Alzheimer's Awareness

Alzheimer’s 2016 Special Edition

AWARENESS

Our Mission: To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Help&Hope

Help&Hope

Help & Hope: Getting support and engaged in the early stages

Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Chapter Santa Barbara

1528 Chapala Street, Suite 204 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.892.4259

Santa Maria

Year Established

120 East Jones Street, Suite 113 Santa Maria, CA 93454 805.636.6432

The Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Chapter was established in 1984.

Ventura County

We provide a full range of free and vital services to more than 30,000 families through offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Many of those services are available in Spanish.

145 Hodencamp Road, Suite 205 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 805.494.5200

San Luis Obispo County 2 June 2016 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

In this issue, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from people with the disease and their family members concerning their lives with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a chance to hear from real people telling you the truth about their journey, from the first sign of a problem through diagnosis and early adjustment. Some of it will sound very, very familiar to those of you with concerns.

Some of it will be new for you – new information, new ideas, and new ways of looking at things.

The purpose of Help and Hope is to focus on families as one unit and to provide information about support services as well as key educational topics that will help to strengthen the family bond as you face Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of this insert is to offer information

3232 S. Higuera Street, Suite 101A San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805.547.3830

alz.org/cacentral

Social Media Facebook

Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Chapter

Twitter

@AlzCentral

LinkedIn

Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Chapter

Service Area

Mission To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Volunteer Opportunities We need you! We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from helping with a special event to serving as a support group facilitator.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact your local Alzheimer’s Association office to learn more about how you can utilize your talents to make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

Giving Opportunities Sponsor a special project or major event: You or your company

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Danna McGrew, Chair Robert Short, Vice Chair Simone Lagomarsino, Treasurer Michael Hellman, Secretary Sharon Bick

and an understanding of the disease, provide engagement opportunities and empower those affected by the disease.

Please enjoy this publication, refer to it often, or pass it on to a neighbor or loved one in need. Feel free to call us with questions. We are here to help.

Sincerely, Donna Beal, MPH, MCHES Vice President, Program Services & Advocacy Alzheimer’s Association California Central Chapter www.alz.org/cacentral 24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-272-3900

or foundation can help launch or grow special projects with the power to transform the future of Alzheimer’s.

You can also be a part of highprofile events such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, The Longest Day, Blondes vs. Brunettes, the Alzheimer’s Association Professional Education Conference, and the Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative Luncheon ‘Your Brain Matters’.

Join the Alois Society: Membership in the prestigious Alois Society, with an annual gift of $1,000 or more, provides the opportunity to be at the forefront in the fight against the disease and helps us move closer to a world without Alzheimer’s Join the Aspire Society: With a gift of $10,000 or more, you can be a part of our global society of major donors, supporting a wide range of strategically important initiatives to advance the effort to end Alzheimer’s disease.

greatest potential to change the future of Alzheimer’s disease.

Every gift moves us closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

Thank you for considering how you can make the greatest difference. To learn more, please contact Mitchel Sloan, Vice President of Development & Communications at 805.892.4259, x102 or at msloan@alz.org.

Programs Our vital and free program services include: o Education for Caregivers and Professionals o Information and Referrals o Support Groups o Family Care Consultations o Community Awareness Our Association is the largest private or nonprofit funder of Alzheimer research in the world, providing more than $315 million to more than 2,200 scientific investigations since our inception.

Join the Founders Society: The Founders Society honors those who have remembered the Association in their estate plans. For many supporters, estate gifts offer the

For more information, please contact Donna Beal, Vice President of Program Services & Advocacy at 805.892.4259, x107 or at dbeal@alz. org.

Jeff Branco Leigh Cashman Katina Etsell Jessica Foster Kiersten Hess Robert Hirsch Kenneth Kosik, M.D.

