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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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02/13/14 (Thurs), 10 a.m.
"Hospitals and Alzheimer's Disease: How to be Prepared" with Michael Splaine, Splaine Consulting
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"Driving Change in the Dementia Care Culture" with Lori LaBay, CSA, COS, AOSAD
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2/20/14 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
"Safe Use of Medications" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
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02/24/14 (Mon), 12 & 7 p.m.
"Geriatric Care Managers: Helping Families Know When It's Time to Make Changes" with Carole Larkin, MA, CMC, CAEd, QDCS,EICS, ThirdAge Services LLC
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02/27/14 (Thur), 2 p.m.
"Warning Signs: When an Elder Needs Help" with K.T. Whitehead, Certified Elder Law Attorney______________
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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Social Media
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Click below to hear podcasts  |
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Carol's Column
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In the Disney movie, "Enchanted," Amy Adams plays a fairy tale princess who becomes trapped in the real world in New York City. She decides to pitch in and help the family that has taken her in by calling the local animals together to sing "A Happy Working Song." Of course in New York, the local animals are rats, pigeons and cockroaches. Startled, she acknowledges that it's always good to make new friends and they sing their happy song as they clean up.
We don't often talk about the happiest aspects of caregiving, but many caregivers wake up from their fairy tale life to find out they have entered the world of caregiving - and they're still happy. So what does Caregiving the Musical look like?
I was talking to a caregiver who described his father as the man who went to the nursing home every day to pick up his wife's laundry and make sure it was clean, to visit her during lunch, and make sure that she was well cared for - barely missing a day in her 3-year stay.
This steady, dependable rhythm of the caregiver going about his daily tasks is the beat that allows the person being cared for to feel safe. It is the way caregivers continue to find meaning and involvement with their loved one. That continued relationship with its occasional hug or kiss is the music in their lives - it is their reward.
I think about the caregiver who is taking care of her husband after a catastrophic accident that has left him quadriplegic with a brain injury. She is learning all of the new steps in caring for a person who has lost so much. With the team of doctors and nurses, she orchestrates his care - moving from one person to the next to ensure that the man who can't speak for himself has a voice. It is a complicated dance, but it never occurs to her to do anything less.
And in the final act, the caregiver whose husband has had a long, slow decline with terminal cancer realizes this is a chapter in her life that is closing. A new one will soon begin for her, but for now she can be thankful for the good years, for the good man, and for the good opportunity she has to say good bye. Not everyone has this opportunity and she feels like this time has been a blessing.
Every day, caregivers give a part of themselves because they have gotten so much from their loved one in the past and they find that they are still receiving something back. Although they are uncomfortably surprised at their new surroundings, they are willing to make new friends with these strange characters who inhabit this new caregiving world. And even though everything is a mess, they hum a little happy working song that makes them feel good about the amazing things they have accomplished since they left the fairy tale behind.
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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Hit Your Funnybone!
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 | | Kitten on a Computer - On the Tonight Show with now departed host, Jay Leno. |
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Recorded Caregiver TeleConnection Sessions
To be Available "On Demand"
 You asked for it--and we listened! We've had many requests from caregivers to record and post TeleConnection sessions on-line. Such requests were made by family caregivers who could not participate in the live session or, who wanted to share them with their friends and family.
In order to make available the information you need, we will be recording several sessions per month. There will be a listing to access the recording of the sessions, as well as the resources links originally provided to caregiver participants. Once the "TeleConnection On-Demand" site goes live, announcement will be posted on the Caregiver SOS website and our Facebook page, and also in future issues of this Newsletter and Eblasts.
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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10 Warning Signs
Your Older Family Member May Need Help  Changes in physical and mental abilities that may occur with age can be difficult to detect-for older adults and their family members, friends, and caregivers too. To help in determining when an older adult may need assistance in the home, the Eldercare Locator has compiled a list of 10 warning signs.
