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Vol. 15, No. 3
March 2024
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Dear Friends:
Spring has arrived, signaled by the melting snow, flowering of plants, increased animal activity, and pleasant weather. While our friends and neighbors might feel rejuvenated or re-energized, many family caregivers may feel weighted down by their caregiving responsibilities.
FCA has a number of resources available on self-care, including some simple exercises that can be performed almost anywhere. While it may seem difficult or perhaps nearly impossible for family caregivers to prioritize self-care and focus on their own well-being this season, we hope you find time for these vital activities.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
edprograms@caregiver.org
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“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
— Chinese Proverb
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Caregiver: A Love Story - film screening and discussion (Redwood City, CA)
Caregiver: A Love Story, is a short documentary which follows the journey of Bambi Fass and her loving husband, Rick, as he cares for her at home during the last weeks of her life. Join the San Mateo County Family Caregiver Collaborative for an interactive-learning experience for family caregivers, helping prepare for common caregiving issues and connect with resources in the community.
This event is a great opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of caregiving. Watch the touching film and engage in a meaningful conversation with fellow caregivers.
When: Thursday, April 18 from 3 - 5 pm
Where: Sports Basement, 202 Walnut Street Redwood City, CA 94063
Registration: Click here
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New Report on Project to Strengthen California’s Dementia Care Workforce
FCA and RUSH University Medical Center’s Center for Excellence in Aging and its Center for Health and Social Care Integration (RUSH) have partnered on a CalGrows project focused on strengthening California’s dementia care workforce.
The project goal was to understand ways to leverage care professionals better—focusing on social workers—to improve outcomes for persons living with dementia and their caregivers. The results of this project are now available in a report: “California’s Hidden Dementia Care Asset: Social Workers Promoting a Family and Dementia Care Consultant Role for Social Workers and Community Professionals.”
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Get Your Own Personalized Caregiving Resource Dashboard
Go online to complete a brief questionnaire and get a personal dashboard loaded with information that matches your unique caregiving needs. CareNav, our secure online service, offers quality information, support, and resources for family caregivers of adults with chronic physical or cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other illnesses.
To learn more, click here or register here.
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Behavior Issues
Individuals with dementia or other conditions may exhibit confusing or challenging behaviors at times. This FCA tip sheet provides guidance for handling common concerns to help caregivers better understand what the person they are caring for may be feeling or trying to communicate.
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Conservatorship and Guardianship
When someone is no longer able to handle his or her own financial or personal affairs, the court can appoint an individual or professional to act on behalf of the incapacitated person. States define conservatorship and guardianship differently, and you need to consult an attorney in your state to determine what the laws are and how they impact your situation. As a first step, this FCA fact sheet gives an overview of conservatorship and guardianship for family caregivers.
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Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
Self-care is an important, and often overlooked, aspect of caregiving. Practicing self-care will help with mental, emotional, and physical health and will also benefit the person for whom you are providing care. Reading Taking Care of YOU is a useful first step in practicing self-care. Some of the topics covered in this fact sheet include identifying personal barriers, reducing stress, seeking goals, and starting to exercise.
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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 April events, please click here.
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Caregiving and Complicated Family Dynamics
When an abusive adult requires care later in life, their adult child may feel conflicted when deciding if they should take on the role of being a caregiver. Next Avenue's Sheryl Stillman explains that most of these adult children do decide to take on caregiving responsibilities. Stillman also shares advice on how a person can provide care to a parent or guardian who harmed them, while carefully protecting their own well-being.
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8 Surprising Signs You Could Be at Higher Risk for Memory Problems
While doctors cannot predict if a person will have memory problems later in life, scientists have been learning more about important risk factors. Rachel Nania, writing for AARP, gives information about eight unexpected risk factors for brain diseases, such as hearing loss or being constipated.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT:
FCA EVENTS
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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.
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April 2nd
Let’s explore Trompe L’oeil - The Art of Tricking the Eye
Join us to discover what is real and what is not!
April 9th
ENCORE to Seattle!
Join us on this deeper dive into the off-the-beaten-path destinations.
April 16th
Let’s Explore National Parks!
In Honor of Arches National Park’s Anniversary!
April 23rd
Let’s Explore Famous and Catchy Ads
Join us for a fun and informative journey through the world and history of advertising! More memorable and entertaining than you may imagine!
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April 30th
ENCORE to Florence!
Immerse yourself in the enchanting city of Florence, with extra focus on the amazing local food and art.
May 7th
Let’s Explore Flowers!
Exploring the Glory of Nature through Unusual Flora!
May 14th
Let’s Celebrate Mothers
… and maybe not the kind you were thinking of!
May 21st
Let’s Explore the Olympics
Join our fun-filled journey, getting Ready for the 2024 Olympics!
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When: Tuesdays, April 2 to May 21, from 1 to 2 p.m. (Pacific time)
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, Sourcewise, and the California Department of Aging.
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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.
Click here to view archived issues of Policy Digest.
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Professional Research Listings
Graduate Student Research Listings
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Thank you!
We would like to take a moment 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 40 years. Your donation makes all the difference!
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CONNECTIONS CREDITS
Editors: Calvin Hu, Al Martinez
Contributors: Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director, Calvin Hu, Lana Sheridan, Leah Eskenazi
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Ian Tong
Vice President: Karen Sperling
Treasurer: Keely Stevenson
Secretary: Amanda Breeden Warner
Athan Bezaitis, Amber Christ, Deborah Kan, Shruti Kothari, Mary Ellen Kullman, Scott Peifer, Tiffany Riser, Wyatt Ritchie, Marda Stothers, Celine Takatsuno.
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235 Montgomery Street | Suite 930 | San Francisco, CA 94104
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