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NOVEMBER, 2012
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e-newsletter
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The Compassion To Care, The Leadership To Conquer
The Alzheimer's journey is a long one, with many twists and turns. The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter has been here as a strong, passionate, and committed resource for over 25 years and with your support we intend to stay committed until the vision of a world without Alzheimer's is attained.
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November is National Family Caregivers Month
and National Alzheimer's disease Awareness Month 
National Family Caregivers Month honors the unsung heroes of the Alzheimer's disease epidemic by recognizing the selfless dedication of the 15 million unpaid family caregivers who provide care and support to more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's.
80% of all care provided at home is delivered by family caregivers - daughters, sons, wives, husbands, and grandchildren! We salute you and your efforts! And to make your job a little easier, we proudly dedicate the November edition of our E-News to caregivers.
In this edition, we will provide you with a diverse selection of tools and resources that can assist with many of the challenges faced by caregivers.
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Today's Courage, Tomorrow's Hope
~Stories from the Alzheimer's Journey ~
 | (bottom row left to right) Lisa Bocchini, Kay Miller, Cindy Howley
(top row) Mark Miller, Randy Miller |
Finding ways for Mom to be successful - that's the ultimate goal of 79 year-old Kay Miller's care team. The team, lead by daughter Cindy Howley, has the full support and participation of Cindy's three siblings.
Click here to learn Cindy's philosophy on the caregiving journey and see how the family has harnessed outside resources to allow Kay to remain at home.
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We've Got Your Back 24/7 
800.272.3900
When you call our 24/7 Helpline, we LISTEN. We hear your story and share your concerns.The conversation may start out like this...
"My dad is 82 and he has Alzheimer's. My mom is 81 and she is caring for my dad. My sister and I think my mom needs help, but we're not sure where to turn."
Or... "I was just diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I need to talk to someone who understands what I am going through."
When life changes dramatically, your questions - even if they are frequently asked - deserve far more than a pre-scripted response posted on a website. That's why we're available 24-7 to offer a strong set of shoulders and a willing set of ears to listen to your questions and concerns.
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The ABC's of Why People Call 800.272.3900 
A - activities, adult day centers, agitation
B - bathing, behavioral challenges, basic information
C - caregiver stress, communication tips, clinical trials
D - driving, depression, diagnosis - how & where
E - education, early-stage, elder law, eating issues
F - financial planning, feelings, frontotemporal lobar degeneration
G - guardianship, genetic testing, grief
H - healthcare power of attorney, holidays, hospice
Over the next few months we'll continue to spotlight the ABC's of why people turn to the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline for care and support. Click here to access the full list of reasons.
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Join ALZConnected - our Online Alzheimer's Community 
ALZConnected™, powered by the Alzheimer's Association, is a new online social networking community designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Members can connect and communicate with people who understand their unique challenges. They can pose questions and offer solutions to dementia related issues, create public and private groups organized around a dedicated topic and contribute to message boards.
On ALZConnected, you don't have to explain what it means to live with Alzheimer's. The other users know, and are willing to offer their advice and solutions to common challenges. We'll help you to form "connections" with other users, matching you based on common criteria. Tap into a diverse community via our message boards, or create a private group organized around a specific topic.
Visit alzconnected.org today to join a community of support for those facing Alzheimer's.
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Donna and her Mom
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Click here to read the stories of Donna and Sheryl, caregivers, and Glenda, an individual living with early-onset Alzheimer's and find out how AlzConnected has made a difference in their lives.
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Equip Your Caregiver Toolkit with our E-Learning Resources 
Alzheimer's is not a part of normal aging. But what exactly is Alzheimer's? Does it differ from Dementia? Are there treatments for Alzheimer's?
Aahh... so many questions. The Alzheimer's Association has a comprehensive e-learning center that answers all those questions for you and so much more!
Learn about the 10 signs of Alzheimer's disease, take an interactive Brain Tour,
 | | Brain Tour - Very Cool! |
and find out the steps to receiving a diagnosis or finding a well-versed physician. Your E-Learning Journey starts HERE
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Walk To End Alzheimer's Supports Our Caregivers! 
NOW YOU CAN TOO!
In honor of National Family Caregiver Month, we challenge you to donate $10 in support of Caregivers in Southeastern Wisconsin. Our seven Walk to End Alzheimer's events in Southeastern Wisconsin serve as the largest support groups of the year and boost the morales of caregivers across 11 counties. Last year, we provided 33,711 points of service to caregivers and their loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Your generous donation will continue to provide them with access to Support Groups, our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), care consultations, and much more. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Wrapping Up the Holidays
Special Tips and Resources for Caregivers
For most families, holidays are filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and memories. But holidays can
also be filled with stress, disappointment and sadness.
Because of the changes he or she has experienced, the person with Alzheimer's may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed maintaining holiday traditions while caring for their loved one.
Here are some practical suggestions and ways for caregivers to deal with stress and instill Peace into the holiday season.
