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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.
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06/13/13 (Thur), 12 p.m.
and 7 p.m. (45 minute sessions)
"Medicare & the Affordable Care Act: Will it Affect My Loved One?" with Mary Jane Douglas and Melinda Gardner
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06/18/13 (Tues), 9:30 a.m.
"What is a Geriatrician and Why are They Important to an Aging Population?" with Abdu A Kadri, MD
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06/26/13 (Wed), 7 p.m.
"The Tell Tale Signs of Caregiver Stress" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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30-minute Sessions Designed for
Working Caregivers
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06/06/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Relaxation: Importance and Techniques" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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06/20/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Living Guilt Free" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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Sign Up By Phone,
Email or Online
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Register for any scheduled TeleLearning Sessions above by phone at -- 871- 7SOS (7767) or 1(866) 390-6491 (toll-free) (Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.); by email, or go to our website.These free phone-based sessions connect family caregivers with experts and other caregivers in similar situations.
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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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 As summer kicks off, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite things in the caregiving world right now - the Caregiver SOS: On Air radio program. As co-host of the program, I'm not trying to toot our own horn, but I do want share the lineup of outstanding guests that we've interviewed on the show.
Did you know that we've had physicians from the Mayo Clinic and the Harvard School of Medicine? We've spoken several times with Carol Levine, from the United Hospital Fund, who recently testified before the United States House of Representatives on how HIPPA, the federal privacy dlaw, has been misinterpreted and used as an excuse not to work with family caregivers in health care settings.
We've interviewed the best in estate planning attorneys, geriatric care managers - even an expert on hoarding. And we close every show with Take Ten featuring our own Dr. Jamie Huysman, a noted psychologist and expert in caregiving, addictions and other issues related to the mind, body and spirit.
I can honestly tell you that listening to the credentialed professionals on the show has been informative, interesting, and helpful to me in my own role as a caregiver. I learn something every time, and I tell other family members and friends to listen to the show as well. The good news is that all of these wonderful Caregiver SOS: On Air programs are available via podcast on our website at
We've tried to catalog them for you so that you can find the shows you've missed by topic and speaker. Look under the "Media" tab on the website.
I encourage any caregiver to take a break and spend an hour with us on Caregiver SOS: On Air. Our guests are listed each month here in the Signals newsletter. We give you a little bit on the latest research on aging, caregiving and many other topics. We talk to the best experts in the field from across the United States. We also talk to regular caregivers who have a story similar to yours. We want you to know that you are not alone on your caregiving journey. And, we actually laugh - a lot.
If you live in the San Antonio or Austin areas, you can hear Caregiver SOS: On Air live on NewsTalk 930 KLUP (930 on the AM dial) Sundays at 6 p.m. Or you can hear the show anytime, day or night, by clicking on the media link at www.caregiversos.org for the podcast. As my co-host Ron Aaron always says, "If you don't know how to access a podcast, ask a ten-year-old." We hope you'll join us!
Carol Zernial
Executive Director
WellMed Charitable Foundation
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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!
Announcing the Grand Opening:
McAllen Caregiver SOS and Cross Roads Senior Center
The WellMed Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, announces the Grand Opening of the Caregiver SOS by the WellMed Charitable Foundation and Cross Roads Senior Center.
The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon on July 10, 2013. The program includes:
- Introduction of Caregiver SOS and Senior Center Staff
- Overview of Caregiver SOS Services
- Overview of Senior Center Programs
- Meet and Greet the Staff
- Ribbon Cutting
- Concluding with a Senior Center Tour and refreshments
The new Caregiver SOS is located at 1301 E. Fern in McAllen, TX. Services are available at no cost to anyone age 60 and older and their primary family caregivers. Click here for the entire article. Click here for the Spanish translation.
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HEALTH SAVVY
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Aging & Health A to Z: What is Geriatrics?
(from www.HealthinAging.org)
 Older adults have special healthcare needs that can make their medical care more complicated. More than half of adults age 65 and older have 3 or more medical problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, or high blood pressure.
Caring for older people with multiple health problems can be tricky, even for healthcare professionals who specialize in GERIATRICS, the medical care of older adults. Click here to read the complete article.
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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The Secret Guilt of Caregivers:
What is the Difference Between Good and Bad Guilt?
(from www.healthyliving.msn.com)
Many of us looking after an elder have heard the nagging whisper of guilt, like a pesky monkey parked on the shoulders who just won't quit poking us: Feeling guilty when you lose your patience, feeling guilty for complaining about lack of sleep or lack of money, feeling guilty about not having enough time for the person or for the rest of your family.
There's even happiness guilt-when caregivers feel bad about feeling good.
It's a strange paradox that having positive feelings should be yet another source of self-flagellation, but there you have it. Click here to read the complete article.
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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The Affordable Care Act and Medicare:
(from www.Medicare.gov)
Top 5 things to know about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) if you have Medicare:
- You get more preventive services, for less. Medicare now covers certain preventive services, like mammograms or colonoscopies, without charging you for the Part B coinsurance or deductible. You also can get a free yearly "Wellness" visit.
