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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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Tuesday, April 17 at 2 p.m.
"Reaching Out for Financial Help" with John A. Schall, Chief Executive Officer The Caregiver Action Network.
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Monday, April 21,12 and 7 p.m.
"Compassion Fatigue: What is it and what can you do about it." with Laurie Miller, President of Apple Care and Companion and CoLodging Club
Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m.
"Am I Depressed?" 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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Social Media
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Click below to hear podcasts  |
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 doing some "magical" thinking lately. I'm wondering if I watched too many movies or read too many science fiction books.
Recently, I've been wondering if somehow, somewhere, there is a redundant system in the brain that might store all of the forgotten memories and abilities of the person who has Alzheimer's.
Is there a secret storage capacity in the brain that we don't know about? That delete button on the computer doesn't really delete everything, and experts can still put the information back together, right? What if our brains encode the information somewhere else, too, and someday a cerebral help desk could walk us through the steps of rebooting and getting it back?
But I suppose that this is wishful thinking for now. The impact of Alzheimer's is so very hard. It's like watching a couple who have been together their entire adult lives now slowly being separated by the chasm of Alzheimer's. Meaningful conversation is impossible. Life is distilled to the basic level of survival - eating, sleeping, and getting through the activities of daily living of another day. And it isn't going to get better.
So I'm holding on to my own working theory about that redundant, back-up system: It's us, the circle of family and friends. It's the husband who still remembers the day he met that special girl, went out on their first date, and bought his first house for his new bride. It's the son or daughter who remembers the family vacations, learning how to cook or mow the lawn at our parent's side, or figuring out that perhaps dad was right after all. It's the best friend who knows all the secrets, who doesn't judge, and who has always been there.
Those shared memories are our lifeline. It doesn't matter if the person we're caring for has Alzheimer's or some other condition. No matter what happens, we need to hold fast to the person we know they really are. If we can strive to see that person, to separate the fact that the behavior is the disease and not our loved one, then our loved one can continue to exist beside the illness and in ourselves.
It sounds trivial to say that we are all connected, but the reality is our shared life moments do connect us and make us who we are. So we are the backup system for the person in our lives with the illness, the keeper of the flame. Let's look into their eyes, let them know that we see them - the person we know inside - and take each other's hands for the rest of the journey.
Carol Zernial
Executive Director
WellMed Charitable Foundation
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Stress-Busting Training
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Agencies interested being leaders in empowering caregivers by  providing the Stress-Busting Program in their communities should contact the WellMed Charitable Foundation.
SBP Master Training Session
San Antonio, Texas
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Inspired Creativity
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Young Entrepreneurs and Senior Center participants collaborate
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Innovating technology for the needs and health of elders
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From the PBS NewsHour: "There's a multi-billion-dollar market that has been largely overlooked by Silicon Valley. But a new wave of tech startups have begun developing products for seniors and their caregivers, from redesigning canes and pill boxes, to a web-based app that helps keep an eye on elderly relatives."
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Caregiver "Book Beat"
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ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Survivors: A Guide to Practical and Legal Matters When Someone You Love Dies By Sally Balch Hurme (from AARP.org)
When someone you love dies, dealing with the personal and financial affairs - on top of the emotional trauma - can be overwhelming. With this first-of-its-kind manual, from the tAmerican Bar Association and AARP, you can take comfort in  knowing that you can handle matters upon a loved one's death with ease. The personal record-keeping workbook and accompanying CD- ROM walk you through processes step by step. The ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Survivors covers topics such as: - Applying for survivors' benefits
- Paying outstanding bills
- Checking on insurance
- Sorting through the stuff, physical and digital
- Notifying the myriad people and companies who need to know
- Navigating the grief process and taking care of yourself
With this first-of-its-kind manual, from the American Bar Assn. and AARP, you can take comfort in knowing that you can handle the matters upon a loved one's death with ease. (Read entire article.) |
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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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Mark Your Calendars for the Big Give S.A. on May 6;
2014 Run for Seniors on May 10|
"Participating in these two events is your chance to help the Caregiver SOS programs benefiting caregivers and their family members, not only in San Antonio and throughout Texas, but also across the country through educational efforts such as the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers and the Caregiver Teleconnection."