Any one of the following behaviors may indicate the need to take action. It is also important to inform the older adult's physician of these physical or psychological behavior changes. Has your loved one: (Read entire article.) |
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HEALTH SAVVY
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Seniors - Tips for Safe Medicine Use If you are age 65 or older, you may take more medicines now than ever before. Two-thirds of adults age 65 and old  er use one or more medicines each day, and a quarter of them take three drugs each day. The more you know about your medicines and the more you communicate with your health professionals, the better your chances are for avoiding possible problems with medicines. Here are some tips for safe medicine use: Learn about your medicines. Read medicine labels and package inserts. If you have difficulty reading the label, ask a friend, relative or pharmacist for help. If you have questions about the label directions or warnings, ask your doctor or other health care professional. ( Read entire article.)
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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What is Professional Geriatric
Care Management? (from www.caremanager.org) Professional geriatric care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or  others facing ongoing challenges. Working with families, geriatric care manager expertise provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance lead families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family caregivers through: - Assessment and monitoring
- Planning and problem-solving
- Education and advocacy
- Family caregiver coaching (Read entire article.)
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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It's Time To Become Dementia Friendly
Collaboration...The Key Component in the Battle Plan Against Dementia
(from www.alzheimersspeaks.com)
Bottom line all businesses, communities as well as individuals need to become Dementia Friendly. The statistics alone show the numbers are staggering and  only growing. Now is the time to get ahead of the game before negative outcomes increase. We offer "Dementia Friendly Programs" for both companies and individuals.
Alzheimer's Speaks believes collaboration is the key to living a successful and purpose filled life with dementia. By working together, we can push both conventional and alternative efforts forward in search of answers. By joining forces and sharing knowledge, we can win the battle against dementia. (Read entire article.)
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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 Jan. - Feb.
(Guests and/or topics subject to change)
- February 09 - "Caregiver's Guide to the Doctor's Office" with Carol Levine, United Hospital Fund
- February 16 - "Finding The Laughter - a Comedian's Caregiver Story" with Keith Price, Siriux XM radio personality and stand-up comedian
- February 23 - TBA
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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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Features Important Topics, Including:
- Hospitals and Alzheimer's disease
- Driving Change in our Dementia care culture
- Geriatric Care Managers: Helping Families Know When It's Time to Make Change
- Warning Signs: When an Elder Needs Help
- Safe Use of Medications
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02/13/14 (Thurs), 10 a..m.
*"Hospitals and Alzheimer's Disease: How to be Prepared" with Michael Splaine, Splaine Consulting
Persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia don't just have AD; frequently many have other chronic conditions that flare or have emergency conditions that require a hospital stay.
This session will cover what caregivers can do to be prepared and proactive for a possible hospital stay, develop the concept of a thoughtful hospitalization, and highlight major changes in hospital care practice and law that shape their patient experience.
*"Driving Change in the Dementia Care Culture" with Lori LaBay, CSA, COS, AOSAD
Lori LaBey founder of Alzheimer's Speaks will share with us what she has learned over her 30 year journey with her own mother's memory loss. She is a leading advocate and was recognized by Sharecare and Dr. Oz as the #1 influencer online for Alzheimer's. Her insights or simple to duplicate yet profound in how they impact dementia care around the world. Join us and find out how to live with dementia. not as it!
02/24/14 (Mon), 12 and 7 p.m.*"Geriatric Care Managers: Helping Families Know When It's Time to Make Changes" with Carole Larkin, MA, CMC, CAEd, QDCS,EICS, ThirdAge Services LLC
 When is it time to get a diagnosis, stop driving, either bring someone into the house or consider an assisted living or memory care community. Learn ways that Geriatric Care Manages can help families with those difficult decisions.
*This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration. Flyer. ____________________
02/27/14 (Thur), 2 p.m.
*" Warning Signs: When an Elder Needs Help" with K.T. Whitehead, Certified Elder Law Attorney
 We will discuss different scenarios that people might run across as they get older. How to know when you are dealing with a scam artist or when its the real deal. What you need to know to prepare yourself; including powers of attorney, trusts, and other legal forms.
