Signals Newsletter Header
 Vol. 5, # 11     Nov., 2014
WellMed Charitable Foundation
 Happy Thanksgiving!



Tap Link to See Section:
Additional November Events
Lighten Your Load
Want to Feel Better?
Mind, Body, Spirit
Caregiver Connections
Caregiver SOS: On Air
Social Security Info
Resources/References
Caregiver SOS Centers
Calendar "At a Glance"
New TC logo
A complimentary telephone learning and support program. Select a session right for you.

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  Wed., Dec. 3 at 2 p.m., Developing a Care Plan: Know your Future Now with Evalyn Greb, LCSW  
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Thurs., Dec. 11--a session at 12 noon & a session at 7 p.m.,
Coping with Caregiver Anxiety and Depression with Pam Rittenberry, LPC
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Wed., Dec. 17 at 10 a.m.,
Foot Care...To Cut or Not to Cut: That is the Question with Cynthia Hemesath, D.P.M.
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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.

Here's How to Reach Us:
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Visit our blog

Like us on Facebook

View our videos on YouTube

Click below to hear podcasts

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(You may select multiple lists.)
 

Useful Website Links

WellMed Charitable FoundationCaregiver TeleConnection "On Demand"
Better Choices, Better Health
Take Time Texas

Carol's Column
CarolI hope I don't get Alzheimer's disease. How many of us have muttered these words under our breath? How many of us have had a momentary panic that the word we forgot, the name we can't recollect, or the thing we can't find is the first sign of Alzheimer's.

Fear of of getting Alzheimer's or any kind of dementia has taken over as the number one fear among older people. Some of us aren't even waiting until we're old to start worrying. But what if we stopped worrying, stopped accepting the fate of our loved ones as our own fate. What if we started hoping instead?

What if we started hoping that the incredible drop in mortality from cancer, AIDS, and heart disease happened for Alzheimer's too. What if we dared to hope that the same amount of money was invested in Alzheimer's as these other diseases? Because we want to end other diseases too. We don't want their money. We just want a boatload of new Alzheimer's research money.

Listening to Dr. Sid O'Bryant at our Caregiver Summit last week gave me hope that the science of Alzheimer's is finally turning a corner. I've been in this business over 20 years, and he's the first person to give me real hope. Not  that we'll have a cure anytime soon. But that we'll have a better way to detect it, a better way to treat it, and a better way to understand it. He helped me to understand that Alzheimer's disease isn't a monolithic condition with one cause and one response. That means there's more we can do. More is better.

This month, I'm challenging all of our readers who share the fear of Alzheimer's to go online and see his presentation at ww.caregiversos.org. Of course, we have to do more than just view a presentation. We have to insist the federal officials, corporations, individuals and each of us to get the resources we need to really turn the tide.

Hope is important. Entire revolutions have started with a little hope. the Alzheimer's revolution has to start with the end of current thinking -that Alzheimer's is a disease for old people who are going to die anyway, so it doesn't matter. It has to start with the realization that our children will not only pay the costs of 13 million Americans with Alzheimer's, but they may also suffer from Alzheimer's as well.

Hope leads to action, to believing, to change. Like Dr. O'Bryant said, all of us need to hope that our children will think of Alzheimer's the way we think of polio - something people used to get once upon a time.


Carol Zernial,
Executive Director,
WellMed Charitable Foundation
.

Join the Conversation 

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:[email protected]
Voice: 210-637-5116.

A Celebration of YOU!

Greetings!
 
Capacity Crowd Participates in San Antonio (TX) Nov. 7 Caregiver Summit

Following a welcome by WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF) Executive Director Carol Zernial, more than 175 Family Caregivers and professionals in the aging field took part in the National Family Caregiver Month event sponsored by the WCF's Caregiver SOS Program in the Whitley Theological Center, Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio

"For the first time, a WCF program was live-streamed over the Internet, in the interest of reaching as many people as possible. NOWCastSA broadcast the educational presentations of our distinguished speakers," Zernial explained.

 

The 2014 Caregiver Summit was viewable live the event at NOWCastSA.com. The taped program also can be accessed at www.CaregiverSOS.org.

 

The group heard from Keynote speaker and noted researcher Sid O'Bryant, Ph.D., who has been working on a test for Alzheimer's disease that may soon be used by primary care physicians.

