Vol. 8, No. 5
May 18, 2017
Dear Friends:

For many Americans, May is a time to visit cemeteries to lay flowers and to remember lost family and friends who fell in service to country.  For others, May is spent recognizing  Older American’s Month , and celebrating the contributions seniors have made to our communities and families.  Whatever your plans this month, whether honoring those who have given their lives, s pending time with an elderly relative to hear their stories, or simply getting things in order for your childrens summer break, we hope you will make some time for yourself, and take time out for you.   

Sincerely,


Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
edprograms@caregiver.org
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if its less good than the one you had before.” 

Elizabeth Edwards, attorney and activist
WHAT’S NEW AT FCA
FCA Executive Director Statement on the  American Health Care Act

FCAs  Kathleen Kelly recently penned a blog post about the passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) in the House of Representatives, House-Passed Trumpcare Bill is a Loss for Family Caregivers, Disabled, and Older Americans.” The post  succinctly explains  the many ways the AHCA will negatively affect Americans and caregivers across the country, and summarizes FCAs opposition to the act. 

We will remain advocates for family caregivers and for their relatives, partners, and friends needing care and we will continue to speak out, alert our community of caregivers to new developments, and work with other organizations across the country to ensure all families have the support and services that you need and deserve.  

Ka thleen Kelly
Executive Director
Read the entire blog here .
Administration On Aging Email Scam (Phishing)

The  Administration for Community Living (ACL) has recently reported that c yber criminals have been sending fraudulent emails  posing as the Administration on Aging (AoA), which is a unit of the ACL. T he emails falsely claim to be from the AoA and request p ersonal and financial information. The Administration for Community Living and the Administration on Aging  will never ask for your social security number, nor will they ask for a check in order to access a benefit.

You can call the ACL directly at (202) 401-4634 to verify if an email or phone message is legitimate. You can also click here to view FCA’s archived webinar on Financial Fraud. 
Spring into Spring with FCA

For 40 years, FCA has been helping families and friends who are caregivers for adult loved ones with chronic, disabling conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.

Spring into Spring and help FCA help family caregivers!  Your donation helps FCA advocate for caregivers on the state and federal level, helps support our local services that are offered at no charge to caregivers, and helps fund our 50 state hotline that provides information and assistance to caregivers across the county.  Make your tax deductible donation, by clicking here.
Gilbert Awards Scrapbook Now Includes 2016 Winners

The updated Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in ‪Alzheimer‬’s Disease  ‪‎Caregiving‬ Legacy Awards  interactive scrapbook is now online. The scrapbook includes the most recent 2016 winners and  details each program with photos, video links, and more.

FCA and the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation administer the annual $20,000 award in the following three categories: Creative Expression, Diverse/ Multicultural Communities, and Policy and Advocacy.  
San Francisco Wraps up Successful Digital Inclusion Week

Digital Inclusion Week is a national initiative designed to promote online access and technology skills, and to reduce the digital divide among communities. In San Francisco, Digital Inclusion Week was a major event  spearheaded by the San Francisco Public Library and partners including Community Living Campaign. San Francisco residents and Bay Area locals enjoyed a host of free events including movie screenings, classes, panel discussions, and a tech expo.
SHARE — Chronic Conditions

FCA is seeking San Francisco Bay Area family caregivers to enroll in the SHARE program. Over the course of five face-to-face home visits, SHARE will help you get the most out of today while planning for tomorrow.  The goals of SHARE include learning effective communication skills, reducing stress, promoting health, and receiving education on long-term care  management. The SHARE program is offered at no charge.

SHARE is specifically for caregivers of adults (close family or partner/spouse), with a confirmed diagnosis of a chronic health condition, 60 or older, living at home, and with intact cognitive abilities.  Eligible conditions for SHARE include but are not limited to: heart disease, diabetes, COPD, arthritis, kidney disease, stroke, or HIV-AIDS. Care receivers with a neurocognitive disorder, a mental health condition, traumatic brain injury, or are in the terminal phrase of their condition are unfortunately not eligible.

