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Vol. 6, # 5 August, 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.
Click here for more details
Since our TeleConnection participants are nationwide, timezones have been added to simplify your scheduling.
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Tuesday, Sept. 8th, 3 pm Eastern, 2 pm Central, 1 pm Mountain, 12 pm Pacific Keeping yourself and
your loved one with Alzheimer's Active with Mary Theresa Vasquez, RN (In English and Spanish)
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Thursday, Sept. 24th, 12 pm Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain, 9 am Pacific Aging and Disability Resource Centers - Your Source for Long Term Services and Support Information_________________ Wednesday, Sept. 30th, 12 pm Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain, 9 am Pacific Relocation Planning: Moving Your Loved One from Home to a Facility
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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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Communication is complicated. It can include the ability to speak, the ability to hear, and the ability to understand the words that were said. Think of the husband who lost his ability to speak in a stroke; the mother with throat cancer; the father who has grown deaf over the years.
I was staying with my own mother recently, who now has Alzheimer's, and she is helping me rediscover the art of communication. One of the great ironies of growing older is that we can have multiple challenges going on at the same time. On this occasion, her hearing aid had accidentally been washed, and was no longer working. She already has a hard time understanding what words mean, and this made it even harder.
It's probably best in any situation to be in the same room with the person with whom we're communicating, facing them and speaking clearly. With a broken hearing aid, it became especially important.
It soon became apparent that she was queuing off of my actions. This simply means that she was watching me to try to figure out what to do. She wouldn't eat unless I sat down to eat as well. She didn't get ready for bed until I put on my pajamas too. This isn't unusual. We all do a certain amount of watching others to make sure we are doing the right thing. We do this at school by watching the other children, how they dress, determining what is considered "cool." For someone who is confused on many levels, watching others is their best tool for coping in their environment.
But it's important to realize that even this type of communication is a two-way street. I learned from noted geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Nestor Praderio that I needed to watch her actions, and try to get the meaning behind her words, as well. It's like the time my mother-in-law, who also had Alzheimer's, told us that she was going to have 92 babies as she shyly patted her stomach. She had gall stones. She knew something was different and painful, and this was her interpretation. Of course, we didn't realize what she meant until she needed immediate treatment. By that time, we felt horrible that we had missed the clues she was giving us.
This time, I was better prepared. When my mom asked me what time it was over and over again, she was really wondering what she was supposed to be doing. When she asked me how long it would be until the rest of her family returned from vacation, she was communicating that she was worried that perhaps her family wasn't coming back. We had hidden conversations that we both had to decipher. Perhaps this is what she was saying to me:
"When are they coming home?" ......... "I'm worried. I don't see the people I recognize."
"You have so many things." .......... "All of the clutter on the counters and dresser confuses me. There are too many things to look at, and too many choices."
"I don't want to take a bath." ...... "I get cold unless the room is warm. I don't want the water too hot or too cold."
"Do you want a cookie?"......"I want a cookie. I'm hungry."
"Where did you learn to do that?"......."I used to know how to do that."
"No! I don't want to."........"I can't remember how."
"Sometimes my brain does funny things."........"I know something is wrong with me."
"Are you my sister or my daughter?"......."I know you are family, and you are someone close to me."
"I love you."............"I need to feel loved."
It was at these times that the most basic communication worked the best - a smile and hug .... and perhaps one of those cookies.
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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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!
Your Medicare Coverage Choices
There are 2 main ways to get your Medicare coverage- Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Some people get additional coverage, like Medicare prescription drug coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) .(Read more.)Note: Open Enrollment for 2016 is Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2015.
Click here for the White House Conference on Aging's New Resource Guide: Federal Resources for Caregivers
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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Falls Prevention
Falls threaten seniors' safety and independence, but the good news is that they can be prevented. We're working to implement proven falls prevention programs and strategies across the nation.
 Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans aged 65+ falls every year? Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls are costly-in dollars and in quality of life. However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs, and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be reduced substantially. (Read more.)
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LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
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No matter what the circumstance - STC can make a difference. The model supports, not just the care recipient, but also the primary caregiver as well as their entire family.
And if the person needing support has no family nearby their STC group becomes their "family." Bringing everyone together for a first group meeting is a job for two committed friends who will (Read more.) |
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WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
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Resources Every Caregivers Should Know About  Here's a list of key resources to help you in your caregiving role. Bookmark this page or print copies for your home and office.
800-272-3900
Information and support for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Operates a 24/7 helpline and care navigator tools.
The government's free information resource about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
(Read more.)
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CONCERNED ABOUT MONEY?
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You've got a number of options when you look for long-term care for your loved one. But first you need to answer some key questions about his health and finances.
 "Ask yourself, 'What type of help does my loved one need to live as independently as possible?'" says Leah Eskenazi, director of operations at Family Caregiver Alliance in San Francisco.