 

 

Dr. O'Bryant's theme of a hopeful future was focused on viewing Alzheimer's Disease and similar neurological diseases (such as Parkinson's and MS) from a different perspective. He is studying similarities as well as differences, using the research models successfully applied to cancer and heart disease. He emphasized the importance of "doing the necessary science" that could lead to breakthroughs. View Dr. O'Bryant's hope-inspiring presentation.

 

Liliana Oakes, M.D., a Palliative Care specialist with WellMed, explained this relatively new field and how it is similar to--and differs from--Hospice Care. She illustrated how Palliative Care works for the patient as well as caregivers. View the introduction and Dr. Oakes' presentation.
Texas State University professor and researcher Lyda Arevalo-Flechas, Ph.D., MSN, RN, discussed the unique challenges facing Hispanic caregivers. She related the importance of understanding the language and the culture, in order to understand the differences in behaviors they exhibit. View Dr. Flechas' presentation.

NFCMAdditional November Events:  

Observances scheduled for National Family Caregiver Month and National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month include:
In Brownsville (TX):
 


In McAllen (TX):

 

 
CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?

 

What Boomers Need to Know About  

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2015

(www.foxbusiness.com

 

Medicare's open enrollment period, which comes only once a year, is October 15 through December 7, 2014 is the time for people age 65 and older to make changes to your Medicare health plan coverage.

 

With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day in the U.S., Medicare provides health insurance for millions of seniors.  Boomers age 65 and older cannot enroll in the new health insurance plans offered through the various state or federal exchange programs under the Affordable Care Act. Read more. 


LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Coping with Holidays as a Caregiver

We all know that Holidays can be a very stressful time just in living an ordinary family life. There is much confusion with the hustle and bustle of preparing for extra company, fixing special meals and playing the host while trying to also enjoy the whole experience ourselves. For the caregiver, this time can add a whole new set of stresses to an already stressful situation. 

 

I think that one of the most important points we should remember as role of the caregiver in this situation is to try to maintain a sense of familiarity for the one we are caring for. Confusion and unfamiliar changes often bring out the worst in us. Imagine then, what it can do to someone with memory problems, physical impairment, or other handicap. With this in mind, there are some tips, which may help make the holidays a little, more enjoyable for all involved. Read more.

 

WANT TO FEEL BETTER?

 

Plan for Respite Care During the Holidays

(from http://sanantonio.myhomecareblog.com/)  

 

As a family caregiver, you may be feeling an extra dose of stress during the holiday season. It's a busy time of year for everyone, especially caregivers of aging parents.  Celebration plans, visiting families, travel arrangements and all the extra holiday events can add stress to a busy family caregiver's daily routine.

 

Respite care for aging parents may be an option for your family. Respite care can be for a few hours each day or for several days to allow for the family caregiver to take a break, recharge, and participate in holiday events. Care can be provided in the aging parents' home or respite care can be provided in a nearby care community. A carefully planned respite care experience can benefit senior loved ones, as well as family caregivers.

Read more.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

 

When Is The Right Time To Give Up The Car? 

(from www.havingtheconversation.com) 

 

Families get all tied up in knots over this question. There can be real fears about whether or not Mom or Dad is still safe to drive, but nobody wants to even discuss having to take the car keys. The car often serves as a link to friends and emotional well-being, and it symbolizes independence and the freedom to make one's own choices. Start the conversation with your mother or father by talking about driving and what it means.  

 

The best way to take the guesswork out of the situation is to ask for an independent assessment. Most areas have programs that offer testing and defensive driving courses to seniors. Read more

 

HEALTH SAVVY 
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Click here to watch Dr. Jamie's brief videos providing tips for Family Caregivers.
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*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.

radioCaregiver SOS: On Air

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)
Online globally at www.caregiversos.org/podcasts

Nov. 23 - "Dealing with the loss of a limb" w

ith Barry Besse, producer at "The Answer" KLUP 930-AM

 

Nov. 30 - "The Long Goodbye for an Elegant Man, Husband and Father" with Nina Duran, La Prensa executive and daughter of publisher Tino Duran

DetailsTeleConnection Session Details

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.

