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| Home > Newsletters > Connections Newsletter Winter 2011/12 - Vol.2, No.2
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©Family Caregiver Alliance
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 Winter 2011
Volume 2, Number 2 | www.caregiver.org
(800) 445-8106 |
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Table of Contents
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| Letter from the Director
Annual Giving Campaign:Please consider donating to FCA
Lead Articles
IHSS Trigger Cuts & Care Supplement
30 Days of Caregiving
FCA: Top Non-Profit Award
Quote: Kindness
Decisions, Directions & Reflections
Your Aging Brain
Caregiver College (2)
When Everybody Talks and Nobody Listens...
LGBT Fact Sheet
Taking Care of You Fact Sheet
The Many Costs of Eldercare
Medicare Drug Plans Change Coverage for Alzheimer's Medications
Quote: Remembering
10 Caregiver Confessions
Caregiving & the Holidays
Research Registry
Neurodegenerative Disease Caregiver Study - Participants Needed
FCA Staffer Highlighted
Leah Eskenazi
Donor Thank Yous
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Newsletter Credits
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Editors
Michelle Venegas
Hilary Toyryla
Production & Graphics
Andrea Orvik
Contributors
Sean Coffey
Kathleen Kelly
Lana Sheridan
Tyler Stanley
Hilary Toyryla
Michelle Venegas
Executive Director
Kathleen A. Kelly
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Board of Directors
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Directors
Herman S. Brown
Claude Everhart
Moira Fordyce
Ping Hao
Jeff Kumataka
Jacquelyn King
Michael Malewicz
F. Burns Vick
Sue Wong
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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Annual Giving Campaign 2011  "You will need the patience of a saint, the mind of a doctor, and the strength of Hercules - to take care of your loved one." - (Ron, in Newhall) Family Caregiver Alliance was started by families who were facing many of the same fundamental challenges that all families face through the years: how to care for their relatives and friends with dignity and honor while also caring for oneself. While there are vast improvements in understanding how to support family caregivers, the need for these services is increasing. This is the time of year that we ask for your support in making sure that Family Caregiver Alliance is able to continue our high quality services that provide practical support to caregivers: working together on a plan of action for care; providing skill-building groups and seminars; offering respite to family caregivers so they can get a much needed break; and educating the public and caregivers about care issues. "I don't know where I or my family would be today if not for the help from Family Caregiver Alliance . . ." is the opening quote from Mike Malewicz, FCA Board Member, who told his story in our annual appeal letter this year.Mike's story-and the stories of all the families we have the honor of working with-inspire us every day. We ask that you open our annual appeal letter if you've received it, or view it online here, and please consider a donation to Family Caregiver Alliance this holiday season. Thank you and have a healthy  and happy New Year. - Kathy Kelly |
LEAD ARTICLES
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IHSS Trigger Cuts & Care SupplementNews was received in mid-November about the likelihood of "trigger cuts" going into effect in January - the worst of which are 20% further cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
Here are some preliminary facts:- The 20% cut goes into effect 1/1/2012 unless a consumer gets approved for an IHSS Care Supplement
- The IHSS Care Supplement application will be mailed to the consumer by 12/15/2011
- The IHSS consumer must submit the IHSS Care Supplement application by the deadline to apply to keep the cut from happening
The State of California will be sending out IHSS 20% reduction notices to consumers by December 15, 2011. Only consumers whose IHSS services are being reduced by the 20% will receive an IHSS service hour reduction notice. . .
"30 Days of Caregiving:" FCA's Written Contributions
for the Month----and Year----of the Caregiver  No doubt you have read about Family Caregiver Alliance's sponsorship of the "30 Days of Caregiving" campaign to address the many facets of being a caregiver. Each day in November, on Executive Director Kathy Kelly's blog and on FCA's Facebook page family caregiver experiences have been shared throughout the month.
 Family Caregiver Alliance Honored as One of Top "High-Impact" Organizations in Aging
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has been named among the top 13 nonprofit organizations in the nation in the field of aging. The rankings were announced by Philanthropedia, which surveyed 88 experts to identify the highest-impact organizations on aging in the country. You can also read the specific expert reviews on FCA.
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Kindness . . .
When we are kind to others, we become kinder. It doesn't take much to be nice, flash a smile, give a pat on the shoulder. When we commit these simple acts of kindness we set in motion a positive domino effect.
