your local alzheimer’s organization · alzheimer’s & dementia services of northern indiana...
TRANSCRIPT
YOUR LOCAL ALZHEIMER’S ORGANIZATION
HELPING FAMILIES NOW
Inside this issue:
Managing the Holidays 1, 2
Benefits of a Support Group 3
Lunch and Learn 4
Monthly Dementia Education 4
Support Groups 5
Thank You Support Group Leaders 6
Porter County Education and IEMC 7
Fall Foliage Candle Holder 8
Fall 2018
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana
Managing the Holidays
According to an article written by a Mayo Clinic Staff, the holiday season can cause mixed feelings for those who have a loved one living with Alzheimer's. We have found this to be true at Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana and want to share how the holidays can be managed and even fun with some of these tips.
It's common to experience a sense of loss for the way things used to be and to feel guilt about what we think we should do or how we think we should feel. At a time when you believe you should be happy, you could instead find that stress, disappointment and sadness prevail. You might also feel pressure to keep up family traditions, despite the demands caregiving places on your time and energy.
Ideas to Help You with the Holidays
As a caregiver, it isn’t realistic to expect that you will have the time or the energy to participate in all of the holiday activities as you once did. Yet, by adjusting your expectations and modifying some traditions, you can still find meaning and joy for
you and your family. Here are some ideas to help you this holiday season:
If you’re caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s and is living at home, keep the holidays simple.
Make preparations together. If you bake, your loved one might be able to participate by stirring batter or rolling dough. You might find it meaningful to open holiday cards together.
Concentrate on the doing rather than the result.
T o n e d o w n y o u r decorations. Blinking lights and large decorative displays can cause disorientation. Avoid lighted candles and other safety hazards, as well as decorations that could be mistaken for edible treats — such as artificial fruits.
Host quiet, slow-paced gatherings. Providing a calm and quiet environment usually is best for the Alzheimer’s patient.
Keep daily routines in place as much as possible and, as needed, provide your loved one a place
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PAGE 2 HELPING FAMILIES NOW
to rest during family get-togethers.
If your loved one lives in a nursing home or other facility, try these tips to manage the holidays:
Celebrate in the most familiar setting. For many people who have Alzheimer's, a change of environment — even a visit home — can cause anxiety. To avoid disruption, consider holding a small family celebration at the facility. You might also participate in holiday activities planned for the residents.
Minimize visitor traffic. Arrange for a few family members to drop in on different days. Even if your loved one isn't sure who's who, two or three familiar faces are likely to be welcome. A large group, however, might be overwhelming.
Schedule visits at your loved one's best time of day. Schedule your small gathering during that time.
Managing expectations
One of the most important things to consider during the holidays is managing expectations. Here are some ways to do that:
Pick and choose. Decide which holiday
activities and traditions are most important, and focus on those you enjoy. Remember that you can't do it all.
Prepare family members. If you have family coming in from out of town, update them on your loved one's status ahead of time so they know what to expect.
Delegate. Remember family and friends who've offered their assistance and let them
help with cleaning, addressing cards and shopping for gifts. Ask if one of your children or a close friend could stay with your loved one while you go to a holiday party.
Trust your instincts
As a caregiver, you know your loved one's abilities best. You also know what's most likely to agitate or upset him or her. Resist pressure to celebrate the way others might expect you to. You can't control the progress of Alzheimer's or protect your loved one from all distress — but by planning and setting firm boundaries you can avoid needless holiday stress and enjoy the warmth of the season.
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Please contact us at 888.303.0180 to learn how we can help you manage the many issues and challenges you face as a caregiver.
The 2019 Walk is being planned
for May 11, 2019 at the Fair Grounds.
Stay tuned for more information.
Page 3 FALL 2018 FALL 2018 PAGE 3
Benefits of Joining an
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana offers free support groups to caregivers of family members who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Sherry Christiansen, a medical writer for Alzheimer’s Universe has done some extensive research on caregiver support groups.
Although most caregivers will say there are many benefits of caring for a close friend or family member with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), they may also mention the many trials involved during the various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Most Alzheimer’s c a r e g i v e r s h a v e e x p e r i e n c e d t h e s e challenges first-hand. Coping with caregiving commonly engenders feelings of isolation, burnout, emotional and physical exhaustion.
Research on
Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Groups
Why is it important to participate in a caregiver’s support group? Research has shown time and time again that support is vital to the health and well-being of long-term caregivers. There are many different types of support groups available including counseling groups, professional facilitators, peer support groups, lecture and educational support groups (featuring expert speakers) and more.
**According to The American Journal of Psychiatry, one clinical research study indicated that study-participants who accessed regular
supportive group counseling were able to perform caregiving in the home for up to 18 months longer than those in the study group who received no support.
