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Calendar "At a Glance"
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A complimentary telephone learning and support program. Select a session right for you.
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"The Stages of Dementia'" with Tam Cummings, MS
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11/14/13 (Thurs), 12 and 7 p.m.
"Caregiving and the Holidays: Special Challenges and Joys" with Family Caregivers
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Being, Belonging, Becoming: The New Paradigm for Quality of Life" with Dr. Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT
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30-minute Sessions Designed for
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11/07/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Developing Coping Strategies" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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11/21/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Talking with Your Health Care Provider" 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.At no cost, these 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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Growing up, I only had one pet dog. He was a small, timid mixed terrier that my dad found hiding in the garage. I was in elementary school at the time, and I took my responsibility caring for my dog very seriously.
One day, we came home from a weekend trip and noticed that an animal had been hit in the street. Unfortunately, the next door neighbor confirmed that it had been my dog, and that a teenager had swerved to "get him." I was devastated and couldn't stop crying for days.
And then, an interesting thing happened. About a week later, I dreamed that I woke up in the middle of the night and saw my dog sitting next to my bed. I was so happy to see him! He looked up at me and "spoke" to me very seriously. He said," I can't move on until you let go. You're holding me back. You have to let me go." I told him that I was very sorry and promised to let him go. And while I was still unhappy, I felt better knowing that he was "moving on" -- whatever that means.
Now a pet is not a person, but this "advice" has stayed with me all of these years. When I think of our roles as caregivers, I wonder how many times we're hanging on too tightly.
This can happen when our loved one really does need the kind of care we can't provide, but we don't want to face it. We might have promised that we would always keep them at home, and yet we know it's time to move to some sort of care facility.
It can happen when our own emotions get in the way, and we're not really thinking from our loved one's perspective. We may not realize that we are in a constant state of anger, impatience, or depression. We may not see that our own emotional instability is contributing to our loved one feeling insecure and unstable as well. It's time to let our loved one feel safe.
Years later, I remember reading one of the books by the author/ speaker Leo Buscaglia about a time when his mother was in her final days. He was sadly sitting by her bedside. She looked up at him and said," What are you holding on to?"
Our loved ones can't always communicate that sentiment to us, so sometimes it's up to us to understand when it's time to let go, time to move on - whatever the circumstance.
Being a caregiver is a delicate balance between recognizing our own needs and the needs of the person for whom we're caring.
Both perspectives, both persons' needs are important. We're in a relationship, which means we're connected. But sometimes, we're the one who has to take a deep breath and let go -- let go of the past, let go of what we're holding on to so our loved ones can move on to the best place for them. 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!
www.caregiveraction.org)
The theme for National Family Caregivers Month 2013
Is "Family Caregivers - Now More Than Ever!"
Each year, more and more Americans are caring for a loved one with a chronic condition, disability, or the frailties of old age. There are as many as 90 million family caregivers in the U.S.
Presidential Proclamation--Continue reading
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness month--Continue reading
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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Who's in Charge at the Doctor Visit?
by Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD., AARP, Caregivers and their charges can work out ways to avoid conflict when information is important
When my 83-year-old mother's primary-care doctor asked her if she'd had any recent falls, she didn't hesitate: "Oh, no."
But I knew better. "Uh, yes, she did!" I interjected.
"No, I didn't!" my mother shot right back. Then she fixed her doctor with a stare and said, "Whose appointment is this - his or mine?" Her doctor squirmed uncomfortably on his stool. Continue reading.
Caregiving questions and concerns? Wanna talk? Need advice? Get answers from the Caregiving Resource Center. |
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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Tips and Resources for Caregivers
Is Additional Financial Support Available?
There are a number of state and federal programs that offer help with health care costs-it is worth exploring the resources below to see if you might qualify.
Helpful Tips
Medicare Savings Programs are available. All states have programs called Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that can help pay Medicare expenses including, in some cases, deductibles and coinsurance for those who qualify.
Go to
www.medicare.gov/caregivers
and click on "Caregiver Topics," then "Support for Caregivers," and "Financial Help for Caregivers" to learn more.
Get help with prescription drug costs. Based on income and other factors, some people with Medicare can get help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or continue reading
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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Holidays and Alzheimer's Families
(from www.Alz.org)
The holidays are a time when family and friends often come together. But for families living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, the holidays can be challenging. Take a deep breath. With some planning and adjusted expectations, your celebrations can still be happy, memorable occasions.
Familiarize others with the situation
The holidays are full of emotions, so it can help to let guests know what to expect before they arrive. If the person is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, relatives and friends might not notice any changes. But the person with dementia may have trouble following conversation or tend to repeat him- or herself. Family can help with communication by being patient, not interrupting or correcting, and giving the person time to finish his or her thoughts. Continue reading:
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HEALTH SAVVY
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The Seven Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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Coping Strategies for Family Caregivers of Seniors
(from www.seniorcarecorner.com)
Family caregivers caring for senior loved ones have challenges that may consume their time, finances, and spirit every day.
At times the day to day tasks can be overwhelming for any of us, so when it happens to you please know you're not alone.
Some days spent as caregivers are joyous, some days are fun, some are tiring and other days are absolutely frustrating.
When the frustrating days outnumber the joyous days, or even if it feels like there are just too many of them, caregivers need to have an outlet so that they can continue to care for their precious (OK not always precious) seniors.