Richard Mann Dana Newquist Lol Sorenson Teresa Valko William Vasquez Sharon Kennedy, Emeritus Charlie Zimmer, Emeritus

Help&Hope

Upcoming Events The Longest Day June 20, 2016 Blondes vs. Brunettes Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club July 23, 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Santa Maria Waller Park September 24, 2016

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Santa Barbara Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort October 29, 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza October 29, 2016

Empowering the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Caregiver Resource Fair November 5, 2016 Oxnard The Collection at RiverPark October 1, 2016 Alzheimer’s Women’s

DoubleTree Resort November 18, 2016

3

Friday, November 5

Fess Parker

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / June 2016

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Thousand Oaks California Lutheran University October 22, 2016

Initiative Luncheon “Your Brain Matters”

Help&Hope

Perception: When Seeing is Not Believing

4 June 2016 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

by Donna Beal / Vice President, Program Services & Advocacy

Dementia is an overall loss of cognitive abilities, affecting memory, reasoning, organization, language, attention, abstraction and perception. In most of these areas, deficits can be easily identified by the caregiver. We can all understand the difficulty someone might have with word finding or performing a multi-step task, such as planning the week’s meals. When it comes to difficulties in perception, and in particular, visual perception, caregivers have a harder time understanding it.

Visual perception is an important brain activity that most of us don’t even realize we perform. We trust our eyes to capture images of the world we live in, and we rely on these images to be the correct representation of our environment.

“Seeing” appears to be instant and effortless.

Our brains, however, are constantly processing those images, recognizing and charting them against previously acquired knowledge. The brain unconsciously analyses each image’s position, movement, size, color and shape, and finally reconstructs those pieces into our own view of the world. Basically, what we see is what our brains make of the visual images our eyes capture. This is visual perception, and it is a unique experience to each of us.

Visual perception is often affected as dementia progresses. Although the brain continues to work hard to make sense of visual information, it begins to misinterpret what the eyes see. This may cause some un-foreseen challenges to care-givers, who may not notice the perception difficulty be-cause it is something we all do without ever noticing it.

During a recent workshop at the

Alzheimer’s Association, a family caregiver was surprised with her husband’s reaction when he saw the new refrigerator in the kitchen. She had ordered it without consulting him, fearing he would disapprove the large purchase. Being it the same color and general shape as the previous one, he opened its door, grabbed the milk like he has always done and never noticed any difference. (She is now shopping for a new stove and microwave.)

Another caregiver was puzzled about her loved one with dementia who would mistake some pieces of furniture for a toilet, and would not use the actual toilet. When asked about the color of the bathroom walls and fixtures, the caregiver said they were “all white.” An all-white object against an all-white background may be difficult to be recognized by a brain suffering from impaired perception related to dementia. A simple solution would be in-stalling a colorful toilet seat cover to create a more distinguishable contrast.

Caregivers can modify the environment to better accommodate for changes in visual perception and to avoid confusion.

Lighting, visual contrasts between floors and walls and the use of color can help a person with dementia better navigate the surroundings. Proper lighting and contrast between the color of the food and the plates can be used to help a person concentrate when they are trying to eat.

Beware of tile floors with certain patterns that can look like steps and cause the person to become uncertain of their footing and trip. Dark-color area rugs can be seen as holes on the ground and become a barrier to crossing. Mirrors may reflect images that people living with dementia do not recognize as their own

and interpreted as a “strange person in the room constantly watching me.” This kind of experiences can be scary and set the mood for the rest of the day.

It’s important to try and recognize elements in the environment that might be contributing to the confusion and causing unwanted behaviors. Slight modifications to accommodate perception deficits can greatly enhance the sense of well-being and confidence of a person with dementia.

Many agencies provide home evaluation services to advise caregivers about adaptations to accommodate dementia needs. Please contact the Alzheimer’s

10 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR BRAIN START NOW. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

HIT THE BOOKS

BUDDY UP

Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Find ways to be part of your local community TAKE CARE or share activities with OF YOUR friends and family.

MENTAL HEALTH

805.733.9459 • www.lompocvalleyhaven.org

BUTT OUT

Smoking increases risk of Formal education will cognitive decline. Quitting help reduce risk of BREAK smoking can reduce risk cognitive decline and to levels comparable A SWEAT dementia. Take a class FOLLOW to those who have Engage in regular at a local college, YOUR HEART not smoked. cardiovascular exercise community center Risk factors for cardiovascular that elevates heart rate and or online. disease and stroke – obesity, high increases blood flow. Studies have blood pressure and diabetes – found that physical activity reduces negatively impact your risk of cognitive decline. cognitive health.

