SYNERGYHomeCare.com Winter 2016
JAME’E BRAZIE’R CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR
Proactive, not reactive. Intuitive. Attentive. Those are just some of the words that clients use to describe Jame’e Brazie’r, SYNERGY HomeCare’s newest Caregiver of the Year. If that isn’t noteworthy enough, Jame’e also holds the distinction of being our first male caregiver to win this award.
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ame’e was nominated by Saili Gosula, owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of San Mateo, California. Jame’e has worked for Saili for two years and in that time he has become one of her most popular caregivers. Jame’e is in such high demand that Saili jokes he has a fan club among clients. “Caregiving is great. I enjoy it. I have three great clients I work with on a regular basis. My goal is to give them a dignified life, no matter their challenges,” he said. Caring has always been part of Jame’e’s DNA. He has a background in nursing and is a licensed acupuncturist.
One of his clients suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and has lost her ability to communicate. After looking at family photos, Jame’e noticed his client had always dressed to the nines, right down to her manicure. Not only did he make sure she was always wearing fashionable clothing, he studied the latest nail polish trends and painted her nails to match.
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The client’s husband originally only wanted female caregivers to look after his wife. Saili insisted he give Jame’e a shot. It wasn’t long before Jame’e added a new member to his fan club.
The client’s husband is impressed with the amount of work Jame’e
This is a very rewarding career. I am contributing to someone’s life. They become a part of me, like a second family. Like any caregiver, Jame’e helps his clients with activities of daily living. But he doesn’t stop there. He gets to know the heart of his clients. He figures out what they need – not just physically, but mentally. What makes them happy? What makes them thrive? Jame’e quickly determines the answer.
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“While Jame’e always performs his caregiving duties without fault, he adds another dimension to his care that gives the families the certainty that their loved ones’ lives will not only be sustained but also enriched,” Saili said. “It doesn’t matter to him if it isn’t apparent that the client understands all he does for them – he KNOWS it makes a difference. He has a huge heart that does not stop giving.”
puts into caring for his wife. He says Jame’e takes his wife out of the house with every visit – whether it’s to watch children play at the park or to have ice cream. The client’s husband is convinced these outings have kept his wife stimulated and engaged – and more importantly, able to keep her at home.
Congratulations to Jame’e Brazie’r, SYNERGY HomeCare’s Caregiver of the Year.
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LIGHTS, CAMERA,
ALZHEIMER’S SYNERGY HomeCare is putting the spotlight on the effects of Alzheimer’s, signing on as the major sponsor of a new film about the disease. SYNERGY HomeCare is proud to partner with My Town Pictures on the film, “His Neighbor Phil.” SYNERGY HomeCare is also an executive producer of the film — a first for an in-home care company.
“His Neighbor Phil” debuted at a private screening for the entire SYNERGY HomeCare system during the annual company meeting in Phoenix. Director Scott Thompson and lead actor Daniel Roebuck were in attendance and held a question and answer session about the film following the screening.
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The moving film stars several well-known actors, including Daniel Roebuck (“The Fugitive,” “Lost,” “Glee”), Stephanie Zimbalist (“Remington Steele”) and Academy Award nominee Sally Kellerman (“M*A*S*H”). The film also features an amazing soundtrack with cameos from many musicians, including country music sensation Ashley Hewitt.
● Every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. ● An estimated 5.1 million people age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and approximately 200,000 individuals are living with early-onset Alzheimer’s. ● Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. ● By 2025, the number of people ages 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million — a 40 percent increase from 2015.
t I ! n w is Neighbor Phil” is a “ family drama about love, devotion and the power of music. The film tells the story of Harvey and his wife, Mary, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Mary’s scattered memory and seeming obsession with their neighbor make Harvey question his marriage. Through a touching twist, Harvey discovers the secret to bringing his beloved Mary back into the present.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association:
“We at SYNERGY HomeCare see firsthand the effects Alzheimer’s can have on those affected, as well as their family members. Our caregivers provide care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, as well as respite services for family members,” said Peter Tourian, founder and CEO of SYNERGY HomeCare. “We jumped at the opportunity to help fund this film so more attention can be placed on this memory-robbing disease that is getting harder and harder to ignore.” “His Neighbor Phil” highlights the impact Alzheimer’s disease has on the family as a whole, not just the primary family caregiver. Thompson says the purpose of the film was to tell the story of the caregivers. “I think caregivers are often left out of movies about Alzheimer’s. They are treated as supporting cast members, while the star portrays someone with the disease,” he said. “Families impacted by Alzheimer’s long to have their experiences reflected and to have people understand there are many victims in the house when someone has this disease.”