When we improve another's life in a small but not insignificant way, that person is more likely to reach out and do the same.
I will practice random acts of kindness today.
Excerpted from "The Gift of Caregiving", Daily inspirations, Affirmations and Tips. Author Rebecca Sharp Colmer, EKLEKTIKA Press, Inc., Chelsea, MI 48118, Copyright 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9823250-2-5
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PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
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(For information on or to register for any event below, call Hilary Toyryla, Education Coordinator at 800-445-8106, ext. 317)Winter, 2011-2012
January 12 - 2/2
It Takes Two - Two separate classes, both starting on Thursday, January 12, 2012 - Two hour classes on four consecutive Thursdays (1/12, 1/19, 1/26 and 2/2,). Click link below for each location's details.
Walnut Creek & Castro Valley - This class offers new skills and tools for family caregivers caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Register and view details here.
January 14 Caregiver College - Two separate day-long programs planned for early 2012 (1/14, 3/10) Walnut Creek - If you help care for someone frail, disabled, with a chronic illness or cognitive impairment, then it's back to school for you! Our popular day-long program for learning and sharing is free to all, with the following topics presented: Caregiver Self-Care, Behavioral Issues, Nutrition, Bathing/Grooming/Hygiene/Dressing and Incontinence/Toileting, Dental Care and Transferring Skills. Register and view details here. January 17 "Your Aging Brain" Fremont - Presented by Donna Schempp, LCSW, Consultant to Family Caregiver Alliance. What is healthy aging? What are the normal changes in brain functioning as we age, and what are the things to be concerned about? Registration opens December 1, 2011. Spring 2012  March 10 Caregiver College San Rafael - See description above under January 14th.
Register and view details here.
March 20 "When Everybody Talks and Nobody Listens: Siblings Working Together!" Castro Valley - Presented by Donna Schempp, LCSW, Consultant to Family Caregiver Alliance
This workshop explores what happens to families when they share caregiving, what works and what doesn't, and some interventions that can help siblings to work better together in caring for an elderly parent. Register and view details here.
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CAREGIVING INFORMATION
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FACT SHEET: Special Concerns of LGBT Caregivers
Newly revised! Do you have a concern about caring for an LGBT spouse, domestic partner or friend? Are there issues to deal with in scheduling time off with your employer? Is it difficult for you to find supportive healthcare and service providers? Answers to these and much more are provided in the online fact sheet.
FACT SHEET: Taking Care of YOU: Self Care for Family Caregivers If you have been caregiving for a loved one for some time, you know a lot about the effects of caregiving on your health and well being; mentally, physically and emotionally. Take some time for yourself to review this important fact sheet which gives you tips on taking responsibility for your own care, including how to reduce personal stress, seeking solutions, etc., plus information on websites and resources to aid you in your caregiving. . . Read the fact sheet
The Many Costs of Eldercare - NPR's On Point with Tom Ashbrook, July 28, 2011. Christina Irving, MSW, a Family Consultant at FCA, discusses the challenges of being a family caregiver and community supports for caregivers. FCA's website: FCA in the News - (see, July 2011) NPR's OnPoint with Tom Ashbrook: Listen to show...
Medicare Drug Plans Change Coverage for Alzheimer's Medications All Medicare prescription drug plans made changes for 2012. Anyone enrolled in a drug plan in 2011 should have received a letter explaining what changes were made for 2012. For more details visit the AgingCare web site. For an overview of key changes introduced by the federal Affordable Care Act signed into law March 2010, download the "Key Changes to the Medicare Prescription Drug Program in Health Care Reform"), in Google Docs. |
Remembering . . .
Things do not always turn out the way we want. Life can take strange turns that are out of our control. When thoughts come up that remind us of times when people, places and things did not work out in a positive way, stop and think back and take some quiet time.
Caregiving is a process. We have to remember the good we have done, the kindnesses given and the love shown to and by others.
I listen to my inner
voice with a new trust today.
Excerpted from "The Gift of Caregiving", Daily inspirations, Affirmations and Tips. Author Rebecca Sharp Colmer, EKLEKTIKA Press, Inc., Chelsea, MI 48118, Copyright 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9823250-2-5
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10 Caregiver Confessions - Secrets we aren't proud of... Family caregivers experience a range of emotions in the throes of their caregiving tasks. During the holidays those tasks can grow ten-fold with personal, family and work responsibilities on the rise before the days off arrive. It's a good time to be reminded that caregivers are human and feelings of stress can lead to frustrations and thoughts that are quite normal. It helps to know that many others will share some of your same feelings, so take heart when you read these 10 confessions . . .
