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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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"The Times They Are 'A-Changin'" with Earl Shelp, PhD
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10/10/13 (Thurs), 12 and 7 p.m.
--->(presented twice)<---
"Caregiving Takes a Village: Practical Tips for Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities with Siblings, Other Family Members and the Community" with Pam Brandon, CSA and Zanda Hilger, LPC
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"Respite Care: What Is It and How Do I Find It?" with Helen Flores
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"The Impact of Domestic Violence on Older Adults" with Joann Tobias-Molina, Adult Protective Services (APS) Regional Director
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30-minute Sessions Designed for
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10/17/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Relocation Planning: Moving Your Loved One from Home to a Facility" 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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Carol's Column
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Caring for someone who has a long-term illness, Alzheimer's or a disability is often compared to running a marathon. If we were really going to run a marathon, what would we do? We would probably find other runners, other people with whom we could train. We would definitely train. We wouldn't just show up the day of the marathon and expect to run 26 miles. We might even hire a fitness trainer to help get us in shape - especially if this is our first marathon. We would make sure we had good shoes and proper running gear. And finally, on the day of the marathon, we would bring along our cheering section to give us morale support and cheer us on.
Perhaps these are good strategies. As caregivers, it's helpful to find other caregivers who have been down this road before. Or caregivers who are in the same shape and have similar needs, people like us. A support group could be like the local running team that makes us feel like we are part of a group, that we are not alone.
A personal trainer is an excellent idea. For a marathon, the trainer knows the secrets to help the runner get in the best shape most efficiently. The caregiving version of this is a geriatric care manager. If I was going to splurge on anything, it would be for a geriatric care manager. They know the ropes and the resources. They are an outside party that doesn't have the emotional baggage. They can help with family members - to be that independent person who can say things we couldn't. But most importantly, they can get us on track much faster than we could ever do by ourselves. They are here for us; they are on our team.
In caregiving, we can't always see the course we have to run in front of us. We need the right gear just in case. This means the right information, because Information really is power. So we need to know something about the progression of the disease or disability, treatment options, warning signs, etc.
It also means taking classes that can help give us better coping skills like the Stress-busting Program for Family Caregivers or Powerful Tools for Caregivers. It means that we need to get a good night's rest more than every once in awhile. There is an increasing body of research that shows the huge negative impact of not getting enough sleep. It means that we have to take care of our health, not just our loved one. We're not going to finish the marathon if we aren't healthy.
Finally, we need that cheering section. We need friends or family who will tell us that we're doing a good job - that we can make it. We need people who will celebrate our successes - even if the success is that things haven't gotten any worse, or they've gotten worse but we're managing. They will give us a drink of water and a little treat when we need some energy to carry on. These might be people who don't know us that well but work in community agencies or people at our churches. The cheering crowd inspires the marathon runner and keeps them from giving up.
At the end of the day, people who do run marathons often say they did it for themselves. They trained and worked through the pain, not to win, but just to finish the marathon. It is something inside them. Caregiving is like that. When we cross the finish line, it was because it was something that we needed to do or wanted to do.
With the right preparation and support, we can cross that line with head held high knowing we did the best we could.
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!
First Anniversary Celebration for the
Caregiver SOS Resource Center in Corpus Christi, TX
September 6th was the first anniversary celebration for the Caregiver SOS at the Lindale Senior Center. More than 100 friends, guests and partners turned out.
This event honored the first SOS Ambassadors. It also was held in recognition of a year of offering support and education for family caregivers in partnership with Face to Face and the City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department.
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Family caregivers, seniors and community leaders donned their "Hawaii-Shirts" and joined in the fun-filled, festive Luau- themed fete. Refreshments, games, resource materials, and facility tours were featured.
The Caregiver SOS at the Lindale Senior Center is located at 3135 Swantner in Corpus Christi. Want to know more about their programs and presentations? Call 361-225-2295.
Click here to see the Anniversary Photo Album on the Caregiver SOS Facebook page. |
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." ~ Charles Darwin
The Art of Embracing Change (from http://thinksimplenow.com) Change is a beautiful thing. Despite its innate beauty, it is one aspect of life that many people resist. Why is it that some  people can easily embrace change while others will do everything in their power to prevent it? It all boils down to a matter of perception. To be candid, I never really had any problems with change. On the contrary, I welcome change with open arms. To be fair, the reason for this is because I had a very tough childhood. Going to school each day was like going to war. The only thing that kept me going during my tough times was hope and the knowledge that this torment would have to stop at some point. Click here for the entire article. |
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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Plan a Move to Assisted Living: 10 Steps
To Help Move to Assisted Living or a Nursing Home
The decision to move -- whether to an independent living community, assisted living community, or nursing home -- is  only the beginning of what can be a long and challenging journey. Helping someone through this important transition takes research and planning. Here's a 10-step guide to smoothing her way to her new home and the next phase of her life.