Advantages of Joining a Caregiver’s Support Group
The group can act as a positive outlet providing caregivers a regular time slot each week for social interaction outside of the home.
A support group offers a safe place where any negative emotions about caregiving can
be expressed and validated (like anger, frustration, and grief), helping participants feel they are NOT alone.
Caregivers can gather ideas on how others deal with common challenges of caring for a loved
during each of the stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Caregivers are given the opportunity to help others who are new to caregiving by offering tips on what has and hasn’t worked well for them.
Many groups offer an educational component with expert advice on caregiving topics.
Support groups help caregivers maintain balance by doing something for themselves instead of always caring for their loved one.
See Page 5 for a support group listed in your area.
Please contact us at 888.303.0180 to learn how we can help you manage the many issues and challenges you face as a caregiver.
Benefits of a Support Group
Give and receive tips
Give and receive positive reinforcement
Vent without judgement
PAGE 4 HELPING FAMILIES NOW
Educational Opportunities for Family Caregivers
Lunch & Learn Programs are sponsored by Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services and REAL Services. A complimentary lunch, including beverage, will be provided to all family caregivers who call to register at least one week in advance of each program. How to Register? Please call REAL Services, at least one (1) week prior to each meeting date to assure that a lunch is reserved for you. Call 574.284.7132 or toll-free, 800.552.7928, ext. 7132.
Merrillville — Monthly Dementia Education Classes
4th Friday of the month—Jan. through Oct.
A complimentary lunch will be provided by Residences at Deer Creek
Registration is required,
Please call to 888-303-0180 to register.
Lake County Public Library
1919 W. 81st Ave (US 30)
Merrillville, IN
(Downstairs Conference Room)
10:00—11:30 am - An introduction to Alzheimer’s & Dementia—discussing disease process and helpful approaches.
Noon—1:30 pm - A special speaker discussing a different dementia related topic each month.
LaPorte County—Lunch & Learn—1st Tuesday of each month
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Legal Considerations for Caregivers
Cynthia Hedge, Elder Law Attorney
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Working through Grief and Loss around the Holidays
Christine Cracknell, Bereavement Counselor, Hartland Hospice
NO PROGRAMS IN JANUARY
12:00—1:30 pm Silver Birch of Michigan City
4400 East Michigan Blvd. Michigan City, IN 46360
No Programs in November and December
Friday, January 25, 2019—The Cost of Aging by Florian Steciuch
Friday, February 22, 2019—Nutrition for Mental Health by Elaine Bintz
Friday, March 22, 2019—Let’s Focus on What We Can Do by Dawn Griffin
PAGE 5 HELPING FAMILIES NOW
Support Groups
Support groups are a unique opportunity to gain insight and support as a caregiver of a family member who has Alzheimer’s Disease/related disorder. All groups are free and open to the public. It is recommended that first time attendees contact the facilitator to briefly introduce themselves and confirm the group is meeting
as scheduled.
COUNTY LOCATION MEETING FACILITATOR PHONELake Franciscan Communities 1st Tuesday Jill Barr 219.661.5200
Adult Day Center of each month
205 Franciscan Dr. at 10:00 am
Crown Point, IN
Lake Hartsfield Village 2nd Wednesday Jill Keilman 219.934.0750
10000 Columbia Avenue of each month ext 200
Munster, IN at 6:00 pm
Lake United Methodist Church 2nd Thursday Kathleen Luken 219.973.3862654 E. 4th St. of each monthHobart, IN at 10:00 am
Lake Christ Presbyterian Church 2nd Thursday Kathleen Luken 219.728.11067416 E. 109th Ave. of each monthWinfield, IN at 6:00 pm
Lake Franciscan St. Margaret Health 4th Sunday of Jim and Pat 219.365.3898
24 Joliet Street (Rte 30) each month Koeling
Dyer, IN at 2:00 pm
General Caregivers' Group - any disease
LaPorte Brentwood Senior Living 3rd Wednesday Dorothy White 219.369.1247
2002 Andrew Avenue. of each month
LaPorte, IN at 11:00 am
LaPorte Rittenhouse Senior Living 3rd Wednesday Mark Sanders 219.873.0620
4300 Cleveland Ave. of each month Dorothy White 219.369.1247
Michigan City, IN at 2:00 pm
Porter Men's Breakfast Group 1st Wednesday John Gorski 219.508.7829
Viking Chili Bowl of each month
105 E. US Hwy. 30 at 8:30 am
Valparaiso, IN
Porter Pestos Restaurant 1st Thursday Barb Kubiszak 219.477.5433
3123 Calumet Ave. of each month Terri Dickus
Valparaiso, IN at 3:00 pm
Free day care service is available for older adults while caregiver attends support group.
