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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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08/15/13 (Thur), 12 Noon
"Legal Issues: Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Living Will, Will, and How to Start These Important Discussions with Family" with Attorney Virginia Hammerle
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08/20/13 (Tues), 10 a.m.
"Are you Prepared when Disaster Strikes?" with Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT
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08/29/13 (Thurs), 4 p.m.
"Developing a Care Plan: Know Your Future Now" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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30-minute Sessions Designed for
Working Caregivers
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08/08/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Caregivers and Grief and Loss" 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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Years ago, I had the privilege of reading some of the writing by Deborah Duda, who is well-known for her work in hospice and author of the book, Coming Home. She basically said," I am not 'up' or 'right' because I am well. You are not 'down' or 'wrong' because you are sick. It just is."
I have found this statement very helpful over the years. We've all had people ask," What's wrong with him?" or "What's wrong with you?" when someone is sick. We may not realize it, but we can mistakenly place our loved ones and ourselves on different levels. We may "judge" the situation. Sickness, disability, and even death are a part of the human condition. While dementia isn't a normal part of aging, it is not unusual. It is a part of the human condition.
Our thinking and beliefs about illness and death influence our actions as caregivers. All of us want to live life to the fullest. We don't want life to be limited to only the medical: doctor's appointments, what's "wrong" with us, what we or our loved one can't do. At some point, we have to decide to live the life we have been given and focus on what we can do.
I saw a story about an older couple who was suddenly faced with caring for their son, who was injured in Iraq or Afghanistan. He had significant physical and mental disabilities for which they were unprepared. It felt like the medical treatments took over their lives. The mother, who was the primary caregiver, quickly exhausted herself and went into total self-neglect.
One day, she woke up and realized that she needed to go "from the bedside to the outside." She started taking her son to sports events that he used to enjoy. Perhaps they didn't stay for the entire game, but it was a normal event and he enjoyed it. They took short trips and brought along extra family members to help care for their son, reviving the family vacation experience.
As caregivers, we experience a new normal, but it doesn't mean that it is "wrong," and it doesn't mean that we can't focus on the positive, on our own strengths and the strengths of the person for whom we're caring. It is in these strengths that we will find the sunlight, the breath of fresh air, and that we will recognize ourselves and our loved ones for who we really are at our core. We're human - and this is just life.
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!
McAllen Community Warmly Welcomes Opening
Of New Caregiver SOS/Cross Roads Senior Center
More than 150 community members, including local leaders, seniors and caregivers, turned out for the July 10th Grand Opening of the new Caregiver SOS/Cross Roads Senior Center, located 1301 E. Fern Ave. Suite B4, McAllen, TX (Corner of Jackson Rd. & Fern St.--Owassa Rd.)
The event also garnered significant attention from area print, radio and television news media.
Letty Guzman-Sanchez is Program Coordinator and Caregiver Specialist; email: lguzman@wellmed.net; voice: 956-630-6667.
According to Letty, at least 100 people signed up for memberships, with numerous visits, phone calls and email messages expressing interest in participating in programs offered at the new facility.
"Members are loving the Zumba Gold in the new fitness program,"she added. "Membership is free to any adult over age 60, even if they are not patients of a WellMed physician," Letty pointed out. Events coming up include: a summer dance, the fall prevention class, and memory screenings in the Fall.
Enthusiastic community members participate in the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the July 10th Grand Opening of the new Caregiver SOS/Cross Roads Senior Center.
WellMed Charitable Foundation Executive Director Carol Zernial shares new services and supports now available to McAllen, TX, area seniors and caregivers provided as a result of the opening of the new Caregiver SOS/Cross Roads Senior Center.
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
A self-care education program for family caregivers
(from www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org)
 The Caregiver SOS Resource Centers in San Antonio are now offering this new evidence- based support program for caregivers of all seniors. For information about dates of classes, call 866-390-6491 (toll-free).
The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program provides caregivers with tools and strategies to better handle the unique caregiver challenges they face.
The 6-week curriculum has been shown to improve:
- Self-Care Behaviors: (e.g. increased exercise, relaxation and medical check-ups)
- Management of Emotions: (reduced guilt, anger, and depression)
- Self-Efficacy: (increased confidence in coping with caregiving demands)
- Use of Community Resources: (increased utilization of local services)
The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program is an evidence- based education program offering a unique combination of elements. The scripted curriculum and the intricately detailed training material, have guaranteed its consistency and quality. The program utilizes a train-the-trainer method of dissemination. It is for family caregivers of all seniors, which makes it a perfect fit with the Stress-Busting program that targets caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. Click here for the entire article. Click here to see calendars.
