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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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07/09/13 (Tues), 10 a.m.
"What is a Geriatrician and Why are They Important to an Aging Population?" with Abdu A Kadri, MD
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07/18/13 (Thur), 7 p.m.
The Big Three Emotions of Caregiving: Guilt, Anger and Fear" with Zanda Hilger, LPC, and Patsy Swatek, LCSW
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07/23/13 (Tues), 7 p.m.
"When Enough is Enough: Setting Personal Boundaries as a Caregiver" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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30-minute Sessions Designed for
Working Caregivers
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07/11/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Am I Depressed?" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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07/25/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"At the End of My Rope: Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout" 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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Social Media
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Click below to hear podcasts 
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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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 I've been thinking about the wind recently. Growing up in the Texas Panhandle, I didn't like the wind. The wind blew in huge dust storms that coated everything, including my face and hair, in a fine layer of dust.
The arctic "blue norther" blew me across the playground on my walk to school, leaving my skin red and stinging with cold. It could take my car door and wrap it around the side of my car if I didn't hang onto it. And on normal days, the wind would just blow like crazy. In those days, the wind was my adversary, something that I was fighting. There were calm days, beautiful days, but there were many windy days that left me exhausted as I tried to go from place to place. Caregiving can feel like that. It's like a force of nature - something that we can't control. Things can seem fine and then change so suddenly - getting dark and ugly. We can get so focused on the bad days, that we lose sight of the relatively good days or calm days. Caregiving can make us feel like we just can't take it anymore. I had an interesting change of heart about the wind in the last 10 years. It was during a tough time in my life. I can remember walking through my neighborhood, and really enjoying the feeling of the wind of my face. It made me feel alive and brought me into the present moment. I began to see the wind as something that cooled me on a hot day. It was the still, quiet days I didn't like. I liked the feeling of the wind at my back, seeming to push me in the right direction. The wind blows in heavenly rain that we need so badly. It heralds a change of seasons. The wind didn't change. I was just in a different place. Caregiving can be like that as well. It is an opportunity to return the love and care we received. It is a challenge that will leave us feeling like there is nothing that we can't face from now on. It will teach us to live in the moment. Like the wind, caregiving is a part of life. Who knows, maybe our caregiving journey is even blowing us in the right direction. As caregivers, our world is full of ups and downs. Yes, there can be terrible storms. But maybe there may be more good days than we realize. We just have to get past the negative. And like the wind, maybe what seems to be knocking us down in one direction will make our way much easier on the return trip.
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!
Reminder:
July 10th Grand Opening of the New Caregiver SOS
And Cross Roads Senior Center in McAllen, TX.
Community members, seniors and  caregivers: Come enjoy the Grand Opening of the new Caregiver SOS and Cross Roads Senior Center in McAllen. The festive Open House is scheduled July 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. Tour the facilities and meet the enthusiastic professional staff.
Developed by the WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF) in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the new Center is located at 1301 E. Fern St. Come by and discover the free new services available to seniors 60 plus and their caregivers. Click here for the two-page informational flyer.
For more information, contact Letty Sanchez: (956) 238-0917; email:lguzman@wellmed.net.
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HEALTH SAVVY
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What Is a Geriatric Physician?
Also known as a Geriatrician
By 2050, the 65 plus population is projected to be close to 87 million. The 75 plus population is projected to be close to 49 million and the number of people age 85 plus to increase to 7.3 million in 2020. Source: Alliance for Aging Research.
 If you are getting older and having more health problems you may want to consider seeing a doctor who specializes in geriatric medicine.
A geriatrician is a physician who has completed a residency in either Internal Medicine or Family Medicine with an additional one or two year fellowship training in the medical, social, and psychological issues that concern older adults. This specialty is increasing in importance as the population ages and that aging population lives longer. People over 85 are the fast growing segment of the population. It is no longer a rarity for people to live to be one hundred. Click here for the complete article.
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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YES, You Can Say "NO!"
Knowing where a caregiver should draw the line It's Friday night, and just as you're walking out the door for a much-anticipated evening with friends, the phone rings. It's  your elderly mother calling for the third time that day. She's lonely. She wants to chat. And she asks if you wouldn't mind picking up some items from the store and dropping them by her house. So, how do you decline without feeling guilty? How can you be a consistent and loving caregiver while also setting effective boundaries? How do you politely explain that you have a life?
"Drawing boundaries with elderly relatives who are asking for more than their loved ones can provide is a common issue," says Anne Rosenthal, a geriatric care consultant and director of Community Care Management at the Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living in Danville, CA."Frequently, the individual who struggles with this problem is the devoted adult child who has an unreasonable parent." Click here for entire article. |
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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The Requirement to Buy Coverage
Under the Affordable Care Act Beginning in 2014(from the Kaiser Family Foundation)
Do any of the following apply?
* You are part of a religion opposed to acceptance of benefits from a health insurance policy.
* You are an undocumented immigrant.  * You are incarcerated.
* You are a member of an Indian tribe.
* Your family income is below the threshold requiring you to file a tax return ($9,350 for an individual, $18,700 for a family in 2010).
* You have to pay more than 8% of your income for health insurance, after taking into account any employer contributions or tax credits. Click here for the article. |
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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6 Signs of Caregiver Burnout: Are You at the End
Of Your Rope? Here's What You Can Do About It
 You probably know all the details about the health of the person for whom you're caring. You're on top of what medications must be taken and when, and you can even spot minor changes in her mood and attitude. Are you as aware of what's going on with you?