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● Alzheimer’s doesn’t just impact those with the disease; it takes a devastating toll on family caregivers, as well. Nearly 60 percent of people caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s rates the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high; about 40 percent experience symptoms of depression. You can watch a clip of “His Neighbor Phil” on the SYNERGY HomeCare YouTube channel. Talk to your local SYNERGY HomeCare office to find out about upcoming screening opportunities. A STORY OF LOVE, DEVOTION AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
his NEIGHBOR phil
Daniel Roebuck Stephanie Zimbalist Sally Kellerman Ellen Dolan Ashlee Hewitt
Winter 2016 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com
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FLU FIGHTING FOODS
In addition to getting a shot, there are certain foods that can strengthen your immune system and help fend off the flu. Here is a list of eight foods nutritionists say can help keep this year’s flu virus at bay. ► Turn Up the Heat Add a little cayenne pepper to dishes to give them a powerpacked punch. Hot peppers contain anti-cold and antiflu agents. ► OJ Makes it OK Orange juice is packed with vitamin C, which helps to boost immunity and speed recovery from illness. ► Heal Me Honey Adding some honey to your tea will do more than just sweeten it. Research suggests honey might reduce the risk of flu infections by flushing bacterial and viral pathogens from the body. ► Something Fishy Salmon provides the body with tons of immuneboosting omega-3s, protein, vitamin E and calcium. ► Great Greens Glutathione has been found to strengthen the immune system. This powerful antioxidant is
plentiful in green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. Dark leafy greens are also packed with cold-busting zinc and a ton of vitamin A, which has been shown to boost immunity. ► Flava Flavonoids Flavonoids, found in grapefruit, oranges and lemons, have been found to increase immune system activation. According to doctors, these vitamin-like substances have been shown to decrease the rate of arterial aging and immune system aging. ► Pineapple a Day An apple isn’t the only fruit that can keep the doctor away. Research suggests that eating a 1/2 cup of pineapple every day can improve the immune system. Pineapples are shown to boost white blood cell production, which is the body’s first line of defense against bacteria and flu bugs. ► Berry Good All berries have high concentrations of antioxidants to help fight off flu viruses. Blueberries pack the most punch, containing more antioxidants than 40 other fruits and vegetables.
Before trying out any of the foods on the list, check with your doctor to determine if there could be adverse reactions with any medications you may be taking.
SENIORS
AND THE FLU SHOT
Flu season. It’s that time of year, and no one looks forward to its arrival. Millions of Americans find themselves on the front lines of this health battle, hoping to avoid this season of sickness.
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ost seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February. People over the age of 65 are among those at greatest risk of contracting the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people over 65 are vulnerable to the flu because their immune systems are weaker. Senior
citizens account for 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations and 90 percent of all flurelated deaths. Experts at the CDC say the best way for older adults to avoid the flu is to get a flu shot. Flu symptoms in the elderly include: • Cough • Fever • Lethargy • Sore throat • Congestion • Body aches • Headache
Last year, the vaccine offered little protection because it did not protect against the particular viral strain that affected so many. This mismatch caused a severe flu season and led to a record number of hospitalizations for flu among the elderly.
doctor to determine if this is a safe option. If the flu shot is not an option, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications to help an older adult avoid the flu. Every day, precautions for staying healthy are especially important for
This year’s vaccine contains the new H3N2 strain, as well as two other strains that are expected to sicken people. Flu shots are available at doctor’s offices and many pharmacies. Experts from the CDC say it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protection from the flu. The traditional flu shot and a new high-dose flu vaccine are available for the elderly. Before getting a flu shot, seniors should check with their
the elderly. Frequent hand washing and staying away from other people who are sick are easy ways to stay healthy.
SHOTS OF PREVENTION As we get older, our immune systems can weaken over time, and protection from some childhood vaccines may wear off, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. While the flu shot seems to get the bulk of the attention every year, there are some other vaccines that seniors need to consider. Shingles
Visit www.cdc.gov
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox — the same virus many people get when they are children. Symptoms include a blistering rash most often on either side of the torso. The rash can last two to four weeks. Some people can experience pain after the rash goes away. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three Americans will experience shingles in their lifetime. Someone who’s never had the virus can catch it from an infected person, but they’ll get chickenpox, not shingles.
Federal officials recommend anyone 60 and older get a shingles vaccine. At the very least, it can decrease the severity and complications of shingles.
Pneumococcal disease Pneumococcal disease is a very serious infection caused by bacteria. There are different types of pneumococcal disease, including lung infections (pneumonia), blood infections, middle ear infections, and infections of the brain and spinal cord membranes (meningitis). Pneumococcal bacteria are spread by coughing, sneezing or coming in contact with respiratory secretions. The bacteria are hard to treat because they have become resistant to antibiotics. Pneumococcal disease kills about 4,000 to 5,000 people each year in the United States. Adults 65 and older, especially those with high-risk medical conditions, are urged to talk with their medical providers about getting the pneumococcal vaccine — considered the best way to prevent the disease.