Growing evidence HEADS UP! indicates that people can STUMP Brain injury can raise risk of reduce their risk of cognitive YOURSELF cognitive decline and dementia.

Challenge your mind. decline by adopting key lifestyle Wear a seat belt and use a Build a piece of furniture. habits. When possible, combine helmet when playing contact Play games of strategy, these habits to achieve sports or riding a bike. like bridge. maximum benefit for the brain and body.

FUEL

Some studies link depression with cognitive decline, so seek treatment if you have depression, anxiety or stress.

Providing Over 30 Years of Service

Association for a listing of those agencies and for more information on how to best dementia-fit your home.

Helpful Resources: The National Institute on Aging has numerous resources and publications on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. For their booklet, Home Safety for People with Alzheimer’s Disease, visit: www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ Publications/homesafety.htm Visit the Safety Center at the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org under “We Can Help” to learn more about safety concerns

UP RIGHT

Eat a balanced diet that is higher in vegetables and fruit to help CATCH reduce the risk of SOME ZZZ’S cognitive decline.

Not getting enough sleep may result in problems with memory and thinking.

Visit alz.org/10ways to learn more.

Help&Hope

Seven Tips for a Successful Move to Dementia Care

By Catherine Dalton / Communicty Relations Director, Meridian Senior Living of Lompoc

With the increasing demands of dementia caregiving, a day may come when it is no longer possible to care for your loved one at home. Whether it is for safety, health or financial reasons, it is now time to move to a specialized dementia care facility.

You have done everything right. Your hard work and discipline have paid off.

You’ve contacted a placement specialist and visited several homes. You were able to match the services different care facilities had to offer with your loved one’s needs, and found the most appropriate one. You interviewed the staff and administration, asked all the right questions and feel comfortable with their approach to dementia care and the quality of services provided. You have made financial arrangements and secured the means to pay for residential care for years to come. You had your trusted lawyer read and approve the admission agreement and you are ready for the move. So why does it feel so bad?

The logistic and administrative aspects of moving a loved one to a dementia care facility are important elements of a successful transition. But we must not forget the immense emotional toll that is also involved in the move.

For starters you are the one who has to make the decision. The person with dementia is often unable to participate in this decision because of the lack of insight brought by dementia itself. She may not understand she needs care, and may not be able to recognize the amount of care needed. That is your job as a caregiver, often a solitary one. And you will have to make this decision based not on who she once was, but rather who she is today, after the on-set of dementia.

And she may now be a much different person than before.

That may leave you feeling uncertain that you’re doing the best move for your loved one. Add to this uncertainty the feelings of guilt and grief that you may be going through at this very moment and

even after all the research, soul searching, hard work and self discipline, moving still tastes painful.

The following tips are meant to help ease the move for people with dementia and to better accommodate their special needs during this vulnerable transition time. Use your own discretion on how to use them and consider your loved one’s personality when doing so.

1. Do not announce the move in advance Avoid anticipation anxiety by not telling her that she will be moving on next month or so. Wait until it is close to the date to inform her, or even tell her only at the very moment of the move. Moving

anticipation anxiety can cause extreme negative feelings that may escalate into extreme behaviors. By not giving her too much of advance notice you will promote a calmer state of mind for the transition.

Some homes provide opportunities for socialization, such as dinner parties or day center activities, prior to residency.

These are great ways of initiating the adaptation process without being too obvious about the move itself.

2. Use fiblets She does not need to know right away that this will be her new home for the long run. She may be happier in the idea that the stay is just for a short period of

Continued on next page

http://alz.org/care

Caring Together Lompoc: Special Event

Please join us!

THURSDAY, JUNE 30TH from

11 AM – 12 NOON

Dick Dewees Community & Senior Center 1120 West Ocean Avenue

Caring for a senior loved one or friend?