--Carol Zernial, Executive Director, WellMed Charitable Foundation.
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 On May 6th, 2014, San Antonio will come together for 24 hours of nonprofit giving during the Big Give S.A. It's San Antonio's ever giving day, and it's your chance to make a real impact for WellMed Charitable Foundation's (WCF) Caregiver SOS Program.
All you have to do is commit to donating to Caregiver SOS on May 6th through the Big Give SA website: http://www.thebiggivesa.org/#npo/wellmed-charitable-foundation or www.tinyurl.com/biggivesos and you help us become eligible for prize money and matching dollar opportunities. You can give beginning at $10, but we're hoping you may commit to giving $14 for 2014, or $24 to mark the 24 hours of giving. The event runs midnight to midnight, and throughout the day, we will post updates to our Caregiver SOS Facebook page, so you can see in real time prizes and incentives we can earn.
For more information on the event and for a list of frequently asked questions please check out: http://www.thebiggivesa.org/, like The Big Give SA on Facebook, or follow @TheBigGiveSA on Twitter. You can also contact us at dcalderon@wellmed.net.  On May 10th, the 2014 Run for Seniors honors elders who are important in our lives, and promotes health and wellness across a lifetime. Most importantly, it benefits the WellMed Charitable Foundation, raising funds to support seniors and their caregivers in our community. Be an important part of this growing, family-friendly tradition. The 5K run is set to begin at 8 a.m. at Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati, San Antonio, TX. The Run for Seniors is part of "Age Well/Live Well," a partnership with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. We hope we can count on your valuable support. Your participation allows us to assist older families that struggle every day to get the services they need to remain in their own homes. WCF serves this vulnerable population and your support can help change the life of a grandmother, grandfather, mom, dad or caring family member. Learn more about these programs at www.CaregiverSOS.org. Corporate sponsorships for the 2014 Run for Seniors range from $1,000 - $5,000, and will also underwrite participating seniors ages 60 and over, who run for free this year. A sponsorship form is included for your convenience. Please call Charlene Lodge at 210-877-7716 to confirm your sponsorship or for more information.
Seniors 60+ walk for free, but please be sure to register for attendance. Register Online here! Click the following links for printing/posting: a paper registration form; informational flyer, and sponsorship committment letter.
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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 Studies confirm that caregivers play host to a high level of compassion fatigue. Day in, day out, workers struggle to function in care giving environments that constantly present heart wrenching, emotional challenges. Affecting positive change in society, a mission so vital to those passionate about caring for others, is perceived as elusive, if not impossible. This painful reality, coupled with first-hand knowledge of society's flagrant disregard for the safety and well being of the feeble and frail, takes its toll on everyone from full time employees to part time volunteers. Eventually, negative attitudes prevail. (Read entire article.) |
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HEALTH SAVVY
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The Impact of Healthcare
Reform on Family Caregivers
A Program of National Family Caregivers Association National Alliance for Caregiving Family Caregiver Alliance Overview * The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010
(Affordable Care Act) touches the lives of family caregivers and their loved ones in multiple ways
* Insurance Reforms
- No more denial because of pre-existing conditions
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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Caregiver depression can take a toll on you and your ability to care for your loved one. Understand the signs of caregiver depression - and know how to prevent it.
 Caregiving is often physically and emotionally stressful. In an effort to provide the best care possible, you might put your loved one's needs before your own. In turn, you could develop feelings of sadness, anger and loneliness. Sometimes, these emotions can trigger caregiver depression.
What are the symptoms of caregiver depression? Everyone has a bad day sometimes. However, to be diagnosed with depression --also called major depression. ( Read the entire article.)
