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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!
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Happy Holidays Caregivers!
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The holiday season is an important time for us to focus on family and friends,
and celebrate
the relationships that give our lives meaning.
As we say goodbye to 2015, we'd like to express our gratitude for the blessings we have at the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center. Our team has had the privilege of caring for some incredible individuals and families throughout our community this year, and we continue our commitment to providing compassionate solutions for those we serve. We are so grateful to those who have made our success possible and we would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the trust you have placed in us.
Thank you for all your support over the last year and for sharing our passion for helping others. We look forward to serving you in the years to come. From our hearts to yours, have a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We wish you a very Happy Holiday season and a
peaceful and prosperous New Year!
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| Gift Giving for Loved One's with Alzheimer's |
 Those of us with loved ones that are living with Alzheimer's disease know how difficult it is to find appropriate and useful gifts for the holidays. Yet there are a number of excellent gift items available for this special population if we use our knowledge of the disease to identify the needs of each individual.
The trick is to encourage useful gifts. Among the practical, useful gifts for people with this illness are identification bracelets, comfortable easy-to-remove clothing, audio-tapes of favorite music, and videos of family members, photo albums, subscriptions to magazines, cable television or gift certifications for long distance telephone service. Look for items to reduce the problems caused by short-term memory loss. For instance, electric coffee and tea pots that turns off after a short period of time, day planners to keep track of appointments and special occasions, medication holders with timers, photo albums with names, and ID bracelets through the Safe Return program.
Warn people about difficult or unsafe gifts. Advise people not to bring dangerous tools or instruments, utensils, challenging board games, complicated electronic equipment, or pets.
Allow the person to join in gift-giving. For example, someone who once enjoyed cooking may enjoy baking cookies and packing them in tins or boxes. Or, you may want to buy the gift and allow the person to wrap it.
Another great idea is to enroll your loved one in the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center's
MUSIC & MEMORY program. It's simple and free! All participants receive an iPod with a personalized music playlist. With your help, we'll create a music playlist of your loved ones favorite songs, artists and genres from their past. The familiar music revitalizes a person with Alzheimer's or dementia. We've seen dementia sufferers get up and dance with a huge smile on their face. It's a unique gift to give your loved one. Want to join the program? Call us at
(561) 588-4545 to enroll for free today!
Remember, don't neglect your own needs! If friends or family members ask what you want for a gift, suggest a gift certificate to a carry-out restaurant, laundry or dry cleaner, cleaning service, or even movie tickets for a night out. If you don't receive these gifts, celebrate the holiday by
giving yourself a day of respite. Hire a paid caregiver to watch your loved one for a few hours while you take the time to do something you really enjoy or haven't been able to do in a long time.
Have a Happy Holiday Caregivers!
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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is annually on
December 7, commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. Many American service men and women lost their lives or were injured on December 7, 1941. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is December 7th.
What do people do?
On the direction of the President, the flag of the United States of America should be displayed on the homes of Americans, the White House and all United States government buildings. The flag should be flown at half-mast to honor those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
How will you and your family remember Pearl Harbor Day?
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5 Tips to Make the Holidays Easier for Caregivers
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| Click on the Image to Play the Video |
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How to Give Yourself a Gift
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 Nearly one in four caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias provide 40 hours a week or more of care. 71% sustain this commitment for more than a year, and 32% do so for five years or more. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is something
that relieves the stress or provides a bit of respite.
The Gift of Time and Respite
This is the most obvious gift to give yourself. You need and deserve time off from your caregiving duties. While it's sometimes difficult for caregivers to ask for a break or some much needed help, there are many ways to go about taking time off. For example, you could schedule yourself a day at the spa. Get an hour massage and enjoy the relaxing environment and the quiet. Maybe you could make an appointment with your hair stylist and then pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure. Or, put a "keep out" sign on your bedroom door and have a movie (or Netflix) marathon. That way you can stay in the comfort of your own bed!
Other examples include taking yoga class to keep your body and mind healthy. Joining a caregiver support group to get away and connect with other people in the same situation as you. The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center offers more than 20 caregiver support groups around Palm Beach County. We also hold an event each month called Paint for Fun. It's a great way to take time off and do something fun for yourself.
Actual Gifts
For those of us who already receive a decent amount of respite from helpful family members or paid caregivers, giving yourself an actual gift can be rewarding. Here are some fun and helpful ideas!
- A diffuser with your favorite essential oils
- New crock pot for easy meals
- Lumosity app for your smartphone to keep your brain healthy
- Sketchbox subscription for your creative talents
- Legacybox to store your treasured memories
- New Keurig for when you need an energy boost
- Adult coloring books for leisure time
- Candles and lotions for relaxation
- Mantraband bracelets for when you need some motivation
- A subscription to your favorite magazine
- Digital video recorder (DVR) for when you miss your favorite TV shows
- Ipsy bag or birchbox subscription to keep you feeling beautiful
- A free memory screening to ease your worry (available through the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center)
Don't forget about yourself this holiday!
