|
Our newsletter is filled with information on some of the wonderful programs and services we offer to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other memory impairment.
As always, our team is here to help ~ whenever you are ready to reach-out!
|
 |
|
The Walk to END Alzheimer's
|
The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease, the nation's sixth-leading cause of death.
When you participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's, your fundraising dollars fuel our mission-related initiatives of care, support and research. In addition, your actions, both through fundraising and participating in the event, help to change the level of Alzheimer's awareness in your community.
Once you register, you will have access to a wide range of tools and support through your Participant Center, ensuring a successful and fulfilling experience.
Walk to End Alzheimer's Information: 
Saturday, October 8, 2016
at CityPlace
700 S. Rosemary Avenue,
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Registration 8:00am | Opening Ceremonies 9:00am | Walk 9:30am
Route Length: 2 miles
Thank you for all you do in the fight against Alzheimer's!
|
|
|
Join our Walk to END Alzheimer's Team
|
|
Unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Join our team for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's
®
, the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer's disease. Together, we can advance research to treat and prevent Alzheimer's, and provide programs to improve the lives of millions of affected Americans.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions!
Together, we can end Alzheimer's!
|
|
| Counseling by Licensed Psychotherapists |
The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center offers psychotherapy and counseling services through licensed psychotherapists experienced in working with those living with, and caring for, someone with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other neurocognitive disorder.
The decision to seek counseling is an important step. Too often, people don't get help because they feel ashamed, guilty, or embarrassed. By deciding to get help, you make the choice to feel better and improve your life.
Counseling services should be chosen with care so that you find something that best meets your needs. Working with a trained mental health care provider, you can develop the right treatment plan; learn good coping skills and better manage communication, stress and anxiety.
Medicare and most insurance accepted.
To learn more, call us at 561-588-4545.
|
|
| Activity Ideas for Aging Seniors |
 If you are a family member caring for an aging loved one at home, then you may be looking for some entertaining activities you can do with them. This blog will give you some quick ideas. Activities such as conversations and arts and crafts are crucial for mental stimulation, and they can also be a great and healthy way to use time. If your loved one has a degenerative neurological disorder, you may have to provide the accommodations for them and modify these activities. You may even have to set a time limit for certain activities if necessary. Choosing an activity that your loved one will enjoy will depend on their preferences. If you know your loved one well, then choosing one will be easy!
1) Exercise and going outdoors:
If your loved one can walk comfortably, then going for walks outdoors is one of the greatest things you can do. Even if they must use a walking device or wheelchair, going outside can be a very beneficial activity for both mental stimulation and improving overall mood. If you can find a quiet road near greenery or a walking trail at a park, then take advantage of these places, even if you do not walk very far. If you and your loved one are able, you could use an outdoors area to do some light stretching.
An alternative to walking would be finding a peaceful garden to have a conversation. Getting outside, as obvious as it may seem, is an excellent way to spend quality time with your loved one offering everyone involved physical and mental benefits.
2) Making a bird feeder:
If you have children who like to spend time with a grandparent, or another aging loved one, then this is a great way to bond and have fun.
All you need are some recycled toilet paper rolls, a jar of peanut butter, and some bird seeds. Just spread the peanut butter on the toilet paper roll and dip it in bird seeds. You can then take some thin rope and string it through the two holes of the toilet paper rolls. Lastly, hang it from a tree branch! This activity is fun for the whole family and also requires you to go outside.
3) Listening to your loved one's favorite music:
An easy activity but also entertaining is playing your loved one's favorite music on the radio, stereo system, or on any smartphone/mp3 player. Listening to music is a wonderful mental stimulant and can be done leisurely or actively through discussion and reminiscing.
If your loved one has a degenerative neurological disease, such as Alzheimer's, then listening to music may be difficult if there are other distractions in the environment like people talking, television, clattering dishes, etc. In this case, buy headphones that go completely over their ears to drown out other sounds. You may also have to try different kinds of music if your loved one reacts negatively to certain genres.
