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Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
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Hillsborough County Update
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Calendar
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.
September 25th Caregiver Education: Basics of Alzheimer's Disease and the 10 Warning Signs at Brandon Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon. 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. For more information contact Brandon Library at 273-3652.
September 26th Caregiver Education: 101 Activities for a person with Alzheimer's disease at Busansky Senior Center, 4102 West Spruce St, Tampa. 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. For more information call Steve McClure, 813-554-5160
September 27th, 17th Lifestyles after 50 - Fun Fest, Brandon Community Center, Brandon Fl. (Fund raiser for Senior Games - no cost to participate), 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information call Lifestyles office at 813-653-1988
September 29th Walk to End Alzheimer's Fund Raising Event: Home Instead Senior Care "Pie In the Face" Picnic at Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa; 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome!
October 2nd Walk to End Alzheimer's Tampa Bank Day; 11:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.Turn in your fundraising money early! Stop by Emeritus at Northdale (3401 W. Bearss Avenue Tampa); Contact: 727-259-2317 or hoodk@alzflgulf.org for more information.
October 5th Walk to End Alzheimer's at Curtis Hixon Park, 400 North Ashley Drive, Tampa. Events begin at 9:00 a.m. To start or join a team, register online or call 727-578-2558.
October 8th Caregiver Education: Caregiver Stress at Lakeshore Villas, 16001 Lakeshore Villa Drive, Tampa, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Amy Nguyen at 813-386-1145.
October 23rd Walk to End Alzheimer's South Shore Walk Bank Day; 11:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.Turn in your fundraising money early! Stop by the Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce (1651 Sun City Center Plaza Great Sun Center); Contact: 727-259-2317 or hoodk@alzflgulf.org for more information.
October 26 Walk to End Alzheimer's- South Shore Area at
1210 Del Webb Boulevard West, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Events begin at 9:00 a.m. To start or join a team, register online or call 727-578-2558.
November 13th Outreach: Memory Screenings on the Memory Mobile at Center for Manifestation, 3102 E Lake Ave, Tampa; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Caregivers Take Note - Music as Therapy
When Glen Campbell took the stage at the Grammy Awards and accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award, he did so as one of the more than 5 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. What is inspiring about the 75-year-old Campbell's Grammy night appearance is that he has not retired from his love of making music despite his recent diagnosis. In fact, he is starting his Farewell Tour and is cutting a new album.
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Glen Campbell Interview 2011: Discusses Battle With Alzheimer's Disease, Final Tour and New Album
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Is music one of the keys to a longer, happier life - despite your health issues? [...] Click here to read more.
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Click on the link below for the walk near you. If you will be out of town, you can still participate as a virtual walker.
JOIN US! Click on the links below to find a walk near you.
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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.