Probably not. When you're caring for a loved one, it's easy to forget about your own needs, putting you at serious risk of burnout. Here are five signs that you've reached the end of your rope - and suggestions on what you can do about it.
1. You feel furious one minute, sad and helpless the next. Whatever you call it - second-hand stress or the more serious
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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Caregivers and Depression
From: Caregiver Depression Screening Toolkit,
In Partnership with Advocates, Inc. and Tufts Health Plan Foundation
 According to the Family Caregiver Alliance (www.familycaregiver.org), 40 to 70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression. Clinical depression is different from "the blues" or passing sadness and is a treatable disease. The following will help you recognize the risk factors and symptoms of depression in caregivers and recognize the factors which impact caregivers in their ability to access support and treatment. Click here for the complete article. Care for the Caregiver Being a caregiver to an ailing spouse, a sick child, an ageing parent, or a sick friend is a uniquely difficult undertaking. Sadly, caregivers, who deserve nothing but the highest reward for their dedication, instead can receive a host of psychological and emotional problems for their trouble.
The unrelenting demands of being a caregiver can take their toll on the individual, causing anger, confusion, anxiety, and depression. The sad irony is that the caregiver who succumbs to these negative emotions, is less effective as a caregiver, a family member, a friend and an individual. Click here for the entire article.
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'Take 10' with Dr. Jamie
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"Are You Prepared When Disaster Strikes"
(Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT)*
 I remember when a hurricane hit a caregiver resource center in Florida, and driving up with a trunk full of water for employees and caregivers. It was also the first time that I realized how challenging such a catastrophic event is when dealing with caregivers, especially those who were taking care of relatives with Alzheimer's and other neurological challenges. Recent events have caused many of us to evaluate our preparedness for a disaster. I didn't do so well when I thought about some of the different scenarios that could play out where I live. I suspect that many of you would find yourselves also unprepared. So: let's talk a little bit about basic disaster preparedness. Click here for the entire article. Click here for the Spanish version. Click here for additional references. *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 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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07/09/13 (Tues), 10 a.m. (Rescheduled from June 18. Please re-register if you wish to participate in this session.)
*"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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07/18/13 (Thur), 7 p.m.
*"The Big Three Emotions of Caregiving: Guilt, Anger and Fear" with Zanda Hilger, LPC, and Patsy Swatek, LCSW
 Discuss a variety of ways to learn about and become aware of the often hidden, unrecognized signs of these negative emotions--and learn to deal with these most stressful side effects of being a caregiver.
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*"When Enough is Enough: Setting Personal Boundaries as a Caregiver" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
 Setting personal boundaries is an important step in managing the stress of caregiving. This session will help participants understand what it means to set boundaries, why it is important to set boundaries, and strategies for setting boundaries. Participants will hear strategies from other caregivers on this important topic and can share their own questions and comments.
*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
_____________________________________ 07/11/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**Am I Depressed?" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
 Research has shown that family caregivers experience high rates of depression. This session will discuss the warning signs of depression and effective strategies for dealing with this condition.
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07/25/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**"At the End of My Rope: Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
Do you know the difference between stress and burnout? In this session, the causes, outcomes, and warning signs of burnout and what you can do to prevent it will be discussed. You will learn about the "Three R Approach" (Recognize, Reverse, and Resilience) and hear how others have experienced and handled burnout.
**Specifically targeted to caregivers who are working
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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 July
(Guests and/or topics subject to change)
- July 7 - Dr. Mohammadullah Faiz, WellMed at Ingram --
"The Diabetes Checklist: What Caregivers Need To Know For Themselves and Their Loved Ones" - July 14 - Author and Radio Show Host Karin Berit -- "Help! I'm Turning Into My Mother!"
- July 21 - Carol Levine, United Hospital Fund - "What Do I Need As A Family Caregiver?"
- July 28 - Dr. Karry Shebetka, Lead Physician - Podiatric Medicine, Specialists for Health - "Trouble Afoot? What Caregivers Need To Know About Neuropathy (nerve damage)"
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Caregiver SOS Resource Centers
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Caregiver SOS Centers
(from the WellMed Charitable Foundation)
July marks the beginning of new learning opportunities for caregivers at the the Caregiver SOS Resource Centers.
 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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Caregiver Legacy Award
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Nominations Now Being Accepted for the Fourth
Annual Elizabeth McGown Caregiver Legacy Award The annual Elizabeth McGown Caregiver Legacy Award honors a health care professional, family or pastoral caregiver who provides exceptional care to (an) older adult(s) and inspires others to make a positive, meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.* It is the caregiver who will enhance the quality of life and  relationships in our older years. It is for that reason that the Elizabeth McGown Caregiver Legacy Award was initially established. The award is named in honor of Elizabeth McGown, who was a lifelong caregiver who inspired others to meet her high standards in providing care to the older adult and to do so with great compassion. Do you know a caregiver anywhere in the U.S. who: - Demonstrates a high quality of care to an older adult in his/her care?
- Has qualities as a caregiver that sets them apart from other caregivers in terms his/her spirit of caring?
- Inspires others in their role as caregiver?
If so, nominating them for the Fourth Annual Elizabeth McGown Caregiver Legacy Award. Click here to submit your nomination. *Note: Current Morningside Ministries employees are not eligible for this award. |
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Resources and References
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Family Caregiver Disaster Preparations References
General Resources and References
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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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