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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Emergency Preparedness for Family Caregivers
(from www.caringnews.com)
This summer's massive "derecho" storm left many East Coast and Midwest seniors stranded in their homes. Falling trees  blocked the roads around their homes and knocked down power lines, leaving these vulnerable elderly at risk of heat stroke and without vital medical equipment. Power failures are common during natural and man-made disasters. A poll in the August 2012 issue of Caring Right at Home revealed that 69 percent of readers experienced loss of electricity during the last year, with 38 percent of the outages spanning more than a day in duration.
Emergencies disrupt the lives of thousands of Americans each year, causing loss of life and property. These include natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, pandemic illness, Click here for the entire article.
Family Caregiver Disaster Preparations References
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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Five Legal Documents You Need for Your Loved Ones
These documents will ensure that you can assist your loved  ones in a medical or financial emergency and, at their deaths, ease the distribution of their estate. - A medical directive
Also known as a living will or advance health care directive, this document sets out what kind of care your loved ones want to receive if and when they become ill or incapacitated.
- A durable power of attorney for healthcare and HIPAA release
A durable power of attorney for healthcare allows you to make healthcare decisions for your loved ones. A HIPAA release gives you access to your their health records and physicians.
- A durable power of attorney for finances. Click here for the entire article.
Click here to download advance directives forms (by state).
Legal Documents Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers Need
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease involves getting the person's legal, health and financial affairs in order. Don't put this off. Rather, do it while your loved one can still understand and make important decisions. Here, as recommended by NIHSeniorHealth, is a list of important documents you need - and you should keep up to date: Click here for the article. |
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HEALTH SAVVY
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Prepare to Care:
A Caregiving Planning Guide for Families
(from www.aarp.org)
The busy lifestyle of most Americans today - two-earner couples, single-headed households, geographically scattered families - can make caring for an older relative challenging.
 Whether you are taking parents to a doctor's appointment, helping them pay bills or providing full-time care for them in your home, you likely have questions about how to best fulfill your role as a caregiver.
Prepare to Care: A Resource Guide for Families was developed by AARP to help make the job more manageable. Click here for the complete article.
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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Palliative Care Center: Caregiver Grief and Loss
(from www.webmd.com)
Grief is our normal, natural, and necessary response to loss. Its flip-side, bereavement (or mourning), is the process of responding to, and ultimately surviving loss. Both grief and bereavement are individualized experiences, and experts say everyone's experience is different.
How We Grieve
 We tend to grieve along a spectrum of grieving styles. One end of the spectrum has been called "intuitive grieving," characterized by outbursts of emotion and the need to talk about one's feelings. The other end has been called "instrumental grieving," characterized by a focus on doing things that help one cope. Click here to read the article.
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Caregiver Connections with Dr. Jamie
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"The ACA Puts Caregivers in the Medical Mix"
(Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT)*
 Caregivers rejoice. You may finally get the respect and support you so rightly deserve! As the debate over the Affordable Care Act (ACA) aka Obamacare rages on, you should know that there are 17 specific references in the Act that mention caregivers. This is great news for all caregivers. It means that you are finally part of the bigger medical picture. The acknowledgement of caregiving is in and of itself a significant advancement in healthcare reform. Click here for the entire article. Click here for the Spanish version. *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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*"Legal Issues: Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, 'Living Will', Will, and How to Start Those Important Discussions with Family" with Attorney Virginia Hammerle, Member, National Assn. of Elder Law Attorneys
 Learn about legal issues you need to be aware of as a caregiver . Caring for someone involves getting the person's legal, health and financial affairs in order. Don't put this off. Rather, do it while your loved one can still understand and make important decisions.
*This telelearning session is FREE and open to all. To register, click here. Flyer for printing/ posting.
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08/20/13 (Tues), 10 a.m.
*"Are You Prepared When Disaster Strikes?" with Dr. Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT
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.
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*"Developing a Care Plan: Know Your Future Now" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
 Do you have a plan in place for the future, knowing you care for someone whose condition may worsen over time? This session will outline simple steps to help you create a plan, including responding to emergencies. You will also hear other caregivers share thoughts on why it may be important to think about placing your loved one in a care facility as part of a future plan.
