Vol. 13, No. 7

July 2022

Dear Friends:

Depression is a common ailment among adults in the United States. The National Institutes of Health estimates about eight percent of adults in the country suffered from depression in 2020. Family caregivers are no exception, and may be at increased risk due to the stresses and difficulties of caregiving. Unfortunately, many caregivers experiencing depression either may not recognize the signs of depression, be ashamed to admit their “weakness,” or feel they are too busy with work and caregiving responsibilities to seek help.

For caregivers who feel they may be or are suffering from depression, exercise, a healthy diet, the support of family and friends, and consultation with a trained mental health professional may help prevent depression from getting worse over time. FCA’s fact sheet on depression and caregiving provides and overview of the risk factors, signs, and treatment options for depression. This fact sheet is also available in Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. For family caregivers supporting a loved one with depression, FCA is hosting a webinar on this topic later this month.

Sincerely,

Calvin Hu

Education Coordinator

edprograms@caregiver.org

New FCA Videos Series — “You’re Not Alone”

“You’re Not Alone” videos highlight ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease for family caregivers. A four-part series, each video covers a specific disease providing need-to-know information including guidance for every stage of each disease, what to expect, financial concerns, and how to prepare for your caregiving role. Every video is also accompanied by fact sheets and essential resources guides.

Please click here for general information about the entire series, or chose a medical condition: 

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

Parkinson’s disease

Huntington’s disease

The “You’re Not Alone” video series was made possible by a generous grant from Adira Foundation with additional support from other valued donors.

California Governor Signs $308 billion 22-23 State Budget 

In April we asked for your help signing our petition, writing letters, and calling your elected officials to ask for increased funding for the California Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs — FCA is the San Francisco Bay Area CRC). We are incredibly grateful for the strong support you showed. Unfortunately, our $20 million additional budget request did not make it into the state budget this year in part due to concerns by elected officials over a potential recession.

FCA’s services will continue to be funded at the same level under the California Department of Aging. We will continue to advocate for family caregivers and are working hard to support as many of California’s diverse family caregivers as possible.

KNOW Stroke — How Acting FAST can Save Your Life (webinar recording)

In the US, every 3.5 seconds, someone dies of a stroke. What can be done to minimize that risk? This webinar includes facts about stroke prevention, who is especially at risk, how to recognize a stroke and act FAST, and the treatment options available including thrombolytic therapy, endovascular therapy and rehabilitative care.

Please click here to view the recording. 

Presenter:

Irina Rebello has been a Neuroscience Program Manager at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Program, since 2015 and is a volunteer for the American Stroke Association. She has been a registered nurse for over 22 years and holds a Masters of Science in Nursing Leadership. She is passionate about providing access to stroke care and is a frequent speaker and facilitator of community events.

Hot Weather Tips

Normal physiological changes that occur later in life, medications, or a cognitive impairment can inhibit an older person’s ability to tell if they are suffering from unhealthy temperatures. Because of this, caregivers of older adults face additional challenges during warmer months. Read FCA’s tips on how to keep a loved one cool, and how to spot the warning signs of a heat related problem.

Caregiver Resource Center Classes 

The California Caregiver Resource Centers (CRC) serve families and caregivers of adults affected by chronic and debilitating health conditions (FCA is the San Francisco Bay Area CRC). FCA is now hosting a calendar of classes, workshops, and events compiled from each of the 11 CRCs and open to family caregivers across the country.

For more information on July events, please click here.

Building Your Caregiver Toolkit: Supporting a Loved One With Depression

As a family caregiver, you likely hold many roles; schedule coordinator, finance manager, advocate, cheerleader, spouse, parent, child, and sibling — not to mention your external relationships like boss, employee, and volunteer. But when your loved one is in a depressive episode, you may need to take on even more roles and responsibilities as you support them in getting professional care. Your self-care may take a back seat as you try to balance everything. Unfortunately, ignoring your own wellness often leads to stress, overwhelm, and, sometimes, your own battle with depression. This is where your caregiver toolkit can come in to provide hope and keep you well. Join Families for Depression Awareness to learn what resources you need to build a robust caregiver toolkit.

When: Wednesday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon (Pacific time)

Where: ONLINE

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Presenters:

Susan Weinstein, JD, Co-Executive Director, has been responsible for programs and finances at Families for Depression Awareness since 2012. Susan was diagnosed with depression in her teens and has drawn from her personal experiences to inform FFDA’s curriculum. She has worked in nonprofits and local government throughout her career and holds several volunteer positions, including serving on the Executive Committee and as Governance Committee Chair of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention and holding a variety of elected and appointed seats in her town government since 1992. A native of South Florida, Susan is a graduate of Wellesley College and the Boston University School of Law.

Arielle Cohen, LCSW, is the Programs Manager with Families for Depression Awareness. Arielle’s passion for mental health advocacy stems from experience with a diagnosis of depression and loss of a family member to suicide. Arielle provides oversight to FFDA’s programs, volunteers, and social media platforms and is a trained facilitator in the Alternatives to Suicide approach with the Wild Flower Alliance. She received her BSW from Westfield State University and earned her Master of Social Work from Boston College in 2017.

This webinar is funded by Alameda County Department of Adult and Aging Services, Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging, the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services, and the California Department of Aging.

Tips for Navigating the Health Care System

Most people would agree that healthcare is a crucial part of wellbeing. Unfortunately, for many, interacting with the healthcare system feels most often like a struggle or fight against an uninterested and uncaring bureaucracy. To better help the public navigate the healthcare “maze,” Next Avenue’s Barbara Sadick interviews David Wilcox, a longtime healthcare professional who shares tips and insight gleaned from a 30 year career ranging from bedside nurse to hospital administrator.

