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.
As always, our team is here to help ~ whenever you are ready to reach-out!
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As we say goodbye to 2020, we'd like to express our gratitude for the blessings we have at the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center. Our team has had the privilege of caring for some incredible
individuals and families throughout our community this year, and we continue our commitment to
providing compassionate solutions for those we serve. We are so grateful to those who have
made our success possible and we would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the trust
you have placed in us.
Thank you for all your support over the last year and for sharing our passion for helping
others. We look forward to serving you in the years to come.
From our hearts to yours, have a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and a very
Happy New Year!
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Gift Giving for Loved Ones with Memory Loss
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Those of us with loved ones that are living with Alzheimer's disease know how difficult it is to find appropriate and useful gifts for the holidays. Yet there are a number of excellent gift items available for this special population if we use our knowledge of the disease to identify the needs of each individual.
The trick is to encourage useful gifts. Among the practical, useful gifts for people with this illness are identification bracelets, comfortable easy-to-remove clothing, audio-tapes of favorite music, and videos of family members, photo albums, subscriptions to magazines, cable television or gift certificates for long distance telephone service. Look for items to reduce the problems caused by short-term memory loss. For instance, electric coffee and tea pots that turns off after a short period of time, day planners to keep track of appointments and special occasions, medication holders with timers, photo albums with names, and ID bracelets through the Safe Return program.
Warn people about difficult or unsafe gifts. Advise people not to bring dangerous tools or instruments, utensils, challenging board games, complicated electronic equipment, or pets.
Allow the person to join in gift-giving. For example, someone who once enjoyed cooking may enjoy baking cookies and packing them in tins or boxes. Or, you may want to buy the gift and allow the person to wrap it.
Another great idea is to enroll your loved one in the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center's Music For Memory Loss It's simple and free! All participants receive an iPod with a personalized music playlist. With your help, we'll create a music playlist of your loved one's favorite songs, artists and genres from their past. The familiar music revitalizes a person with Alzheimer's or dementia. We've seen dementia sufferers get up and dance with a huge smile on their face. It's a unique gift to give your loved one. Want to join the program? Call us at (561) 588-4545 to enroll for free today!
Remember, don't neglect your own needs! If friends or family members ask what you want for a gift, suggest a gift certificate to a carry-out restaurant, laundry or dry cleaner, cleaning service, or even movie tickets for a night out. If you don't receive these gifts, celebrate the holiday by giving yourself a day of respite. Hire a paid caregiver to watch your loved one for a few hours while you take the time to do something you really enjoy or haven't been able to do in a long time.
Have a Happy Holiday Caregivers!
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How to Give Yourself a Gift
Nearly one in four caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias provide 40 hours a week or more of care. 71% sustain this commitment for more than a year, and 32% do so for five years or more. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is something that relieves the stress or provides a bit of respite.
The Gift of Time and Respite
This is the most obvious gift to give yourself. You need and deserve time off from your caregiving duties. While it's sometimes difficult for caregivers to ask for a break or some much needed help, there are many ways to go about taking time off. For example, you could schedule yourself a day at the spa. Get an hour massage and enjoy the relaxing environment and the quiet. Maybe you could make an appointment with your hair stylist and then pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure. Or, put a "keep out" sign on your bedroom door and have a movie (or Netflix) marathon. That way you can stay in the comfort of your own bed!
Other examples include taking yoga class to keep your body and mind healthy. Joining a caregiver support group to get away and connect with other people in the same situation as you. T
Actual Gifts
For those of us who already receive a decent amount of respite from helpful family members or paid caregivers, giving yourself an actual gift can be rewarding. Here are some fun and helpful ideas!
- A diffuser with your favorite essential oils
- New crock pot for easy meals
- Lumosity app for your smartphone to keep your brain healthy
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Sketchbox subscription for your creative talents
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Legacybox to store your treasured memories
- New Keurig for when you need an energy boost
- Adult coloring books for leisure time
- Candles and lotions for relaxation
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Mantraband bracelets for when you need some motivation
- A subscription to your favorite magazine
- Digital video recorder (DVR) for when you miss your favorite TV shows
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Ipsy bag or birchbox subscription to keep you feeling beautiful
- A free memory screening to ease your worry (available through the Alzheimer's Care Resource Center)
Don't forget about yourself this holiday!
Give yourself at least one gift. You have earned it!
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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is annually on December 7, commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. Many American service men and women lost their lives or were injured on December 7, 1941. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day.
What do people do?
On the direction of the President, the flag of the United States of America should be displayed on the homes of Americans, the White House and all United States government buildings. The flag should be flown at half-mast to honor those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
How will you and your family remember Pearl Harbor Day?
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Fill Your Home with Positive Energy for the New Year
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10 Mental Health Tips for the Holidays
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Become a Comforting Companion
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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.
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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
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