November 2020 Newsletter & WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP

November 2020 Newsletter and Wednesday Workshop

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.

This month we will be bringing you some great tips via our Monday Mojo and Wednesday Workshops! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you don't miss a thing! And remember to check-out our Events Calendar and our Support Groups Calendar.

As always, our team is here to help ~ whenever you are ready to reach-out!

The theme for National Family Caregivers Month

November 2020 is

"Caregiving Around the Clock"

Caregiving can be a 24-hours a day/7-days a week job. Caring for a senior with Alzheimer's or a child with special needs can be non-stop. Providing care around the clock can crowd out other important areas of life. And you never know when you will need to rush to the hospital or leave work at the drop of a hat. What challenges do family caregivers face, and how do they manage them day and night?

Morning: Getting off to work

The average family caregiver is a working mother of school-aged children. Mornings become a tricky balancing act of getting the kids ready for school, making sure your loved one has what they need for the day before getting yourself out the door for work.

All Day Long: Managing medications

Up to 70% of the time, the family caregiver - not the patient -manages the medications. The more serious the condition, the more likely it is that the family caregiver manages the medications for the patient. This means ensuring your loved one is taking their medication correctly and maintaining an up-to-date medication list.

During the Workday: Juggling caregiving and work

Six out of 10 family caregivers work full- or part-time in addition to juggling their caregiving responsibilities at home. And most of them say they have to cut back on working hours, take a leave of absence, or quit their job entirely.

Evening: Family time and meal time

Ensuring that you get proper nutrition will help you maintain strength, energy, stamina, and a positive attitude. Nutrition is as important for you as the caregiver as it for your loved one. Caregiving affects the whole family.

Late at Night:Taking time for yourself

Late at night might be the only time you get a few minutes for yourself. Make sure you take time to rest and recharge. The chance to take a breather and re-energize is vital in order for you to be as good a caregiver tomorrow as you were today.

The Middle of the Night:Emergency room visits

Have you ever had to take your loved one to the emergency room in the middle of the night? Be prepared ahead of time with what you need to know and what you need to have with you.

During National Family Caregivers Month,we recognize the challenges family caregivers face when loved ones need Caregiving Around the Clock!

Simplifying Daily Care for Those With Parkinson's

Similar to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease is progressive and symptoms can come in stages. Learning how to continually adapt to the changes and difficulties that will inevitably come should be the main focus of caregivers.

Living areas, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms need to be customized to the unique needs of people afflicted with Parkinson's. Considerations include the use of canes, walkers or wheelchairs to facilitate ambulation. Here are other important things to consider to simplify daily care for someone with Parkinson's disease.

What Are We Thankful For?

The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us to step back from the chaos of day-to-day life and think about all that we have to be grateful for. It's a time to remember that while things may not be all peaches and cream, each day is filled with its own little miracles. It is often the people in our lives we are most thankful for.

This year, the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center feels indebted to the wonderful human beings who care for our clients day in and day out, happy days and not so happy days. They are our family in every sense of the word. For them, the job never ends. Even at the end of an exhausting 12-hour shift, they go home and worry about their dear ladies. We can only dream of displaying the patience and selflessness that they show every single day.

Finally, we are grateful for all the family caregivers without whom, we wouldn't be here. Without even realizing it, they've taught us patience, hope, and faith. They have taught us not to take anything for granted and has shown us how to appreciate every tiny, beautiful moment that we share. They've shown us that when you treat people with kindness, it comes back to you tenfold. And most importantly, they have taught all of us to love at a level we never knew possible.

We hope you're able to take some time this week to count your blessings. Even when circumstances are far from perfect, we can always find things to be grateful for. We're wishing everyone a beautiful, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving.

We're grateful for all that you do. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day

Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors all American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country.

November 11th of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.

Veterans Day is an excellent time for veterans to reminisce about the memorable times serving our country. There are a variety of activities in which veterans living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia can participate in and enjoy. Below are some suggestions:

1. Hold a Flag-Raising Ceremony. Weather permitting, an outdoor flag-raising ceremony permits participation in a patriotic activity. The ceremony could include reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance" and/or the singing of the "National Anthem."

2. Play Patriotic Music on Veterans Day. A midday concert at home can be dedicated to your special Veteran. Create a playlist (on iTunes or YouTube) that includes patriotic songs, the songs of the various branches of the United States Armed Forces, or selections known to have been popular during America's wars.

3. Wear Red Poppy Pins. Provide red poppy pins to your loved one to recognize and honor him or her.

4. Attend a Community Veterans Day Celebration. Many communities hold parades and vigils on Veterans Day. Contact your local VA or local government for more information.

Home of the free, because of the brave. Thank you Veterans!

6 Dementia Caregiving Strategies

November 2020 Calendars

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.

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

visit our website at www.AlzheimersCareResourceCenter.org