Mild Cognitive Impairment Group
USF Alzheimer's Center
4001 East Fletcher Ave. Tampa
1st Floor Conference Room
Every 4th Thursday @ 2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Nancy Teten (813) 974-4355
BRANDON
*Superior Residences of Brandon
1819 Providence Ridge Boulevard, 33511
3rd Monday @ 7:00 p.m. or 2nd Wednesday @ 2:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Charlotte Howard (813) 681-1986
Nell Bieser, (813) 625-0846
Dementia Support Group
Campo Family YMCA
3414 Culbreath Road, Valrico, 33596
Last Friday of every month @ 1:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Jill Andrew, Superior Residences of
Brandon (813)657-8587
LITHIA
Life Church at FishHawk
6420 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Lithia, 33547
1st Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Eddie Broom (813) 681-6503
PLANT CITY
First Baptist Church
503 North Palmer Street, Plant City
2nd Tues. @ 2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Stefanie Thompson (863) 292-9210
SUN CITY CENTER
*Courtyards at Sun City Center Assisted Living
255 Courtyards Boulevard, 33573
4th Wednesday @ 1:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Candise Brown (813) 634-4497
*Sun Towers
101 Trinity Lakes Drive
3rd Tuesday @ 2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: AmyBrand, (813) 246-4120
TAMPA
Hyde Park United Methodist Church
500 W. Platt Street
Knox Hall room 150
2nd Tuesday @ Noon
Facilitator: Mimi Buderus (813) 476-2628
Aston Gardens Westchase
11741 Lake Aston Court. Tampa 33626
3rd Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Arthur Mosley (813) 343- 0272
Brighton Gardens of Tampa
16702 North Dale Mabry Highway, 33618
Last Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Laura Pinard, (813) 908-2333
*Emeritus at North Dale
3401 West Bearss Ave, 33618
2nd Wednesday @ 11:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Louise Gray, (813) 961-1044
Please call facility to arrange respite care
Memorial Hospital
2901 W Swann Avenue, Tampa, 33606
3rd Tuesday @ 3:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Tally Nelson, (813) 251-6333
The South Tampa Family YMCA
4411 S. Himes Avenue, 33611
Last Tuesday @ 12:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Yvette Wilmath (813) 839-0210
Yvette.wilmath@tampaymca.org
Hispanic Support Group
1810 West Clifton Street, 33603
First Thursday @ 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Madeline Rodriguez, (813) 871-3652
USF Alzheimer's Center
4001 E. Fletcher Ave.
First Floor Conference Room
1st Thursday of the month @ 2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Eileen Poiley, (813) 974-4355
Free Parking
Lakeshore Villas
16001 Lakeshore Villa Drive
3rd Wednesday of the month @ 2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kim Schaub, (813) 684-1296
THONOTOSASSA
Stone Ledge Manor
12006 McIntosh Road
3rd Monday at 6:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Stormie Thayer, (813) 571-4117
* 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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Why I Walk to End Alzheimer's
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Lessons from Super Seniors
Trish Watson, Estates at Carpenters
Pushing boundaries, ignoring stereotypes, and blazing new trails are the attributes of Super Seniors. Older adults who choose to discard the automatic, negative associations toward being old are aging in extraordinary ways.
 | | Bob Smith of Lakeland tandem jump's. |
Super Seniors live their lives with the motto "What's age got to do with it?"
The mindset you hold towards aging has a tremendous influence on how well you will age. Studies show that genetics have only a 30% influence on the length of our lives; the remaining 70% depends on whether you have the right attitude, stay active and continue doing the things you love, and remain open to trying new things.
If people believe that their later years can be a time of good health and vitality, and they are willing to incorporate the lifestyle behaviors that will make it happen, the results can be amazing. Several residents of the Estates at Carpenters possess this Super Senior mentality, among them are Bob Smith, Peggy Peppers, and Bunny MacMunn.
Bob Smith participated in a tandem parachute jump with Bob Crossman from Skydive Deland. Bob just wanted to try something new and exciting. Age wasn't part of his decision.
Peggy Peppers didn't see why her age should stop her from going zip lining in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks.
Bunny MacMunn is teaching Gentle Yoga to her fellow Estates residents. She isn't short of students either. Residents who were starting to have trouble with balance and flexibility couldn't wait to give Bunny's classes a try, even though some of them were never health-conscious or even involved in physical activities when they were younger. The difference is that they don't let that stop them.
Super Seniors have four key elements in their lives.
- They are optimistic and have a positive attitude.
- They are engaged and feel a passion for life, and retain, discover, or develop a sense of purpose.
- The third element is being active and mobile. They move, function, and maintain independence by exercising and staying active.
- The final element is being adaptable when it comes to loss. Super Seniors are resilient. They deal with and adapt to the difficulties of life by dealing with a loss or problem and then letting it go.
