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Vol. 6, # 2 April, 2015
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The WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF) will use your tax-deductible donation to support and enhance quality of life for family caregivers,
their care recipients, and seniors.
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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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Wed., April 22nd at 2 p.m.April Showers: Dealing with Hygiene Issues and Other Difficult Behaviors with Mary Fridley, RN
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Tues., April 28th at 10 a.m.
Activities To Do With Your Parents With Alzheimer's Dementia with Judith A. Levy, EdM, OTR
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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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 And the Oscar goes to .... Caregiving!
You may have seen the ceremony or read about it in the papers. It was called The Theory of Everything Caregiving. Okay, so maybe the movie was called the Theory of Everything, but if you saw the Oscar-nominated movie, then you know it was as much about caregiving as it was Stephen Hawking.
It had unfathomable black holes, higher math, a care recipient unable to speak on his own behalf, people drinking, and sweaters that won't go over your head. Wait. That was Stephen Hawking again.
Okay, it involved wheelchairs, doctors, incurable diseases, the need for more help, and family members who didn't seem to help much at all. It had a woman who thought she was going to care for a man for 2 years and ended up taking care of him for more than 25 years. Now that is a laundry list for caregiving.
Through the eyes of Stephen Hawking and his wife, Jane, we see how the toll of caregiving can sometimes overcome loving relationships, strong will and devotion. We see the difficulty of caring for an ailing spouse and trying to raise a family. And we learn that the impact of caregiving, like the laws of physics, cannot be denied. It is a part of the order of the universe.
Even if you haven't seen the film, you may recall Professor Hawking's "Big Bang" theory that the entire universe exploded out of a star. Even that sounds like caregiving - a single event that is more important than it seems at the time leads to a chain of events that changes life as we know it.
The movie actually had a lovely way of showing the reason why many of us are caregivers. Even if our loved ones aren't going to reinvent science or write a bestseller, we encourage and want them to make the most of their lives, to remain at home for as long as possible, and to know that their illness doesn't diminish our love for them.
Perhaps because the movie is based on a real person who just happens to be famous, the caregiver comes to a point where she just can't go on any longer. She has to have a life of her own after so many years. And she does go on to be happy. But so does the man for whom she is caring. It's nice to know that it all turns out okay in the end.
Throughout the movie, Steven Hawking says that he is looking for one eloquent equation that will explain everything in the universe. Because we are caregivers, perhaps we already have the secret equation. It goes like this: If we never lose our sense of wonder or our sense of self - no matter what happens - and we try to support each other, particularly in our times of need, we will indeed make our corner of the universe a better place.
And, in theory, that's pretty much everything.
Carol Zernial,
Executive Director,
WellMed Charitable Foundation
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Key WCF Events in 2015
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Please mark your 2015 calendars with these important dates:
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04/23/15
Catholic Charities and the WellMed Charitable Foundation Present Senior Fiesta
Wonderland of the Americas
San Antonio, TX
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05/02/15
WCF Run for Seniors,
Wheatley Heights Sports Complex,
200 Noblewood, San Antonio, TX
78220
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05/05/15
Big Give San Antonio,
support Caregiver SOS in this 24-hour day of giving
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05/08/15
Senior Day in the Park
Mateo Camargo Park, 5738 Castroville Road
San Antonio, TX
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05/17/15
A Town Meeting On Family Caregiving for Alzheimer's in the Hispanic Community
Broadcast on Telemundo at 9 a.m.
Live events in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, and McAllen.
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10/12/15
6th Annual WCF Golf Classic,
Oak Hills Country Club, 5403
Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio,
TX 78228
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11/13/15
2015 Caregiver Summit
in San Antonio;
Whitley Theological Center, 285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216
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| 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: SueEllenLewis@msn.com; Voice: 210-637-5116.
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Greetings!
2015 Run for Seniors
The 2015 Run for Seniors begins at 8 a.m., on
Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood, San Antonio, Texas 78220.
Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood is bringing
his dedication to fight elder abuse and crimes against seniors to chair this year's event.
We expect more than 300 seniors, family members and friends that will run/walk or even "sleep walk" to raise money for the generation who built our community.
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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Legal Checklist for Caregivers: Tips on how to protect your loved ones and yourself
(from www.AARP.org)
If you're a caregiver, part of your job may be  to keep track of your loved one's legal affairs. And you probably know - or are learning - that it's a big respo nsibility.
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Protect yourself and loved ones through lega l planning. The ultimate goal is to make sure you have all the decision-making rights you need to manage your loved one's affairs," advises Charles Sabatino, director of the American Bar Association's Commission on Law and Aging. Read more.
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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New Care Consultation Program
Is Added Benefit for Family Caregivers
Are you helping someone age 60+ with health care, personal needs, or household chores? Changes in health can be overwhelming, especially when you juggle other responsibilities like work and family.
 Care Consultation is a service that acts as a compass, guiding you through your caregiving journey. All assistance is provided by telephone, mail, and e-mail. By calling Care Consultation, you will have access to a professional who provides you information and advice on what matters most to you.