A vaccine is especially important for smokers and those with high-risk medical conditions, such as chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
SENIOR SCAM ALERT
WHERE DO WE BEGIN?
A FREE GUIDE TO ELDER CAREGIVING
Caring for an aging parent or elderly spouse presents difficult challenges – especially when you are suddenly faced with the responsibilities of elder care.
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YNERGY HomeCare has put together a free booklet to help families get answers to their most common questions about the needs of their elderly loved ones. “Where Do We Begin?” is a comprehensive guide that touches on the topics most every family will experience during the elder care process.
SYNERGY HomeCare kicks off 2016 with the hot button issue of senior scams. If you are over 65, you probably grew up in an era when business was done with a firm handshake; unfortunately, crooks today are playing on that trust. This campaign aims to help seniors with a new year’s resolution to not become a victim of a scam this year.
The Federal Trade Commission says that fraud complaints, to its offices, by individuals 60 and older rose at least 47 percent between 2012 and 2014. This scam alert guide identifies eight of the most common scams that target seniors, along with the common warning signs of each scam and information on how you can avoid becoming a victim.
A downloadable scam alert guide for families is available on the SYNERGY HomeCare website.
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The guide begins with an important care assessment checklist to help families understand what kind of care a loved one needs now. The checklist can be repeated over time to determine next steps as needs change. Some of the topics covered in the booklet include: • Is my loved one safe living at home without assistance? • What type of services will allow my family member to remain at home safely? • How can I afford to pay for long-term care? While SYNERGY HomeCare is a non-medical in-home care provider, we strive to help our client families make the right decisions for them – whether that means us caring for them in their home or determining if an outside care facility is a better fit. It’s part of our CARE team approach. We don’t just provide care; we provide solutions. A fully interactive version of “Where Do We Begin” is available on the SYNERGY HomeCare website. Requests for hard
copies of the guide should be made through your local SYNERGY HomeCare office. About the Author: Carla Sutter, MSW, C-ACSW is the operations director at SYNERGY HomeCare. She has dedicated her career to helping clients and families care for themselves and others whose needs are changing due to age or illness. Carla has worked as a geriatric care manager and as a hospice social worker. She is also certified as an advance care planning and end-of-life decisionmaking instructor.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH GRANDPA? EXPLAINING ALZHEIMER’S TO CHILDREN With more than 5 million people in the United States diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, chances are high that the disease will touch your family in some way. Watching someone struggle with Alzheimer’s disease is not easy for anyone. It is important to remember the disease affects the whole family, including children. It can be frightening and confusing for a child to experience changes in their loved ones. They may think, “Why doesn’t Grandma remember me?” Or “Doesn’t Grandpa love me anymore?”
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s families learn to cope with an older loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it’s important to help children and teens understand what’s happening to that person — both mentally and physically. Here are a few ideas on how to help children deal with Alzheimer’s disease: ► Questions and Answers As soon as a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, include children in the conversation. Offer simple explanations about the effects of the disease. Reiterate to the child that Alzheimer’s is not contagious. Reassure the child that he or she is not the cause of Grandpa’s disease or behavior. Allow the child to express his or her feelings, and most of all, listen. Children are great at helping adults understand what they need to know. ► Connect Encourage children to take part in familiar activities with their loved one. Keep them engaged and connected through enjoyable activities like listening to music, looking through photo albums or coloring. Children can also be included in caregiving tasks to help them feel involved, such as making a simple snack or getting a glass of water. ► Education To boost a child’s understanding of Alzheimer’s, read age-appropriate books on the disease or take advantage of other educational resources. Children’s books about Alzheimer’s can be found in local libraries, bookstores or online. Here are some suggested titles: Preschool - Grade 3 What’s Happening to Grandpa? Maria Shriver Grandma’s Cobwebs Ann Frantti
Grade 4 - Grade 7 An Early Winter Marion Dane Bauer The Graduation of Jake Moon Barbara Park There are also many videos available online to help children learn about the disease and see how other kids are dealing with it. You can find video resources on the Alzheimer’s Association website by visiting www.alz.org and clicking on the Life with ALZ tab. You will find the video recourses under the Kids & Teens section. ► Seek Support Children, like adults, need to know they aren’t alone. Check with the local SYNERGY HomeCare office to find out if there are any support groups in the community for children with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s. Coming to terms with a loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis is tough. Explaining it to a child can be challenging. Opening the lines of communication can be a great step in the right direction for everyone, no matter their age. Visit synergyhomecare.com, click on Media Room and under Audio/Video 2016 there will be recommended reading list on Alzheimer’s disease from your friends at SYNERGY HomeCare.
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