*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
_____________________________________ 08/08/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**"Caregivers and Grief and Loss" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
 Have you found yourself crying or troubled about the condition of your loved one or how you will cope after his/her death? This session will discuss ways to think about grief and loss that help lessen the emotional pain as your loved one changes and/or gets closer to the end of life. You will hear other caregivers share what they have learned about grief and loss.
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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)
- August 4 - Coping With Aphasia: with Audrey Holland (Ph.D), Director of Research and Karen Tucker, Executive Director, Adler Aphasia Center
- August 11 - Cancer and the Caregiver: with Mary Jackson, Director of Patient and Family Services, Cancer Therapy Research Center
- August 18 - Topic TBA: with Dr. Sun Nguyen, Primary Care Physician, WellMed at Embassy Oaks
- August 25 - By the Numbers, the Latest on Dementia in Texas: with Helen Flores of Caring Companions
Click on a Sample Podcast Link to hear that show: Dr. Flora Edison, WellMed at Kyle - Managing Medications For Seniors - June 24, 2013 Joye McQueen, Caregiver Specialist- New, Powerful Tools for Caregivers--June 29, 2013 |
Caregiver SOS Resource Centers
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Caregiver SOS Centers
(from the WellMed Charitable Foundation)
August marks the beginning of new learning opportunities for caregivers at the the Caregiver SOS Resource Centers,
 Examples of classes that
are starting include: the new Powerful Tools for Caregivers in the San Antonio area; 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
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Caregiver Legacy Award
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Nominations Now Being Accepted for the Fourth
Annual Elizabeth McGown Caregiver Legacy Award
Nomination deadline is October 1, 2013
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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The Affordable Care Act
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Health Care: A Complex Law is De-mystified
(Lisa Rodriquez, Associate State Director
for AARP Texas, based in San Antonio)
Like most laws, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, is complex. It is more than 900 pages long and takes between 24 to 40 hours to read, particularly since it references, strikes or amends so many other laws.
The good news is that you don't need to read the entire 360,000-word text. However, it is important to understand  what the changes in the law mean to you. How the law works for you depends on who you are, where you live, and what your health status and health coverage is Click here for the entire article. Click here for the Spanish version. |
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Resources and References
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Patients' Self-reported Memory Slips
May be Early Signs of Alzheimer's
Several new Alzheimer's studies suggest adults who think they're having memory slips or cognitive problems may be onto something.
Getting the Federal Word Out to Uninsured Texans
Texas officials have declined to establish a state-based health insurance marketplace, a major provision of the federal Affordable Care Act. So private organizations are working to educate Texans about coverage options through the federal health insurance exchange, which opens on Oct. 1.
Of the 6.3 million uninsured Texans - the state has the country's highest rate of uninsured residents - almost half will be eligible to buy insurance through the federal exchange, an online tool for coverage shopping. Click here for entire article.
Reverse Mortgage Fraud and Other
New Scams Target Seniors
Scammers are out there, and unfortunately retirees are often their targets. According to the Government Accountability Office, seniors lose several billion dollars a year to financial fraud. Government and law enforcement efforts to stop them have tended to be scattershot, with little coordinated effort. And banks, which are supposed to be on the lookout for suspicious transactions, have not been sufficiently vigilant. Click here for the article.
Keeping Up with the Times: Supporting Family Caregivers with Workplace Leave Policies
Millions of Americans face financial difficulties or risk losing their jobs if they must take time off to care for family members . As our population ages, the need for more supportive workplace leave policies becomes even more important. This report highlights three public policy solutions to increase protections for working caregivers: unpaid family and medical leave, paid family and medical leave insurance, and earned sick time. Click here for the article.
A welcome recognition of the value of family caregiving came in a recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which estimated the economic value of caregiving for older persons in 2011 to be $234 billion. This estimate vastly exceeds the total amount of paid care from all sources (Medicaid, Medicare, private pay and others) for both institutional care ($134 billion) and home and community- based services ($58 billion). The AARP Public Policy Institute has made similar estimates of family caregiving ...
Get ready for Falls Prevention Awareness Day 2013
[National Council on Aging (NCOA) Falls Free Initiative]
Join us on Aug. 22 at 1:30 p.m. ET for a free webinar to help you get ready for Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 22. Listen as a panel of researchers, educators, and program leaders from across the country share their innovative partnerships to promote falls prevention and discover new resources that you can use to spread the word.
Register now
Download the updated Media Toolkit
We've updated our Media Toolkit to publicize Falls Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD)--September 22--in your community. The kit includes a media tip sheet plus customizable press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and more. Get the toolkit | Find more FPAD resources
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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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