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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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Valentines day is an occasion to celebrate love. This day may be particularly difficult, for many reasons, for those providing care to a partner, spouse or family member who is living with memory loss. Holidays like this one and others often bring up feelings of stress, sadness, and anxiety for caregivers. During these difficult moments it can be helpful to focus your thoughts on fond memories of love with each other. Memories that bring a smile to your face and a feeling of warmth to you heart. Below, you will find several resources and upcoming events that will help guide you throughout your caregiving journey.
As always, we would appreciate any feedback you have for us about our monthly newsletters. Please email us at edprograms@caregiver.org.
Sincerely,
AJ Dugay
Education Coordinator, Family Caregiver Alliance
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 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
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FCA launches NEW program: FCA+(plus) 
As of January 1st of this year, FCA began accepting clients through its new signature program, FCA+(Plus), a new fee for service care management program. Click on the link for more information about the program.
 Preparing for the Changing Horizon: Dementia Awareness and Caregiving for LGBT Older Adults from Diverse Communities
The Stanford Geriatric Education Center, Family Caregiver Alliance, Openhouse, Alzheimer's Association, UCSF NorCal Geriatric Education Center, Institute on Aging and The San Francisco Department of Aging are hosting a 1-day educational program on dementia care and caregiving for diverse, (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender) older adults. Come join leading experts and community leaders at this anticipated event designed specifically for the LGBT community, their famillies, friends and partner caregivers, as well as healthcare/social service providers and policy makers.
When: February 20, 2015 from 8:30am-5:00pm
Where: The Milton Marks Conference Center,
Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, Lower Level
455 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102
Register online. View the brochure for more detailed information.
You are invited to attend the 2014 Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards ReceptionThe Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and Family Caregiver Alliance's National Center on Caregiving are pleased to host the reception to honor the 2014 winners of the Awards, and we invite everyone to attend. Where: Hyatt Regency Chicago151 East Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60601To read more about the winning programs in the areas of Creative Expression, Diverse/Multicultural Communities and Policy & Advocacy, please visit our website.
NEW General Caregiver Support Group in Alameda County Starting this month!
Join FCA for an ongoing monthly support group for family caregivers on the third Wednesday of each month.
First Session: Wednesday, February 18th, 2015 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
For more information: Please contact Tiffany Pippen, MSW, Family Caregiver Alliance at 415-434-3388 ext. 304 or email tpippen@caregiver.org
*If you are not a client of FCA's, please call to register before going to this support group.
Tech4Care: Products for CaregiversFamily Caregiver Alliance has launched an online service to market new tech products to caregiving families that need them. Tech4Care offers product developers the opportunity to connect with visitors to the FCA website. Products for caregivers will also be featured in blogs on our website and in FCA's two newsletters. We are on the lookout for new products and apps hitting the market, but for now we've launched with four promising products to kick off the program that launched in December of 2014: - GeriJoy-Virtual Care Companions - provides virtual senior care through teams of specially trained remote caregivers who interact with seniors through tablet-based avatars.
- Evermind - provides peace of mind to those who live alone, or who need extra support, and the people who care about them by detecting when electrical appliances are switched on and off.
- RightAssure - by EyeOn App, LLC-developed to help extend independent living and give peace of mind to both people living alone and their friends & families.
- The True Link Prepaid Visa® Card - protects a loved one's financial well being and independence with easy-to-set spending controls.
We're excited to be able to provide families with education and access to emerging technologies---useful tools that offer real, practical value. And because we're located in the heart of innovation in San Francisco, we're ideally positioned to do that. Interested makers and marketers of digital and emerging tech products can visit our Tech4Care webpage for more information and contact FCA directly through our Advertising and Sponsorship Inquiry form. |
LEAD ARTICLES FOR CAREGIVERS |
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Love and Marriage (and Caregiving) - Caring.com In honor of Valentine's Day----and all those couples in the caregiving trenches----Caring.com decided to find out how caregiving affects a caregiver's relationship with a spouse or partner.
Many families overlook the scope of hospice services available to loved ones and their caregivers.
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."
~Lao Tzu
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Taking Alzheimer's/Dementia Out of the Closet - Bay Times
Many in our community are living with Alzheimer's/dementia, or are caring for a loved one with the disease, yet we hardly speak of it. It is time to bring Alzheimer's/dementia out of the closet.