Features Important Topics, Including:

~~Developing a Care Plan
~~Coping with Caregiver Anxiety and Depression
~~Foot Care--To Cut or Not to Cut: That is the Question
_______________________________

Wed., Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.
Developing a Care Plan: Know your Future Now with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
Evalyn Greb Do you have a plan in place for the future, knowing you care for someone whose condition may worsen over time? This session will outline simple steps to help you create a plan, including responding to emergencies. You will also hear other caregivers share thoughts on why it may be important to think about placing your loved one in a care facility as part of a future plan.
This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration 
_______________________________

Thurs., Dec. 11 at 12 noon and 7 p.m.
Coping with Caregiver Anxiety and Depression with Pam Rittenberry, LPC
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms common in anxiety and depression. What are tools and techniques to recognize early triggers and cope by learning better ways to respond, including the importance of medical care, re-thinking your caregiving role, and relaxation techniques. Sponsored by the North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection.
This telelearning session is open to all at no charge.  Registration
_______________________________

Wed., Dec. 17 at 10 a.m.
Foot Care...To Cut or Not to Cut: That is the Question with Cynthia Hemesath, D.P.M.
Do you or your loved one have foot problems? It's more common that you think. Listen to Cynthia Hemesath, D.P.M., (Podiatrist) discuss proper foot care to include nail trimming, dry cracking feet, discoloration, and fungal feet. Dr. Hemesath will also discuss how to treat the entire house to prevent reinfection, proper shoe gear for various shapes of feet and deformities such as bunion or hammertoes, and treatment for edema in the lower extremities and feet.
This telelearning session is open to all at no charge.  Registration
Caregiver Connections with Dr. Jamie 
 
A Celebration of YOU!   

Jamie Huysman,  PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT*

 

Dr. Jamie 1

As you hopefully know by now, November is National Family Caregivers' Month. It's an entire month devoted to the celebration of those who provide care for family members every day. If you are a caregiver, it's a month devoted to celebrating YOU!  

 

And in keeping with the theme of SELF CARE, we'll be talking about SELF AWARENESS.

 

Are you aware of your personal impact as a family caregiver? Read 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.

Social Security Information for Caregivers

 

Question:

Has Social Security announced the Cost of Living Adjustment for next year?

 

Answer:

 

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 64 million Americans will increase 1.7 percent in 2015, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 58 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2015. Read more. 

 
*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 [email protected].  

RandRResources and References

Alz. Assn Logo wide

(CNN) -- At least once a week a patient will come into Dr. Thomas Loepfe's busy geriatric clinic in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, with a worry. She will tell him she's been misplacing her glasses lately, or he'll say he's concerned about losing the car keys. Read more.

"I get $56 a month"
It may not sound like much, but Ms. M from New York is eating healthier thanks to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). It's Hunger Action Month-encourage more hungry older adults to #getSNAP! Share our images on social media or download, print, and hang a poster where seniors gather. Read more.

Agency Resumes Mailing Social Security Statements

  

Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the agency will resume the periodic mailing of Social Security Statements-once every five years for most workers-- while encouraging everyone to create a secure my Social Security account to immediately access their Statement online, anytime.  

 

The Statement is a valuable financial planning tool providing workers age 18 and older with important individualized information regarding their earnings, tax contributions, and estimates for future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. Read more. 

Celebrating 30 Years  
of the Family Violence Prevention & Services Act: 
Let's Do More for Survivors in Later Life

Today (10/09/14), we honor the anniversary of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the first Federal commitment to create a pathway to safety for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Before FVPSA's passage on this day in 1984, domestic violence had long been a hidden problem, and survivors often endured abuse in silence because they had nowhere to go.  Read more.  


Caregiver SOS Resource Centers

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.

During November, the Centers are focusing on events and activities recognizing and celebrating National Family Caregiver Month and National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. (See above.)

Examples of other 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.

Caregiver SOS at Northern Hills
14100 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78247

Caregiver SOS at the Alicia Trevino Lopez

Senior One-Stop Center
  8353 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78251,
 210-558-0718
November Activity Calendar

Caregiver SOS at Harlingen Senior Center 
512 Victoria Lane. Suite 11; Harlingen, TX 78550
956-356-5718 
November Activity Calendar

Caregiver SOS at Cross Roads Senior Center

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

Caregiver SOS at Lindale Senior Center 
3135 Swantner Dr.; Corpus Christi, TX 78404
361-225-2295 or 361-225-2619
November Activity Calendar

Caregiver SOS at the Cisneros Center
517 SW Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78211
210-507-3131
November Activity Calendar

In Closing . . . . 

We 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.)
 
Sincerely,

Carol Zernial, Executive Director
WellMed Charitable Foundation