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30-Minute Caregiver Break Session:
Designed Especially for Working Caregivers
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02/20/14 (Thur), 12:15 p.m.
**"Safe Use of Medications" with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
Your responsibility as a caregiver for assisting with medications can be overwhelming. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and get tips on getting help from your doctor and pharmacist. You can also listen to other caregivers in the session sharing ideas on how to organize medications and medical information.
**Specifically targeted to caregivers who are working outside the home. This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration.Flyer.
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Caregiver Connections with Dr. Jamie
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It Is No Coincidence that Valentine's Day
Is during National Heart Month!
Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT*
In keepin g with our theme of self care, it is time to celebrate National Heart Month. So, yes, we're going to talk about love; self love. And we are also going to talk about making sure to be the number one recipient of your gifts and love on Valentine's Day.
Self love is not at all about being self-centered in a selfish, "all about me" way. It's really about honoring our feelings (even when they are not facts), taking time for ourselves, and caring for ourselves in the same way we care for others. Read entire article.
*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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Social Security Information for Caregivers
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Question: My husband recently had heart surgery.We are both in our early fifties.I will be staying home to help take care of him.What can you tell me about applying for disability benefits for him? Answer: One of the most important requirements to be eligible for Social Security disability is having enough work credits. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. These credits count toward retirement, survivors, and disability benefits. The number of credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age, and some of the work must be recent. Read entire article.
*Oscar Garcia is a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration.
You can direct your questions to him at: SSA, 411 Richland Hills Drive, San Antonio, Texas, 78245. You can also email him at Oscar.h.garcia@ssa.gov.
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Caregiver SOS Resource Centers
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 Examples of ongoing classes include: Powerful Tools for Caregivers in the San Antonio area; Diabetes Self Management and Chronic Disease Self Management, and A Matter of Balance--along with general and women's support groups, crafts and health-related activities. A resource library is available. See the Activity Calendars below for the current schedules.
Caregiver SOS/Harlingen Senior Center
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From mmLearn.org
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Polypharmacy:
Are you Taking Too Many Meds?
Presenter: Carrie Allen PharmD, CGP
As we increase in age, often the number of medications  we take on a daily basis also increases. How do we know when we are taking too much? This webcast will answer many of the questions you may be having about your own medications or the medications being taken by someone you care. Click on this link to watch. http://bit.ly/1aA16el
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Survey Available for Caregiver Participation
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Dear Caregiver, Letter for Printing Paper Survey
You are invited to participate in a survey-based research project conducted by the neuropsychology research group at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. This project is coordinated by Samuel Oldham, M.A., (a native Texan) and supervised by Dr. Benjamin Pyykkonen, Ph.D. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Wheaton College.
If you are the primary informal and/or family based caregiver of an individual or individuals who have become disa bled or debilitated for at least one month, then this study may be for you.
At the conclusion of this study, a random drawing will be held to select winners of one of five, $20 Target gift cards. If you wish to participate in this drawing, please provide your preferred contact information in the survey entitled "Survey Drawing Registration." Participation or non-participation in the drawing will in no way impact the manner in which your responses to the survey are used. By participating in this study, you are helping us to gain a better understanding of how religion and spirituality, social support, patient functioning, and demographic factors may impact caregiver burden. The information obtained from this study may help clarify unique contributing factors to caregiver burden and inform future efforts to improve caregiver functioning.  The survey is estimated to take approximately 15 to 25 minutes to complete. Some potential risks for this study include time spent participating in the study and experiencing minor discomfort when answering questions. This discomfort is not expected to exceed what caregivers might typically encounter through the daily demands of the caregiver task.
Once you have completed the survey, click this link to enter to win a $20 Target gift card as a thank you for your consideration. We thank you for your time in considering this study and wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
Samuel Oldham, M.A. Wheaton College Neuropsychology Research Group Wheaton, IL
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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 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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assessment, surgery or some other form of treatment. 
The Caregiver SOS Centers are beginning various new informational series, including new Alzheimer's support groups and the Stress-Busting Program for family caregivers. Go to the website: