Caring Community

Alzheimer’s Awareness

2014 Special Edition

CaringCommunity Creating Awareness and Support for Our Families

Our Mission: To provide enhanced care and support for individuals with Alzheiner’s and other dementias, their families and caregivers, while working to eliminate the disease through the advancement of research and promotion of brain health.

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Difficulty completing familiar tasks Decreased or Difficulty completing poor judgment In this issue, we hope to bring Sincerely, familiar tasks Challenges in planning Decreased or poor judgment familiar tasks Confusion with you information that will help Donna Beal, MPH, MCHES Confusion with Decreased or poor judgment Withdrawal from work time or place or solving problems you make appropriate changes as Vice President, Confusion with time or place poor judgment Withdrawal from work or social activities change occurs. But keep this in Program Services & Advocacy Confusion with time or place Confusion with Withdrawal from work or social activities mind, maybe it is more about how Alzheimer’s Association time or place time or place Withdrawal from work or social activities Trouble understanding we approach change than the na- California Central Chapter Trouble understanding Withdrawal from work or social activities Changes in mood visual images and Trouble understanding visual images and Difficulty completing or social activities Changes in mood and personality www.alz.org/cacentral ■ 24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-272-3900 spatial relationships Trouble understanding visual and spatialimages relationships Changes in mood Trouble understanding and personality visual images and familiar tasks spatial relationships Changes in mood and personality visual and spatialimages relationships © 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved.

Changes in mood and personality spatial relationships New problems © 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved.

New problems SHOP-14-020 770-15-0001 and personality HICAP, the Health Insurance Counseling &© Advocacy Program, with words in New problems 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved.

SHOP-14-020 770-15-0001 with words in speaking orin writing New problems with words © 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved. provides information so you can informed decisions.

770-15-0001 speaking ormake writing New problems Confusion withSHOP-14-020 with words in © 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved. speaking or writing SHOP-14-020 770-15-0001 with words speaking orin writing time or place Receive a Free & Unbiased comprehensive reviewSHOP-14-020 of the770-15-0001 speaking orthings writing Misplacing Misplacing things NEW Medicare Part D plans to ensure and losing the abilityyour medications are Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps Misplacing things covered and you are not paying more than necessary for 2015 and losing the ability to retrace steps Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace and losing steps theTrouble ability understanding to retrace steps to retrace steps Decreased or Decreased orvisual images and poor judgment Decreased or poor judgment Decreased orspatial relationships poor judgment • Free service to Senior Citizens & Disabled Medicare benefi HICAP can help!

Decreased or ciaries poor judgment poor judgment (805) 928-5663 from work • HICAP does not sell anything nor endorse any Withdrawal insurance plans, Withdrawal from work or social activities Withdrawal from work agents or companies. or social activities Withdrawal from workproblems New or social activities Withdrawal from workfor • HICAP is a non-profit program of the Central Coast Commission or social activities social activities Changes in mood with words in Senior Citizens funded by the Area Agency on or Aging.

Changes in mood and personality Changes in mood speaking or writing and personality in mood Go to www.CentralCoastSeniors.org forChanges more details. and personality Changes in mood and personality © 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved.

The production of this publication was supported by Grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Its contents are solely the responsibility of HICAP and do not necessarily represent the official views of ACL. and personality © 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved.

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2 Sunday, August 31, 2014 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Caring Community, creating awareness and support for our families

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Don’t let your current plan roll over without checking on the new 2015 Part D Plans.

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SHOP-14-020 770-15-0001 © 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved.

SHOP-14-020 770-15-0001 © 2009 Alzheimer’s Association . All rights reserved. ®

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Caring When You Can’t Be There

By Aaron Pankratz, Senior Connections

end- It is common for a caregiver to hear “I can’t help you with that” several time before finding the answer they need. Asking for ideas, referrals and other sources of information allows the person to tap into their network of experts for you.

■ Avoid “Why questions” - These questions can put people on the defensive. These questions should be re-phrased to start with “what” or “how” whenever possible.

■ Have a network of informantsThese are people who can share observations and other information about the person’s situation. Long distance caregivers benefit from knowing the person’s neighbors, doctor, fellow church members or paid service providers. These people can provide important information to help understand the person’s condition and concerns.

■ Get it in writing- Long distance caregivers need to keep a file of information on the person receiving care. It is a place to store notes from conversations, printed information or email confirmations, and will help with recalling information about resources.

Be open to possibilities – In many

About the Author - Aaron Pankratz is the Program Manager for Senior Connection, the Area Agency on Aging Information and Referral program for San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara County.

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publication ‘So Far Away’ provides other helpful suggestions to help long distance caregivers prepare for their role (a free copy is available from Senior Connection by calling 805.928.2552).

Become a good detective - Long distance caregivers are only as good as the information they have on the person receiving care. Often times it is difficult to get the necessary information. The challenges are similar to those facing a detective: uncooperative or forgetful witnesses, conflicting information, and gaps in information.

In order to get the information, long distance caregivers must do what good detectives do. The following tips can help facilitate getting the answers they need: ■ Ask open ended questionsQuestions that require a simple yes or no will give you a limited amount of information and too many questions can wear on people. Instead of asking “Did you have dinner?” Try “What did you have for dinner?” Instead of asking “Is there a service to provide a ride for my mother next Tuesday?”

Try “How can I find transportation resources for my mother?”

■ Don’t let “No” become a dead

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Sunday, August 31, 2014

There are an estimated 7 million long distance caregivers in America.

Whether they live an hour drive away or on the other side of the country, they face many of the same challenges. Their role requires them to provide support with things like planning care, managing finances and providing respite care. They often are responsible for finding resources, researching issues and making decisions for the person needing care.

The following tips and resources can help long distance caregivers with the challenges of providing their loved ones with the assistance they need.

As much as possible, be prepared It is difficult but necessary to prepare for the demands of long distance caregiving before it is needed. Many times relatives are thrust into the role in response to a sudden crisis. In these times, people who are unprepared feel like a pilot flying blindly without a map. The following questions can provide valuable information to help caregivers be prepared: ■ What are the person’s current or recent health concerns?

■ What kind of preparations are in place in case the person is incapacitated?

■ What are the person’s long term care desires? (Stay at home at all costs, move in with a family member, etc) ■ What financial resources are available to pay for non-medical care needs?

■ Who can I contact for emergency support?

■ How can I find out about local resources for seniors?

■ What are the limits on my ability to help?

When should you know the answer to these questions? As soon as you think that you may be given the responsibility to direct the care of a loved one. For other tips on preparing the National Institute on Health’s

cases finding the right resources is an adventure in discovery. Long distance caregivers may have to persevere through a process of trials, disappointments and enlightenments before finding a resource that fits the situation. The following factors can impact what resources will fit any given situation: ■ Eligibility - Having too much money or not enough money can limit the availability of resources.

■ Preferences of the loved one Strongly held preferences can make good solutions unacceptable.

■ Gaps in services Sometimes a service only takes care of part of the problem. “I can get my home cleaned but not my yard.”

■ Ask, Ask, Ask - Finding the right resources may require several phone calls… sometimes to the same agency.

Remember to be patient and persistent.

Finding the resources that work for the situation may take creativity and the ability to follow a path. Thankfully there are resources to help with that too. The Eldercare Locator (eldercare.gov or 800.677.1116) is a nationwide service that connects people with the local Area Agency on Aging Information and Assistance programs. The Information and Assistance program can help long distance caregivers understand the resources available for their loved ones and facilitate access to programs. For help with local resources for seniors, the Information and Assistance program is Senior Connection (800-510-2020 or centralcoastseniors.org). The service is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM- 5 PM.

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How to make it a Home Sweet Home

4 Sunday, August 31, 2014 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

By Luciana Cramer, Care Consultant, Alzheimer’s Association California Central Chapter As people living with dementia become more cognitively impaired, they become very dependent on the environment and others to support them.

Excessive stimulation or lack of structure can affect a person’s behavior and level of functioning. At the same time, they may also have increasing problems with negotiating their surround-ings. Even people who have lived in the same house for years may get lost in their own homes.

Finding the right door to the bathroom in the middle of the night, walking around crowded rooms with excessive furniture, locating a light switch – are challenges that become potential causes for accidents, falls, injuries, confusion and frustration.

Many dementia care facilities have learned the importance of customizing the environment to minimize confusion and promote a sense of security for their residents. Most modern facilities are already designed with the needs of the memory impaired in mind, featuring soothing colors, special lighting, visually enhanced doors and walls, and clear pathways.

