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Table of Contents
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| Letter from the Director
Quarters for Caregivers: Signatures needed to save CA CRCs
Lead Article Topics
- Alzheimer's Association Talking Points
- CA Budget & Family Caregivers
- Moving Loved Ones from Hospital to Home...
- Tax Tips for Caregivers
- Placement Decision for Loved Ones
- Quote: Overcoming
- Juggling Caregiving From Afar
- Caregivers and Stress
-Caregiver College...
-When Everybody Talks and Nobody Listens
-Planning Today for Tomorrow (legal planning workshop)
-Updated: Alzheimer's & Caregiving Fact Sheet
-Quote: Feelings
Research Registry
Donor Thank Yous
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Newsletter Credits
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Editors
Michelle Venegas
Hilary Toyryla
Production & Graphics
Andrea Orvik
Contributors
Sean Coffey
Kathleen Kelly
Lana Sheridan
Tyler Stanley
Hilary Toyryla
Michelle Venegas
Executive Director
Kathleen A. Kelly
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Board of Directors
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Directors
Herman S. Brown
Claude Everhart
Moira Fordyce
Ping Hao
Jeff Kumataka
Jacquelyn Kung
Mark Lachman
Michael Malewicz
F. Burns Vick
Debbie Wolter
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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Quarters for Caregivers  By Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director, Family Caregiver Alliance Total dollar valuation of unpaid services per family caregiver per year in CA: $8,000;
Total dollar amount of state funds for family caregivers: $2.9 million;Total public investment per 5.9 million family caregivers in the state: 50 cents; Total value of family caregivers to their families and society: priceless. You may remember this data from a chart in an April blog entry of last year, but it still speaks true today with some updated figures---California's contribution for explicit support of family caregivers is 50 cents per caregiver. Now contrast that with the individual caregiver's economic value of assistance they provide everyday: $8,000---some 47 billion dollars a year in the aggregate. Now the Governor's budget wants to cut even this tiny level of support for caring families in the state. Don't let this happen . . . [Continue reading] for ways you can help, or click the graphic below right now to sign in support of Caregiver Resource Centers. Thank you for your signature  in support of such a vital resource to our communities. - Kathy Kelly Executive Director, Family Caregiver Alliance |
 LEAD ARTICLES
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Alzheimer's, Art, and Community: A Screening and Panel Discussion
San Francisco's Contemporary Jewish Museum Access Program presents a special sneak preview screening Sunday, March 11 (2:30-4:30 PM), of the groundbreaking documentary You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't by Director-Producer Scott Kirschenbaum, followed by an insightful panel discussion exploring the intersection of the arts, social services, and the quality of life of individuals living with Alzheimer's and Dementia. The panel discussion aims to create dialogue between diverse members of the Alzheimer's community. . . . [Read more]
Don't Balance the California Budget on the Backs of Family Caregivers
In Governor Brown's proposed FY 2012-13 budget, funding for the 11 state-wide California Caregiver Resource Centers would be completely eliminated.
The Caregiver Resource Centers offer much-needed support in a variety of ways to informal caregivers who are oftentimes overwhelmed, physically, emotionally, and financially, with their caregiver responsibilities.
The California Caregiver Resource Centers are asking family caregivers throughout California to join us in a grass-roots campaign and tell Governor Brown that now is not the time to eliminate funding for California's families, especially women, who provide the majority of care. California's senior population is expected to double by 2030 to 8.84 million (18% of California's population).
Through this grassroots campaign, we are asking Governor Brown and the State Legislature to restore the funding ($2.9 million) to the FY 2012-13 budget. But we need your help. . .
[Read more . . . how you can get involved]
Unpaid Caregivers Provided An Estimated $202 Billion In Dementia Care In 2010 Caring for a family member with the personality-draining disease can take a hefty financial and emotional toll. Nearly 15 million people fall into the role of unpaid caregiver for those sick with dementia...
Helping a Sick Loved One Transition from Hospital to Home At the point your loved one enters the hospital is when you should begin planning for their return home. The link below offers an action plan and other details to help make the transition smoother...
Tax Tips for Caregivers, 2011 tax year Caregivers are often eligible for some tax deductions. Don't shortchange yourself! Here's help for caregivers to understand tax laws and take advantage of the tax benefits that are available when supporting an elderly parent... http://www.agingcare.com/Tax-Tips-for-Caregivers
Making Placement Decisions for a Loved One One of the hardest decisions caregivers will face is the decision on whether to place a loved one in an adult assisted living facility, and facing the guilt and other emotions that inevitably come with it. The following article provides tips and questions to ask as this difficult decision is being made... http://www2.hernandotoday.com/lifestyles/health-4-you/2011/dec/08/hbnewso3-making-a-decision-on-an-alf-takes-diligen-ar-332250/
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Overcoming. . .
Pressure is often a true test of our commitment and motivation. Caregivers who throw in the towel at the first sign of a little opposition or difficulty won't get very far.
A little bit of pressure can help to bring out the best in us. Heart is the ability to rise to any occasion, no matter what the circumstances, day in and day out.
Resist giving in, keep on fighting
Pressure will enhance my job, not hurt it.
Excerpted from "The Gift of Caregiving", Daily inspirations, Affirmations and Tips. Author Rebecca Sharp Colmer, EKLEKTIKA Press, Inc., Chelsea, MI 48118, Copyright 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9823250-2-55
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As America ages, millions try to juggle ailing parents' caregiving needs from afar
The National Institute on Aging estimates around 7 million Americans are long-distance caregivers, and with these distances come the stresses of not being on hand if a loved one slips and falls, or if there is a medical emergency and you're not around to help. There are no easy answers...
http://www.newsday.com/news/millions-now-manage-aging-parents-care-from-afar-1.3481625
Stress in America: 2011. 55% of Caregivers Are Overwhelmed by Amount of Care They Provide
The American Psychological Association recently released results from its Stress in America survey. The survey polled 1,226 U.S. residents, and 44% of respondents reported that their stress has increased over the past five years...
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=2535#research1 |
FCA PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
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(For information on or to register for any event below, call FCA's Education Coordinator at 800-445-8106, ext. 317)Spring 2012 March 10th Caregiver College
If you help care for someone frail, disabled, with a chronic illness or cognitive impairment, then it's back to school for you! This popular program for learning and sharing is FREE, with the following topics presented: Caregiver Self-Care, Behavioral Issues, Incontinence/Toileting, Bathing/Grooming/Hygiene/Dressing and Dental Care. (Refreshments served). Register and view details here.
March 20th
"When Everybody Talks and Nobody Listens: Siblings Working Together!" Presented by Donna Schempp, LCSW, Consultant to Family Caregiver Alliance This workshop explores what happens to families when they share caregiving, what works and what doesn't, and some interventions that can help siblings to work better together in caring for an elderly parent. Register and view details here.
April 11th & May 9th
"Planning Today for Tomorrow : A legal planning workshop" PLEASE NOTE: This workshop will be presented in two parts on two separate dates, April 11 & May 9, 2012 Many of us provide care for a family member without a clear understanding of the legal issues related to caregiving. Come with your questions and join us to learn: - What is the difference between a will and a trust?
- How important are the Advanced Health Care Directive and the Durable Power of Attorney?
- What is a Conservatorship?
- All you ever wanted to know about Medi-Cal
Register and view details here.
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CAREGIVING INFORMATION
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FACT SHEET: Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiving
Newly revised! Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a condition that causes abnormal changes in the brain mainly affecting memory and other mental abilities. Alzheimer's is a disease, not a normal part of aging...review our newly updated online fact sheet.
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Feelings. . .
Caregivers cannot continue indefinitely when we are feeling strong negative emotions. We should ask ourselves where the emotions are coming from. We should be aware of the situations that elicit strong emotions in us.
Boundaries are often felt out rather than figured out!
I will listen to my feelings.
Excerpted from "The Gift of Caregiving", Daily inspirations, Affirmations and Tips. Author Rebecca Sharp Colmer, EKLEKTIKA Press, Inc., Chelsea, MI 48118, Copyright 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9823250-2-5
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| GIFTS FROM THE HEART | 
A quarterly thank you to our donors and supporters . . .
In every edition of Connections, we take a moment to extend a warm thank you to the many generous supporters who make the work we do possible through thoughtful donations to Family Caregiver Alliance. |
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For over 30 years, Family Caregiver Alliance has offered programs to support and sustain the important work of families and friends caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. FCA offers programs at national, state and local levels. The National Center on Caregiving was established at FCA in 2001 to advance the development of high-quality, cost-effective services and policies nationwide. A wealth of caregiving advice, resource listings, newsletters, fact sheets, research reports, policy updates and discussion groups are available free on the FCA website. Visit www.caregiver.org or call (800) 445-8106 for more information.
� 2012 Family Caregiver Alliance. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without the express permission of Family Caregiver Alliance.
785 Market Street, Ste. 750, San Francisco, CA 94103
www.caregiver.org | 415.434.3388
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