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"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home."
- Mother Teresa
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It's Time to Give Family Caregivers a Break - The Wall Street Journal
Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation's eldercare system. With 78% of adults receiving long-term care at home rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance. And it's complicated care; 70% of people with Alzheimer's live at home, and their families provide at least 75% of that care. One gerontologist suggests one solution . . . since demands upon caregivers will only increase with the aging of the population.
"Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn't know possible."
-Tia Walker |
Self-Care: An Essential Element of Caregiving - Huffpost
So many family caregivers selflessly devote their time to taking care of their loved one. It's extremely important to remember to take care of yourself when you are faced with this challenge.
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CAREGIVER INFORMATION
| | Archived Webinars (Free Viewing) Family Caregiver Webinars (archived)
DOL Appeals Decision in Lawsuit Brought by Home Care Industry
The Department of Labor has filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in the lawsuit brought by associations of home care companies challenging the Home Care Final Rule.
[Read more at the U.S. Dept. of Labor website.]
Home Instead and Hilarity for Charity Partnership offering respite grants throughout the U.S.
 Hilarity for Charity®, (actor, Seth Rogan's charity), and the Home Instead Senior Care® network are working together to award home care grants to those providing care to their loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Application available online.
A New Resource on Navigating the American Health Care System
You can access the full series here.
Walk and Talk for Caregivers Program - El Camino Hospital
Meet & Move is free and open to adults who provide some level of caregiving to an aging relative or friend, have access to the Internet and currently live in Mountain View, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Cupertino and surrounding communities. For general information and information about the next orientation please call 650-934-3556.
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| FCA PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS | |
February 19, 2015; 1:00pm-4:00pm in San Rafael
There Must be a Better Way Than This!
 Communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease or another dementia can be frustrating and disheartening. However, a few simple strategies can make caregiving easier and help you continue to feel connected to your loved one.
In this interactive half-day workshop we will discuss how dementia affects a person's ability to understand and communicate. Participants will be coached on the best ways to handle troubling behavior and how to speak with and respond to a person with memory loss.
When:
Thursday: February 19, 2015, 1-4pm
Where:
Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, CA
Speaker:
Tiffany Pippen, MSW, FCA Family Consultant
To Register: Contact the Education Coordinator at 800-445-8106 ext. 313 or email adugay@caregiver.org with your name and the title of this class.
*DATE CHANGED* February 24, 2015; 1:00pm-2:00pm PST ONLINE
The Mindful Caregiver: Why Self-Care Really Matters (Webinar)
Many caregivers focus so much on trying to meet their care recipient's needs that they lose sight of what their own needs are. It can then become difficult for them to recognize how stressed out they really are and the impact of this stress. This workshop will inspire participants to become "mindful caregivers." Participants will be able to identify how unrealistic expectations caregiver beliefs, difficulty with saying no and holding onto guilt, can fuel stress. Participants will learn how to utilize mindfulness approaches and appreciate how the "spirit-side of caring" can transform the caregiving experience.
*This webinar costs $15 (please purchase ticket at least 24 hours before this webinar). You have the option to register to view it live OR as a recording. CEU's are available through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (MFTs, LCSWs, Ed. Psychologists, & Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors). REGISTER ONLINE.
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March 25, 2015; 1:00pm-2:00pm PST Online
Long-Term Care in California: What Is It and Who Pays for It? (Webinar)
Long-term care can mean very different things to different people and matching the right level of service to the recipients is often unreasonably difficult. This webinar will examine the various levels and settings for long-term care, including some of the important rules and interesting issues involved. In addition, we will focus on payment options and how care recipients can identify good providers and maximize their care coverage while minimizing their expense.
*This webinar costs $15 (please purchase ticket at least 24 hours before this webinar). You have the option to register to view it live OR as a recording. CEU's are available through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (MFTs, LCSWs, Ed. Psychologists, & Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors). REGISTER ONLINE.