Coping Strategies for Caregivers
There are a number of ways to deal with the pressures of each new day, to make it easier on our spirits and our minds - and maybe even our bodies. We hope you try some of these to help you make it through your day:
- Take a breath. When things begin to happen too fast or when your temper gets too short, step back. Take a Continue reading.
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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.
Sign Up Now for the
Features Important Topics, Including:
- Stages of Dementia
- Caregiving at the Holidays
- Being, Belonging, Becoming
- Developing Coping Strategies
- Talking with Your Health Care Provider
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*"The Stages of Dementia'" with Tam Cummings, MS
A critical component of dementia care is understanding the seven stages of dementia. As dementia progresses into the different lobes of the brain from its starting point, your loved one will display a variety of behaviors directly connected to the corresponding damage. This session will cover the four lobes of the brain, their normal function and the typical behaviors seen once each lobe is affected. Recognizing the behaviors associated with each stage allows family caregivers to better prepare for the dementia process, emotionally and financially, as each stage progresses. Also included with this presentation is a copy of the Dementia Behavioral Assessment Tool and the brain lobes and their functions.
*This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration link. Flyer for printing/posting.
11/14/13 (Thurs), 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. (presented twice) <<<
*"Caregiving and the Holidays: Special Challenges and Joys" with Several Family Caregivers
You will be discussing adjustments to schedules, family visits, and celebrations that may be necessary during the holidays. Following, you can then join in the discussion with other family caregivers to talk about how the holidays can provide unique challenges but also opportunities for making memories for family caregivers and the family members they help.
*This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration link. Flyer for printing/posting
Being, Belonging, Becoming: The New Paradigm for Quality of Life" with Dr. Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT
 November is National Family Caregiver Month, but caregivers should be celebrated every month. 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. However, researchers at the University of Toronto have defined new values and quality of life indicators as the "Three B's of Aging". Dr. Huysman invites you to celebrate the month with him as he explores this exciting new quality of life model for all of us to live by.
*This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration link. Flyer for printing/posting
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30-Minute Caregiver Break Session:
Designed Especially for Working Caregivers
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11/07/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**"Developing Coping Strategies" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
Do you feel like you are coping with caregiving as well as you might? If not, this session will discuss how to learn new techniques, validate the ones you use that are working, and provide the opportunity for other caregivers to share how they have developed coping strategies that make life better.
**Specifically targeted to caregivers who are working
outside the home. This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration link. Flyer for printing/posting
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11/21/13 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**"Talking with Your Health Care Provider" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
Do you sometimes feel like your regular doctor or specialist is not really hearing what you are trying to say? This session will be presented by healthcare professionals who understand the dilemma of a fast pace AND the incredibly important role of the caregiver within healthcare interactions. You will hear other caregivers share some techniques that have helped improve their communication with healthcare professionals.
**Specifically targeted to caregivers who are working outside the home. This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration link. Flyer for printing/posting
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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* "Belonging"
It's officially National Family Caregiver Month! Here, as promised is the second installment of our three part series that honors the new approach to quality of life standards among caregivers.
Last month we began exploring the University of Toronto's Three B's of Aging, beginning with the concept of Being. We learned that our quality of life was much more than just our physical numbers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and the like. Your homework was to assess yourself according to the first "B" of Being. What did you discover about your "Being"? I would love to know! Remember that at the core of this new way of thinking lies in the question: How do we see ourselves when we consider our current quality of life through Being, Belonging and Becoming? Continue reading. Article in Spanish. *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.
Links to listen to recent shows via podcasts or download from iTunes.
Topics and Guests Featured in November
(Guests and/or topics subject to change)
- November 03 -"Medication Therapy Management: What Caregivers Need to Know" with Mark Carvajal, Co-owner, Carvajal Pharmacy
- November 10 - "Alzheimer's Speaks: Driving Change In Our Dementia Culture" with Lori La Bey, Alzheimer's Speaks Founder and Advocate
- November 17 - "Warning Signs of When an Elder Needs Help" with K.T. Whitehead, Certified Elder Law Attorney
- November 24 - TBA
Podcast Links to hear individual shows: ~~"My Grandparent; A Life And Times Journal for Grandchildren of All Ages" with Co-Author Dick Edwards ~~"Improving the hospital experience for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients" with Cognitive Solutions CEO Mike Splaine ~~"Room to Breathe: The ABCs of COPD" with Dr. Fernando Martinez, WellMed
~~"Promoting Early Intervention and Detection of Alzheimer's" with Carol Steinberg, President, Alzheimer's Foundation of America |
Caregiver SOS Resource Centers
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Caregiver SOS Centers (from the WellMed Charitable Foundation)
During November as both National Family Caregiver Month and Alzheimer's Awareness Month, several of the the Caregiver SOS Resource Centers will be holding special programs. Details will be included in a future Eblast. Examples include:
- National Memory Screening Day events November 19th
- Annual Caregiver Symposium, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 15.
McAllen, TX. Register: 956-630-6667, and - An educational conference with a "festive twist":
Family Caregiver & Friends Festival; Wed., Nov 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; One Event Drive, Brownsville, TX; Sponsorships still available: For more information, (956) 365-4732
 Examples of classes include 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 available. See the Activity Calendars below for the current schedules.
For locations and other information, go to the Caregiver SOS website. Download/print/post the calendars below:
Caregiver SOS/Harlingen Senior Center
Caregiver SOS at the Lindale Senior Center
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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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