Listening to music that you and your loved one enjoy is not only fun but actively stimulates neurons in your brain. Music is not solely an auditory experience but an emotional and physical one, as well. Certain types of music can invoke feelings of extreme bliss or wistfulness. It excites our muscles when we begin to clap, tap our feet, hum along, and change our facial expressions. Its effects are physically and emotionally complicated and may elude our understanding, but what we do know is that it does stimulate us-even those whose minds may be affected by neurological disorders.
[1]
4) Painting:
Another entertaining and stimulating activity to do is painting. You can either paint on a canvas with brushes or use your hands to create more abstract artwork. You can easily buy canvases, small paintbrushes, and paint at an arts and crafts store. Find straightforward images to paint and try to copy them to the best of your abilities. Or you can also buy paint-by-numbers if you think your loved one is willing and able to follow the detailed instructions.
5) Read together or read aloud:
Reading books, newspapers, or magazines are especially mentally stimulating if you participate in discussions about readings you've done together. If your loved one has a difficult time reading for whatever reason, then you can find passages that you think they will enjoy and understand, and then you can read it aloud. Reading aloud to someone can be helpful if your loved one is indisposed or has a neurological disorder. Also, try reading outside if the weather is agreeable.
6) Reminisce:
Allowing your loved one to reminisce about when they were younger or about times they particularly remember is a soothing, yet engaging way to spend time with an aging loved one. Reminiscing can help you (and perhaps your children) learn more about your loved one through story-telling and reflections about the past.
You may have to prompt your loved one by asking a question like: "Tell me about the time when. . ." or "What was going to school like for you?" These questions are open enough to allow your loved one to respond any way they want.
Have fun!
These are just a few ideas for activities to do with your loved one. They may also be springboards to come up with your activities. Helpful websites like Pinterest (for which you need to create an account) may be helpful for generating some more ideas. Whatever you choose to do, allow it to be engaging, stimulating, and, most of all, entertaining for everyone!
[1] Oliver Sacks, "The power of music," Brain 129, (2006): 2528-2532.
For more great ideas on activities for seniors, subscribe
to our
blog or YouTube channel.
|
|
|
Caregiver Conversation - Next Steps: How to Move Forward After Placing a Loved One
(Part 2)
|
|
|
|
| Click on the Image to Play the Video |
|
|
| Do You Realize How Much You Do? |
Your role as caregiver to a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease can be very impactful. You help maintain the quality of life for your spouse, parent, family member, or friend with Alzheimer's disease. You have become educated about symptoms, treatments and the progression of the disease. You probably keep track of appointments with the doctor, medication schedules, and exercise. You offer the love and support necessary to meet the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. You assist with almost all the activities of daily living. The list goes on and on. You are a caregiver.
While many patients maintain their independence for a period of time after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, some may need more help with performing daily activities. For others, the diagnosis may come after weeks or months of you coping with symptoms without an actual diagnosis. Regardless of how long you've been dealing with Alzheimer's disease or to what degree, in some way Alzheimer's has affected your life and responsibilities -- physically, emotionally, or economically.
The role you have taken on is not an easy one. However, the following tips offer some guidance on how to maintain and improve your care giving skills:
- Take time for yourself. Make sure you have time to relax. If necessary, enlist the help of other family members or even hire someone to help out.
- Learn as much as you can about your loved one's disease so you will know how you can help. You'll also understand what changes to expect in your loved one's behavior or symptoms.
- Help your loved one participate in as many activities in the home and outside the home as possible. Maintain the intricate balance between helping your loved one accomplish a task and actually doing the task for him or her. Allow the patient the time needed to complete daily activities on his or her own, such as dressing.
- Consult your loved one about his or her family affairs. Although it's not easy to discuss these topics, you should be informed of your loved one's wishes regarding a living will, durable power of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.
- Set realistic goals for yourself and your loved one. Do not attempt to do everything. By setting attainable goals, you are setting everyone up for success, rather than disappointment.
- Do not put your life on hold. Continue to meet with friends, participate in hobbies or groups, and maintain a schedule as normally as possible. You will feel more energized and are less likely to feel resentful in the long run.
- Have someone you can talk to. You are there for your loved one -- to listen and to offer support -- but you also need a support person. Talk openly and honestly with a friend or family member. If this is not possible, join a support group. Understanding that you are not alone and that someone else is in a similar situation helps you to feel nurtured.