Caregiving and the Holidays: from stress to success! For many, the holiday season is a challenging time of the year, and some wish it to be over before it's even begun. Here are some helpful tips and ideas for you to have the most joyous holiday season ever! back to top^ |
| RESEARCH REGISTRY | | 
Neurodegenerative Disease Caregiver Study - Participants Needed
Caring for someone with dementia has been described as 'the long goodbye' and it differs considerably from providing care for someone with a medical condition that does not affect cognitive abilities until the very end. But is there any difference in the experiences between caregivers of different neurodegenerative diseases? LBDA's newest research initiative explores . . . [Read more](or to participate in the study, go to www.lbda.org/go/caregiversurvey.) |
| STAFF MEMBER HIGHLIGHTED | 
Leah Eskenazi
Every agency has people who make things work----the "go-to people." At FCA, one of these people is Leah Eskenazi, MSW. Although her formal title is Director of Operations & Planning, she is so much more! Leah has dedicated 23 years of her professional career to supporting and advocating for the needs of family caregivers. Leah joined FCA 11 years ago to run special projects. A couple of her favorites include guiding the growth of Link2Care, an FCA web-based support program for those caring for a loved one living with dementia, and leading FCA's collaborative rural caregiver education program reaching out to isolated families using a local tele-medicine network in northern California.
Today, Leah has added a number of administrative duties to her responsibilities including directing the agency's HR functions, contract and grant management, and working closely with fellow staff to ensure the day-to-day operations of the agency run smoothly. She credits 30 years as a yoga practitioner and a dedication to gardening (she regularly keeps the office bright and fragrant with fresh bouquets from her home garden), for helping her to maintain a sense of balance in her work and life. We appreciate her well of patience, fun sense of humor, supportive, positive manner in addition to being a good listener and critical thinker. She is committed to our mission and is a tremendous asset to FCA.
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| GIFTS FROM THE HEART | 
A quarterly thank you to our donors and supporters . . .
In every edition of Connections, we take a moment to extend a warm thank you to the many generous supporters who make the work we do possible through thoughtful donations to Family Caregiver Alliance. |
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For over 30 years, Family Caregiver Alliance has offered programs to support and sustain the important work of families and friends caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. FCA offers programs at national, state and local levels. The National Center on Caregiving was established at FCA in 2001 to advance the development of high-quality, cost-effective services and policies nationwide. A wealth of caregiving advice, resource listings, newsletters, fact sheets, research reports, policy updates and discussion groups are available free on the FCA website. Visit www.caregiver.org or call (800) 445-8106 for more information.
? 2011 Family Caregiver Alliance. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without the express permission of Family Caregiver Alliance.
180 Montgomery Street, Ste. 900, San Francisco, CA 94104
www.caregiver.org | 415.434.3388
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A Word from our Executive Director, Kathleen Kelly
Annual Giving Campaign - 2011
"You will need the patience of a saint,
the mind of a doctor,
and the strength of Hercules
to take care of your loved one."
- (Ron, in Newhall)
Family Caregiver Alliance was started by families who were facing many of the same fundamental challenges that all families face through the years: how to care for their relatives and friends with dignity and honor while also caring for oneself. While there are vast improvements in understanding how to support family caregivers, the need for these services is increasing.
This is the time of year that we ask for your support in making sure that Family Caregiver Alliance is able to continue our high quality services that provide practical support to caregivers: working together on a plan of action for care; providing skill-building groups and seminars; offering respite to family caregivers so they can get a much needed break; and educating the public and caregivers about care issues.
"I don't know where I or my family would be today if not for the help from Family Caregiver Alliance . . ." is the opening quote from Mike Malewicz, FCA Board Member, who told his story in our annual appeal letter this year.Mike's story-and the stories of all the families we have the honor of working with-inspire us every day.
We ask that you open our annual appeal letter if you've received it, or view it online here, and please consider a donation to Family Caregiver Alliance this holiday season. ?
Thank you and have a healthy 
and happy New Year.
