Ivy Ridge Living
7179 40th Avenue North
2nd Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
4th Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Maureen Rulison, 727-527-5488

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

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


* Indicates Free Respite is provided by the support group host during the support group meeting. Please call in advance for reservations. 
Quick Links
  
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Alzheimer's Association International Conference�
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. 
  
AAIC 2013 will be held July 13-18, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts. Registration is now open
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 -
St. Petersburg Team.
 
Follow this link for more information. 
  
Walk To End Alzheimer's 1 
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.

Caregiver Jewels
Emily Reese, Program Specialist, AAFGCC

June Tip
Activities
  
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 column
Caregiver 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 [email protected] 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.

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.

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 your local office at 727-578-2558.
 
BASE 
If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us. 

Sincerely,

 

Peggy Macaluso
Program Specialist & Director of Client Advocacy
[email protected]

AJ Cipperly, Program Specialist
[email protected]

Alzheimer's Assocation Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
14010 Roosevelt Boulevard Suite 709
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: (727) 578-2558
Fascimile: (727) 578-2286
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