Now do you realize how much you actually do as a caregiver?
If you need a break, we can help! Call us at (561) 588-4545.
|
|
| FREE Caregiver Program: Color to Calm |
October 5th & October 19th, 2016
from
10:00am - 12:00pm
at 2328 10th Ave North #600, Lake Worth, FL 33461
Our FREE Color to Calm™ program
has been proven to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Train your brain to focus
- Enhance your creativity
- Refine your motor skills and vision
- Help you find tranquility & relax
- Provide healthy opportunities for socialization
Join us on the first and third Wednesday of every month!
Bring a friend or loved one. Space is limited. Please call to RSVP (561) 588-4545.
We have lots of supplies but feel free to bring your
own pencils & coloring books!
|
|
| Why Does My Loved One Hallucinate? |
Question:
My loved one with Alzheimer's disease has been hallucinating. What can I do to help?
Answer:
Hallucinations are false notions on non existing objects or happenings. Hallucinations may affect all our senses. Visual hallucinations are commonly experienced by people who have Alzheimer's disease. They may report seeing the face of a former friend or people whom they used to fear. The latter is very common among Alzheimer's patients who experienced the horrors of war. Hearing hallucinations involve hearing people's conversations or a single person's voice.
Usually patients "hear" the voices of people they know saying innocuous phrases - never commands to take specific actions. This distinguishes Alzheimer's from other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, with mainly hearing hallucinations that may govern patients' abnormal behavior. Less frequently, Alzheimer's patients experience hallucinations from senses of touch (a feeling of being touched), smell (smelling odors not sensible to others, and taste (having a feeling of strange taste).
The reason Alzheimer's patients' hallucinate is complex, but three major categories of problems can be distinguished.
|
|
|
We Need Your Old iPods
|
The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center is proud to be a MUSIC & MEMORY Certified Organization. Our goal is to bring music to everyone who chooses to participate in the MUSIC & MEMORY program, but we're going to need some help.
Do you have a gently used iPod that you no longer need? Help us spread the music and find your iPod a good home for someone living with dementia.
Your
iPod donation will go to a person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia to help improve their quality of life. Personalized music on an iPod revitalizes a person and restores a deep sense of self to those suffering from Alzheimer's. Please help us make a difference in the life of a loved one!
To send us an old iPod, please mail or bring it in to this address:
2328 10th Ave North #600
Lake Worth, FL 33461
Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting
us and the families we serve!
|
|
Kindness is a Super Power
|
|
For more great posts like this, follow the
|
| Paint for Fun Class for Caregivers & Loved Ones |
The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center will host
Two monthly Paint for Fun™ classes on
October 7, 2016 & October 21, 2016
from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
There is no charge to attend!
Working step by step, with our instructor, you will create your very own masterpiece. During the painting class, participants will enjoy upbeat music, snacks, and refreshments in a fun and cheerful environment.
When complete, all participants can keep their painting as a souvenir. Come join the fun!
No experience needed! Space is limited.
|
|
| Become a Comforting Companion |
Would you like a rewarding job as a caregiver where you can make a difference in someone's life? Do you know someone who enjoys working with the elderly?
We are currently looking for caring, kind, dependable and personable individuals who desire to provide non-medical, in-home care to the elderly. Tasks typically include:
- Companionship and conversation
- Meal preparation and planning
- Light housekeeping
- General assistance
If you're a warm, enthusiastic and compassionate person with a heart for working with seniors, then the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center could be perfect for you. We offer competitive pay and a personally rewarding work environment where you can truly feel good about what you are doing.
Call Today to Learn How to Get Started! (561) 588-4545
|
|
October 2016 Calendar of Events
|
|
|
| Click on the Calendar to Enlarge or Print |
|
|
| Click on the Calendar to Enlarge or Print |
|
|
About Us
|
|
The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization,
is the only non-profit organization in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin and St. Lucie county focused strictly on meeting the needs of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers. We are so excited that we can bring these wonderful programs and services to the community and further our mission of helping caregivers to relax, renew and reach-out to help meet their own unique self-care needs.
You can reach us at
(561) 588-4545
or
Sincerely,
Alzheimer's Care Resource Center |
|