Please join us for the official launch of Caring Together Lompoc, with special guests.

The event is free and open to the entire community.

RSVP Today CaringTogetherLompoc.org

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / June 2016

You are not alone.

Lompoc is Here for You!

5

Help&Hope

very first days can be crucial when it comes to developing new relationships time (say, the home is being fumigated with staff members and other residents. this week, or the family will be out of Your presence may remind her that town and in the meantime she can stay this is not really her family and compel in the hotel). You can repeat the same her to ask you to take her back home information when asked again until with you, setting backward the already he’s used to her new surroundings. sensitive process of adaptation. Keep Collaborate with other visitors and the open communication channels with staff staff so everybody provides her with the and work with them to build up their same message and work together as a relationship with your loved one, until team to ensure a successful move. your visits can be safely made on a regular 3. Use medication wisely and supportive schedule.

Consult with her doctor to adjust 6. Take care of yourself her medications for those vulnerable This is a very tender time for you days around the move. A good doctor too so make sure your needs are being should be able to prescribe anti-anxiety addressed as well. Get some extra rest and medication to make the transition much relaxation; get some exercise and fresh easier for her, and for you. You may want air. Visit with friends and do something to start the prescribed regimen about a nice for yourself. You need to be cared for week before the move and start weaning too, because the journey is not over yet. her of the medication after a couple of You are still your loved one’s voice and weeks after the move, as she becomes guardian, only now you have a qualified more familiar and comfortable with the team to do the hands-on care while you staff and new surroundings. take a more managerial role.

4. Bring familiar items to the new home 7. Remember that it too, will pass Decorate the new home with some As difficult as this transition is for of her own furniture, mementos and your loved one with dementia, it is also items that bring her comfort, such as very hard on you. In time she will make photos and familiar books. Objects and new friends, bond with staff, enjoy the belongings should be packed and moved activities, move on and thrive. You will be outside her view, to avoid generating the one left with the traumatic memories anxiety. Consider eliciting the help of of all the responsibilities related to the a family member or friend to do some transition. Later, she may still ask you to activity with her elsewhere, so you have take her home with you once in a while; privacy to make the decisions on what she may still feel lonely once in a while. to bring or not. This is also a tender But ultimately, she will adjust, have moment for you as well, and when in much better care and enjoy her social doubt about the sentimental value of an life because you took the time to prepare item, keep in mind that you can always and find the right kind of care for her. bring it to her at a later date.

And because of you efforts she will have 5. Avoid visiting on the first week a better quality of life, safe, comfortable Yes, I know it’s hard to let go! But those and content, during her remaining years.

6 June 2016 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Continued from previous page

…„ ƒ ƒ ƒ ‚  ��

Â? € ­ ­ Â? Â? Â? Â?Â? Â

Help&Hope

Recent Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Research – 2016

By Dylan Ginoza / Development Associate

It is well-known that leading a lifestyle including a healthy diet and regular exercise greatly decreases one’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. The most recent information regarding the connection between physical health and risk of dementia was published in a February 2016 article in the New England Journal of Medicine titled Incidence of Dementia over Three Decades in the Framingham Heart Study. The Framingham Heart Study was carried out over several decades to find factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, and its development over time. The study monitored subjects for the development of dementia. It was found that early

diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and increased use of blood pressure medications for cardiovascular disease may contribute to the lower incidence of dementia, but more research needs to be performed to figure out how these two factors relate. Until more information is gathered, it is always advised to live a healthy lifestyle conscious of diet and exercise to prevent health problems.

Another article that was released in February 2016 was The Alzheimer’s Pill, which was the cover story of TIME magazine. No such pill to cure Alzheimer’s exists yet, but Stanford researcher Dr. Frank Longo is developing a medication, LM11A-31, that shows great

potential to fight Alzheimer’s. Dr. Longo stated that, “we’ve cured Alzheimer’s in mice many times. Why can’t we move that success to people?” The LM11A-31 medication underwent Phase I of testing, which put the drug through clinical trials.