Life is what you make of it. Negative beliefs about aging will prevent you from experiencing growing older as a positive thing. Instead of waking up in the morning, and asking themselves "How much longer do I have left to live?" these Super Seniors ask themselves "What can I do to make the best of today?" _________
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Caregiver Jewels
Emily Reese, Program Specialist, AAFGCC
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! Send your tip to reesee@alzflgulf.org or contact your local office.
October Tip
More than Exercise
A caregiver shared how much she enjoys using an audio cassette (which she had copied to CD) titled "Walk to the Beat" as an exercise activity for her and her husband. She and her husband listen to the CD while they walk about in the comfort of their air-conditioned home.
Benefits for the caregiver
Benefits for the person with dementia
- Enjoyable activity to share with their loved one.
- Exercise may improve balance and reduce falls.
- Adequate exercise during the day can promote more restful sleep at night.
- Music can help stimulate motor coordination.
The audio cassette she uses is no longer produced but there are other exercise audio C.D.'s available. Try searching for music at the Alzheimer's Store ( http://www.alzstore.com) or simply use music that you already have. Good choices are music with an upbeat rhythm that the person with dementia enjoys. Note that this would be a great project for a grandchild to "burn" a CD for grandparents to use.
Visit the links below for more information about music and exercise:
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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Staying Engaged
Stefanie Thompson, director early stage programs
A person in the early stages of dementia may withdraw from activities he or she previously enjoyed. Caregivers can help their loved one stay engaged by offering support and helping to encourage slight adjustments (e.g., choosing smaller social groups over larger groups, or choosing to paint abstractly verses realistically).
As dementia, such as Alzheimer's, progresses, other adjustments may be necessary. If your loved one is beyond the early stages of dementia try using some of the following tips to help keep them engaged.
- Keep the person's skills and abilities in mind. A person with dementia may be able to play simple songs learned on the piano years ago. Bring these types of skills into daily activities.
- Pay special attention to what the person enjoys. Take note when the person seems happy, anxious, distracted or irritable. Some people enjoy watching sports, while others may be frightened by the pace or noise.
- Consider if the person begins activities without direction. Does he or she set the table before dinner or sweep the kitchen floor mid-morning? If so, you may wish to plan these activities as part of the daily routine.
- Be aware of physical problems. Does he or she get tired quickly or have difficulty seeing, hearing or performing simple movements?
- Focus on enjoyment, not achievement. Find activities that build on remaining skills and talents. A professional artist might become frustrated over the declining quality of work, but an amateur might enjoy a new opportunity for self expression. For activity ideas join ALZConnected, our message boards and online support community. Every day, caregivers like you share new ideas and encourage one another.
- Encourage involvement in daily life. Activities that help the individual feel like a valued part of the household - like setting the table - can provide a sense of success and accomplishment.
- Relate to past work life. A former office worker might enjoy activities that involve organizing, like putting coins in a holder or making a to-do list. A farmer or gardener may take pleasure in working in the yard.
- Look for favorites. The person who always enjoyed drinking coffee and reading the newspaper may still find these activities enjoyable, even if he or she is not able to completely understand what the newspaper says.
- Consider time of day. Caregivers may find they have more success with certain activities at specific times of day, such as bathing and dressing in the morning.
- Adjust activities to disease stages. As the disease progresses, you may want to introduce more repetitive tasks. Be prepared for the person to eventually take a less active role in activities.
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Early Stage Programs
BASE (Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education) provides education, resources, skill-building tools and support for people
affected by dementia.
If you or your loved one is currently in the early
stages of the dementia, please call our office for more information.
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If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Kim Schaub, Program Specialist
Email: schaubk@alzflgulf.org
Phone: (813) 684-1296
Fax: (813) 685-7213
309 North Parsons Avenue
Brandon, FL 33510
Nancy Parente, Bilingual & Multi-Cultural Outreach Program Specialist
Email: parenten@alzflgulf.org
Phone: (727) 578-2558
Fax: (727) 578-2286
Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Website: www.alz.org/flgulfcoast
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Programs made possible in part through funding by
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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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