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Calendar "At a Glance"
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A free telephone learning and support program. Select a session right for you.
Click here for more details:
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"Conversations With Dr.
Jamie: Understanding
The Keys To Caregiving" with Dr. Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT
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03/18/13 (Mon), 12 and 7 p.m.
(Note: Session is repeated.)
"If I Had Only Known:
A Conversation with Long-Term Family Caregivers"
with Pat S and Linda H (45 minute session)
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03/19/13 (Tues), 10:30 a.m.
"Dad's Had a Heart Attack:
Now What?"
with Michael Almaleh, MD
"Master of Memory
With Andy Crocker, M.S.
NEW!
30-minute Break Sessions
For Working Caregivers
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03/07/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Caregiver Guide to Stress Management: Get Some Relief" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
3/21/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"The 'How-to' of Creating Work-Life Balance" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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Sign Up By Phone,
Email or Online
Register for any scheduled TeleLearning Sessions above by phone: San Antonio Area -- 871- 7SOS (7767) or 1(866) 390-6491 (toll-free) (Mon.- Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.); by email, or go to our website.
The hour long, free phone- based sessions are designed to help enhance the quality of life for caregivers by providing needed emotional, educational and social support.
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Spanish Newsletter
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Join Our List
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(You may select multiple lists.)
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Carol's Column
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 Our caregiving journey may be a new experience in our lives and take us down a path that we've never traveled; however, we take with us suitcases that are full of our personal histories, relationships and experiences. Some people call it emotional baggage. This is especially true about our family relationships. If we never had a good relationship with our father or mother, we may find it especially difficult to feel like we now have to care for them, perhaps even resenting the time and energy we are now spending. We may be the "good son or daughter" who always took care of everything, so the family is expecting us to take care of our parent. But we may need help from our siblings who think we can do it all. Perhaps we are the spouse who was expecting to relax and travel in retirement, and we now find ourselves stuck in our own home in a role almost like a nurse. Caregiving is hard enough even if we had a good past relationship. If we're having trouble with our caregiving role and we believe someone in the family should be behaving differently, it may be a good time to step back and ask ourselves if we're being realistic. If our siblings were always bossy and unhelpful, should we expect them to change their spots now? This doesn't mean that we can't ask for help from our family. We may need to have a family meeting to let others know the kind of help that we need. At this point, calling in a third party facilitator/mediator to meet with the family is recommended. This could be a geriatric care manager, social worker, or clergy. It's easier to have someone else say that we need a new way or more support caring for Mom/Dad or our spouse. The third party can shape the discussion about the best outcome for the loved one, not about the fact that your sister never helps. We may want to think of ways our family can help us and be successful ahead of time. What are their strengths? What are their limitations? They won't help cook, so perhaps the best chance of success is to have them pick up take-out dinner a couple of times a week. Everyone lives out of town, so maybe taking over paying the bills online is realistic. And we may even have to let everyone know that we can't do it anymore. A lack of support may mean that our loved one can no longer stay at home. There are times when this really is the best choice. Our loved one may need a safe environment without a frazzled caregiver who can no longer cope, despite our best intentions. The most important thing is that we get help or we change the situation. It's much more important than being right about the past, or your family's personality quirks. If we can take out the family history, look at it realistically and use that knowledge to help our caregiving experience, our suitcase will feel a little (or a lot) lighter.
Carol Zernial Executive Director
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Join the Conversation
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Individuals, non-profits and organizations, along with state, regional, and local agencies are encouraged to submit for consideration their information on meetings, educational sessions, or resources for caregivers (of seniors, wounded warriors, and children or adults who have a disability).
Please email details and documents (as a pdf or MS Office document--Word, Publisher, PowerPoint or Excel) promoting the item, along with a contact name, email address, and phone number to: Sue Ellen Lewis, Editor, Caregiver SOS Signals Newsletter/eMail Blasts; email: SueEllenLewis@msn.com: Voice: 210-637-5116.
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Greetings!
Inaugural Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers
Master Training Class
Eight professionals representing both coasts and the American heartland participated in the inaugural Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers Master Training Class on Feb. 13-14, marking the program's implementation nationwide.
The WellMed Charitable Foundation partnered with Dr. Sharon Lewis, a noted researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, to take the successful Stress-Busting Program across the United States.
Dr. Lewis and Ginny Funk from the Alzheimer's Association - San Antonio - South Texas, were Master Class instructors.