It has now moved on to Phase II, which involves administering the medication to patients to see if it alleviates their symptoms. If it is successful, LM11A-31 will start Phase III, a placebo-controlled trial which will follow patients for a longer duration. Progress through the phases can take many years, but if successful, LM11A-31 could then be approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

A huge factor in finding a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is the participation of patients in clinical trials.

The more people researchers are able to study, the faster we will be able to develop medications and treatments for this terrible disease. The Imaging Dementia – Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) Study opened for patient enrollment in February. The IDEAS study uses the latest technology, PET imaging, to visualize changes in the brain and monitor the development of Alzheimer’s disease. By understanding how the brain changes as the disease progresses, we will be closer to understanding how to fight the disease. The list of dementia specialists and PET facilities approved for participation in the IDEAS study is available at IDEAS-study.org. To find out more ways to fight Alzheimer’s disease by advancing research, visit alz.org/ trialmatch.

a cure is the goal.

Introducing Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch™ – Our Clinical Studies Matching Service.

Far too many Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, currently an estimated 5.4 million people. That number is expected to triple by 2050. Volunteering for clinical trials is one of the most immediate ways you can make a difference, not only for yourself, but also for generations to come. Without volunteers, finding a cure is virtually impossible. With so many new treatments being developed, chances are there are Alzheimer’s clinical studies going on near you.

Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch will help you find the right one; there’s no cost and it’s easy to use. Be a hero and get started today. Talk to your doctor, call 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/trialmatch.

alz.org/trialmatch | 800.272.3900

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / June 2016

©2010 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

you are the hope.

7

8 June 2016 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Help&Hope

MEMORY CARE

with Compassion

Our memory care community is created around the unique needs of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Residents can enjoy a warm, inviting environment with a team who’s always here to help.

SELECT SUITES

starting at

$3,200 $ $2,700 plus care

Save big with our new memory care pricing. Call today to learn more!* (805) 322-7159 1220 Suey Road Santa Maria, CA 93454 merrillgardens.com Retirement Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care

Lic #425801806 *Ask for details.

Help&Hope

The Importance of Support Groups

By Susan Fraze / Caregiver

It is heart breaking to hear that your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “Now what do I do?” you ask.

Speaking from personal experience, I can tell you that Alzheimer’s disease is not only lifechanging for those who are diagnosed but also for their loved ones. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is a difficult, stressful, and deeply emotional journey. Whether you are a caregiver, family member, or close to someone diagnosed with a dementia-causing illness, a support group can help guide you through the challenges you’ll face. Support groups are an essential tool that will aid you in your journey.

Alzheimer’s Association support groups are designed to create a safe, confidential and

supportive environment where caregivers can develop an informal mutual support system. This environment helps to provide emotional, educational and social support.

These support groups are a wonderful way of connecting you with other caregivers who intimately understand the difficulties of caring for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia causing illness. Participants often create friendships, bonds and memories that help make the journey of caregiving for those with Alzheimer’s disease less difficult and less stressful.

Alzheimer’s Association support groups are facilitated by trained individuals at regularly scheduled meetings where you have a place

get connected.

to talk through challenges, discuss ways of coping with the disease, share feelings, needs and concerns. Your group will help aid in the sharing of practical information regarding problems and many times help in the development of possible solutions. Support groups are also a great place to learn about the resources available in your local community.

Alzheimer’s Association has support groups that are specifically designed for family caregivers, individuals with younger-onset and early-stage Alzheimer’s, adult children as caregivers, life after caregiving and many more.

Another way for families to stay connected is through AlzConnected, an online social networking community for anyone impacted

by Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

AlzConnected members can share their questions, experiences and tips via message boards and live chat rooms 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, free of charge. AlzConnected provides answers to dementia-related questions and concerns and ongoing support for the community. It is a wonderful way for caregivers to stay connected and help one another throughout the journey of

Alzheimer’s disease.

Families can gain further knowledge of the disease and resources through the Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Tips & Tools, a monthly newsletter designed specifically for caregivers. The newsletter includes various caregiving strategies and methods that are useful for the everyday struggles that come with caring for a loved one diagnosed with dementia such as bathing, sleeping, wandering, etc.