Please contact Michelle Venegas at (415) 434-3388, for more information.
FCA CareJourney, Online Service for Family Caregivers

For the first time, caregivers like you—who are caring for adult loved ones with  chronic, disabling health conditions—can get valuable information, resources,  and support tailored specifically to your unique caregiving situation. And it’s free,  completely private, and accessible by computer or mobile device 24/7.

Please visit FCA CareJourney to join today.
INFORMATION YOU CAN USE
FCA Webinar Archive: Beyond the Blues: When Sadness Becomes Depression
Caregivers often suffer from depression, and dementia caregivers are twice as likely to be depressed compared to non-dementia caregivers. This Easter Seals/FCA webinar focuses on the signs, symptoms, and treatment for depression related to caregiving. Viewers will learn specific tools to help reduce stress, change negative thinking, and how to ask for help from others. 

Additional FCA caregiving and professional webinars can be viewed at the FCA webinar page .
FREE FCA WEBINAR 
Dementia Proofing Your Home

Accidents in the home are one of the major reasons for the hospitalization of someone with a dementia. Hospitalizations are particularly fraught for an individual with dementia and their caregiver, as these may result in negative outcomes, including speeding up the disease itself. 

This webinar will identify common dangers in the home for an individual with dementia, and explain ways that a home can be made safer so that accidents and medical emergencies can be prevented. Rooms in the house where the greatest danger is found are specifically addressed, in addition to strategies to combat  wandering outside the home.

Carole Larkin MA, CMC, CAEd, DCP, EICS, is a gerontologist, and expert in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. She is a  certified Alzheimer’s educator, a dementia care practitioner, an excellence in care specialist at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, a certified geriatric care manager, and owner of ThirdAge Services LLC. Carol s pecializes in helping families with Alzheimer’s and dementia issues.

When: Wednesday, May 31, 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No Charge
Contact: Calvin Huchu@caregiver.org, (415) 434-3388  
Registration: Click here
ARTICLES FOR CAREGIVERS
What to Tell the Kids About Their Grandparent’s Dementia

Caring for a parent with dementia is a major physical and emotional undertaking. Many adult children who are dementia caregivers are also raising their own children. This  Next Avenue article by  Debbie Swanson, gives guidance for parents when talking to their children about dementia, including making sure to talk openly, and truthfully, and to be the one to initiate the conversation.
The Real Financial Costs of Caregiving

When faced with a family member or loved one in need of care, many caregivers will sacrifice not only emotional and physical health, but also financial health.  Katy Read documents these financial pitfalls in t he Minnesota Star Tribune.  Some of the financial sacrifices caregivers make to provide care include cutting back work hours, emptying their retirement savings to pay bills, taking a less demanding lower paying job with less or no benefits, and leaving the workforce entirely.
“Just Let Me Go” Isn’t Enough: Talking About Death Versus Having The Conversation

Catherine Ternes, in a blog post for the Conversation Project, explains that even for a family like hers who are comfortable talking about death, proper end-of-life planning requires more than a simple declaration. Ternes explains that what is needed, is an honest and frank discussion so that caregivers are confident, and empowered to make life and death decisions for a family member or friend who is incapacitated.

FCA has a fact sheet on making end-of-life decisions that can be viewed by clicking here.
CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA EVENTS 
There Must be a Better Way Than This!
A Special One Day Class for Dementia Caregivers

At this FCA class, you’ll learn tips and strategies for understanding and communicating with someone affected by dementia. You’ll also learn how to handle difficult behaviors, how dementia affects a person’s ability to understand and communicate, and how to feel more confident in your caregiving role.

Pre-registration is required. Group size is limited. Please let us know if you have a disability and require specific accommodations. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate professional caregivers at this class.   