The WellMed Charitable Foundation is introducing the free program this year as an added benefit to Family Caregivers, through the WCF Caregiver SOS Resource Centers. For more information, call 866-390-6491. Flyer for printing/posting.
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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Caregiver's Guide
to Understanding Dementia Behaviors
Introduction Caring for a loved one with dementia poses many  challenges for families and caregivers. People with dementia from conditions such as Alzheimer's and related diseases have a progressive brain disorder that makes it more and more difficult for them to remember things, think clearly, communicate with others, or take care of themselves. In addition, dementia can cause mood swings and even change a person's personality and behavior. This Fact Sheet provides some practical strategies for dealing with the troubling behavior problems and communication difficulties often encountered when caring for a person with dementia. Read more. |
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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Two Stress-Busting-Programs for Family Caregivers Now Are Available
There are now two Stress-Busting Programs (SBP) available for family caregivers (1) of people with Alzheimer's Disease or Other Related Dementia and (2) St People with Chronic Disease or Illnesses.
 The newest version of the SBP for Family Caregivers is an adaptation of the original evidence-based program [(1) above.] (Their care recipients can have conditions such as diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, traumatic brain injury and many others.)
Representatives of organizations interesting in learning more about being a program provider or signing up as a Master Trainer can contact Jennifer Kretzschmar at jkretzschmar@wellmed.net, or click here.
| Family caregivers seeking a local SBP can click here
| To volunteer as a SBP Facilitator, check with your local Caregiver SOS Resource Center.
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The nine-week program consists of weekly, 90 minute sessions with a small group of caregivers. The multi-component SPB is focused on education, support, problem-solving, and stress management. Caregivers learn many new skills including information about the disease process, stress management techniques, and a variety of other content. It is designed to: - improve the quality of life of family caregivers who provide care for persons with a chronic disease(s) or illness(es)
- help caregivers manage their stress and cope better with their lives
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HEALTH SAVVY
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My Elderly Parent has Dementia:
What Activities Can We Do?
(from www.agingcare.com)
Caregivers for the elderly with dementia often find that coming up with activities for the elder can require much thought and effort. But they are vital to your parent's health and well-being. Creating activities can really be  quite simple if you follow some general guidelines.
Create Meaningful Activities
- Consider their interests
Depending on how severe your parent's dementia is or their stage of Alzheimer's, activities can vary; however, designing activities that involve their past interests are of the utmost importance. For example, if they love to garden, foster that passion with stimulating gardening activities. Read more.
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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
Links to listen to recent shows via podcasts or download from iTunes.
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Topics and Guests Featured in April
(Guests and/or topics subject to change)
April 19--TOPIC--The Dance of Belonging: Finding New Avenues of Expression for People Living with Dementia.
GUEST: Jim Vanden Bosch, Terra Nova Films
April 26--TOPIC--Women Against Alzheimer's
GUEST: Jill Lesser, Founder WomenAgainstAlzheimer's
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TeleConnection Session Details
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Register for any TeleLearning Session by phone: (210) 871-7SOS (7767) or 1 (866) 390-6491; Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; by email, or visit our website.
Features Important Topics, Including: --Care Recipient's Hygiene Issues and other difficult behaviors
--Activities to do with your parents with Alzheimer's and other Dementias.
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Wed., April 22nd at 2 p.m. April Showers: Dealing with Hygiene Issues and Other Difficult Behaviors with Mary Fridley, RN  This is a must-hear session for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and Related Dementia. Mary Fridley, RN, is certified in gerontology, and is the Founder of Gero-Resources. Mary will present practical tips for caregivers dealing with hygiene issues and other difficult behaviors. Tune in to discover useful tips you can implement to make your life easier. This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration
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Tues., April 28th at 10 a.m.
Activities To Do With Your Parents With Alzheimer's Dementia with Judith A. Levy, EdM, OTR
 Judith Levy, OT, has recently released the book, Activities to Do with Your Parent with Alzheimer's Dementia. In the book, she draws from her past work experience as an occupational therapist and her current role as a child of a parent with Alzheimer's dementia, to provide a selection of user-friendly activities that can help maintain a parent's self-care skills, mobility, and socialization. She claims these tasks will encourage success and feelings of self-worth and offer imaginative ways to interact with someone with Alzheimer's dementia. This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration |
| Caregiver Connections with Dr. Jamie | |
Ask the Expert:
"Training and Education for Caregivers"
Question: Is there a place where I can find training to be the best caregiver I can be?
Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT*
(Editor's Note: We will be sharing Dr. Jamie's brief informational videos, in addition to his topical articles.)
Education, empowerment, and energy are the key components of caregiving. To find caregiver training resources in your community, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call the national hotline. Click here to view video.
*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:How can someone qualify for disability if they have a kidney disease? Answer: If a kidney disease such as end-stage renal disease (known as ESRD) requires chronic dialysis and prevents you from working, Social Security may be able to help you. If you are undergoing dialysis, have had a kidney transplant, have persistent low creatinine clearance levels, or have persistent high serum creatinine levels, you may qualify for disability and/or Medicare benefits. 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 Oscar.h.garcia@ssa.gov.
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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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