In Praise of Family Caregivers

H eroes are not the men on white horses or people who brave physical danger.

Our real heroes are average men and women who are not average at all, but rather take life for what it is and who make the most of it—for themselves and for others.

Everyone has substantial problems in life. Illness and loss are very democratic: They affect all of us regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status. What distinguishes between survivors and those who are beaten by life is not whether problems occur, but rather how problems are confronted.

Performing research on issues of stress and coping has permitted me to see that heroism is more common than defeat. Moreover, I have never seen so much heroism as I have witnessed among the family caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.

I wish that I could convey to them the respect and awe with which I regard them.

  Linda K. George
Professor of Sociology, Duke University

One Family, Two Great communities!
805.682.9345
805.682.9644
January Social Event
Friday, January 24th
10:30 am - noon

Join us as we start the new year with a celebration of the best of Winter including hot chocolate, warm tea, and all things sweet!
Music by Carole — Treats by Chef Lucinda
Resident Activities
Villa Alamar residents enjoy a full day of both outdoor and indoor activities specifically designed to stimulate cognition and promote physical health.
We encourage family and friends to join our staff and residents for these fun and stimulating programs.

Our rich calendar of activities include music, games, trivia, physical exercise, pet therapy, and much more!

Our invited musical guests include:
Gem . Oscar and Trudy . Carole McNeil . The Brian Trio
Follow us on Facebook to access up-to-date,
current information about our activities and events.

Check our January Calendar of Activities and consider joining us for one of the many programs available to our residents.
Resident Poetry
Bingo  
It makes me feel bubbly
Just watching the balls
Circle around with numbers and letters
When we play Bingo
our hopes are high
What number will be called?
We only know the stakes are high
 
Hiccups
Where do they come from?
They sneak up from the depths of your belly
and jiggle around like a bowl full of jelly.
What are they good for
Only mother nature knows
But we surely know it tickles our toes.
They must be good for us, for what else would they be?
They make us laugh hilariously.
Family Services
Family Caregivers Support Group
Third Monday of each month:
January 20, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Supportive meeting where family members and caregivers exchange valuable information and share caregiving strategies.
Facilitators: Jeanne West & Luciana Mitzkun Weston
At Villa Alamar, with free onsite respite care
Call the week before to RSVP for respite: (805) 682-9345
in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association and Hospice of Santa Barbara

Understanding Dementia

This informational workshop, presentation, and group discussion with
memory care specialist Luciana Mitzkun Weston,
meets on the t hird Thursday of every month. Next meeting:

January 16 - 4:30 to 6 p.m.

This month's topic:
Making the Best of Respite Care

at Sansum Clinic
215 Pesetas Lane, 3rd floor Conf. Room
in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association and Sansum Clinic
Villa Alamar workshops and support groups
are offered free of charge and open to family members and the community at large.

Caregiver Hotline
1-855-227-3640

Depression. Exhaustion. Burnout. Stress. Those are just some of the words people are using to describe their experiences as caregivers.

Helping care for a family member or loved one can be hard work. People don't often talk about the emotional toll it can take on the actual caregiver.

Receive immediate help from the Caregiver Help Desk by calling 1-855-227-3640.

You can also chat with them on  caregiveraction.org  or email them on that same site.
Call
 805-682-9345
to schedule a tour!

VILLA ALAMAR . 45 ALAMAR AVE . SANTA BARBARA . CA . 93105 . PH. 805-682-9345
Lic. #425850001