- You can save money on brand-name drugs. If you're in
 the donut hole, you'll also get a 50% discount when buying Part D-covered brand-name prescription drugs. The discount is applied automatically at the counter of your pharmacy-you don't have to do anything to get it. The donut hole will be closed completely by 2020. Click here for the complete article.
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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Caregiver Stress
(from www.alz.org)
 Alzheimer's caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you. Read on to learn symptoms and ways to avoid burnout.
10 symptoms of caregiver stress - Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.
I know Mom is going to get better. - Anger at the person with Alzheimer's, anger that no cure exists or anger that people don't understand what's happening. Click here to read the complete article.
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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Why Relaxation Is Important
(from relaxationoverview.com)
Because of the high level of stress in modern society, relaxation is very important. There has been much research  around the world to study the relationship between stress and health. We have learned that that stress not only affects our moods but major and potentially dangerous disorders.
Stress can cause digestive disorders, raise cholesterol levels, create hypertension, damage arteries to the point there becomes a blockage and heart disease. Stress is also known to cause or worsen bowel conditions, lower immunities which causes our bodies more susceptible to infections and viruses. It can also slow recovery from major traumas to the body. Click here to read the complete article.
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'Take 10' with Dr. Jamie
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"June is National Safety Month"
(Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT)*
 Summertime signals a change in routine for many of us. The kids are home or off to camp, travel plans need to be finalized for the annual family reunion; perhaps you're finally taking a much-needed vacation. Whatever may be on your summer horizon, when you are a caregiver, there's a little (or a lot) more planning and coordination needed. This is true for your work, with your loved one-- and most importantly--the work with yourself. Click here to read the entire article. Click here for the Spanish translation. *Jamie Huysman is a noted psychologist and author of several books on caregiving, including Take Your Oxygen First. He is the Vice President - Provider Relations for WellMed Medical Management.
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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: 871-7SOS (7767) or 1 (866) 390-6491 (toll-free) (Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.); by email, or go to our website.
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06/13/13 (Thur), 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. (45 minute sessions) *" Medicare & the Affordable Care Act: Will it Affect My Loved One?" with Mary Jane Douglas and Melinda Gardner  Learn more about what caregivers need to know. Review the "A-B-C-D's" of Medicare, learn more about health reform changes to Medicare finances, and discuss how these changes affect older adults
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06/18/13 (Tues), 9:30 a.m.
*"What is a Geriatrician and Why are They Important to an Aging Population?" with Abdu A Kadri, MD
 Do you know what a geriatrician is and why you need to know? Listen to Dr. Kadri discuss the role of a geriatrician and why it is important in light of the aging of our population. Dr. Kadri will highlight the important role of geriatricians so that caregivers know about this resource for older adults, and how to determine if their loved one would benefit from seeing a geriatrician.
*This telelearning session is FREE and open to all. To register, click here. Flyer for printing/posting.
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06/26/13 (Wed), 7 p.m.
*"The Tell Tale Signs of Caregiver Stress with Evalyn Greb, LCSW  The stress of caring for a loved one or family member can lead to emotional and physical problems. You will learn that both good and bad experiences can cause stress and how to read the warning signs in order to take action. You will be able to hear some of the stressful experiences of other caregivers and how their successful methods of coping.
*This telelearning session is FREE and open to all. To register, click here. Flyer for printing/posting.
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30-Minute Caregiver Break Session:
Designed Especially for Working Caregivers
_____________________________________ 06/06/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**"Relaxation: Importance and Techniques" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
 Do you get to the end of the day feeling like you have been completely drained of all energy and are unhappy with yourself? This session will discuss the need for relaxation in your daily routine and some proven techniques to lower your stress. You will hear other caregivers share the ways they have learned to relax.
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06/16/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**"Living Guilt Free" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
When caring for a loved one or family member, do you sometimes feel guilty even when you are trying so hard to do what is right? This session will focus on the struggle between being your "ideal self" and what is realistic for you to accomplish on a day-to-day basis. You will hear other caregivers in the session talk about their own successful strategies to cope with these feelings.**Specifically targeted to caregivers who are working outside the home. This telelearning session is FREE and open to all. To register, click here. Flyer for printing/posting.
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Caregiver SOS: On Air
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 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 to listen to recent shows via podcasts or download from iTunes.
Topics and Guests Featured in June
(Guests and/or topics subject to change)
June 2 - Author and Social Worker Marty Richards - Caregiving as Caresharing
June 9 - Author and journalist Paula Span - The New Old Age Blog, Covering Aging Issues For The New York Times June 16 - Guest/topic TBA
June 23 - Dr. Flora Edison, Lead Physician, WellMed at Kyle - Topic TBA
June 30 - Dr. Sara Czaja, Scientific Director, University of Miami Center on Aging - Making Technology Accessible For Older Adults
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Caregiver SOS Resource Centers
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Caregiver SOS Centers
(from the WellMed Charitable Foundation)
June marks the beginning of new learning opportunities for caregivers at the the SOS
 Examples of new classes starting include: the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers, Diabetes Self Management and Chronic Disease Self Management, and A Matter of Balance-- along with support groups, crafts and health-related activities. 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:
Caregiver SOS/Harlingen Senior Center
Caregiver SOS at the Lindale Senior Center
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Resources and References
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References about Safety for Family Caregivers
From CDC.gov: Falls at Home Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults.
Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. In 2002, more than 12,800 people over age 65 died and 1.6 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls. Click here to read the entire article.
From APlaceforMom.com: Caregiver's Natural Disaster Preparedness Checklist
We all know that the universe is full of patterns. And nature definitely influences human behavior and the cycle of life. But what A Place for Mom recently discovered was that when natural disasters strike, senior housing searches spike. Click here to read more.
From the MayoClinic.com: Home safety tips: Preparing for Alzheimer's caregiving.
Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's can be rewarding - and stressful. Follow these home safety tips to help keep your loved one safe/ Click here to read the entire article.
From FamilyCaregiversonline.net: Summer Travel and Elder  Caregiving
Summer and traveling are a special challenge for family caregivers when the older parent, spouse, or other family member needs special assistance due to chronic health problems. Communicating and planning are essential. Click here to read the entire article.
From APlaceforMom.com: General Home Safety
Please use the following home safety tips for seniors to help your loved one stay safe.
- Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor. Click here to read the entire article.
General Resources and References
From the ElderCare Workforce Alliance: Are you a family caregiver, caring for someone over 65 years old? The Eldercare Workforce Alliance would like to hear from you on how a home health care worker could potentially fill in gaps in care and support older adults and their family caregivers. Your time and participation is greatly appreciated. The survey will be open until Friday, June 14, 2013. Share your thoughts through a brief 8-question survey, found here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WDYK8DJ. All data is confidential and respondents are not asked to provide their name or any identifiable information. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
From Alz.org: Click here for 2013 Facts and Figures Booklet (71 pages) and Fact Sheets.Alzheimer's disease is not just memory loss - Alzheimer's kills. * In 2010, 83,494 Americans died of Alzheimer's disease - the 6th leading cause of death in the United States overall and the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. * Among 70-year-olds with Alzheimer's, 61 percent are Click here to download the 2013 Fact Sheet.
From VideoCare.com: VideoCare is a revolutiony technology that keeps families better connected to their aging loved ones- wherever they are. VideoCare provides the elderly care  recipient with a touch-screen system that requires no keyboard, mouse or technical skill to use. A simple touch opens a two-way video connection with a professional caregiver, family member or friend. Click here to read more. From Caregivers.com: Caregiver Wellness: 6 ways to Refresh, Renew and Recharge. Who doesn't need a break sometimes? There are plenty of days we feel like pulling the sheets over our heads and staying in bed all day, or better yet, escaping to a far off deserted island. Unfortunately, those things aren't terribly practical - especially for a caregiver. Click here to read the complete article. From APlaceforMom.com: Aging in Place: Senior Living and Universal Design. Architecture for seniors doesn't have to be sterile. The latest movement in multigenerational housing, universal design, promises appeal AND accessibility.  As baby boomers age-and watch their parents contend with the complexities of senior housing-the concept of aging in place becomes ever more appealing. In fact, according to an AARP survey, as many as 90 percent of older adults would like Click here to read the entire article.
From Caring.com: When Good Caregivers Snap: Snapped lately? All family caregivers lose their cool sometimes. Living with an elder is that stressful. Sometimes the target winds up being the hapless coffee shop clerk, and sometimes it's the person you love best. If outbursts are happening increasingly often, consider them a warning sign to find better ways to channel caregiver anger. Click here for the entire article. From Alz.org: Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Younger-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer's affects people younger than age 65. Nearly 4 percent of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's have younger-onset. Who gets early onset Alzheimer's? Many people with early onset are in their 40s and 50s. They have families, careers or are even caregivers themselves when Click here to read the entire article. From Caregiver.com: Financial Relief for Family Caregivers: Knowing How to Find it. Every month, millions of people worry about how they will pay their rent or mortgage, utilities, phone bill, the food bill, car payment, and insurance, along with any other unexpected expenditures that might come their way. Click here to read the entire article. From Caregiver.com: VA Benefits - A Little of the Old and a Little of the New  The gratitude we give to the honorable and brave men and women serving our country would be incomplete if we did not also extend that gratitude to their families. Families have long been the backbone of support for our service men and women during both their active duty and after. The VA provides numerous programs for veterans and now their caregivers. A little known program the VA provides is the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit. This can be a huge help to vets and their families. Click here to read the entire article.  Click here to view free online videos for Family Caregivers from mmLearn.org, a program from Morningside Ministries.
To view the video, " What is a 'Geriatrician' and Do I Need One?"-- click here.
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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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