- Send friends a letter describing your situation and how they can best help you
- Give family practical gift ideas for your loved one and for you
- Keep what you give simple
- Create new traditions and simplify decorating or other activities
- Keep travel simple and manageable
- Take time for yourself
- Consider letting people know when you need a break or are having trouble
- Make a list with your partner of what you would like to do this season
- Call the 24/7 Helpline when you need to reach out to someone who understands
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Coming Up - Alzheimer's Association Classes
December 5, 12, and 19
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Alzheimer's Association
620 S. 76th Street, Suite 620 - Milwaukee
Registration required - contact Deborah Klement at 414.479.8800 or dklement@alz.org
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The Savvy Caregiver 
- a 6 week course providing clinical-level training for family caregivers
- $30 workshop fee includes caregiver manual and CD
Every Tuesday from January 8 through February 12
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Alzheimer's Association
620 S. 76th Street, Suite 620 - Milwaukee
Registration required - contact Krista Scheel at 414.479.8800
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Living with Alzheimer's disease - Early Stage 
- a three part program geared for individuals living with early stage Alzheimer's disease and their care partners
November 26, December 3 and 10
10:00 am - Noon
Alzheimer's Association
620 S. 76th Street, Suite 620 - Milwaukee
Registration required - contact Wendy Betley at 414.479.8800
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"I Remember Better When I Paint" 
Documentary to Air on Milwaukee Public Television on November 20
In honor of November Caregivers Month, the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter, in partnership with the Hilgos Foundation has arranged for Milwaukee Public Television to broadcast the documentary "I Remember Better When I Paint."
This interesting film, narrated by Olivia de Havilland, is the first international documentary about the positive impact of art and other creative therapies on people with Alzheimer's and how these approaches can change the way we look at the disease. Among those who are featured are noted doctors and Yasmin Aga Khan, president of Alzheimer's Disease International and daughter of Rita Hayworth, who had Alzheimer's.
The film supports the working theory of our own Memories in the Making art program, so we are extremely proud to share this in-depth conversation with the general public. The program will air in Southeastern Wisconsin on Tuesday, November 20 at 11pm on Channel 10
This film was produced by Eric Ellena and Berna Huebner, and is presented by French Connection Films and the Hilgos Foundation. We hope you will tune in or record the broadcast for future viewing. If you have questions about our local Memories in the Making program, please contact Nancy Armitage at narmitage@alz.org
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Tune in to WHAD 90.7 FM on November 20 from 3 - 4 p.m. for
"AT ISSUE WITH BEN MERENS"
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Ben Merens
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In a salute to National Family Caregivers Month, Alzheimer's Association staffers Diane Baughn and Lynda Markut will join Ben Merens on Tuesday, November 20 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. for a full hour long radio discussion and call-in about Alzheimer's disease and best practices for approaching the holiday season.
Spread the word to friends and family. This program will be broadcast state-wide on Wisconsin Public Radio's Ideas Network.
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SPARK!
Cultural Programming for Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and Dementia 
Museums in Wisconsin and Minnesota have teamed up to offer quality and specialized cultural experiences for individuals with dementia and their care partners. Research continues to show that creative engagement enhances the quality of life for the participants.
Please plan to take advantage of SPARK! The programs are free, thanks to the generous support of the Helen Bader Foundation.
Each museum offers different programming and opportunities. Click here to access more information and direct links to the offerings at each museum. If you have questions about whether the program would work for your circumstances, feel free to contact the SPARK! program coordinator at the participating museum. They are excited to serve you!
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New Selections in our Resource Library
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Meredith, our Librarian
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Take advantage of our free lending library for hundreds of books and dvd's that can aid your journey as a caregiver or person with dementia.
Meredith, our volunteer librarian, is happy to assist you in making your selections or answering your questions. Here are some of the newest materials we just added to our collection last month:
- Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers, by Joan Lunden and Amy Newmark (book)
- Pathways of Hope; Living with Cognitive Changes, by Christine Baum Van Ryzin (book)
- Easing the Adjustment to a Nursing Home; Strategies for Families (dvd)
- Living with Dementia (dvd)
- Straight Talk about Dementia; a Caregiver's Perspective (dvd)
For a full list of resources available, please visit our website.
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Give A Gift To Honor and Support Caregivers 
As you organize and plan your charitable giving this holiday season, please consider supporting the Alzheimer's Association through a number of prime opportunities.
- A charitable gift annuity is a way of making a philanthropic gift to the Alzheimer's Association while at the same time advancing your own financial security with rates of return up to 9.8%. The annuity payment is set when the person establishes the gift annuity, and will not change, regardless of any circumstances. When the annuitant passes away, the Alzheimer's Association utilizes the remaining funds to support research and help Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.
- A bequest is a gift we receive through a will or living trust, which are both created to handle the distribution of assets owned by the donor at death.
- Donors can designate the Association as a beneficiary of their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k) and 403(b) plans.
- Life Insurance Gift - donors can contribute a "paid-up" whole life policy or simply name the Alzheimer's Association as a beneficiary of their term life insurance.
- Memorials and Tributes honor loved ones who have made a difference in our lives. These gifts can be coordinated through your funeral home or directly through the Alzheimer's Association.
Our Development Director, MaryAnn Vance, will be happy to help answer any questions you may have and assist in helping make your charitable giving experience meaningful and one that meets your individual situation and needs. Please contact MaryAnn at 414.479.8800 or mvance@alz.org
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Education, Programs, and Support
We are offering numerous education programs, conferences and support groups for caregivers in the next months. To view our education calendar which features a complete listing of the programs offered in your community, click here. For a listing of caregiver support groups, click here.
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Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In
Tell your friends that you're a part of one of the fastest growing movements in the country - the fight to end Alzheimer's. With your help, we can increase awareness about Alzheimer's disease. Click the icons below to start!
  
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Alzheimer's Association | Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter | 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 | www.alz.org/sewi
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