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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 New Year Caregivers!
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Welcome to 2017! We wanted to take the time to give special thanks to the caregivers we serve. For the family caregivers taking care of aging parents or other loved ones, 2016 may have been a tough year. You probably received little thanks for the job you did as a caregiver and you may have had moments when you felt unappreciated. The work you do can be unrelenting and the holiday season often exacerbates the stress. So, with this in mind, we pause to say thank you and to remind you that you are giving something that is more precious than any material possession, love...
Caregivers, this year, don't forget to take care of yourselves. You need it, and it will help you be there for loved ones in the coming years. In 2017, resolve to guard your brain against Alzheimer's disease or dementia by eating a healthy diet, getting daily exercise and staying mentally active.
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 New Year!
As you ring out the old year, and ring in the new, may
everything wonderful bring happiness to you.
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| We Haven't Seen You Since Last Year |
So, it's been awhile since you've dropped by the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center's office. Even though we know, as a caregiver, your time is limited, we still wanted to invite into our office to learn about all the resources we have available to you.
We offer family caregivers a
resource library filled with new valuable information for Alzheimer's caregivers, and our Care Navigators will help you find exactly the type of resources you are searching for.
We offer caregiver support groups every week, all around Palm Beach County. And for those who are unable to attend a support group in-person, we have a monthly
telephone support group for c
aregivers who are struggling with all kinds of different challenges and emotions.
In addition to all of our caregiver support groups, we are now starting a support group for your loved ones living with early stage Alzheimer's disease. Loved ones can come together to socialize and interact with people in a similar situation. Caregivers can attend their regular support group knowing that their loved one is safe and being cared for by a professional. Learn more about this support group by calling our office at (561) 588-4545.
Our Coaching for Caregivers program was designed
strictly for caregivers who prefer one-on-one support and education. Each family caregiver can schedule one complimentary session.
We also offer counseling services to caregivers who struggle with the emotions of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or other neurocognitive disorder.
The Alzheimer's Care Resource Center also 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.
Medicare accepted.
To learn more, call us at 561-588-4545.
We urge you to take advantage of our resource center.
All of these programs and services are available to you at no cost!
So come into our office! You're Invited! We want to connect with you.
Alzheimer's Care Resource Center's Address:
2328 10th Ave North #600
Lake Worth, FL 33461
We can't wait to be reunited with you. See you soon!
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Is It Time to Place Your Loved One?
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Making Moments Matter
FREE Family Caregiver Workshop
Is It Time to Place Your Loved One?
How Do You Know?
Are you finding it difficult to continue hands-on care for your loved one? Do you feel emotionally d
rained or chronically tired? This workshop will help you determine if it might be time to place your loved one into an assisted living community.
Workshop Date:
January 31st, 2017
from 10:30am-12:00pm
at the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center
2328 10th Ave N #600,
Lake Worth, FL 33461
Topics will include:
- How to recognize the signs
- How to manage the emotions
- What to say to your loved one
- Managing the transition
- Assisted living checklist: What you need to know
Light Lunch Will be Served. Space is Limited, RSVP (561) 588-4545.
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Believing in Your Abilities
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| Click on the Image to Play the Video |
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How Alzheimer's Disease Affects the 5 Senses
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 As the caregiver, it is important that you keep in mind that the disease affects the brain directly and the body indirectly. A person who suffers from Alzheimer's may be physically healthy otherwise, but due to the deterioration of certain parts of the brain, the body doesn't respond as it should.
Here are some guidelines and safety tips in regards to the degeneration of the five senses and how it will affect the person with Alzheimer's disease.
1. Sight
There may be nothing physically wrong with the eyes of your loved one; however the brains ability to interpret the images may be decreased. This can cause confusion, disorientation and the inability to recognize familiar people or places. A few tips to manage this decline would be to:
* Create color contrast between floors and walls to create visual "depth"
* Mark the edges of steps and stairs with brightly colored strips of tape
* Place brightly colored signs or simple pictures on doors for easier identification
2. Smell
It is very common for smell to be the first sense affected by Alzheimer's disease. In most cases, it is noticed before the diagnosis of Alzheimer's has been made. It is important to keep refrigerators clear of spoiled food.
3. Taste
If you've ever noticed that when you nose is stuffy due to a cold or infection, your sense of taste is greatly decreased. The loss of smell plus the added decrease in taste bud sensitivity, can really affect the way your loved one tastes things. There is also the danger of confusion, leading them to place hazardous items in their mouths. Some simple recommendations would be to lock up cleaning supplies and consider learning the Heimlich maneuver in case of an emergency.
4. Hearing
As in the case of the eyes, a person could test as having perfect hearing, but not be able to process sounds. This can lead to agitation, confusion or over stimulation. You should avoid excessive noise in the home and avoid large gatherings of people.
5. Touch
As with all of the others senses, sensitivity in touch decreases. Depending on how severe the loss is, a person with Alzheimer's disease may not be able to recognize being cold or hot or even being in pain. Many of the steps recommended are similar to childproofing your house. Things to consider:
* Color code water faucet handles
* Place warning signs on the oven and other appliances that get hot
* Cover corners of furniture with padding
If you have questions or would like more
i
nformation,
contact the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center,
f
eel free to call us at (561) 588-4545.
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| Dementia Myths and the Truths Behind Them |
Perhaps because Alzheimer's disease and dementia are something of a mystery, there are a number of myths surrounding their causes. A few of these common myths hold some truth, but some are complete falsehoods that muddy the water about the roots of symptoms and how to prevent dementia.
Need help separating the good dementia information from the bad? We've gone to an expert to get the facts.
Myth No. 1: Dementia is caused by exposure to aluminum.
Cooking in aluminum pots and drinking from aluminum cans came under suspicion as a cause of dementia a number of years ago, when this myth first spread. But there is no truth to the fear, says Paul B. Rosenberg, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences in the division of geriatric psychiatry and neuropsychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.
"This was an inference from a type of dementia caused many years ago by aluminum that made its way into dialysis patients, but aluminum has nothing to do with dementia as we diagnose it now," explains Dr. Rosenberg.
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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Make Mistakes This Year!
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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
January 13, 2017 & January 20, 2017
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.
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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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January 2017 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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