1. Talk to her -- and don't forget to listen
Even though moving will often improve her quality of life, it's also likely to stir up all kinds of emotions, and even trigger what Nan Hayes, founder of Moveseniors.com, calls "transition trauma." Many older adults are filled with anxiety about what a move will mean. They may see moving as a sign of defeat and a harbinger of increasing loss of control and independence. Click here for the entire article.
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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"I'm taking time to take care of myself." Respite care refers to short-term, temporary care provided to someone who needs assistance so that a family caregiver can take a break from the daily routine, challenges and stress of caring for an aging adult. Respite is often referred to as the gift of time. Respite services may involve overnight care for an extended period of time such as when the caregiver's family takes a vacation. Or respite care can be for just a few hours a day or week to give the caregiver some time off to take a break, exercise, conduct personal business or even visit with friends. Click here for the entire article. _________________
Respite Care:
What Is It And How To Find Out About It?
(from www.ezinearticles.com)
Taking care of someone's a pretty demanding job - any parent knows this. You put your own life on hold while you look after the needs of another person, and although it's tiring the job can be its own reward. The love and affection returned by a child can make your heart glow and make all the hard work seem more than worthwhile. Ok, so it's a rose tinted view. Any real parent will tell you there are days they could happily give the little horrors away as they fondly remember the care free days of childless abandon. There does remain, however, a great satisfaction in seeing them grow into independent young people ready to make their own way in the world. But imagine what it's like taking care of someone the same age or older than you. Not your own offspring growing tall and healthy, but a friend or relative suffering a disability or a disease that means they can't take care of themselves. Read on for the entire article. |
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HEALTH SAVVY
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Domestic Violence and the Elderly
(from www.rightathome.net)
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. The sad reality is that elder abuse is often perpetrated by family members, including family caregivers. As a provider of services  to both seniors and family caregivers, Right at Home Tampa wants to help create awareness of domestic violence and offer information and resources. We hope this information will help you be part of the solution as well. The statistics are troubling:
"The most recent study of the extent of elder abuse estimated that 14.1 percent of non-institutionalized older adults had experienced physical, psychological, or sexual abuse; neglect; or financial exploitation in the past year. This study and three other key studies GAO identified likely underestimate the full extent of elder abuse, however. Most did not ask about all types of abuse or include all types of older adults living in the community, such as those with cognitive impairments. Read on for entire article.
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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When an aging parent needs caregiving, the children often need to take responsibility. But what happens when only one of many siblings steps up to the plate?
Hannah Kalil is 83 years old, and lives by herself in upstate New York. She has aides who help with her caregiving throughout the day. But the responsibility of managing her finances, health care -- both mental and physical -- and long-term living situation falls to one person: her daughter -- and my mother -- Eleanor.
 It's almost a full-time job. Making sure my grandmother is happy and not feeling lonely means daily visits. Her never-ending stream of medical issues means weekly -- if not more frequent -- trips to the doctors. Paying her rent and her aides while keeping an eye on the bottom line means constant vigilance if she is going to have any financial security in the long term. Finally, my mother must deal with the endless stack of paperwork for Medicaid and health insurance. Click here for the entire article.
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TeleConnection Session Details
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These hour-long phone-based sessions are designed to connect family caregivers to experts with helpful information and other caregivers by providing needed emotional, educational and social support. These sessions, courtesy of the WellMed Charitable Foundation, can be accessed from anywhere via your phone: no need to get dressed up, find transportation, or get a sitter.
Register for any TeleLearning Session by phone: (210) 871-7SOS (7767) or 1 (866) 390-6491 (toll-free); Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; by email, or visit our website.
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*"The Times They Are 'A-Changin'" with Earl Shelp, PhD
 Change is an inescapable feature of life. Some changes bring joy and others bring sorrow. For caregivers and persons receiving care, change can seem unrelenting and foreboding.This season of change presents everyone in a circle of care with unrepeatable moments that should not be squandered. Participants will learn how to seize these moments to infuse them with meaningful experiences now and sustaining memories later. Guidance will be given about how to embrace and care for one another as you encounter change.
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10/10/13 (Thurs), 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. (presented twice)<---
*"Caregiving Takes a Village: Practical Tips for Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities with Siblings, Other Family Members and the Community" with Pam Brandon, CSA and Zanda Hilger, LPC
 This session will help participants understand the importance of asking for help and the challenges associated with caregiving as a family. You will learn effective strategies for sharing caregiving duties among family members and others.
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*"Respite Care: What Is It and How Do I Find It?" with Helen Flores
 Finding good respite care services can be a lifesaver for family caregivers. If you're not familiar with respite services, you need to be! Helen Flores, an expert in community based services for caregivers, will discuss what respite services are available and how to access them.
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*"The Impact of Domestic Violence on Older Adults" with Joann Tobias-Molina, Adult Protective Services (APS) Regional Director
 Domestic violence is an issue that can affect a person across the lifespan. This session will explore the impact of domestic violence on older adults, concerns that caregivers should acknowledge, and the steps that can be taken to improve the situation. Joann Tobias-Molina, an expert in this issue, will explore the topic and address your concerns.
