Stress Relief for Family Caregivers--Just a Phone Call Away
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New, Phone-Based Support Group Begins in October
Next month, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) will kick off a new, telephone-based support group for family caregivers. The six-week group will focus on stress management and will offer strategies and practical skills that fit into busy lifestyles.
Offered on Wednesdays, beginning October 15, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. ET, the group will tackle the following topics:
- Your Stress Temperature: Understanding the Sources and Impact of Caregiver Stress
- Mindfulness and Stress Management
- Stress and the Body
- Using Creativity to Manage Stress
- Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management Techniques
- "I'm Too Busy to Relax;" Time Management Tools
People can choose to attend one session or enroll in the series.
"Caregivers are often so busy juggling their caregiving responsibilities, their jobs and other elements of everyday life that they forget to take time for themselves," said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and CEO. "By learning to better manage stress, we hope to help caregivers alleviate burnout and take better care of themselves and their loved ones."
The group will be facilitated by one of AFA's licensed social workers. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to enroll, call 866-232-8484 or e-mail.
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AFA Joins Senior Helpers National for Annual Conference
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"Leading the Pack" Explores Trends in Care
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Teepa Snow, Senior Helpers' Christina Chartrand & AFA's Chuck Fuschillo.
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Last week, AFA attended Senior Helpers National's 2014 Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. The conference brings together Senior Helpers' franchisees and other influencers in the aging care community.
AFA took part in the partner/vendor exhibit, offering educational information and resources.
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Medicare to Pay Doctors Who Coordinate Care for Persons with Serious Illnesses
In an effort to facilitate better care for individuals who have two or more chronic conditions-such as heart disease and diabetes-this January, Medicare will pay monthly fees to doctors who coordinate such care. Care coordination-in which providers collaborate on an individual's medical, psychological, social and other needs-is among the goals of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
Film Explores the Life and Career of Country Music Superstar Glen Campbell
A new documentary, entitled, "I'll Be Me," chronicles Glen Campbell's life-on- and off-stage during his 2012 Goodbye Tour. Campbell, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and multiple Grammy Award-winner, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2011. The film opens in limited release in New York and Nashville in October. For more information and to view the trailer, click here.
CVS Kicks the Habit
CVS made good last week on its promise to stop selling cigarettes in all its stores. The company, which changed its name to CVS Health, also kicked off a smoking-cessation campaign that includes an assessment of the smoker's quit readiness, educational materials, medication support, and coaching to help people stay motivated and avoid relapses.
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With respect and sympathy, AFA remembers those who lost their lives and those who saved lives on September 11, 2001.
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Member Spotlight
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Autumn Assisted Living at Bel Air
Bel Air, Md.
Autumn Assisted Living at Bel Air recently held a red carpet prom for its residents. The brainchild of activities director, Chris Williams, the event pulled out all stops-residents received invitations and walked a red carpet,complete with paparazzi.
Williams called every resident's family and invited them to attend and help pick out dresses for the ladies and suits for the gents. If a lady did not have a dress, the team found one thanks to donations received at another local facility.
Approximately 100 people attended the event. Residents also had an opportunity to vote for prom king and queen, pictured below, John Carnaggio and Marie Thomas.
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Fundraiser Spotlight
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Send-A-Hug
Boca Raton, Fla.
Few things express the sentiment "I care" better than a hug. But what if you can't physically be near a loved one or friend to give that hug? Now, there's a bear for that and his name is Hugs.
Hugs is the brainchild of Robert Schneider, of Boca Raton, Fla. He started his company on a simple premise-to offer an alternative to flowers and candy as a way for people to show they care.
"There is nothing more important than good health," said Schneider. "But second to that is giving or receiving a good, sincere hug."
The handsome bear carries a "hug gram" in one hand and a black velvet pouch in the other containing a stone that reads "Consider yourself hugged." Packages are customizable with a number of add-ons, including mini books, sweets and accessories and have become popular among the celebrity set.
Send-A-Hug donates a portion of the proceeds to cancer and Alzheimer's disease research and recently donated $300 to AFA.
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Upcoming Events
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November 7-9 - National Commemorative Candle Lighting Weekend of Prayer
AFA's National Commemorative Candle Lighting Weekend of Prayer is an annual event to remember and honor Americans who have been or will be affected by Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses. It is held each November in recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.
Learn more
November 18 - National Memory Screening Day On November 18, AFA will host its annual National Memory Screening Day. Free, confidential memory screenings will be administered by qualified health professionals at local sites nationwide, including pharmacies, doctor's offices, libraries, long-term care settings, and houses of worship.
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