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Newsletter Credits
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Editors
A.J. Dugay
Andrea Orvik
Michelle Venegas
Contributors
Kathleen Kelly
A.J. Dugay
Andrea Orvik
Lana Sheridan
Michelle Venegas
Graphics/Production
Andrea Orvik
Executive Director
Kathleen A. Kelly
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Board of Directors
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Directors
Ping Hao, President
Herman S. Brown
Katy Thomas Fike
Moira Fordyce
Jeff Kumataka
Jacquelyn Kung
Mark Lachman
Dan Lieberman
Michael Malewicz
Rajiv Mehta
Kathleen Raffel
F. Burns Vick
Deborah Wolter
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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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 Family Caregivers Feature Prominently in Full Report from the Commission on Long-Term Care
Family Caregiver Alliance
On September 18th, 2013, the Commission on Long-Term Care released the full report on their activities. Created by Congress and signed into law January 2013, the 15-member Commission had a very short time frame for gathering information and issuing a report.
The Report has four main areas for review: Service Delivery; Workforce; Finance; and Advancing a National Advisory Committee on Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), with 28 Recommendations for specific policy changes.
Family caregivers figure prominently as key stakeholders as part of a "person and family centered care" system and are featured under the section on Workforce. Taken directly from the Report are the recommendations for family caregivers:
Workforce
Vision: An LTSS system that is able to support family caregivers and attract and retain a competent, adequately-sized workforce capable of providing high quality, person-and family-centered services and support to individuals across all LTSS settings.
Family Caregiving
Recommendation 1: Maintain and strengthen a person- and family-centered LTSS system with both the person with cognitive or functional limitations and the family caregiver (spouse or partner, child or grandchild, parent, sibling or other unpaid assistant), as a focus for services and supports. Include family caregiver and their needs in assessment and care planning processes.
Recommendation 2: Include family caregivers in patients' records and as a member of the care team.
Recommendation 3: Ensure family caregivers have access to relevant information through technology.
Recommendation 4: Encourage caregiver interventions, including respite options, and integration with volunteer efforts.
We applaud the efforts and report from the Commission on Long-Term Care, especially given the short time frame for completion. We hope that this report and the specific policy action related to family caregivers and the other important topics covered-will result in policy actions that address the needs of families across the country.
For more information, get a copy of the report, or watch the hearing held to announce the report, visit the LTC Commission website.
- Kathy Kelly, FCA Executive Director
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CAREGIVING ARTICLES AND INFORMATION
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How to Avoid an Estate Battle After You Die
A woman who died at 104 has left behind a $300 million estate and a valuable lesson. Huguette Clark was the last surviving daughter of a copper miner's fortune. Two years after her death her estate is still being disputed and this sensationalized battle has plenty of lessons for people with far less money.
Caregiving in China 
China has the world's largest aging population and has a constantly evolving attitude towards the treatment of their elderly. With the amount of elderly, the issue of caring for them is more of an economic one, not an ethical one. As of this summer, Chinese law is requiring the adult offspring to visit their elderly parents and to look after their emotional needs.
[to continue reading this first person account or listen to the broadcast, click below to visit NPR.org]
"One person
caring about another
represents life's greatest value."
- Jim Rohn
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Self-care and Lifestyle Balance Inventory This is a scale that examines methods of staying balanced and preventing burnout, especially as a caregiver. To learn more about your physical, psychological and spiritual health, click the link below.
"The best and most beautiful things
in the world
cannot be seen
or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart."
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Caregivers Guide to Doctor Visits Going to the doctor's office can be quite stressful and often a source of conflict between patients and their family caregivers. The link below is a helpful guide that provides practical tips to make the experience of visiting the doctor less daunting.
My Gift of Grace 
My Gift of Grace is a game that helps people talk about death and end-of-life issues. The game was a winner of the California Healthcare Foundation's End-of-Life Challenge, and recently raised over $41,000 through a Kickstarter campaign. . . .
"It is one of the beautiful
compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
-Ralph W. Emerson
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FCA PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
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October 30, 2013 - Fremont, CA
Taking Care of YOU
A workshop for those dedicated to the care of others but who put their own health and social needs on the back burner. You will learn:  - to take responsibility for your health
- to set and implement realistic goals
- stress-reduction techniques
9:30 am -12:30 pm Where: On Lok Lifeways 3683 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536 Speaker: Tiffany Pippen, MSW, FCA Family Consultant Group size is limited and preregistration is required for this free workshop. Please contact AJ Dugay at (415) 434-3388, extension 313 to register. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accommodate professional and/or paid caregivers at this event. Light refreshment will be provided.
November: National Caregiver's Month Remember to Acknowledge and Support the Caregivers in Your Life!
November 7, 2013 - ONLINE
Webinar: End of Life Issues for Dementia Caregivers - Planning and Managing
This webinar is designed to provide caregivers and clinicians information about advance care planning in the context of a dementia diagnosis. Participants will gain knowledge and understanding about common challenges faced regarding end of life issues with dementia. CEU's are available through the Board of Behavioral Sciences. This webinar costs $15.
November 9, 2013 - San Rafael, CA
Taking Care of You
(See class description under October 30th date above) Saturday, 9:15 am - 12:00 pm Where: Drake Terrace, 275 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 Speakers: Tiffany Pippen, MSW, Family Consultant, Family Caregiver Alliance Deanna Randall, MSW, Family Care Specialist, Alzheimer's Association
January 9, 16, 23 & 30 - Oakland, CA
 It Takes Two Class
This four week class offers new skills and tools for family caregivers who care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or other related dementias.
- Learn more about your care recipient's ability to understand and communicate
- Learn new skills to handle troubling behaviors
- Feel more confident and positive about your caregiving role
Please contact FCA's Education Coordinator at
(800) 445-8106, ext. 313 to get more information.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIRS &
SPECIAL EVENTS
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October 26, 2013
 
The Family Circus- Walking the Tightrope of Elder Care and Aging
This free event, coordinated by Eldercare Services and hosted by Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, is geared for families who are providing care and/or involved with long-term care planning for relatives with dementia and other aging-associated issues.
The event features such speakers as elderlaw attorney Michael Hanson, Kaiser neurologist Robin Bon and Eldercare's executive director Linda Fodrini-Johnson. There will be a variety of workshops and breakout sessions.
The event runs from 8:30am-3:30pm at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church and lunch is provided; registration is required.
You can register online, or call (925) 937-2018 for more information; email info@EldercareAnswers.com for more information.
October 7- December 12, 2013
*No class on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2013
Mindfulness-Based Dementia Care Eight-Week Program
Thursdays: October 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21 & December 5, 12
UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
1545 Divisadero Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115
7:00pm - 9:00pmCost: $295 plus $25 materials fee Institutional group discount available CEUs available. Class is presented in collaboration with: 
For more information, call (415) 353-7718 or email
classes@ocim.ucsf.edu
Now until December 20, 2013 What Makes Caregiving Rewarding? 13th Annual Story Contest
Shield HealthCare recognizes the demanding roles and responsibilities of today's caregivers. Whether you are a family caregiver or a home health professional, we would like to hear your story about "What Makes Caregiving Rewarding?" Submit your story for a chance to win a prize!
Visit the Shield Healthcare website for details.
October 24, November 14, & December 5 2013 Family Caregiving 101 A Series of Free Interactive Workshops.
- October 24 -7pm
Stress Reduction Techniques
- November 14 -7pm
Understanding Family Dynamics
- December 5
How to Increase Balance & Decrease Falls
Avenidas Rose Kleiner Center
270 Escuela Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040
RSVP to (650) 289-5498
October 16, 23, 30 & November 6, 13, & 20 Savvy Caregiver Training Program Comprehensive, skills-based training for family members. Wednesdays from 5:00pm-7:00pm 19655 Allendale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 To register or for more information call (650) 623-3140 and ask for Alexandra Morris or email amorris@alz.org Phone screening and pre-registration is required. No walk-ins accepted.
October 26, 2013 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day  Kaiser Permanente is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fremont Police Department for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Fremont Medical Center. This community event provides a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unwanted prescription medications with no questions asked - and free of charge.
If you have any questions, please contact Ana Apodaca at 510-618-5845 or ana.apodaca@kp.org. For more information click here.
November 2 & 9, 2013 Tools for Effective Caregiving Topics include: Home safety, Managing caregiving stress, Management of challenging behaviors, & Basic hands-on personal care skills.
Two-Part Class on Saturdays (November 2 & 9)
10:00am - 2:00pm
Mills Health Center, Garden Room, 1st Floor
100 S. San Mateo Drive, San Mateo
Call (650) 696-3660 to register or for more information.
November 2, 2013 Open House! Join Rosener House for classes led by professional staff, informational sessions with their social work staff, Registered Nurse and therapists. - When: Saturday, November 2
from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Where: Rosener House Adult Day Services
500 Arbor Road, Menlo Park, CA
For more information, call (650) 322-0126.
November 19, 2013 Hear for the Holidays The Holidays are often the most difficult time for people with hearing loss. Our gift to you is to help you enjoy the laughter, conversations and joy during this season. An audiologist will be available for hearing tests, hearing aid maintenance and assistance with hearing devices. Snacks + beverages provided and FREE Hearing Aid Maintenance Kits
Tuesday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hearing and Speech Center
1234 Divisadero Street
Please RSVP to Home Instead Senior Care by calling (415) 441-6490 by November 14th. San Francisco, CA 94115. Click here for more information.
December 4, 2013
Circle of Care Conference
9th annual conference for families.
Wednesday from 9:00am - 4:00pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel
1221 Chess Drive
Foster City, CA
For more information please contact Blanca Vazquez-Arias at bvazquez@alz.org or (650) 623-3122 Click here to register.
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FCA ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Write a Review for FCA!
Have you had a good experience with Family Caregiver Alliance? Do something good! Read or write a review of FAMILY CAREGIVER ALLIANCE on the Great Non-Profits website.
And in case you didn't know it, Family Caregiver Alliance also has a presence on Yelp (no, it's not just for restaurants and hair salons!).
 If you've been helped in the past by an FCA Family Consultant, attended a helpful class, made use of caregiver respite or simply been referred to a helpful resources when you called us about your caregiving situation, we welcome your positive feedback and reviews there as well! |
STAFF MEMBER HIGHLIGHTED
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Jo McCord, MA  A dedicated worker with a glowing personality, Jo McCord lights up the lives of the caregivers that she serves as well as those who have had the pleasure of working with her. For 15 years, Jo has been a Family Consultant for Family Caregiver Alliance. With a B.A. in Sociology from UC Berkeley and a M.A. in Gerontology from San Francisco State University, Jo has positively influenced many people in the aging community.
Before settling into her career as a social worker, Jo traveled the world. Through her experiences traveling, she brought back knowledge of other cultures and more awareness of the human condition. Today, she continues to help caregivers in the Bay Area. Many of them have had wonderful things to say about Jo. FCA is lucky to have someone that makes us laugh everyday.
Comments from Caregivers that Jo has helped:
"Jo McCord, our FCA Family Consultant, gave us the best possible advice, care, concern and SERVICE. She was EXTREMELY knowledgeable and personal."
"Jo McCord went above and beyond in her assessment follow-up package with the amount of detail and support items/information provided."
"I was very pleased with Jo McCord. She expressed a sincerity that was greatly appreciated."
"Jo McCord was amazingly informative, honest, and resourceful. She met me at my home with brochures and information. She read my questionnaire and made sensible recommendations- yeah Jo! Thank you!"
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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Contra Costa Senior Peer Counseling
A program that offers both individual mental health counseling and support group environments to residents of Contra costa County, who are of age 55 or older. The program offers peer counseling in English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Services are confidential and free of charge.
For more information, please call (925) 521-5640
Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County
Meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 7:00pm and alternates between John Muir Medical Center in Concord and Walnut Creek.
Contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218 for location and more information.
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| GIFTS FROM THE HEART | 
A quarterly thank you to our donors and supporters . . .
We would like to 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.
© 2013 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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