If you are caring for your loved one at home, there are some modifications that can be incorporated into any space to promote familiarity and security for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Rita Altman, National Director of Memory Care Services for Sunrise Senior Living, has some great suggestions: “Create a Personalized Environment. A space that feels like home and is personalized with photos, mementos and other familiar items will help your loved one keep their sense of identity and belonging. Use a former hobby or passion as the theme for the room and decorate in your loved one’s favorite colors.

Use Proper Lighting. Natural light not only helps for vision and wellbeing, but also helps keep sleep cycles intact. Install motion sensor lights in bedrooms or bathrooms to promote

independence and safety.

Contrast Colors. Color contrasts between furniture, fixtures, walls and floors help people with dementia dif-

ferentiate between different surfaces in order to safely navigate their home.

For instance, contrast bed linens and drapes with walls and flooring. In the

Home Safety ■ Lock or disguise hazardous areas.

■ Install door locks out of sight.

■ Use safety devices, such as childproof locks and door knobs.

■ Add extra lighting in entries, areas between rooms, stairways, and bathrooms.

■ Diffuse bright light by removing mirrors and glass-top furniture.

■ Install a walk-in shower, grab bars, and non-skid decals on slippery surfaces.

■ Move items such as floor lamps and coffee tables to create safe areas to wander.

■ Regularly clean out the refrigerator and discard inedible food.

■ Regularly check fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

■ Keep a list of emergency numbers and addresses by every phone, as well as a list of all prescriptions and dosages.

MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® A 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia who wander or have a medical emergency.

Sign up today: 1.888.572.8566 www.medicalert.org/safereturn For more information on home safety: 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 and solutions. www.alz.org/safetycenter Your local Alzheimer’s Association Office also has numerous books, videos, and handouts available for you to borrow from our library.

bathroom, use colored towels that contrast with the bathroom walls.

Reconfigure Furniture. Couches and chairs should be soft and comfortable with solid colors. They should have fabrics that consider continence issues and are easy to clean. Furniture should also be positioned to encourage engagement with others or face outdoors.

Avoid simply positioning furniture in front of a television.

Avoid Busy Patterns. Rugs and furniture should not be highly patterned or have strongly contrasting colors because some with memory loss have trouble with spatial awareness and can perceive darkly contrasting patterns as holes or perceive flecks of color as spots that need to be removed.

Avoid Scatter Rugs. Scatter rugs should be kept at a minimum because they can cause confusion and pose a risk for tripping. If necessary, they should always be non-slip.

Consider Shadow Boxes as Art. Shadow boxes are a great way to help personalize a space and spark reminiscent conversations. They can be hung outside the door to give those with memory loss a visual cue to help them recognize their room.

Use Colored Dinnerware. Fiestaware is a great brand to use because it has bright, solid color with no distracting patterns. A bright yellow color contrasts well with most foods which makes it easier for those with memory loss to distinguish where food ends and the dish begins. Saucers should also be used with cups, as their wide lips can hold food for seniors who are prone to wandering while they eat or drink.”

Modifying the home to minimize confusion and promote comfort, can sometimes help reduce some behaviors and agitation.

Structural modifications to promote safety should also be considered (hand-bars in showers, leveling unnecessary steps, replacing uneven floors, etc.) There are an increasing numbers of contractors who specialize in building safety features for the elderly and memory impaired.

Caring Community

It’s About How you Live

By Christine Meugnot

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Sunday, August 31, 2014

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We plan for weddings, the birth of a child, college and retirement.

Sometimes we spend months planning for vacations. Many Americans even plan for more difficult situations by writing wills, purchasing life insurance, and giving consent for organ donation. Yet far too many people wait until they are in the midst of a healthcare crisis before determining what options are available, or what care they or their loved ones would have wanted.

If these plans have not been discussed, families find that a difficult situation can become even more painful. End of life issues can be difficult but Hospice is here to help you weave through this.

Hospice is a team of health care professionals that work together to care for and support patients and families who face life-limiting illnesses. Hospice brings health professionals to your home, wherever that may be.

The modern hospice movement was born in 1967 when Dr. Cicely Saunders opened St. Christopher’s Hospice in South London where she taught physicians, nurses, counselors, chaplains, and physical therapists to work together to help with the problems at the end of life. Soon hospices began opening in other parts of Britain, Canada and the U.S. In 1979 the National Hospice Organization was formed in the U.S and the Medicare Hospice Benefit was passed by Congress in 1983.

Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to support medical care, symptom and pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the

patient’s needs and wishes. The focus is on caring not curing, and in most cases, care is provided in the patient’s home. Hospice care is also provided in free-standing hospice facilities, hospitals,nursing homes, and other long term facilities.

Hospice services are available to patients of any age, race, religion, or illness. We neither hasten nor postpone death, as the process is one that unfolds uniquely for each of us.

Our team will be your companions for whatever each day brings.

Hospice is for patients who have been given only 6 months or less to live. But sometimes the patient lives longer, not because of continued treatments but because it is not their time. Regulations for hospice require the hospice team to evaluate the patient for appropriateness for continued care at regular intervals set by Medicare. Hospice patients can be discharged from care and can also revoke hospice, meaning they have decided to continue treatment for their illness and/or have decided they just don’t want hospice.

Patients can change their mind at any time and can come back onto Hospice service.

Hospice is not only for people with cancer. We have patients on service with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, heart and liver disease…the list goes on and on.

Remember: Dying takes place on the last day of your life. The other days are about living. Hospice does not want you to stop living. We want you to enjoy the time you have left in spending quality time with family and friends, doing what love.

This is what we do at Hospice.

Help you to live comfortably until your last day.

Caring Community

Respite Room Available Respite Room Available Solvang Friendship House Solvang Friendship House Respite Room Available

Assisted Living and Solvang Friendship HouseCare Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Care Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care

Promoting independence along with the assistance needed in a homelike community.

Promoting independence along with the assistance needed in a homelike community.

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6 Sunday, August 31, 2014 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

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We welcome you into our home with all the included amenities We welcome you into our home with all the included amenities and services of our in-home residents.

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS for our TAKING Respite room over the summer!

NOW RESERVATIONS NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS for for our our Respite Respite room room over over the the summer! summer!

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Recent Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Research February 2014

The most recent Alzheimer’s Association Facts & Figures report states that one in every three seniors dies with or from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s Association has been working hard to figure out the risk factors involved, possible treatments, and ways to prevent this disease.

Researchers are discovering more about diet and its effects on preventing Alzheimer’s or maintaining proper brain health. Clinical trials have suggested that people with mild-tomoderate Alzheimer’s can benefit from vitamin E and memantine medication in the early stages of the disease. However, the intake of vitamin E should occur only under the supervision of a physician. Another study found that levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish did not affect cognitive abilities or cognitive decline in older women.

As we learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, more connections to other diseases become apparent as well. A study of the health records of U.S. veterans shows that a risk of Alzheimer’s disease decreases in those affected by cancer. Further research suggests that chemotherapy for cancer decreases Alzheimer’s risk. In a study of type 2 diabetes patients age 55 and older, patients who started on the drug metformin, an insulin sensitizer, had significantly reduced risk of developing dementia compared with patients who started on other standard diabetes therapies. A new study has found that a history of concussions may contribute to the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques have been found to be highly correlated to incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Scientists have discovered eleven new genes that may be tied to the late-onset form of Alzheimer’s disease. This would double the amount of genes known to contribute to the

disease and add potential genetic therapies for Alzheimer’s.

Diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s is a work in progress. Experts have reviewed sixteen free online tests for Alzheimer’s disease and deemed all sixteen “poor” or “very poor” in terms of scientific validity, reliability, and ethical factors.

In treatment, a clinical trial of an experimental compound, CHF5074, in people with mild cognitive impairment showed improvements in participants’ cognitive abilities. In a different experiment for medication MK-8931, scientists found that the drug lowered the amount of beta amyloid in the cerebrospinal fluid in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s.

A natural brain neurosteroid called Allopregnanolone, also known as Allo, has shown potential as a regenerative therapy to stimulate brain cell creation and improve cognitive function in older animals and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Allo is found in the brain and bloodstream and reaches relatively high levels during the third trimester of pregnancy. Researchers propose a Phase 1 clinical trial of Allo in participants diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s and mild Alzheimer’s. As stated earlier, there may be connections between Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Scientists are starting an international Phase 3 trial of low dose pioglitazone. This medication is approved as a treatment of type 2 diabetes. Researchers want to see if pioglitazone can be used as a therapy to delay the onset of MCI due to Alzheimer’s.

There is a lot of promising information that researchers are discovering every day. We are getting closer to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s as well as a way to diagnose and even prevent it. Soon, we will live in a world without Alzheimer’s.

Caring Community

Learning the Language of Dementia will worry about it and ask repeated questions about it.

Yes and no questions are very successful. Remember they have limited attention spans, and can only focus on one thought at a time. If the person does not answer the question, repeat it using the exact same words.

Do not interrupt a person with dementia when they are speaking because the interruption may cause them to lose their train of thought.

Your attitude and your mood are felt by the person even when you think they are off in another world.

Body language and the tone of your voice are important factors in communication.

If you are angry, impatient or rushed, the person with dementia will mirror that emotion.

Limit background distractions such as the TV, a noisy environment or too many people in the room. Approach the person from the front, on the same level as they are. For instance, if they are standing, you stand, or if they are sitting, so do you.

Present a calm, patient and supportive manner, and offer the person comfort and reassurance. Give them time to process your statement or question before you get an answer.

It is a well-known fact that we speak in generalities in our conversations with others, and we assume the person to whom we are talking to can decipher our meaning.

People with dementia need very specific words and directions. Instead of telling the person with dementia

to “Put those away,” say: “Please take the books here on the counter, and put them in the living room bookcase.”

Caregivers should protect the person with dementia from harsh truths or realities and make it easier for their reality to accept facts. Is it lying, or is it a response given kindly to ease the person with dementia’s frame of mind?

We have all been taught from childhood not to lie, and it’s difficult to change years of conditioning. Learning to finesse the truth, or by glossing over harsh truths, is a not only a kindness, it eases their worry.

Saying good-bye to a loved one can be traumatic, but giving them a valid excuse for leaving can prevent anger and frustration. A valid excuse would be “I have to go do the laundry” or “I have to pick Julie up from school,” or another reason the person is familiar with.

Telling a mother calling out for her babies that the children are sleeping, or telling someone who can no longer drive that the car is at the repair shop are some examples of finessing the truth.

Following up with a distraction will help them forget about the issue. If a loved one has passed away, refrain from telling the person with dementia they have died.

Since memory is the problem, they have forgotten this fact, and they will grieve again. Instead, ask them to talk about the person, or remind them of something they shared with the person; pictures are a great help here.

Resources: Kohler, S. 2004. How to Communicate with Alzheimer’s. Granny’s Rocker Publishing,. Venice CA. Robinson, A, Spencer, B. White, L. 2002.

Understanding Difficult Behaviors. Eastern Michigan Univer-sity. Ypsilanu, MI.

Caregiver Tips

www.centralcoasthospice.com www.centralcoasthospice.com www.centralcoasthospice.com

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When communicating with dementia, realize: ■ They are unable to make sense of reason and logic.

■ Arguing or confrontation will result in anger on both sides.

■ Criticizing or correcting will remind the per-son that they are forgetting.

■ Limit distractions so that the person can concentrate on you.

■ Always offer comfort and reassurance.

■ Be patient and supportive with their attempts at conversation.

■ Keep your expectations realistic.

■ Offer a guess if the person cannot find the word.

■ Continue to have respect for the person as another human being.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Sunday, August 31, 2014

Communication for people with dementia is like learning a new language; once you learn this language, the caregiver’s frustration and the person with dementia’s frustration will decline.

This also involves under-standing that the disease is causing changes in the brain that affect communication such as forgetting words, repeated questions, frustration and behaviors.

Good communication helps modify behaviors and bad communication leads to bad behaviors.

Here are some points to consider when communicating with a loved one with dementia: People with dementia communicate through emotion and behavior.

Focus on the feelings behind what is being said. Sometimes the emotions being expressed are more important than what is being said. Look for the feelings behind the words; the tone of voice or the action may provide you with clues to the real issue.

Remember, they are frightened all the time, and each person reacts differently to fear. Most of the time they cannot remember your assurances, and they must be repeated often. The disability is memory loss.

When speaking, speak slowly and distinctly. Use short, simple sentences, and limit the amount of information you give at one time.

Reason and logic will not work.

Avoid talking about an upcoming event, such as a doctor’s visit, until the day of the event. If told too far in advance, the person with dementia

Caring Community

Who We Are, What We Do What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Our Mission

Alzheimer’s is a disease that attacks the brain and causes problems with memory, cognition and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting 5.3 million people in the United States.

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

The Alzheimer’s Association

Services

For over 25 years, the Alzheimer’s Association has provided reliable information, supportive programs, free services for families, increased resources for dementia research, and influenced changes in public policy.

■ Educational Presentations: Our Confident Caregiver series provides information on caregiving skills, treatment and research. The Savvy Caregiver program is a 12-hour, intensive caregiver workshop to prepare

a cure is the goal.

©2010 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

8 Sunday, August 31, 2014 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

you are the hope.

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

primary caregivers for the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. Our Caregiver Center at alz.org/ care/ can also provide online education and support to families.

cannot afford to pay for respite care can receive financial assistance for respite through this program, so they can get a much needed break from the demands of caregiving.

■ Care Consultations and Information & Referral through Helpline: In-person consultations with trained professionals provide coaching, education and information to support families throughout their caregiving journey. Consultations are provided in the Alzheimer’s Association office.

Information referrals and telephone support is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week: 800.272.3900.

■ Lotsa Helping Hands: Lotsa Helping Hands is a private, webbased caregiving coordination service that allows family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to create a community and assist with the daily tasks that become a challenge when caring for an aging loved one with memory loss or during long-term caregiving.

Each community includes an intuitive group calendar for scheduling tasks such as coverage or transportation to medical appointments, the capacity to send out reminders for appointments, a platform for securely sharing vital medical, financial, and legal information with designated family members, and customizable sections for posting photos, well wishes, blogs, journals and messages. To learn more, visit the website at: www.alzheimers. lotsahelpinghands.com

■ Support Groups: Family members have the opportunity to share information, develop caregiving skills, and provide mutual support in a small group setting. Find out more at alz. org/cacentral ■ MedicAlert + Safe Return: We provide information and assistance with registration in the Alzheimer’s Association’s nationwide wandering response program. MedicAlert provides an ID bracelet that is linked to a personalized database so that in the event of a wandering incident the lost person can be united with their listed emergency contact quickly. To learn more, visit the website at: www. medicalert.org/safereturn

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

■ Training for Professionals: Our specialized trainings for care industry professionals offer instruction in state of the art dementia care for all levels of care: in home, assisted living, and nursing homes.

■ Respite Grants: Family caregivers of those with dementia who

■ Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Our signature fundraising and awareness event brings together hundreds of North County residents each fall for music, and informative exhibitors.

The goal of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is to raise funds for research and services, decrease the stigma and raise the awareness associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and to unite those affected in a meaningful gathering.

Contact Us Visit our website at: alz.org/CaCentral or call us at 805.636.6432 or toll free at 800.272.3900 for more information on any of these programs.

Caring Community

“I volunteer for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s...”

By Judith Chumlea-Cohan

“... because it can strike anyone regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, or age or education…it’s very important to keep raising awareness about this terrible disease until no one suffers from it again.” – Patricia Patricia is a professional caregiver working in a local board and care facility. She can work any shift, day or night and still finds time to function as Co-captain of her team for the annual Santa Maria Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Walk is in September 27th at Waller Park, but preparations begin 6 months or more in advance. She is a top fundraiser for the Santa Maria Walk. She is a volunteer.

“When my mother was diagnosed with the disease, I had no idea (how) best to help her. …It was only when I reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association in Santa Maria that I found a better way to keep her safe and comfortable in her final years…my connection with the Association helps me gain knowledge about the disease an advocate in the community…. volunteering for the Association gives one a great deal of satisfaction.” – Donald

Sonja’s grief does not prevent her from being an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association. She speaks at meetings about her Alzheimer’s journey. She is the Poster Woman for the Alzheimer’s Association on the Central Coast. She drives to Lompoc at least twice a week to visit her husband who no longer knows her. She continues to take classes and workshops. She is a volunteer.

My husband died of Alzheimer’s in April of 2014. Before he no longer could function well, he was a volunteer. Because he was a retired physician, his focus was Hospice.

He volunteered to sit with patients, give family caregivers respite time. He offered conversation, a wonderful listening ear.

He joined Community Partners in Caring, helping in any way until he couldn’t help anymore.

There are so many ways to volunteer.

You just may be a volunteer without even knowing it. Maybe you have offered a compassionate ear. Maybe you’ve offered to sit with a loved one for an hour or two in the afternoon, while your friend or relative takes a well-deserved nap. Perhaps you have taken a loved one riding in the country or to lunch. You’ve cooked meals, or sent over take-out. Or cut a neighbor’s grass, “...as long as I have the mower out…”. You love dogs, and theirs needs a good long walk and so do you. How about gifting your vacation spot for a weekend?

Take a step and join the Alzheimer’s Association. Please donate if you can. If you are not able, please note that studies have shown that for every person who becomes informed, there are at least 5 more folks who have become aware. If you’re unable to join us this year, consider being a virtual walker and join us next year and take a Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

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Donald is owner-CEO of a thriving business in town. He is a family man, active in our community. Every year he co-chairs the Santa Maria Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“I am an ‘Alzheimer’s Widow’. My dear husband is still living, but in a different world than I… I live alone in the home we shared grieving for the man he used to be.

The Alzheimer’s Association has made this awful journey bearable by providing informational literature, classes taught by informed, caring teachers, and a support group.” – Sonja

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Sunday, August 31, 2014

“When my father was diagnosed (with Alzheimer’s disease) there were essentially no resources to help the family cope ……Alzheimer’s was not considered a true disease by medical insurance companies. Doctors had to be careful to not to diagnose it…. every medical condition after that would be attributed to the non-disease Alzheimer’s and would not be covered by insurance.” – Joanne Joanne, widowed, working full time was thrown into uncharted waters. She had to live through her father’s stages of dementia without the support groups, multiple workshops; none of the scholarship that now exists for caregivers of loved ones. Her father has passed, and she is retired. Her devotion to his memory and commitment to this cause prompts her to co-captain a Walk Team, speak as an Alzheimer’s Advocate, and sell tickets to raffles and fundraisers. She is a volunteer.

He helps with kick-off and wind-down functions for the walkers. He organizes fund-raisers that bring awareness of the disease to our community. He is a volunteer.

Caring Community

How Do I Get From Here to There?

10 Sunday, August 31, 2014 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

By Jim Talbot, SMOOTH

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Residents of Santa Barbara County have access to a number of intercity, inter-regional, inter-state, and specialized transportation services.

Most of these services have grown and developed over the years through the steady work and attention from city and county planning groups, community transit user input, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), the agency charged with a number of county planning functions to include the transit planning and oversight for the county.

With all these available services, residents still ask, “HOW DO I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT TRANSIT SERVICES IN THE COUNTY?” Well, here is the answer to that long-standing question.

SBCAG has developed the “Transit Resource Guide” which includes ALL of the transportation resources in the county in one easy to follow format, available in English and Spanish.

The Transit Guide can be found at SBCAG’s website www.sbcag.org.

At the home page, select the DOCUMENTS tab, scroll down to TRANSIT RESOURCES, then Other Transit Resources and click on “Transit Resource Guide, Santa Barbara County”.

For those without internet access, copies can be requested by contacting SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio

Rd., Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 or by calling (805) 961-8900.

As an example of how easy and convenient this guide can be, simply turn to pages 7-10 in the guide where you will find the “How Do I Get There From Here” table. For a resident of Santa Maria, attempting to find out how to get from Santa Maria north to San Luis Obispo, simply look to page 10, locate the Santa Maria Origin line and the SLO Destination column, and the reader will find SLORTA (page 25) listed. On page 25 this traveler will find a full description of the SLORTA Route 10 to include contact information, route times, and a map of the route. Similar to-and-from trips from different cities in the county are found in this table as well.

Take a moment to browse through the entire guide. You will find descriptions of all the city transit operations, countywide services, private transportation companies, and specialized transportation services.

While the guide is extensive, since its creation in 2009, transportation services in the county have changed and increased. A new guide is being updated by SBCAG staff. This Transit Resource Guide should be a perfect one-stop portal to information that will help you find YOUR transportation services in the county.

Caring Community

Powerful Planning Tips for Early Stage Dementia

By Donna Beal, MPH, MCHES, Vice President Program Services & Advocacy The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia makes planning for the future more important than ever.

Below are some of the concerns that people with dementia and their families should consider and address as early as possible. As the disease progresses, you will need the support of those who know and understand you.

Concealing or denying your diagnosis will limit your ability to cope with the challenges ahead. While some relationships may be tested by what you are revealing, other relationships may be strengthened.

It is normal to experience fear or discomfort about sharing your diagnosis. However, talking openly with those you trust is a powerful way to educate those around you about the disease and to engage their support.

Project Lifesaver. Wandering is a major risk for someone with dementia, and while you may still be early-stage enough to know important information, getting this bracelet sooner rather than later can bring peace of mind to your primary care partner. See the article, “Meeting the Challenge of Safety,” also included in this special insert.

Support

Get involved and seek support from others facing the same situation. Our local Alzheimer’s Association offers

what about driving?

Access resources to guide the discussion.

We can help.

Visit alz.org/driving.

100% of people with Alzheimer’s 800.272.3900 | alz.org will one day be unable to drive ®

Planning for Care

Losing the ability to drive can feel like a threat to a person’s

Make plans for future living arrangements. Talk to your family or friends about where you want to live, and with whom, to prepare for the time when you will need more care. Additionally, you will want to talk about all the options available to you, including adult day programs, in-home care and hospice services. Options for long term care insurance are only available before a diagnosis is made, so it’s important to consider this beforehand.

while providing an opportunity to make choices and ensure

Addressing Safety

independence. Planning ahead can help ease the transition safety. Find help at the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia and Driving Resource Center, an interactive website created with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

what about driving?

Access resources to guide the discussion.

The Dementia and Driving Resource Center features: • Video scenarios showing four different families discussing driving and dementia.

• Tips and strategies for planning ahead and handling resistance.

• Common signs of unsafe driving.

• Resources for alternative methods of transportation.

• Additional information on driving and safety.

SHOP-14-141

770-70-0010

800.272.3900 | alz.org®

For reliable information about dementia and driving, visit We can help. alz.org/driving or call 800.272.3900.

Visit alz.org/driving.

The Dementia and Driving Resource Center is a product of a cooperative agreement between the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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Register for safety programs like MedicAlert+Safe Return bracelet and

support groups specifically for persons with early stage dementia. This is a great opportunity to meet others in the community, share tips and seek advice.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness, and the symptoms will gradually worsen. As the disease progresses, the person with dementia will need more help. There is no way to predict how or when this will happen. Planning ahead ensures that your future will be in good hands. It also helps those close to you make the right decisions for you in the future.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Sunday, August 31, 2014

Legal and Financial Planning

For a person with dementia, it’s a good idea for you to make decisions about your future as early in the course of the disease as possible as this allows you to have a voice and be a part of the decision process. This will enable your caregiver and family to better understand your wishes and adhere to them.

For instance, the legal and financial issues related to dementia are complex; it takes time to become informed in order to make decisions that are appropriate to your unique situation.

Make sure your financial affairs are in the hands of someone you trust, like your spouse or domestic partner, your child or a close friend. Now is the time to visit a lawyer to assist in legal financial planning or to update legal documents. You can select a person to legally take care of your money matters when you are no longer able by creating a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances. Review any legal documents including living wills, trusts and powers of attorney with a person you trust.

Those named in the power of attorney

document should have a copy of and access to the original.

Select someone to act as your agent for a Durable Powers of Attorney for Healthcare. This person or persons will be able to make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to do so.

He or she should be advised of your wishes concerning your healthcare and future living arrangements and have copies of all important legal paperwork including Powers of Attorney, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders or Physician’s Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). Provide copies of each of the documents to your physicians, and other health care providers.

A Note to Caregivers: It is in your best interests to elicit input from the person with dementia in the early stages of illness while they still have the capacity to be actively engaged in the decision-making process. While these conversations may be emotionally challenging, they will lay the groundwork for the decisions you will have to make in the future. There may also be legal consequences to delaying or avoiding planning conversations with your loved one. For instance, you cannot get a healthcare power of attorney set up if the person with dementia has progressed past the point of understanding what they are signing.

Alzheimer’s Awareness

Caring Community

2014 Special Edition

12 Sunday, August 31, 2014 / Alzheimers Awareness Guide / Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Visit Today

Memory Care With Compassion In addition to retirement and assisted living, we provide a secure living environment within our community dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

Individualized Care Every resident has a care plan designed specifically for their needs.

Personal PathwaysSM We offer a culture that promotes quality of life for residents through meaningful activities, family involvement and staff development.

Schedule A Personal Visit 1220 Suey Rd Santa Maria, CA 93454

(805) 804-5636 merrillgardens.com

Lic #425801806

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