Caregiving Life Hacks for Easier Daily Activities for Your Senior

Many caregivers provide assistance when a loved one is incapable of performing or needs help with everyday self-care activities. These include eating, dressing, hygiene, continence, toileting, and ambulating (moving and walking). Erica Harrison writing for Seniors Matter, shares tips so caregivers can perform these tasks as efficiently as possible.

CAREGIVERS CONNECT:

FCA EVENTS

Let’s Get Away Together

This series is comprised of interactive sessions with each week focusing on a new place or cultural activity, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft. Each session will include a follow-up message filled with tips, activities, and recipes for families to continue to enjoy after the virtual trip. The focus of each group is to explore a new world, experience a variety of engaging opportunities, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community. 

Let’s Get Away Together is intended to be an enjoyable activity for family caregivers and the person they care for. Those receiving care who are able to participate in the discussion and activities are encouraged to attend with their family caregiver. Read a Q&A about the series here.

July 26

Let’s Explore, Opposites in Art 

Join Alicia and use the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection to discover and discuss sets of art pieces that represent “opposites”.

August 2

Let’s go to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks! 

Join us to explore two of Utah’s most beautiful parks with Katrina.

August 9

What makes a painting become a “Must See” painting? 

Join Alicia to discover some of the paintings that have made this highly coveted list.

August 16

Let’s Explore New York! 

Join Katrina for unusual facts, and of course live music, about and from New York City!

August 23

Let’s Explore the Universe! 

The power of the Hubble Telescope has provided us with knowledge and imagery that cannot be matched. Join Alicia to view the majesty of the universe!

August 30

Let’s go to Yellowstone National Park! 

We’ll explore the geysers, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery together with Katrina!

September 6

Let’s Explore the Season of Fall!

Autumn has almost fallen! Join Alicia as we tour Autumn through art and photography.

When: Tuesdays, July 19 to September 6, from 1 to 2 p.m (PT)

Where: Online

Cost: No charge  

Registration: Click here 

This class is funded by Alameda County Department of Adult and Aging Services, Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging, the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services, and the California Department of Aging.

CAREGIVERS CONNECT:

FCA EVENTS IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

Caregiver Conversations: A Day of Learning, Support, and Information Exchange

This convening is for family and friends caregiving in San Francisco or nearby for an adult living with a complex illness (Alzheimer’s and other dementias, frailty, Parkinson’s, stroke, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, and like conditions), and for professionals who provide services to these caregivers and care receivers.  

8:30 a.m. — Light Breakfast and Registration

9 a.m. — Program begins

• Nondenominational Blessing: ‘We Are One’ (a coalition of religious leaders from Japantown and the Western Addition)
• Welcome: San Francisco District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan
• A Brief Look at Caregiving in San Francisco: Kathleen A. Kelly, FCA Executive Director
• Keynote Panel of Local Experts: Dr. Anna Chodos, Geriatrician, UCSF/ZSFG; Dr. Wagahta Semere, Primary Care, UCSF/ZSFG; Kelly Dearman, Executive Director, SF Disability & Aging Services (DAS); Emily Chum, Director of Social Services, Self-Help for the Elderly (SHE)
• A Caregiver Panel of SF residents
• Lunch
• Interactive Topic Discussion with Fellow Caregivers
• Wellness Activity, and Treats to Send Home With You

2:30 p.m. — Program Ends

Deadline for registration is August 15

Respite: A limited number of in-home respite grants are available for those who need someone to be with the person you care for so that you can attend this event. The grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact FCA at (415) 434-3388 ext.331 by August 1 for details. Ask for the “Caregiver Conversation event respite” when you call.

Covid guidelines: Please attend vaccinated and well. Mask wearing is welcomed. Free masks will be available on-site if you forget yours. If you feel sick please stay home and instead watch the day using the simulcast link (included in your registration confirmation). We follow the SF Public Health Department Guidelines.

PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS: Alzheimer’s Association, Institute on Aging (IOA), Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS), Kimochi, Inc., Openhouse, San Francisco Jewish Home & Rehab Center, San Francisco Disability and Aging Services (DAS), Self Help for the Elderly (SHE), SteppingStone, UCSF Memory & Aging Center/Global Brain Institute.

When: Thursday, August 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (PT)

Where: Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco 94109

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Caregiving Policy Digest

Caregiving Policy Digest is a publication of the National Center on Caregiving, a program of Family Caregiver Alliance. The newsletter offers a fresh look at the rapidly changing world of caregiving policy―at the local, national, and international levels.

You’ll receive briefings on key legislation, news on innovative public programs, and the latest information on caregiving and long-term care policy at national and state levels. Subscribe here.

Professional Research Listings

• Families Coping Together with Alzheimer's Disease Study (FACT-AD)
• Free Online Health and Wellness Education for Caregivers of People With Alzheimer’s
• Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers (LEAF) (SP0044459; NCT03610698)
• Project Respect: LGBTQ+ Experiences with Healthcare Providers for Serious Illness
• We Need Your Help! Research Study Participants (Caregivers) who know Someone with a Disability Wanted for Interviews

Graduate Student Research Listings

• Seeking volunteers for a study examining the daily stress and well-being of caregivers
• The Relationship Between Caregiver Burden and Anxiety and Depression in People with Chronic Headaches
• The Relationship Between Uncertainty Associated with Patient’s Delirium and Psychological Distress Among Family Caregivers in the Intensive Care Unit
• UW Caregiver Study: Caring for a Parent who Harmed You