Participants were: - Jackie Lenzy, Alzheimer's Association - Oklahoma and Arkansas chapter, Jenks, OK
- Evalyn Greb, Caregiver Education Consultant, Del Mar, CA
- Guadalupe Rodriguez-Viada and Anna Vanderbiest, both from United Home Care, Miami, FL
- Dana Dobson and Stephanie King, both from the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments, Decatur, AL
- Farah Sivolella and Lynne Brownrigg, both from the East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic, Melbourne, FL
Click here for the complete article. |
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HEALTH SAVVY`
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Getting Involved: An Introduction to Rehabilitation For the Primary Caregiver
(from www.caregiver.com)
 What should a caregiver expect when their loved one is facing a long regimen of rehabilitation? The whole process can be a mystery and often it is unclear as to what role the caregiver should play in the process. The more progress your loved one makes in rehab, the better you both will feel. The process of rehabilitation is not an easy one but with your help and support, your loved one will gain back the most capability possible.
How do you get the most out of your loved one's rehabilitation? It's just a matter of getting INVOLVED. Make sure you read about your loved one's condition and educate yourself so you can ask the right questions. Try to understand what your loved one is going through medically. (Click here for the complete article.)
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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Understanding the Impact
Of Family Caregiving on Work
 The number of workers with eldercare responsibilities is on the rise. This trend highlights the need to better understand the impact of family caregiving on work, and how working caregivers can better manage their work and caregiving responsibilities.
Most Family Caregivers Juggle Caring for an Aging Relative or Friend with Employment.
The "average" U.S. caregiver is a 49-year-old woman who works outside the home and spends nearly 20 hours per week-the equivalent of another parttime job-providing unpaid care to her mother for nearly five years. ( Click here to download this Fact Sheet for printing/posting.)
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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Managing Caregiver Stress
Caregiver stress is the all-too-common outcome of caring for a family member with dementia. The challenges of caring for someone else on top of your other responsibilities can feel overwhelming.
 Being a member of the Sandwich Generation caring for aging parents and children or grandchildren can lead to more pressure.
One of the saddest and scariest parts of caring for a family member with dementia are the changes you will see in his personality and feel in your relationship with him. The ongoing sadness you feel as your family member declines adds to the difficulty of your role. Click here for the complete article.
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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Understanding Memory Loss: Differences between mild forgetfulness and more serious memory problems
Mary couldn't find her car keys. She looked on the hook just inside the front door. They weren't there. She searched in her purse. No luck. Finally, she found them on her desk. Yesterday, she forgot her neighbor's name. Her memory was playing tricks on her. She was starting to worry about it.
She decided to see her doctor. After a complete check-up, her doctor said that Mary was fine. Her forgetfulness was just a normal part of getting older. The doctor suggested that Mary take a class, play cards with friends, or help out at the local school to sharpen her memory. Click here for the complete article.
 Concerned about memory loss? Take heart. Simple steps - from staying mentally active to including physical activity in your daily routine - may help sharpen your memory.
Can't find your car keys? Forget what's on your grocery list? Can't remember the name of the personal trainer you liked at the gym? You're not alone. Everyone forgets things occasionally. Still, memory loss is nothing to take lightly. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, memory tricks can be helpful. Consider seven simple ways to sharpen your memory - and know when to seek help for memory loss. (Click here for the entire article.)
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy states that "more than ever before, families are providing long-term care to older adults with limitations in the ability to perform tasks necessary for independent living. Nearly 25% of American households are providing care to people age 50 years and over. Families are the alternative foundation for a stressed healthcare system. Hospital stays are shorter than ever and family caregivers are often expected to do what healthcare professionals once did."
Family caregivers take over various responsibilities for their elders. It may be just handling finances, running errands, going to doctor appointments or taking on full 24-hour care services. In most cases one sibling in the family will become the main caregiver, but most successful ventures are supported by the entire family. Click here for the complete article.
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'Take 10' with Dr. Jamie
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"Isolation: the Pain of the Caregiver's Soul"
(Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT)
A recent AARP Magazine survey revealed that more Americans feel more lonely today than they did a decade ago, and older Americans are particularly at risk. In fact, 44 million adults over the age of 45 suffer from chronic loneliness. We could factor in that as we grow older it's "normal" to deal with grief, depression, medical challenges and loss of energy if we do not remain active.
I don't agree with that. I think that very possibly the common denominator most suspect in these tragic numbers might be that it's "caregiving time." Click here for the complete article. Click here for the article in Spanish.
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TELECONNECTION SESSION DETAILS
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These hour-long, free phone-based sessions are designed to help enhance the quality of life for caregivers by providing needed emotional, educational and social support. The sessions can be accessed from anywhere via your phone: no need to get dressed up, find transportation, or get a sitter.