When:  Tuesday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2450 Road 20, San Pablo 94806   
Cost:  No Charge
Registration:  Amanda Hartrey, (415) 434-3388 ext. 334
Caregiver Educational and Respite Retreat in Fremont

You are invited to join FCA and the City of Fremont for a free one-day retreat designed especially for you, the family caregiver. Enjoy a visit to Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, located in the historic Mission San Jose district of Fremont. The tree lined campus includes a newly restored home from 1885, the largest mission-era olive grove in California, a labyrinth, and numerous gardens and green spaces throughout. You’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch, educational presentations for caregivers, a therapeutic group activity, and a chance to share your experiences with other family caregivers. 

Pre-registration is required. Please let us know if you have a disability and require specific accommodations. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate professional caregivers at this event.  

When: Friday, June 2, 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Where:  Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose
43326 Mission Circle, Fremont 94539
Cost: No Charge
Registration: Click here
Caregiver College in Pittsburg 
A workshop for gaining skills and sharing helpful care tips. 

Caregiver College is a special program for individuals helping a family member or a friend who is frail, disabled, has a chronic health illness, or has a cognitive impairment. Join fellow family caregivers to learn more about: feeding, nutrition, incontinence, toileting, bathing, hygiene, transfer skills, dental care, and caregiver self-care. Learn from community experts, network, and share tips with other caregivers. A complementary lunch is included. 

Pre-registration is required. Please let us know if you have a disability and require specific accommodations. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate professional caregivers at this workshop.  

When:  Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
200 Marina Boulevard, Pittsburg 94565
Cost: No Charge
Registration: Click here
CAREGIVERS CONNECT: SF BAY AREA PARTNER EVENTS
Monster in the Mind
 
Join filmmaker Jean Carper, and a panel of medical experts for a free screening and Q&A of Monster in the Mind. Monster in the Mind was conceived after Jean Carper learned that she herself is at a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  The film tells the story of a disease both feared and mysterious — in a clear, calm, and even humorous way. 

Pre-registration is required.

When: Thursday, May 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stanford University
485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford 94305
Cost: No charge
Registration:  Click here
Movie Moments at the Vogue

This special interactive program is specifically for people affected by dementia, including family caregivers, and friends. Short, iconic film clips will be shown, interspersed with audience discussion and reminiscence, guided by moderators. Complimentary popcorn and refreshments will be provided. 

Pre-registration is required.

When: Tuesday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Where:  Vogue Theater
3290 Sacramento Street, San Francisco 94115
Cost: No charge
Registration: Call  Rachel Main, (415) 463-8505 or creativeagingsf@gmail.com.
RESEARCH REGISTRY
OUR SUPPORTERS: THANK YOU!
We would like 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.


FCA has led the way in supporting family caregivers for over 35 years.
Your donation makes all the difference!
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Phone: (800) 445-8106 | Email: info@caregiver.org
Visit Family Caregiver Alliance’s NEW online solution for secure information, support, and resources for family caregivers of adults with chronic physical or cognitive conditions.  FCA CareJourney provides a personalized dashboard loaded with information that matches your unique caregiving needs.
Visit caregiver.org today and JOIN!
Visit FCA’s website
caregiver.org
Family Care Navigator
Caregiver tool for
state-by-state resources
Family Caregiver Alliance’s fee-for-service care management currently serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Click here for further information.
Help support Family Caregiver Alliance by choosing FCA as your  Amazon Smile  charity. 
Help support FCA by using Lyft. First time Lyft users apply the code FCALYFT. Lyft will donate $10 to FCA for each new rider using the code.  

Connections Credits
    
Editors
Calvin Hu
Michelle Venegas  

Contributors
Kathleen Kelly
Calvin Hu
Lana Sheridan
Michelle Venegas
Leah Eskenazi

Communications and Layout
Francesca Pera

Executive Director
Kathleen Kelly
FCA Board of Directors

President
Jacquelyn Kung

Vice-President
Dan Lieberman

Treasurer
Jeff Kumataka

Athan Bezaitis
Tricia Dell
Catherine Lelong
Rajiv Mehta
Chris Park
Scott Peifer
Kathleen Raffel
Wyatt Ritchie
Celine Takatsuno
F. Burns Vick