The Caregiver Tips & Tools also includes resources and events available in the local community. The newsletter can be found at all of the regional Chapter offices and is also distributed via email on a monthly basis.

Contact your local office to be added to the email distribution list.

Whether you choose to receive support at a local Alzheimer’s Association support group, online at AlzConnected, through the Caregiver Tips &Tools newsletter, or through all three, just remember when you say “Now what do I do?” Call the Alzheimer’s Association. They are there for you. I am speaking from experience. They have been and still are there for me.

ALZConnected is a place where I can safely share my concerns and get advice. ®

ALZConnected (alzconnected.org), powered by the Alzheimer’s Association, is a new online social networking community for people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and others affected by the disease.

ALZConnected allows you to: ®

• Post a personal update and read what your connections have to share.

• Share questions and opinions with a diverse community via message boards.

• Get answers to your questions or support others by offering solutions to their challenges.

• Rate solutions by indicating if that solution has been successful.

• Get connected with others like you. Review and accept our suggested connections or invite your own.

Our Specialty Programs Palliative Care Parkinson’s Wellness

• Send private messages to your connections within a secure system.

• Join public or private groups focused on a topic or shared experience.

The CHF Program

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can make you feel alone. Now, I’ve found others like me.

At ALZConnected, I don’t have to explain what it means to live with Alzheimer’s.

—ALZConnected Community Member

—ALZConnected Community Member

Better Balance for Life® Total Joint Program Lymphedema Therapy

Join ALZConnected today. Visit alzconnected.org.

800.272.3900 | alz.org

call us:

mycchh.com

Locally Owned and Operated Medical Staff Available 24/7 Private Consultation No Delay in Start of Care Call us for more info

805-540-6020 centralcoasthospice.com

9

805-543-2244

there is HOPE in HOSPICE

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / June 2016

—ALZConnected Community Member

Help&Hope

Getting the support I needed

By Susan Fraze / Caregiver

halt! We were completely overwhelmed

It allows us to stay healthy so that we

with all that stood before us.

may continue caring for our loved one.

caregiver support group which offered a wealth of information to me provided by We began fumbling through our newly others caring for loved ones with a form Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), one of of dementia. defined life, learning how to live with the many forms of dementia-causing I discovered that there was a wealth this horrid disease that had changed illness for which there is no treatment of information, support, and most everything. With the exception of or cure. Though we had been directed of all classes that I could attend to our faith in God to get us through, to one of the best medical facilities and become better educated regarding FTD everything had changed, all of our goals, neurologists at UCSF, the information itself and also to learn how to more guidelines, plans, and dreams were available to us was limited. The effectively care for and love my husband diagnosing neurologist said my husband gone. What, where, when, and how through this difficult journey. The do we begin? I had access to minimal would not be returning to work and classes are teaching me how to better resources in the beginning until the counseled us that it was important at understand what life is like for him this point in my husband’s disease for us blessing of receiving a newsletter, and how I can more effectively meet to put all of our legal and financial affairs Caregiver Tips and Tools, provided his needs and manage our schedules through the Alzheimer’s Association. in order. This left us in shock--we had better. I’m learning how to continuously It was my link, my connection, the next to no idea where or how to start implement new caregiving techniques beginning of learning how to maneuver and adjust to his ongoing decline. I am this process. This process came many through this new role as a caregiver to years earlier than we were emotionally learning that due to the highly stressful or financially prepared for. Our lives as my husband. Suddenly I wasn’t alone and demanding nature of caregiving, in this process. I was able to join a we knew them had come to an abrupt self-care Is of the utmost importance.

In September of 2013 my husband

was diagnosed with a disease called

10 June 2016 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

A reverse mortgage could help you live more comfortably.

Call today to learn more about this government‑insured program for accessing your home’s equity.

Bob Gayle Reverse Mortgage Consultant

20 years in the business with a thousand happy customers

805/772-3658

NMLS License 582948 • CA BRE Broker License 466813

A division of Aegean Financial CA BRE 1478751, NMLS 157935

At least one holder of title must be age 62 or greater. Homeowner must maintain home and reside there.