Give yourself at least one gift. You have earned it!
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| FREE Caregiver Program: Color to Calm |
December 7th & December 21st, 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!
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| The Do's and Don'ts of Caregiving from a Distance |
 Meeting the needs of an aging parent or loved one is tough already, but when you're far away things can become even more of a challenge.
First, know that you're not alone. It's estimated that there are 2.3 million Americans living more than one hour away from the person whom they are responsible for. That means that there are lots of others who are facing the same challenges that you are. The hardest part is deciding which tasks you are capable of from a distance, and which tasks are better left to others.
Here are some do's and don'ts that will help you to determine your role and to feel less overwhelmed while giving your loved one the best care possible.
DO Schedule Visits Regularly
It's important that you're there on a regular basis to check in physically with your loved one. It doesn't have to be very often, but it does need to be regular and reliable in order to give your loved one a sense of security and connection. When you do visit, make sure that you build in time to connect with your loved one to work on keeping your relationship strong.
DON'T Try To Be Their Parent
It's not your job to step in and be the parent of your loved one. Maintain boundaries as much as you can, and work with your loved one to create the kinds of boundaries that are appropriate for their situation and yours. Respect their dignity and independence as much as possible, even as you take on a more active role in their life. Keep them abreast of decisions about finances, home care, medical concerns, and anything else that's important.
Submit Your Questions to info@alzheimerscareresourcecenter.com
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| 10 Caregiver Resolutions for the New Year |
 As we head into 2017, it is a great time for caregivers to take stock of their own personal health and well-being. The demands of caregiving can contribute to everything from high blood pressure to heart disease, diabetes, back injuries and obesity.
How long has it been since you've distanced yourself from caregiving long enough to decide what is good for you? How long has it been since you've had
guilt-free breaks from the needs of others, so that you can actually relax? How long has it been since you asked for help - hired or volunteer - so that you can be your own person for just a bit of time? How can caregivers resolve to get healthier in 2017?
Here are 10 caregiver resolutions for the New Year:
Caregiver Resolution #1 - I must rest. I must take the time each day to remove myself from the situations that stress me and make me tired, and I must do so safely.
Caregiver Resolution #2 - I must ask for help. I must not feel guilty for this. I know my friends and loved ones would want to assist. And for me to rest, I will have to ask for help.
Caregiver Resolution #3 - I must adopt a healthy lifestyle. I will attempt to get physical exercise every day if possible, if even for a few minutes. I will make healthy food choices, and I will not abuse alcohol or drugs. I will schedule and keep regular visits with my healthcare provider.
Caregiver Resolution #4 - I will take care of my spiritual health. I will feed my inner self through meditation, prayer, silence, reading, the arts, or in other ways I consider true. I will seek wise and professional council if needed.
Caregiver Resolution #5 - I will take care of my emotional health. I will not walk this road alone. I will share my story with others. I will seek their advice. I will continue to enjoy hobbies and explore new ones that interest me. I will seek professional help if needed.
Caregiver Resolution #6 - I will educate myself about the disease that is affecting my loved one. I will investigate accepted caregiver resources and attempt to follow recommendations.
Caregiver Resolution #7 -
I will find humor in living each day. I will not feel guilty about laughing, even when times are bad. I will try and laugh with my loved one.
Caregiver Resolution #8 - I will continue to see my loved one as a vital person, and validate him/her daily. I will look past the disease that is affecting my loved one and into their heart and soul. I will love them in the moment, in the now, just as they are. I may grieve at times, but I will honor the person they continue to be and my relationship with them.
Caregiver Resolution #9 - I will see myself as a hero and value my gift of caregiving. Heroes are human and have faults and weakness. But heroes draw upon a silent strength and overcome. Often, the most heroic thing to say is, "I will wake up
tomorrow and try my best."
Caregiver Resolution #10 - I will clasp the hand of my loved one and the hands of other caregivers, lifting both mine and theirs in triumph over the disease that seeks to steal. I will give back to them, and to myself, our humanity.
May every day of the New Year glow with good cheer & happiness
for you and your family. Happy New Year to all!
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We Need Your Old iPods
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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!
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10 Mental Health Tips for the Holidays
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For more great posts like this, follow the
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| Paint for Fun Class for Caregivers & Loved Ones |
The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center will host
Two monthly Paint for Fun™ classes on
December 9, 2016 & December 16, 2016
from 9:30am - 11:30am.
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.
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| 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
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December 2016 Calendar of Events
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| Click on the Calendar to Enlarge or Print |
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| Click on the Calendar to Enlarge or Print |
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About Us
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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 |
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