(Read more.)
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HEALTH SAVVY
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Survival Tips for Moving Your Elderly Loved One
Whether moving a senior loved one across the country  into a new home, or moving both parents into a senior community, the process can be challenging. Many scenarios require the need to move a senior parent from their own home, and their adult children will want to ensure the transition goes smoothly, tending to their health, finances and logistics.
These six tips can make this difficult process easier.
1. Communication and Choice
Seniors can be emotionally vested in the home they're leaving (Learn 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, San Antonio, TX.
Links to listen to recent shows via podcasts or download from iTunes.
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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.
September TeleConnection Session Schedule
Since our TeleConnection participants are nationwide,
time zones are added to simplify your scheduling.
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Tuesday, Sept. 8th, 3 pm Eastern, 2 pm Central, 1 pm Mountain, 12 pm Pacific Keeping yourself and your loved one with Alzheimer's Active! with Mary Theresa Vasquez, RN  This session will cover "ideas" in learning the basics in the daily life of a loved one with Alzheimer's! This session will be in both English and Spanish! ¡Mantenerse activo junto con su ser querido que padece de Alzheimer! con la Enfermera Registrada Mary Theresa Vásquez ¡Esta sesión cubrirá "ideas" para aprender lo básico de la vida cotidiana de un ser querido que padece la enfermedad de Alzheimer! ¡Esta sesión se ofrecerá en inglés y español! This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration
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Monday, Sept. 14th, 1 pm Eastern, 12 pm Central, 11 am Mountain, 10 am Pacific
Engaging Siblings and Other Family And Friends with Zanda Hilger, M.D., LPC  How do you get brothers and sisters and family and friends involved in helping care for your loved one? Learn about the issues and some practical tips including matching skills sets to the needs of loved ones. Sponsored by the North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration
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Thursday, Sept. 24th, 12 pm Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain, 9 am Pacific
Aging and Disability Resource Centers - Your Source for Long Term Services and Support Information  Aging and Disability Resource Centers are your one stop shop for information about long term services and supports in your local community. Representatives from the ADRC network will discuss how these centers work, how you can connect with them, and what information and services you will receive. Join this session to learn about these important resources in your local communities. This telelearning session is open to all at no charge. Registration
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Wednesday, Sept. 30th, 12 pm Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain, 9 am Pacific Relocation Planning: Moving Your Loved One from Home to a Facility  This session will help participants prepare for moving your loved one with as much sensitivity and forethought as possible, to think about getting ready for the move, moving, and coping with the move in positive ways for your loved one. How to deal with your own guilt, sadness, anger, anxiety, and other emotions attached to a significant change.
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| Caregiver Connections with Dr. Jamie | |
Ask the Expert:
"A Guide to Senior Housing Options"
Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, CAP, CFT*
Question: As a caregiver, I would love to know more about independent housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing. What are the differences?
Answer: From independent communities and assisted living to skilled nursing facilities, seniors have a wide range of housing options. This guide can help you decide which type of setting is right for your loved one. 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:
My mother and I are taking care of my aunt who has become very ill and unable to take care of herself. We want to help her apply for Social Security disability, but we would prefer to enlist the aid of an attorney that specializes in that area. How much do they typically charge for this service?
Answer:
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
* 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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 New Resource Guide:
Federal Resources for Caregivers
The White House Conference on Aging has compiled a list of federal resources for caregivers from these agencies:
- Administration for Community Living (ACL)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- HHS Office of Women's Health (OWH)
- HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- Social Security Administration
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Printer Friendly PDF of this Guide
Featured Health Topic: Caregiving
Many caregivers of older adults express satisfaction with their labors of love. But they often face challenges, especially when caring for people with chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, or heart failure. The day-to-day tasks may seem endless: arranging doctor's appointments and transportation, moving the person safely around, ensuring proper nutrition, and much more. Difficult situations, such as hospitalization and making decisions about long-term care, also arise. The National Institute on Aging at NIH has information that can help caregivers approach many of these issues. Managing Personality and Behavior Changes: Alzheimer's Caregiving Tips
Get tips for coping with personality and behavior changes, such as pacing or feeling sad, that are common in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 is a joint research study between the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP providing new insights into higher-hour caregivers (at least 21 hours of care a week), caregivers ages 75 and older, multicultural caregivers (including African American/black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian American/Pacific Islander populations), and the challenges facing caregivers in the workplace. Positive Emotions and Your Health Developing a Brighter OutlookDo you tend to look on the sunny side, or do you see a future filled with dark, stormy skies? A growing body of research suggests that having a positive outlook can benefit your physical health. NIH-funded scientists are working to better understand the links between your attitude and your body. They're finding some evidence that emotional wellness can be improved by developing certain skills.
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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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