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EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY
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February 17, 2015 in Burlingame
Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters
What: If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it's time to learn the facts. Early detection of Alzheimer's disease gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. This interactive workshop features video clips of people with Alzheimer's Disease. When: Tuesday; February 17, 2015 from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Mills-Penninsula Medical Center, Auditorium #1
1501 Trousdale Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010
RSVP to Paula Martinez at 800-272-3900 or pmartinez@alz.org
February 17, 2015-March 24, 2015 in San Jose Building Better Caregivers: A Free Workshop What: Stanford University Workshop + Study This workshop can help you deal with everday caregiving challenges: - Get help when you need it
- Break the stress cycle
- Techniques to handle difficult behaviors
- How to take better care of your own health
- Design a personal self-management program
- Communicate better with family, friends, and the medical team
When: Tuesdays; 5:00pm-7:30pm Where: Sobrato Center for Non-Profits 1400 Parkmoor Ave, Campbell Room San Jose, CA 95126
Pre-registration is required, please call: 408-961-9877
February 19, 2015 in San FranciscoAging in the LGBT Community What: This AHWGO forum will focus on the special challenges of being 'at home with growing older' in the LGBT community, the work of Openhouse San Francisco and current political issues such as the financial challenge older people in the community face who are transitioning from private disability to social security. Fairley Parson, MSW, ASW has over ten years experience working with older adults, within the adult day health center system, as a political organizer and as a group facilitator and MSW-trainee. Fairley received her MSW at the University of California, Berkeley where she concentrated on gerontology and LGBT aging issues. She joined Openhouse in 2011. Openhouse is a progam rich organization in San Francisco that provides services and community to LGBT elder. Its LGBT friendly senior housing project in San Francisco has been approved.When: Thursday, February 19th, 6:00pm-8:00pm Where: Francis of Assisi Residence 145 Guerrero Street, San Francisco
Limited space available. Please register by emailing sstadler@AtHomeWithGrowingOld.com
March 5, 2015 ONLINE
2015 Easter Seals Dixon Center Military Caregiving Webinar Series What:
The unique cultural experience of veterans with Hispanic heritage may present different issues for their caregivers. This 1-hour Spanish-language webinar will address concerns related to maintaining and promoting close family relationships, specifically within multi-generational homes. You are encouraged to join us and consider the question of "what will help sustain you as a military caregiver while benefitting your entire family?" in our webinar titled "Military Caregiver's Challenges in a Hispanic Multi-generational Home."
Guest experts: Alina Johnson, RN; Elizabeth Dole Fellow - Izabelle Meda-Gibson representing Arizona; and VA Caregiver Support Coordinator Vigmalia Perez-Calo.
When: Thursday; March 5, 2015
from 11:00am-12:00pm PST
1:00pm-2:00pm CT
2:00pm-3:00pm EST
Where: ONLINE
March 12, 2015 in Walnut Creek
Caring for an Aging Family Member Support Group
What: When concerns of aging family members become part of your every day, when they interfere with your work, your health and your other relationships, you may need to join a support group.
When: Thursday, March 12th, 6:00-7:30pm
Where: Eldercare Services
1808 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94595
March to April 2015 in San Francisco
Chronic Conditions Self-Management Workshops
What: Do you have a chronic condition that controls your life?
(High Blood Pressure, Heart Problems, Back Problems, Overweight, Depression, COPD, Diabetes, Arthritis)
Do you want to build the skills to take back control? When: Tuesdays; 9:00am-11:30am Fridays; 8:30am-11:00am Fridays; 1:00pm-3:30pm Where: San Francisco VA Medical Center
4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 9412
This is a peer led group that meets once a week for 2 to 2.5 hours for 6 weeks (AmeriCorps Led).
For exact dates, additional information, to reserve a seat, or to inquire if this class is right for you, please call:(415) 221-4810, ext. 3632. All Veterans with any chronic health condition, their family members and caregivers are invited to attend.
April 20, 2015 in San Francisco
9th Annual Art of Aging Gracefully 
What: Make it a day of discovery. Engage with local businesses and organizations who are valuable resources to help you stay healthy and energized through: - Presentations from UCSF Medical Center professionals on healthy living.
- Insights and opportunities to support active, creative aging.