To arranged, please call 219.934.0750
Free day care service is available for older adults while caregiver attends support group.
To arrange, please call 219.325.1599.
Free day care service is available for older adults while caregiver attends support group.
ONE WEEK NOTICE AND ALL ADULT DAY REQUISITES REQUIRED.
To arrange, please call 219.661.5302
(use rear entrance, through Memory Care)
(use west entrance, Blessed Mother
conference room to the left)
What do you call a bear with no teeth?
See bottom of page 8 for the answer.
PAGE 6 FALL 2018
This newsletter is published quarterly by Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana. Newsletter cost is partially underwritten by a grant from the John W. Anderson Foundation.
Visit our website!
www.alzni.org
We are always thankful for your donations, memorial gifts, and bequests that allow these programs to continue.
Helpline
If someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you probably have questions . .
Call our toll-free Helpline in northern Indiana and talk to a professional! 888.303.0180
Stephanie Barton Community Relations Coordinator
[email protected] • www.alzni.org
Phone: (219) 789-2470 Toll Free: (888) 303-0180 Fax: (574) 232-4235
Home Office 922 E. Colfax Ave. South Bend, IN 46617
A Big THANK YOU to our Support Group Facilitators
Brenda Buller – 1999
Sydney Roy—1999
Donna Sikorski—2000
Terri Diskus—2005
Barb Kubiszak—2005
Linda Jacobs—2006
James and Pat Koeling—2007
Mark Sanders—2008
Lisa Gartee—2012
Karen Kauffman—2012
Norene Smith—2012
Jill Keilman—2013
Carole McCollester—2014
Laurie MdFadden—2014
Dorothy White—2014
Christine Cracknell—2015
Darlene Liddy—2015
Kathleen Luken—2015
Alba Giraldo—2016
Jill Bar—2016
John Gorski—2017
Nicole Hardy-Pagels—2017
Tish Holmes—2017
Kevin Baker—2018
Travis Parmalee—2018
PAGE 7 FALL 2018
Visit our website at www.alzni.org and click on the link for the Institute for Excellence in Memory Care for a complete listing of upcoming training and Dementia Care Certification Programs.
Expert Training for Your Memory Care Staff
Give your organization
the edge!
1. Superior dementia training for memory care staff
2. Consulting for regulatory compliance and program
quality
3. Resident assessment to help with care strategies
4. Assessment and transition planning for person-
centered memory care
5. Customized training for one-time of ongoing needs
6. Two levels of certification for dementia care professionals.
A complimentary lunch will be provided by a monthly sponsor.
Registration is required, Please call 888-303-0180 to register.
Program Location: Porter County Community Foundation
Center for Community Philanthropy 1402 Calumet Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Porter County
Monthly Dementia Education Classes—2nd Friday of each month
10:00 am - An introduction to Alzheimer’s & Dementia—discussing disease process and helpful approaches. (This class repeats every month.)
11:30 am - Complimentary lunch provided by Journey Senior Living of Valparaiso (preregistration required)
Noon - Different topic/speaker each month
Friday, November 9, 2018—Dr. Virgil DiBiase, Neurologist
No Program in December
Friday, January 11, 2019—Where Do We Go From Here by Judy Kukelka, Story Point
Friday, February 8, 2019—Medications and Dementia by Walgreens Pharmacy Rep.
Friday, March 8, 2019—The Reality of Hospice by Natalie Jesko, Dunes Hospice
HELPING FAMILIES NOW PAGE 8
Fall Foliage Candle Holder
Looking for a crafty project to complete with your loved one, but finding only glitter, glue and popsicle sticks?
Not all person’s with dementia need to be relegated to kindergarten crafts. Those with early stage dementia can still create beautiful works of art with a little help from their loved ones.
Here is a simple craft idea using some of the natural beauty that is abundant in our neck of the woods this time of year!
Supplies:
Assorted dried colorful fall leaves (have your loved one take a walk with you and collect the leaves. Reminisce about their favorite part of the fall season.)
Glass Candleholders (3 ½ x 6 works well, but you can vary the size)
Tea light or Votive Candles
Sand or colored stones
Spray Adhesive by 3M
Scissors
Directions:
Apply spray adhesive to the backs of the leaves (don’t worry if fingers get stuck…this can bring some humor to your project and hands wash easily).
Stick the leaves around the base of the glass and allow them to overlap past the base (but really, however they get stuck
on there will make for a delightful finished product).
Trim the over-hanging leaves from the base. (This might need to be assisted.)
Add a little sand or the colored stones and a candle.
Presto!! A craft worthy of the Thanksgiving table décor!! (thank you to Martha Stewart 2010)
A gummy bear.