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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Reaching Out for Financial Help
Make the most of what you have-
Get more of what you need
(from nfca.typepad.com/)
H ow can you set a value on what you do? For family caregivers in the United States, the American Association  of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates their efforts were worth approximately $375 billion in 2007. In addition, the average family caregiver for someone 50 years or older spent $5,531 on out-of-pocket caregiving expenses in 2007-more than 10 percent of the median income for a family caregiver that year, according to AARP. ( Read entire article.)
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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Through many years of working with caregivers, I have been continually reminded of the great importance of friends, especially during the challenges of caregiving years. I have also felt the sadness and loneliness that caregivers' feel when friends drift away at a time when they are needed most. "You sure find out who your friends are!" is a familiar comment expressed by caregivers that can be both positive and negative. The loyalty and support of close friends can make a world of difference with even the most difficult caregiving situations. Friends can serve as lifelines for caregivers who find themselves facing despair. However, caregivers also experience a great loss when relatives, neighbors and lifetime friends seem to fade away as a disease progresses or dementia increases in the person being cared for. (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 April
(Guests and/or topics subject to change)
April 13 -"Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers: The Unsung Heroes," with Psychologist and Author Dr. Judith London April 20 - "The Impact of Evidence-based Caregiver Training," with Leslie Easom, Executive Director, Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving April 27 - "A Test For Alzheimer's," with Sid O'Bryant, PhD, Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research |
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:
- Caregivers: What You Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act
- Reaching Out for Financial Help
- Compassion Fatigue: What Is It--What You Can Do About It
- Am I Depressed?
The new Session Schedule format includes a brief description of each session, simplifying the process for caregivers to select a session. The individual session flyers have been discontinued.
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Tuesday, April 17 at 2 p.m.
*"Reaching Out for Financial Help" with John A. Schall, Chief Executive Officer The Caregiver Action Network.
 Listen to an expert explain, in practical everyday terms, many of the legal and financial tools caregivers can use to make the most of what they have and get more of what they need.
*This telelearing session is open to all at no charge. Registration. _____________________
Monday, April 21, 12 and 7 p.m. <<<<<
*"Compassion Fatigue: What is it and what can you do about it." with Laurie Miller, President of Apple Care and Companion and CoLodging Club
Learn more about how the responsibilities and stress can lead to the chronic fatigue known as compassion fatigue. Although the target for this program is family caregivers, professional caregivers can identify with this experience and benefit from the discussion.
This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration. _____________________
Tuesday, April 29 at 7 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.
This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration
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Caregiver Connections with Dr. Jamie
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Feeding Your Spirit:
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT*
Last month we talked about feeding our minds and bodies.This month we'll be exploring the care and feeding of our spirit!Beyond our bodies and minds, there is a personal energy that we all possess in some form or other.
Some call it our life force.It's the part of us that just is. It's how we naturally move through the world.Or spirit tells people a lot about us. For some of us the glass is half empty; for others it's half full.Many of us stay stuck in life's circumstances, not seeing that it is a choice we have made.Still many more seem to rise to the occasion, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth as human beings, as opposed to just human doings. (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 aunt is the primary care giver for my uncle. He is a disabled veteran, and they are in the process of applying for Veterans' Benefits due to his health. Will he automatically qualify to receive Social Security disability if he receives veteran's benefits? Answer: Unfortunately, the answer is no. Social Security has to apply separate rules to determine if a person qualifies for disability benefits. Your uncle would have to apply for Social Security disability and go through the Social Security application process. (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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Resources and References
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Here is the story "ABC World News with Diane Sawyer" featured on the challenges faced by caregivers of wounded warriors. It is entitled, "Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregiers." http://tinyurl.com/ow6taf8
Working from home is an ideal solution for family caregivers who need a steady income, while also needing to provide care for a loved one or friend. http://tinyurl.com/p7866qe
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Caregiver SOS Resource Centers
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 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 for specific contact information.
 Examples of ongoing classes include: 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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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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