Registration for businesses and organizations who would like to be a part of the Resource Fair begins in January 2015. For applications, click here or contact Shiva Schulz at sschulz@jccsf.org or 415.292.1260 for more information. When: Thursday; April 30, 2015 from 9:30am-03:30pm Where: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
3200 California, San Francisco, CA 94118. Event is sponsored by the UCSF Medical Center.
Save the Date! May 13, 2015 in Foster City
16th Annual Updates on Dementia: Translating Research into Practice
What: Tailored to health care professionals, researchers and clinicians present the latest research in the biological, social, psychological, and cultural aspects of aging and dementia with particular emphasis on practical applications to clinical practice. Continuing Education Units available.
In partnership with:
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc.
- Stanford Geriatric Education Center
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System's 'Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center' & 'Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center'
When: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 8:00am-4:15pm
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA
Registration available soon. To be added to the wait list contact Blanca Vazquez-Arias at 800.272.3900 or bvazquez@alz.org.
For general inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, contact Pauline Martinez at pmartinez@alz.org or 800.272.3900
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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU
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PROFESSIONAL LISTINGS: Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers (LEAF) Researchers at the University of California San Francisco are testing a program for family caregivers of people with dementia. Six positive emotion based skill-building sessions are delivered one-on-one via videoconferencing on study-supplied tablet computers, so caregivers can take part from anywhere in the USA. This study consists of six weekly hour-long sessions, nightly home practice, and online surveys. To be eligible, you must be the primary caregiver of someone with any type of degenerative dementia, and you must have consistent access to a reliable wifi connection for your weekly sessions. For more information, please access our website: HERE, email us at: leaf@ucsf.edu, or call (415) 514-2935.
GRADUATE LISTINGS: The Family Caregiver's Experience - Examining the Positive and Negative Aspects of Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue (University of New Mexico, College of Nursing Graduate Study): If you are a family caregiver of someone with a chronic illness, we would like to invite you to take part in a research study through a 15 minute online survey. We ask you to reflect on your caregiving experience and provide insight regarding both the positive and negative aspects about it. If you or someone you know would be interested, please forward or take our survey here. (Participation is voluntary and all responses are anonymous and confidential.) Seeking Family Caregivers for UC Berkeley Study Are you a family member of an older adult living alone or in a community/assisted living environment? We are graduate students conducting research at UC Berkeley into the challenges faced by the family members of older adults. Our aim for this study is to develop a service offering that can help address some of these issues. If you are willing to speak with us for a short phone conversation, please email Rory Costello. Relationships, Grief, and Life Satisfaction of Spousal Caregivers My study aims to shed light on how grief over potential losses might affect the connection between caregivers' relationships and life satisfaction. Little is known about this area, and such information may help improve the types of support provided to this ever-growing population of individuals. This study is entirely anonymous, collects no identifying information, and should take 20 minutes or less to complete. At the end you have the chance to provide additional information that you believe is important for me to know. Thank you so much for your time and contribution to this important area of research!" Study link Steven Pote, MA, LPC Doctoral Candidate, Counseling Psychology University of Northern Colorado |
| GIFTS FROM THE HEART | 
A 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.
View a list of our most recent 2015 Donors
A Special thank you to the Foster Family Foundation!
"Dear Foster Family Foundation, Thank You so much for your kind generosity. It is so uplifting, a breath of fresh air. It [respite] gives me an opportunity to get out, without getting so frustrated - agonizing -is it worth doing and spending x-amount on a [paid] caregiver?... Your respite assistance is so greatly appreciated. Thank you." Caregiving husband, Dimitri T. You need a break! It's what we tell families and friends all of the time. There are so many tasks that can consume a family caregiver's day - organizing medication for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease, helping their frail mom bathe, accompanying a critically ill sibling to doctor appointments - and much more. Saying "take time off" is the easy part, but for a caregiver to find the resources and time to make respite happen, it's another thing entirely! Fortunately The Louis W. Foster and Gladyce L. Foster Family Foundation is helping to make respite happen! Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is grateful to the Foundation for a grant of $100,000 to provide respite grants to caregiver clients in the six counties of the SF Bay Area. These funds go a long way towards extending funds FCA receives under contract with local counties, and reaching out to other families in need. Thanks to the Foster Family Foundation for their help to support the health and well-being of family caregivers.
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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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