Register for any TeleLearning Sessions by phone: San Antonio Area--871-7SOS (7767) or 1 (866) 390-6491 (toll-free) (Mon. -Fri., 8:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.); by email, or go to our website.
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03/12/13 (Tues), 10 a.m. *"Conversations with Dr. Jamie: Understanding the Keys to Caregiving with Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT
Dr. Jamie Huysman has dedicated his career to supporting the resilience of the human spirit. His passion and commitment is focused on the fastest emerging, under-served phenomena in our culture- the caregiver. He is a frequent speaker on caregiving issues, and a noted author; Jamie co-wrote the caregiving tome "Take Your Oxygen First". This month's session will focus on the important keys for caregiving.
*This telelearning session is FREE and open to all. To register, click here. Flyer for printing/posting
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03/18/13 (Mon), 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
*"If I Had Only Known: A Conversation with Long-Term Family Caregivers" with Pat S. and Linda H. (45 minute session)
 What are some of the do's and don'ts of caring for family members when they are limited or no longer able to care for themselves? Learn tips to manage family caregiving, hear how others have coped, and have some of your questions answered.
*This telelearning session is FREE and open to all. To register, click here. Flyer for printing/posting
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03/19/13 (Tues), 10 a.m.
*"Dad's Had a Heart Attack: Now What?"with Michael Almaleh, MD, WellMed Medical Director
So your loved one has had a heart attack - now what? Listen to Dr. Almaleh discuss the latest treatment options, and warning signs to be on the lookout for. Learn how to make lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact. This is a don't miss session for anyone dealing with cardiovascular issues.
*This telelearning session is FREE and open to all. To register, click here. Flyer for printing/posting
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03/26/13 (Tues), 2 p.m.
*"Master of Memory" with Andy Crocker, M.S.
 A common misconception about the aging brain is that there is nothing that may be done with regard to memory and that new information cannot be learned. Often simple lapses in memory or decline in recall speed are mistaken for dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. This lesson will provide helpful information about memory function and strategies to help improve it.
*This telelearning session is FREE and open to all. To register, click here. Flyer for printing/posting
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New 30-Minute Caregiver Break Sessions:
Especially for Working Caregivers
_____________________________________ 03/07/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m. **"Caregiver Guide to Stress Management: Get Some Relief" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW  How would you rate your ability to manage the stress you feel as you care for your loved one or family member? In this session, learn healthy strategies and techniques to manage stress. Also, you will hear about the importance of preparing for stressful events by maintaining physical and emotional balance every day. You will hear other caregivers share their successful experiences in recognizing and coping with stress.
_____________________________________ 3/21/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**"The 'How-to' of Creating Work and Life Balance" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
Are you caring for a family member and also working outside the home? This session will discuss the special challenges you face and how caregiving not only impacts you, but also your family and your employer. You will hear other caregivers share tips for success as a working caregiver.
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Caregiver SOS: On Air
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Featured Guests in March
(from the WellMed Charitable Foundation)
March 3 - A Caregiver's Story: Erik Darmstetter
March 10 - Visions of Aging and Caregiving, With Documentary Filmmaker Jim Vanden Bosch, Terra Nova Films
March 17 - Dad's Had A Heart Attack: What Now? With Cardiologist Dr. Michael Almaleh
March 24 - My Caregiving Journey and Covering Aging Issues, With Pamela Yip, Columnist, The Dallas Morning News
March 31 - Geriatrician Dr. Denise Dahm, UT Medicine San Antonio - Topic TBA
Caregiver SOS: On Air is an hour-long weekly program
that airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on NewsTalk 930-AM KLUP. The program is sponsored and presented by the WellMed Charitable Foundation. Click here
for past shows on streaming podcasts or download to iTunes.
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Caregiver SOS Resource Centers
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Caregiver SOS Centers
(from the WellMed Charitable Foundation)
March marks the beginning on new learning opportunities for caregivers at the the SOS Centers.
 New classes starting include: Stress-Busters, Stress Reduction, Diabetes Self Management and Chronic Disease Self Management --along with crafts, movies, health-related events. A resource library is also available. See the Activity Calendars below for the current schedules.
For locations and other information, go to the Caregiver SOS website. The Calendars below may be printed/posted:
San Antonio Center at Northern Hills
San Antonio Lopez Senior Center
Harlingen Senior Center
Hidalgo County
Coastal Bend
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Resources and References
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 You've Earned a Say. Take the Post-election Questionnaire: After months of campaign ads and political spin, the election is over. Now it's time to get down to business. Tell President Obama what you think he should do about Social Security and Medicare during his second term.
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Click here for a comprehensive listing of informational resources for family caregivers.
From the New York Times: The Obama administration is planning a decade-long scientific effort to examine the workings of the human brain and build a comprehensive map of its activity, seeking to do for the brain what the Human Genome Project did for genetics.
 The project, which the administration has been looking to unveil as early as March, will include federal agencies, private foundations and teams of neuroscientists in a concerted effort to advance the knowledge of the brain's billions of neurons and gain greater insights into perception, actions and, ultimately, consciousness. Click here for the complete article.
From the National Caregivers Library: This is one of the most extensive libraries for caregivers that exists today. Find hundreds of articles, forms, checklists and links to topic-specific external resources, organized into logical categories. Click here to go to this website. From the Administration for Community Living; New Website Launched. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has  launched its new website. ACL, brought together three agencies within the federal Department of Health and Human Services: the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Office on Disability. The new website offers resources about the programs, services and issues facing persons with disabilities, older adults, and family caregivers. From the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute:
As part of PCORI's effort to investigate and fund useful, impactful research on critical patient-centered health and  healthcare issues, they are asking the public to provide them with questions of personal importance regarding preventing injuries from falls in the elderly. They would like your input on which questions remain unanswered, which treatments should be compared, and which critical patient-centered outcomes should be addressed. Their objective is to identify those questions that, if answered, would provide patients, caregivers, and clinicians with the best information available to help them prevent falls among the elderly and the injuries that often result. Click here for more information.
From NextAvenue.org: The U.S. is aging faster Than Anticipated. Recent population projections from the 2010 census will have major  implications for how we work, retire and care for the elderly. According to recently released Census Bureau projections, the U.S. population is aging faster than previously expected - and the implications are enormous.
Although the latest census forecast still says the number of Americans 65 and older will double over the next 30 years to 80 million, the government now believes the under-65 crowd will grow more slowly than estimated four years ago. Click here for complete article. From the Public News Service: Wage Hike Possible for TX In-Home Care Providers
AUSTIN, Texas - There is a huge value to helping Texas seniors stay independent and in their own homes, and more than money is at stake.
Some claim the Legislature needs to do a better job supporting programs with that focus. One such program is Community Attendant Services, but Trey Berndt, associate state director for advocacy at AARP Texas, said it's been years since the state increased the wages for those workers. Click here for complete article. Click here for the Spanish version.
Strategies for Improving Memory from LiveStrong.com:
Almost everyone can use some strategies and tips to help improve their memories. You may be a student striving for high test scores, a  business person giving a speech, a senior citizen who has experienced some slowing brain function or an accident victim who needs mental therapy to get the brain back into shape. An article on the Harvard Health Publications website claims that most people can improve their memories by following some strategies. For complete article, click here.
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New Stress-Busting Program:
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Waco-Area Stress-Busting Series Implemented
The Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas learned about the Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers when attending the Texas Conference on Aging in South Padre in May, 2012. "After the presentation, we knew we needed to bring this program to the Heart of Texas region to serve our family caregivers," explained Donnis Cowan, Manager of Aging programs, Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas, Heart of Texas Council of Governments.  "On January 8-11, 2013, we held two 2-day Master Trainer classes, which had a total of 17 participants. After reviewing other models in the state, the Heart of Texas decided to solicit master trainers that reside in the rural counties. They know the people and also what is the best outreach method for their area. As a result, we now have 2 master trainers in all of our rural counties (Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, and Limestone) and 5 master trainers in McLennan County," Donnis explained.
"Due to a cancellation at the last minute, we brought in two master trainers from Central Texas, which serves 7 counties. Now the Stress-Busting Program has moved into the Heart and Central Texas regions."
"We are so very excited that our community has welcomed this program with open arms," she concluded.
Stress-Busting Classes scheduled are:
- 3/4/2013 - 5/6/2013 1:30-3 p.m.; The Alzheimer's Association; 6605 Sanger Ave Ste 1; Waco; Contact: 254-753-7722
- 4/29/13 - 6/24/2013 10-11:30 a.m.; HOTCOG Board room; 1514 S. New Rd; Waco; Contact; 254-292-1857
- 5/1/2013 - 6/26/2013 2:30-4 p.m.; HOTCOG Board room; 1514 S. New Rd; Waco; Contact: 254-292-1857
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In Closing . . .
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W e hope you found this Signals newsletter both useful and informative. Please share it with caregivers that you know, your friends, and colleagues by clicking on 'Forward to a Friend'. (Since Signals is optimized for the Internet, forwarding it through your email system very seriously alters the appearance.)
Carol Zernial, Executive Director
WellMed Charitable Foundation
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