Homeowner also must maintain insurance, property taxes and HOA dues, as applicable.

Though I prefer the personal interaction of classes, the Alzheimer’s Association website offers an abundant amount of educational information and resources which is nice when life won’t afford me time to attend a class. The educational access is invaluable for any caregiver of a loved one with dementia. I have been able to go from feeling completely helpless and drowning to understanding and being in control of my emotions, my day, and my responsibilities. Yes, my days are still overwhelming at times and this is still a very painful journey, but now rather than racing from one chaotic moment to the next I have the knowledge and ability to enjoy the precious moments we have left together.

Help&Hope

Financial Impact of Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s

By Ashley Costa / Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization

Most people know Alzheimer’s disease is a deadly affliction that can

suffering and slow rising health care

this disease is having on our community, Alzheimer’s is having on its MediCal state and nation. Even fewer appreciate budget before the costs shatter our medical system.

increasing every year as more and more

We call on California’s leaders to act

people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

now to address the certain fiscal crisis

In 2015, the state of California was expected to pay around $3 billion in order to provide MediCal to people 65 years and older who were suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-causing illnesses. That total is expected to rise to almost $5 billion by 2025, according to a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association.

MediCal, which is funded by both the federal and state governments, helps provide health care—including

we are fast approaching. The expected growth of MediCal costs in California over the next decade warrants a comprehensive review of how the state is preparing to meet the needs of people affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia-causing illnesses.

And we must stop thinking of Alzheimer’s as a disease that affects only individuals and families and start to recognize what a tremendous toll it is also taking on state and national

individuals. And Medicaid is a critical

budgets. Recognizing Alzheimer’s

support system for people with

disease as our collective enemy is the

Alzheimer’s because they often deplete

first step in creating a unified plan to

their financial resources over the

defeat it.

lengthy course of the disease as long-

To learn more about the

term care costs become overwhelming.

Financial Impact of Caring for

The U.S. government has increased its investment in Alzheimer’s research

Our program is designed to help enrich the lives of the elderly while offering caregivers a respite from the demanding responsibilities of daily caregiving.

Be it only for a few hours or a day, just give us a call. Every caregiver could use a little break and our program is here for you.

All our elderly care services and amenities are included in this program.

• TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM FRIENDSHIP HOUSE • SOCIAL AND THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES • SHOWER/GROOMING/INCONTINENCE ASSISTANCE • NUTRITIONAL MEALS AND SNACKS • HEALTH MONITORING BY REGISTERED NURSE • SPECIALIZING IN ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE

someone with Alzheimer’s go to: http:// www.alz.org/facts/overview.asp

805.688.8748 Flexible Hours Monday–Friday 7am – 7pm • Saturday 9am – 5pm

880 Friendship Lane Solvang, CA 93464

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / June 2016

nursing home care—for lower-income

Our Life Enrichment Day Program for the elderly and those who care for them

in recent years to alleviate human

shatter individuals and families. But few costs. Now, it is time for California seem to recognize what a terrible toll to recognize the significant impact

the alarming rate at which that toll is

A TIME OUT FOR CAREGIVERS

11

Choose Compassionate & Trusted Care Choose Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care HOME HEALTH CARE • Skilled Nursing Care • Rehabilitation Therapies • Medical Social Services • Respite Care • Telehealth Care

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES • Skilled Nursing Care • Medication Management • Daily Tasks Assistance

LOAN CLOSET

PALLIATIVE & HOSPICE CARE • At home or In-facility • Professionally Trained Team • Integrative Therapies • Bereavement Support • We Honor Veterans Partner

SERENITY HOUSE

HCON 424700008

12 Sunday, June 28, 2015 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

• Free short-term loan of basic medical equipment

• Inpatient Hospice Facility • 24/7 Medical Care • Family Friendly

Serving the areas of Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and the Santa Ynez Valley

805.965.5555

www.vnhcsb.org