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30-Minute Caregiver Break Session:
Designed Especially for Working Caregivers
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**"Relocation Planning: Moving Your Loved One from Home to a Facility" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
Is the time coming for placing your loved one where 24 hour care is provided? If so, this session will discuss methods you might use to ease the transition. You will also be able to hear other caregivers provide information on how they plan to handle a nursing facility admission.
**Specifically targeted to caregivers who are working
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Caregiver Connections with Dr. Jamie
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The New Quality of Life Indicators for Boomers and Seniors: Being, Belonging and Becoming (A Three Part Series for Caregiver SOS) Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT* "Being"  In November, we will officially celebrate Family Caregiver Month. Since I believe that caregivers should be celebrated every month, I decided to extend the celebration by starting now. This is the first of a three part series to honor all family caregivers and their official month. Over these next three months. I invite you to celebrate with me as we explore an exciting new quality of life model (paradigm) for us to live by.
For years, the quality of our lives as seniors was based solely on our blood pressure, cholesterol, insulin numbers, the amount of sleep we got, and of course how marginalized, detached and isolated we felt. Renowned psychotherapist, Carl Jung believed that aging was a wonderful process. I believed that, and I always felt that it could be so much more!
*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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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 September
(Guests and/or topics subject to change)
- October 06 - "Improving the hospital experience for Alzheimer's and dementia patients" with Mike Splaine, CEO of Cognitive Solutions
- October 13 - "My Grandparent: A Life And Times Journal for Grandchildren of All Ages," with book co-author Dick Edwards, retired Mayo Clinic Specialist
- October 20 - "Avoiding Sugar Shock: Insulin Therapy and Diabetes Treatment" with Joshua Beck, WellMed at Embassy Oaks
- October 27 - Dr. Abdu Kadri, WellMed at Oakwell Farms, Topic TBA
Click on Podcast Link to hear that show: ~~"The Stent Procedure ā€" What To Do Before and After" with Dr. Andrew West ~~"Shock of Gray: The Aging Of The World Population" with Author Ted Fishman
~~"Health Literacy and Caregiving" with Elizabeth Lutz, Bexar County Health Collaborative
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Caregiver SOS Resource Centers
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Caregiver SOS Centers (from the WellMed Charitable Foundation)
October 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
Caregiver SOS at the Lindale Senior Center
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Resources and References
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From the Social Security Administration: Important Information About the Federal Government Shutdown
Due to the Federal Government Shutdown, Social Security field offices are open with limited services. Hearings offices remain open to conduct hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Social Security card centers are closed.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments to beneficiaries will continue with no change in payment dates.
Due to Congressional inaction to prevent the Government shutdown, we will only provide the following services at Social Security field offices: Read on for more information.
Suicide Prevention Crisis Line for Military Veterans
In the United States, approximately 18 members of active military and veterans take their own lives every day.
This is the number that a veteran would call for help:
Veterans Crisis Line - 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
National Depression Screening Day®October 10, 2013
Screening for Mental Health offers National Depression Screening Day programs for the military, colleges and universities, community-based organizations and businesses. Read on for more information.
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
can take a toll on caregivers
Caregivers for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias may feel the need to reach out to others for support, whether it's help in caring for the individual or just with tasks such as house cleaning and shopping for groceries. But even with assistance, caregiving may be the toughest job most people will ever have. We're here to help with information and resources.
Visit our Caregiver Center >>
Take our Caregiver Stress Check >>
National Memory Screening Day is November 19 This is an annual initiative of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) in which qualified healthcare professionals at local sites nationwide provide free, confidential memory screenings and educational materials to the public. Screening sites include Alzheimer's agencies, assisted living residences, long-term care facilities, doctors' offices, hospitals, senior centers, Ys, pharmacies and other community venues. The screening results do not represent a diagnosis; individuals with below-normal scores or those who still have concerns are encouraged to pursue further medical evaluation. Please sign up as a screening site today by visiting www.nationalmemoryscreening.org. For more information, contact Melissa Austen, AFA National Programs Manager, at mausten@alzfdn.org or 866-232-8484.
Open Enrollment for Medicare
Only Comes Once a Year - Are You Ready?
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, you can expect to hear more about Medicare. That's because October 15 - December 7 is Medicare Open Enrollment, and it's your chance to review your health care coverage and see if you need to make any changes, or if you're happy sticking with the plan you have.
This year, you may hear a lot about the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace Open Enrollment period (October 1, 2013-March 31, 2014) overlaps with the Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15-December 7, 2013). The Marketplace is designed to help people who don't have any health coverage. If you have health coverage through Medicare, the Marketplace won't have any effect on your Medicare coverage. Read on for more information.
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From mmLearn.org:
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mmLearn.org Presents Two NEW Webcasts Which Focus On: MEN'S HEALTH ISSUES Join Dr. LeRoy Jones, Board Certified Urologist, as he discusses sensitive male health issues and gives answers to the questions you may be having. Learn the etiology of the two primary conditions, the common causes, the available treatment options (both medical and surgical) as well as the success and satisfaction rates.
Go to the Videos http://tinyurl.com/jw4s6o7 |
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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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