A complimentary telephone learning and support program. Select a session right for you.

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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.

(You may select multiple lists.)
 

While others were talking about planning for the future of aging baby boomers, she didn't want us to forget people like her.

People who had already given a lot and given up a lot. People who were going to need help, because they knew the day would come when their parents needed more than they could provide.

What does the voice of the caregiver sound like? It comes in the low notes of a man, the higher lilt of a woman, the uneven breath of an older person, and even the youthful tones of a child. Caregiving comes to men and women of all ages.

The voice of the caregiver can be authoritative, demanding, steady and sure. It can be hesitant, pleading, jagged with fatigue, or a mutter under one's breath. Sometimes it is a hearty laugh, a gentle coaxing, or a soft caress across the room. It is the voice that both cries and comforts in the dark times. And for long periods, it makes no sound at all--waiting.

What does the voice of the caregiver say? It denies any help is needed. It asks what resources are available. It wonders if anyone else is going through the same thing. It hopes everything will work out okay.

The caregiver's voice reminds us that families and friends still carry the lion's share of the load in providing care. It tells us about the necessary sacrifices of jobs, money, time and even other family members.

Sometimes, the caregiver doesn't say enough. They don't realize they have a voice and a vote. We don't hear their outrage when they get no help at all, when they aren't eligible for any services and when they sacrifice their own future for a country that hasn't yet faced the new reality of long life.

Hear the voice of the caregiver. Answer the call for help. Pass the word on that there is work to be done in our communities, in the halls of government, in the think tanks of the best and brightest. Listen closely. You may hear the sound of your own voice.

Carol Zernial,
Executive Director,
WellMed Charitable Foundation

The Medicare Prescription Drug program gives you a choice of prescription plans that offer various types of coverage.

You may be able to get extra help to pay for the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug program. However, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan to get this extra help.

(from www.understandingdementia.com)

Alzheimer's Disease is an umbrella term that covers many types of diseases that all result in a decrease in memory, the ability to think and reason and the ability for a person to care for herself.

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.

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Features Important Topics, Including:

This is a difficult question and a difficult point to reach on your caregiving journey. The specific answer depends on your loved one's mental and emotional state, as well as on your relationship history. You'll need to consider these things before you raise the topic. But many people face this same situation every day, and there are some general tips that may help make the sometimes challenging conversation easier. Read more. 

The fee can be no more than 25 percent of past-due benefits or $6,000, whichever is less. Generally, a representative will not charge unless you receive benefits. Read more.

Free Video: "Clinical Differences Among Four Common Dementia Syndromes"--Dr. Thomas Weiss. Dr. Weiss guides you through four common yet different dementia syndromes - each requires different treatment and management. Knowing the different characteristics is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment of this complex disease of the brain.

Register. Get FPAD resources.  Download the 2014 infographic.

How slowly an aging person walks may indicate Alzheimer's Risk. The way older people walk may provide a clue about how well their brain is aging and could allow doctors to determine whether they are at risk of Alzheimer's disease, a new study shows. The results suggest that those whose walking pace begins to slow and who also have cognitive complaints are more than twice as likely to develop dementia within 12 years Read more.

Caregiver SOS Centers are safe, confidential community resources where caregivers and family members can chat with other caregivers, and find out about wellness activities, information, support, and education.

The Centers are beginning various new informational  series, including new Alzheimer's support groups and the Stress-Busting Program for family caregivers.

Examples of ongoing classes include: Diabetes Self Management, Chronic Disease Self Management, Healthy Eating, 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.

1301 E. Fern, McAllen, TX 78501
956-630-6668