- Kathy Kelly
IHSS Trigger Cuts & Care Supplement
News was received in mid-November about the likelihood of "trigger cuts" going into effect in January - the worst of which are 20% further cuts to IHSS. Here are some preliminary facts:
- The 20% cut goes into effect 1/1/2012 unless a consumer gets approved for an IHSS Care Supplement
- The IHSS Care Supplement application will be mailed to the consumer by 12/15/2011
- The IHSS consumer must submit the IHSS Care Supplement application by the deadline to apply to keep the cut from happening
The State of California will be sending out IHSS 20% reduction notices to consumers by December 15, 2011. Only consumers whose IHSS services are being reduced by the 20% will receive an IHSS service hour reduction notice. . . (continued)
IHSS consumers who apply for, and qualify for, an IHSS Care Supplement will get back some or all of their reduced hours. IHSS services will continue at the same level if an IHSS consumer submits an IHSS Care Supplement application by January 1, 2012, or within 15 days from receiving the IHSS 20% reduction notice. This is called "aid paid pending." State law says IHSS consumers can get an IHSS Care Supplement only if they are at risk of out-of-home placement, unless they get back some or all of their IHSS hours
("Out-of-home placement" means that the consumer would have to leave her/his own home and go live somewhere else, such as a board and care home, or a nursing home).
Some consumers will automatically receive an IHSS Care Supplement:
- Consumers who receive the maximum of 283 hours per month
- Consumers who receive Protective Supervision
- Consumers who receive services under a Home and Community Based Services Waiver, such as:
Acquired Immune Deficient Syndrome (AIDS) Waiver; Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for the Developmentally Disabled (HCBS-DD); Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP); Nursing Facility/Acute Hospital (NF/AH) Waiver, and; In-Home Operations (IHO) Waiver.
It is imperative that consumers fill out and return the IHSS Care Supplement application by the deadline.
The San Francisco law firm, Altshuler Berzoon, (888-843-7043) is looking for plaintiffs NOW who will be hurt by cuts but not qualify for the Care Supplement, so that an injunction can be filed. See "Authorization For Disclosure of Health and Other Information."
LBDA Launches Second Caregiver Research Project: Participants Needed for Online Survey
Caring for someone with dementia has been described as 'the long goodbye' and it differs considerably from providing care for someone with a medical condition that does not affect cognitive abilities until the very end. But is there any difference in the experiences between caregivers of different neurodegenerative diseases? LBDA's newest research initiative explores . . . (continued)
. . . the differences in how grief is experienced during the caregiving journey by caregivers for individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease with and without dementia, and frontotemporal degeneration. In addition to learning about the experiences of grief, this survey will explore the well-being and quality of life for caregivers of individuals diagnosed with these neurodegenerative diseases.
Internet access is required to participate in the study. An estimated 500 caregivers (who are currently providing care) for each different disease being studied are needed.
LBDA would like to thank the following organizations for their promotional assistance of this research effort: Family Caregiver Alliance and Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
To participate in the study, go to www.lbda.org/go/caregiversurvey.
Special Thanks to Our Wonderful Donors!
We wish to give special thanks to all of the following donors for their generous contributions to Family Caregiver Alliance. Charitable contributions are a vital part of the community support for Family Caregiver Alliance. We are pleased to list the following donors whose gifts were received from August 1, 2011 through October 31, 2011. We thank these and all FCA donors for their generosity and community spirit.
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A special thank you to:
Robert Rosenberg
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Thank you also to the following generous donors:
Nathaniel Floro
Greg Haley
Stephen Hu
Carol Inocencio
Dennis M. Monticelli
Paul Rasmussen
Maxine Voight
Susan Wehrle
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Gifts were made on behalf of:
Donna Schempp
by David Lahaie
Gifts were made in memory of:
Salvatore Bologna
by Linda Poggetti
Manuel J. Costa
by Rita Delgado
Tony and Terry Costa
Delores Henriques
Annette M. Hansen
Alfred Gamboni
Nick Jordan
by Julie R. Jordan
Robert Maynard
by Josephine Jarvis
Her sister
by M. Barcala
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We also wish to thank the following for providing matching funds:
Aetna Foundation, Inc. Employee Giving Campaign
National Semiconductor Employee Directed Giving Program
Does your employer match charitable donations? Many do—it's an easy way to increase your charitable giving!
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© 2011 Family Caregiver
Alliance. All Rights
Reserved. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without the express permission of
Family Caregiver
Alliance.
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