August NEWS  FROM  OPICA   

OPICA provides comprehensive, personalized services for adults challenged with memory loss, and for their families. We thank you for sharing this news with others.
OUTSIDER / INSIDER VII: 
beyond alzheimer's, the artist within

Our seventh annual OUTSIDER/INSIDER Art Show celebrates OPICA's artists as they proudly present their paintings to friends, family, and members of the community. 

Join us
September 17, 2016

RSVP HERE by September 10th for a FREE raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets on sale at the event for $10 each. Raffle winner must be present at the drawing , which will take place at 4 PM. Proceeds from the artwork sold and the raffle benefit OPICA's Counseling Center.
What is Vascular Dementia?

Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia, accounting for up to 30 percent of all dementia cases. Vascular dementia results from conditions that damage blood vessels or reduce circulation, depriving the brain of sufficiant oxygen and nutrients. While major strokes and multiple mini strokes are common causes of vascular dementia, not all strokes lead to vascular dementia. Read  more  HERE
OPICA'S WELLNESS LECTURE SERIES
LEARN FROM NOTED EXPERTS ON ISSUES RELATED TO MEMORY LOSS AND AGING

Carol   Hahn , MSN, RN, CDP, CADDCT holds a Master's of Science in Nursing degree with a clinical focus in Gerontology. She has more than 30 years' experience delivering varied health education curriculum at hospitals, universities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult day care centers. 

As a Certified Dementia Practitioner through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, Carol has a wealth of knowledge about approaches that reduce and resolve CAREgiver stress. 

Carol will entertain questions from the audience.  This event is FREE OF CHARGE and open to the general public. This event is made possible by the generous support of OPICA's donors.

Managing Stress

presented by
Carol Hahn, MSN, RN, RYT, CPT, CDP

Monday, September 12th, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 PM
OPICA, Stoner Park
11759 Missouri Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Brain Train Open Art Studio  

For individuals experiencing early-stage memory loss, OPICA's Brain Train is a weekly four hour program delivered by a professional multi-disciplinary team.  Specific Brain Train offerings feature the OPEN ART STUDIO, a focused art class that is designed to help individuals find their artistic voice. Art therapy groups hold well known benefits for person's with dementia including healthy expression, better coping with emotions , and enhanced opportunities for friendship.  A support group for family CAREgivers offered concurrently provides peer-to-peer support, a greater understanding of dementia and specific care management strategies . To learn more click HERE or CONTACT US HERE
Why I'm A Dementia  Care Professional

As a MFT Intern, I chose OPICA as my training site because I love working with older adults, hearing and appreciating their life stories.  I realize this is a group where there will be a significant need for mental health services as baby boomers come of age.

My Favorite Part of Working at OPICA

Getting to know the members, I am inspired by how they continue to define themselves and make the adjustments necessary to give their life meaning.

The Best Dementia CAREgiver Phrases to Use

Dementia Specialist Teepa Snow understands the importance of words and phrases for person's with Alzheimer's and dementia. She regularly produces videos to help CAREgivers understand why word choice is so important within dementia relationships. We can easily take for granted how difficult the realities are for a person with dementia, and when we care enough to choose our words we can provide much needed reasurance. View the  brief  video HERE to  learn the most powerful phrases that help you provide the compassionate care your loved one deserves.

An Early-onset Alzheimer's Story

Confusion began for Alan Romatowski in 2006, he was formally diagnosed in 2007. In 2009 Alan and his wife shared his journey through the first two years following his Early-onset diagnosis. Every case of Alzheimer's disease is unique. The fact remains that early diagnoses leads to earlier interventions that have demonstrated improved effectiveness on symptoms. In this 4 minute video, Alan inspires and encourages. KNOW MORE, click HERE to view the video.  
The 10 Signs of Dementia

There are symptom that can identify the onset of Alzheimer's or another forms of dementia. These 10 Signs demonstrate a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills and may indicate the need for evaluation by a medical provider.

KNOW MORE so we can do more, learn about the 10 Signs today,  click  HERE. 
"Where Can I Find CAREgiver Tools?" 

It is essential that you CARE for yourself while caring for a loved one. OPICA applauds your generosity and supports your efforts on Pinterest, in our CAREgiver Toolbox board dedicated just to you. Here you will find useful techniques to reduce personal stress and encourage wellbeing. KNOW MORE... be an empowered CAREgiver, click HERE. 
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