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Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
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Calendar
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.
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August 1st Educational Presentation: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease at Clare Bridge of Cape Coral, 911 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Learn what is normal age related memory changes and when you should have concerns. Understand the different types of dementia and the importance of a good diagnosis.
August 1st Fundraiser: Art without Boundaries Show and Sale at The Palms of Fort Myers, 2674 Winkler Ave., Fort Myers.
All artwork has been created by residents and all proceeds from this sale will benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Please RSVP to Odile at 239-275-7800.
August 7th Educational Presentation: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease at Clare Bridge of Fort Myers, 13565 American Colony Blvd., Fort Myers. 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Learn what is normal age related memory changes and when you should have concerns. Understand the different types of dementia and the importance of a good diagnosis.
August 7th Caregiver Education: Understanding Dementia at Emeritus at the Lakes, 7460 Lake Breeze Drive at Fort Myers. 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Program discusses the different types dementia, diagnosis and stages of disease and impact on care needs.
August 24th Outreach: Alzheimer's Disease Health and Wellness Fair at Grace Church Community Center, 4151 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Education sessions on disease progression, current research, community resources and tips for care and care options. Free health screenings will include hearing, vision, memory and blood pressure. Refreshments will be served, event is open to the public. For more information call Kaylnn Green 239-628-7881.
September 4th Educational Presentation:
Discussion of Brain Health at Clare Bridge of Fort Myers, 13565 American Colony Blvd., Fort Myers. 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Program provides information on reducing risk factors for developing disease and maintaining brain health. Also looks at supporting brain health in a person with a diagnosis of dementia.
September 4th Caregiver Education: Compassionate Communication at Emeritus at the Lakes, 7460 Lake Breeze Drive at Fort Myers. 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Addresses the challenges faced by people living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and family caregivers, and tips and techniques to make communication the least frustrating as possible for everyone.
September 5th Educational Presentation: Discussion of Brain Health at Clare Bridge of Cape Coral, 911 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Program provides information on reducing risk factors for developing disease and maintaining brain health. Also looks at supporting brain health in a person with a diagnosis of dementia.
October 2nd Educational Presentation: HBO Series Momentum in Science Part 1 at Clare Bridge of Fort Myers, 13565 American Colony Blvd., Fort Myers. 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 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.
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New Early Stage e-News Brief
Are you a person with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia? If so, you may be interested in our online news brief that has event reminders, tips and feature stories pertaining to your needs.
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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.
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.
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BASE Program
Are you or someone you care about experiencing early stage dementia? If so, you may qualify to participate in BASE.
Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education (BASE) is a comprehensive program for individuals
with MCI or early stage Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia and their care partner.
BASE 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.
Preregistration is required to participate in this program. Please contact our office for more information.
BASE Program is starting September 9!
Classes will meet Mondays, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., from September 9, to November 4, 2013 at First Church of the Nazarene, 13454 American Colony Blvd., Fort Myers. 33912.
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National AD Plan Update
The National Alzheimer's Plan, first released in May 2012, has a primary goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's Disease by 2025. In June 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services released an update to the Plan that reviews progresses made during the past year and an updated timeline to achieve the primary goal.
The National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease: 2013 Update also includes:
- Creation of milestones to help achieve the goal of prevention and effective treatment;
- Development of a curriculum on Alzheimer's Disease for primary care physicians so that providers have necessary skills to provide high-quality dementia care;
- Convening an expert panel on advanced dementia to address unique needs of late stage patients; and
- Expanding public outreach efforts to increase awareness of the disease and link caregivers to available resources.
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Walk to End Alzheimer's
 | | What is the Walk to End Alzheimer's? |
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Care for the Caregiver
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.
Address the Stress: The Sleep Factor
Joel Carrier, volunteer AAFGCC, family caregiver
Still waiting for that Elusive Good Night's Sleep?
Unless you're willing to make a few changes in your
daily routine, keep dreaming.
Sleep deprivation is nothing to yawn at. According to
the National Institute of Health, more than 40 million Americans suffer from chronic, long-term sleep
disorders, and an additional 20 million report
occasional sleeping problems. This doesn't even begin to reflect the number of folks for whom sleep is challenged due to additional factors like stress and
anxiety.
Caregivers for those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias may find the dilemma of sleep deprivation even more perplexing: to reduce stress, you need more sleep; to sleep better, you need to reduce stress.
Go figure.
Time to bust a few myths:
* You cannot make up for lost sleep. Just like lost
time, lost sleep is one commodity we can't replenish.
In fact, sleeping in or longer a couple days a week can upset your body's internal clock, making a good
night's rest even more elusive for those of us who are already sleep-challenged.
* You will not learn to need less sleep. You can fool
yourself into believing you can get by on less sleep:
Truth is we can. But this isn't the same as training our bodies to need less sleep. We're born with a set sleep needs; ignoring this can lead to serious consequences, like poor job performance (remember: paid or unpaid, caregiving is our job), increased risks of accidents and a host of health issues too numerous to list here.
* Your sleep problems will not go away on their own. Whether due to sleep disorders or stresses related to care giving, sleep deprivation needs to be hit head-on if you want to get back to your fully functioning self. Forget about being tired: Lack of sleep makes us irritable, less patient, more easily agitated and can jeopardize and impair our judgment. Not a good recipe when it comes to caring for those who depend on us.
Admittedly, as caregivers our own sleep challenges
may stem from sleep issues our loved ones are having. Which is why it's important to address the sleep issues of all involved: wandering or confusing days with nights does not make for sound sleep for anyone. If this is the case, talk to your loved one's doctor. He or she may be able to make suggestions to address your loved ones sleep, including better sleep hygiene, environmental changes, behavior modification techniques or medications.
None of this addresses the bigger, all-consuming issue of time, though. Sometimes, there is just not enough - and sleep is almost always the first thing to go. Unfortunately, there are no easy fixes for this other than self-discipline.
So the next time you're tempted to forgo sleep in lieu of folding laundry, running the vacuum, worrying about tomorrow's meal plan, checking your bank account online and shopping for groceries at midnight, remember this: Everything we do or don't do to take care of ourselves directly impacts our abilities to care for our loved ones.
For more information on sleep disorders, sleep deprivation and suggestions for improving quality of sleep speak to your health care professional. You may also want to gain more information by visiting the following websites:
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Caregiver Jewels
Emily Reese, Program Specialist, AAFGCC
August Tip
Using Memory Aids
A caregiver shared that his wife used a daily dairy quite successfully for a period of time. She kept the diary by the phone so she could note telephone calls, appointments and general reminders and tasks.
We all use memory aids from time to time but for someone with early memory loss, using aids can
be essential to maintaining independence longer.
Labels, lists, notebooks and sticky notes can help a
person cope with their memory loss.
Other memory aid ideas:
- Label drawers to help your loved one find things.
- Keep important numbers by the phone.
- Post reminders to lock doors or shut windows.
- Have step-by-step instructions on how to work appliances (such as the computer), or complete routine tasks (such as fixing your hair, applying make-up or brushing teeth).
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About this column: Caregiver Jewels is a column featuring tips from 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 by sending 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,
Emily Reese, Program Specialist Catherine Cruikshank, Director of Education Lee-Collier Office Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter 9220 Bonita Beach Road Suite 223 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Telephone: (239) 405-7008 Facsimile: (239) 405-7038
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 Thank you! 2013 Walk to End Alzheimer's 5,000 Steps Sponsorships.    |
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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